Key decision questions
- Is the person still safe at home without continuous supervision?
- Are there signs of wandering, missed meals, medication mistakes, financial vulnerability, or caregiver exhaustion?
- Does the family need memory care, in-home Alzheimer's support, respite care, or skilled nursing?
- How close should care be to family, hospitals, and familiar routines?
Cost factors
- Care needs often increase over time, so ask what triggers higher monthly fees.
- Memory care costs depend on care level, staffing, secure setting, and medication support.
- In-home Alzheimer's care costs depend on hours and whether overnight supervision is needed.
- Transportation and family distance can add practical cost even when rates look similar.
Coverage questions
- Medicare does not generally pay for long-term custodial memory care room and board.
- Texas Medicaid long-term care support depends on eligibility, program rules, plan participation, and service authorization.
- Long-term care insurance and VA benefits should be reviewed if available.
Safety questions
- How are exit-seeking, sundowning, bathing resistance, falls, and medication errors handled?
- Are staff trained specifically in Alzheimer's and dementia care?
- Can the care plan adapt as cognition, mobility, and eating change?
- How often does the family receive updates?
Family checklist before calling providers
- Bring a list of recent changes in memory, safety, sleep, behavior, and daily function.
- Ask for written fees and care-level rules.
- Tour at different times of day if possible.
- Ask what happens if the resident needs hospice, skilled nursing, or hospital care later.
Related senior care paths
Focused senior care request
Need help organizing the next calls?
Use this when the family needs help comparing care level, cost questions, coverage questions, safety risks, and what to ask before calling agencies or facilities.