Frequently Asked Questions
The more questions you ask, the better decisions you can make
How much does it cost to live at this community?
Suites are private-pay with month-to-month rental terms. Current rates can be found under the “Pricing” tab on community websites. The rate includes care based on an assessment of the resident’s needs, meals, housekeeping, linen services, maintenance, exercise and enrichment programs, and group outings.
What makes this community secure for people with dementia?
While residents are free to walk around indoor and outdoor areas, all exterior community exits are locked at all times.
Do you require a security deposit or other fee at move-in?
Yes, a one-time community fee is charged to secure your suite and offset costs associated with move-in.
Can my loved one bring their own furnishings to their suite?
Yes. Note that certain items are not permitted for safety reasons. If you want to make sure a specific item will fit in in your suite, contact us for specific room dimensions and safety restrictions.
How do I know if this community can meet my loved one’s care needs?
A licensed nurse on our staff will perform an assessment to determine if we can meet your loved one’s care needs. If the assessment determines that our community is not appropriate for your needs, we will recommend other options.
Are pets allowed?
No, although we do offer frequent pet therapy programs.
Is smoking permitted?
To maintain a safe and healthy environment for all residents and employees, smoking is prohibited on the premises.
What if my loved one has a medical emergency?
A licensed nurse and CPR-trained associates are on-site 24/7 to respond, offer assistance, and call emergency services if needed.
What kind of enrichment programs do you offer?
Click on the “Resident Life” tab above and select “Life Enrichment” to learn more about our programs and to see this month’s calendar of events.
What Are the Early Signs of Dementia?
Many families notice small changes long before a diagnosis is made. Early signs of dementia often appear gradually and may initially look like normal aging.
Common early symptoms include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks
- Repeating questions or stories
- Confusion about time or place
- Changes in mood, personality, or judgment
- Trouble finding words during conversation
Occasional forgetfulness is normal. Dementia-related changes typically become persistent and begin affecting independence or safety. Early evaluation allows families to access resources, plan, and introduce supportive routines that help maintain quality of life longer. Families are encouraged to trust their instincts. If something feels different, it is worth exploring with a medical professional.
What Is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Dementia is not a single disease. It is an umbrella term describing cognitive decline severe enough to interfere with daily life.
Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include:
- Vascular dementia
- Lewy body dementia
- Frontotemporal dementia
- Mixed dementia
While diagnoses differ, families often experience similar challenges involving memory, communication, behavior, and decision-making. Specialized memory care communities focus on supporting the person, not just the diagnosis.
Is Memory Loss Normal Aging or Dementia?
Normal aging may involve occasionally forgetting names or appointments but remembering them later. Dementia involves progressive change.
Warning signs include:
- Getting lost in familiar places
- Difficulty managing finances or medications
- Personality changes
- Declining judgment
The key distinction is impact on daily life. If memory changes begin affecting independence or safety, professional evaluation is recommended.
When Should Someone See a Doctor About Memory Problems?
Families should seek medical evaluation when cognitive changes interfere with:
- Daily routines
- Medication management
- Personal safety
- Driving ability
- Social interaction
Early diagnosis helps families understand what is happening and access treatment, education, and support sooner. Many families describe relief simply from having clarity.
How Fast Does Dementia Progress?
Dementia progresses differently for each individual. Some people live with mild symptoms for many years. Others experience faster change depending on their diagnosis, overall health, level of support, and environment.
Structured routines, engagement, social connection, and specialized care environments can help stabilize well-being and reduce stress throughout the journey.
When Is It Time for Memory Care?
There is rarely one defining moment. Families often consider memory care when:
- Safety concerns increase
- Caregiving becomes physically or emotionally exhausting
- Wandering or falls occur
- Medication routines become difficult
- Isolation grows
Choosing memory care is not giving up care – it is expanding support. Many spouses and adult children rediscover their relationship once caregiving stress is shared with trained professionals.
How Do I Know If My Parent Is Safe Living Alone?
Warning signs may include:
- Missed meals or weight loss
- Unpaid bills
- Forgetting medications
- Increased confusion
- Wandering
- Household hazards
Memory care provides supervision while preserving dignity, allowing individuals freedom within a safe environment.
What Do You Do When a Parent Refuses Help?
Resistance is common because dementia affects insight and awareness. Helpful approaches include:
- Introducing support gradually
- Framing help as assistance, not loss of independence
- Focusing on comfort and safety
- Seeking guidance from dementia specialists
Families do not have to navigate these conversations alone.
How Do I Talk to a Loved One About Memory Care?
Choose calm moments rather than crisis situations. Focus on:
- Reducing stress
- Increasing social connection
- Receiving extra support
Avoid arguments about memory or logic. Instead, emphasize partnership and reassurance. Multiple conversations are normal and expected.
What Happens When Dementia Caregivers Burn Out?
Caregiver burnout affects emotional health, sleep, relationships, and physical well-being. Memory care allows families to transition from constant caregiving back into meaningful connection. Many families report feeling present again – able to simply be together.
What Is Memory Care and How Does It Work?
Memory care is specialized senior living designed specifically for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Communities provide:
- Dementia-trained caregivers
- Personalized care plans
- Structured daily routines
- Specially designed, secure environments
- Engagement programming
- Family partnership
The goal is safety, dignity, and meaningful living.
Memory Care vs. Assisted Living – What’s the Difference?
Assisted Living offers support with activities of daily living (ADLs) – including medication management, bathing, dressing, hygiene assistance, housekeeping, meals, transportation, and programs – in a community environment designed to ease the challenges of aging. Memory Care communities are intentionally designed for the dementia journey. They provide assisted living services plus:
- Staff with specialized dementia care training and behavioral expertise
- Enhanced supervision and safety practices in a structured, secure space
- A cognitive-supportive environment with reduced clutter and noise, bright lighting, clear signage, and consistent routines, designed to minimize confusion and anxiety while maximizing independence and fostering social engagement.
What Services Are Included in Memory Care?
Typical services include:
- 24-hour support
- ADL assistance
- Medication management
- Dining and nutrition
- Housekeeping
- Life enrichment programs
- Family communication
Services evolve according to resident needs.
Is Memory Care Worth the Cost?
Families often discover memory care improves:
- Safety
- Emotional well-being
- Engagement
- Family relationships
- Caregiver health
The value lies in comprehensive support that is difficult to replicate at home.
How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
Costs vary depending on region and care needs. Transparent pricing is available on the Artis community pricing page along with cost calculator tools. Cost includes housing, meals, care services, programming, and safety features in one monthly fee. Artis teams help families understand options and financial planning resources.
Will My Spouse Think I Abandoned Them if I Move Them to Memory Care?
Many spouses fear this deeply, and understandably so. In reality, relationships often normalize and improve – for both of you – once the constant pressure of caregiving lifts. Time together becomes moments of connection rather than exhaustion. Choosing memory care is an act of love.
Do People with Dementia Feel Happier in Memory Care?
Memory Care residents often experience reduced anxiety and increased engagement due to consistent daily structure, social interaction, and professional support. Familiar routines create emotional comfort.
Does Moving to Memory Care Make Dementia Worse?
Transition adjustments are normal, but specialized environments are designed to reduce confusion, support orientation, and stabilize well-being. Supportive environments can improve quality of life.
Can Relationships Improve After Moving to Memory Care?
Yes. Families frequently rediscover connection, laughter, and more normal interactions once caregiving responsibilities are shared.
How Do Families Cope With Guilt After Placement?
Guilt reflects love, not failure. Education, community support, and witnessing a loved one’s well-being help families understand that memory care provides care they could not sustainably provide alone.
What Should I Look for When Touring a Memory Care Community?
- Staff interactions with residents
- Caregiver and staff interactions
- Respectful communication
- Welcoming and kind atmosphere
- Purposeful programs
- Secure yet home-like design
- Ask about family communication
How residents look and feel tells the story.
What Questions Do I Ask on a Tour?
Consider asking:
- How are caregivers trained in dementia care?
- How are behavioral changes supported?
- How often are care plans updated?
- How are families informed?
- What does daily engagement look like?
Our Shopper’s Guide will help you gather the information you need to compare your options and make a well-informed decision.
What Makes a Good Dementia Care Community?
Strong communities combine:
- Clinical expertise
- Dementia specific training
- Thoughtful design
- Meaningful engagement
- Family partnership
Memory care succeeds when people feel known.
How Are Dementia Behaviors Managed in Memory Care?
Care teams focus on understanding the cause behind behaviors. Approaches include redirection, environmental adjustment, emotional validation, and personalized engagement rather than confrontation.
How Long Do People Typically Stay in Memory Care?
Length of stay varies widely depending on diagnosis and overall health. Many residents benefit from years of support as care evolves alongside changing needs.
Let us answer your questions in person.
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