Top 5 Questions Families Ask Before Choosing Dementia Care in Santa Fe
When my dad was first diagnosed with early-stage dementia, I remember sitting in the parking lot of the clinic wondering what we were supposed to do next. We weren’t ready for memory care, but I knew it was something we might have to face sooner than later. If you’re reading this, you may be in a similar place—trying to figure out what questions to ask and how to make the right decision for someone you love.
Over the years, as a patient advocate working with dozens of families across Santa Fe, I’ve heard the same questions come up again and again. These are the top five that I hear most often, and if you’re asking them, you’re already doing an amazing job. You’re showing up. You care. Let’s walk through them together
1. How Do I Know When It’s Time for Memory Care?
This is hands-down the most common question I get. And honestly? There’s no perfect checklist. But there are a few signs I look for when helping families decide: Key Things to Look For: Safety concerns: Have they left the stove on? Wandered out the door? Confusion that impacts daily life: Are they struggling to get dressed, eat, or bathe? Caregiver stress: Are you or your spouse burnt out, losing sleep, or feeling resentful? A daughter I worked with recently told me, "I kept saying, 'We’re fine,' until the night I found Mom trying to leave the house at 2 a.m. in winter. That’s when I knew." The truth is, memory care isn’t about giving up on someone. It’s about getting them the support they need so they (and you) can live with more peace.2. What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?
This one causes a lot of confusion, and for good reason. The two are often mentioned together, but they are very different when it comes to dementia. Assisted Living is for seniors who need help with daily tasks but are otherwise fairly independent. Think: medication reminders, help getting dressed, or meals prepared. Memory Care, on the other hand, is designed specifically for people with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. That means: Staff are trained to handle cognitive decline and behavioral changes Homes are designed to prevent wandering and reduce confusion Daily activities are therapeutic and tailored to memory challenges At places like Sierra Vista at Vista Living in Santa Fe, every part of the day is designed with dementia care in mind. The caregivers aren’t just trained in safety and support—they get to know each elder’s story, preferences, and communication style. That kind of specialized approach can make a world of difference.
3. Will My Loved One Be Safe and Understood?
Another big one. And completely valid. When a loved one has memory issues, you want to know that someone will not only keep them safe but will also truly understand them. Here’s what I tell families to look for: High staff-to-elder ratios: More caregivers means more eyes, more help, and more attention Familiar routines: Predictable daily schedules reduce anxiety Personalized care: Is your loved one treated like a unique person, not just a diagnosis? At Vista Living homes, for example, they practice what they call F.A.M.I.L.Y. values: Flexible care that adapts to the elder’s changing needs Authentic relationships built on kindness and trust Mentoring between staff and families In love with what they do Listening with patience and empathy Saying Yes to the little things that matter I once visited during a music session at Sierra Vista, and one elder—who rarely spoke—started humming along to a song from the 1950s. A caregiver picked up on it, sang with her, and for the next ten minutes, you could see the joy all over her face. That’s the kind of understanding you want.
4. How Involved Can I Be as a Family Member?
This question is so important because when someone moves into memory care, it doesn’t mean your role ends. In fact, the best homes welcome family involvement. Ask this when you tour: Can I visit anytime? How do you keep families in the loop? Will I be included in care plan updates? At Vista Living, families are not just visitors—they're part of the extended care team. I've seen spouses and daughters invited to help with meals, participate in art sessions, or just sit and share stories around the fireplace. You’re not handing your loved one off. You’re expanding their circle of care. 
5. How Do I Choose the Right Place in Santa Fe?
Honestly? You’ll know more when you walk in than you will by reading websites or brochures. But here are a few tips: What to Look for on a Tour: Do the elders look content and clean? Is the environment calm or chaotic? Do staff greet you and explain what they’re doing? Can residents move about freely and safely? I also encourage families to visit at least two or three places. One may feel clinical, another too large. But when you walk into a place like Sierra Vista, you may just feel it: a sense of calm, connection, and compassion. If you need a place to start, Vista Living is a beautiful example of what dementia care should look like in Santa Fe. Their small-scale homes, thoughtful activities, and heartfelt team make them a standout.Final Thoughts
Choosing memory care is not an easy decision—but it is a loving one. It means you want your loved one to have not just safety, but joy. Not just structure, but connection.
If you still have questions, that’s okay. Keep asking. You’re already doing the most important thing: being there. And if you want to see what compassionate care really looks like, schedule a visit with Vista Living. You’ll feel the difference the moment you walk in.
You’ve got this. And you’re not alone.