When a loved one begins to show signs of memory loss, confusion, or personality changes due to Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, families are often faced with some of the most difficult decisions they will ever make. Among those decisions is the search for the right care facility for dementia—one that not only meets the medical needs of the individual but also respects their dignity, honors their story, and nurtures genuine connection and comfort in each passing day.

At The Sonnet at Tennyson Assisted Living and Memory Care in Madison, Wisconsin, we understand how personal and emotional this journey can be. That’s why we offer a nurturing memory care community where older adults are embraced with compassion, and their unique needs are met with dignity and understanding. In this guide, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about finding the right care, with the hope of providing clarity during a time that often feels overwhelming.

Understanding the Need for Dementia Care

Dementia is not a single condition, but a general term that includes a range of cognitive impairments, including memory loss, language difficulties, and changes in reasoning and judgment. Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause, but there are others such as Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia. As the disease progresses, it becomes increasingly difficult for individuals to manage daily living tasks on their own.

Family members often begin to notice the signs in the early stages—missed appointments, misplaced belongings, increased confusion, or changes in mood. While at first it may be manageable with light support at home, there often comes a point when more care is needed than what can be provided by loved ones alone.

When Is the Right Time to Consider a Memory Care Community?

There is no single answer, but certain signs can indicate it’s time to start exploring memory care facilities. These may include wandering, difficulty managing medications, frequent medical care needs, or safety concerns in the home. The National Institute on Aging recommends assessing both the individual’s physical abilities and cognitive function to determine if a higher level of support is necessary.

Most families wait until a moment of crisis before considering a transition, but beginning the process early can provide the opportunity to thoughtfully evaluate options before the condition progresses too far. A memory care community that specializes in Alzheimer’s and other dementias can provide a structured environment designed to ensure a safe, meaningful lifestyle for residents—without sacrificing independence where it’s still possible.

What to Look for in a Memory Care Facility

Every community offers different levels of support, amenities, and expertise. The right memory care environment is one that not only offers specialized support, but also nurtures a true sense of home. When visiting or researching communities, here are the elements that can make all the difference:

A Structured, Safe Environment

Memory care units are designed to promote both safety and ease of navigation for individuals with dementia. To ensure comfort and safety, The Sonnet at Tennyson is thoughtfully designed with secure entryways, welcoming outdoor areas, and accessible community spaces that support residents living with dementia. These touches are more than aesthetic—they help prevent wandering, reduce confusion, and support residents in feeling comfortable and confident in their daily routines.

Compassionate, Specialized Care

It’s essential to ensure that the staff members are specifically trained in dementia care. This includes understanding the different stages of Alzheimer’s disease, responding to behavioral changes with sensitivity, and employing evidence-based approaches to communication and support. At The Sonnet at Tennyson, our memory care team includes a full-time registered nurse and deeply compassionate caregivers who are specially trained to understand and support the complexities of memory loss. We provide support based on personalized care plans, not only supporting health care needs, but honoring the whole person.

Opportunities for Meaningful Engagement

Living with dementia doesn’t mean a life without joy. In fact, maintaining a sense of purpose is crucial for emotional well-being. The Sonnet at Tennyson offers a rich array of daily living activities—from music and art to social interaction and exercise—that are tailored to varying physical abilities and cognitive levels. Our bistro, therapy animal visits, and walking paths invite residents to remain engaged and connected.

Assistive Technology and Tools for Peace of Mind

Technology also plays a role in maintaining a safe environment. Many communities, including ours, utilize safety assistance features to help prevent incidents while allowing for as much freedom as possible. Assistive equipment is also thoughtfully incorporated into personal care routines to promote both safety and dignity.

Understanding the Cost of Memory Care

One of the most common questions families ask is: How do we pay for memory care? The answer depends on several factors, including the level of support needed, the type of residence, and the financial circumstances of the individual or family.

Most communities are private pay, meaning families pay out of their own pockets. However, long term care insurance may cover some of the expenses, especially if the policy was purchased before the need for care became imminent. Veterans benefits can also be a vital resource—especially for those who served during wartime or have service-connected disabilities. At The Sonnet at Tennyson, our team is happy to help families navigate their options to ensure the best financial path forward.

It’s important to ask for a clear explanation of what’s included in the base rate and what might cost extra. Some services, such as personal care assistance, medication management, or specialized therapies, may be bundled or billed separately depending on the provider.

Questions to Ask When Touring a Memory Care Community

Visiting a memory care community in person is one of the most valuable steps families can take. It allows you to see how staff members interact with residents, observe the environment, and feel the rhythm of daily life.

Some important questions to consider during a visit include:

How is each person's care plan developed and updated?
Are there options for both a private room and a semi-private room?
What type of medical care is available on-site?
How do caregivers manage behavioral changes or anxiety in residents?
What kind of training does the staff receive in dementia care?
Are residents encouraged to participate in daily living and social activities?
What safety measures are in place for residents who may wander?

Each answer will help you gather information and build confidence in your decision.

Tailored Support for Different Stages of Dementia

Memory care is not one-size-fits-all. As the condition progresses, care needs shift. In the early stages, residents may benefit from an assisted living facility needing gentle reminders, assistance with medications, and help managing schedules. In later stages, more hands-on senior care services may be needed for dressing, mobility, or eating. Alzheimer’s special care units, like those at The Sonnet at Tennyson, are equipped to serve people across these varying stages with dignity and expertise.

Our team includes caregivers and clinicians trained to recognize even subtle changes in condition. This allows us to adapt care plans in real time and ensure that every resident receives the right level of support, exactly when they need it.

Creating a Place That Feels Like Home

Perhaps the most important element of choosing a memory care community is the feeling of home. For people with dementia, familiarity and warmth go a long way in creating calm and comfort. At The Sonnet at Tennyson, residents enjoy thoughtfully designed apartments, welcoming common areas, and daily routines that provide a sense of rhythm and purpose.

But more than that, they are surrounded by staff who genuinely care. We know each resident by name, by story, and by the little details that make them who they are. That kind of connection cannot be manufactured—it’s cultivated every day, through compassion, attentiveness, and trust.

Supporting Families Through the Transition

We recognize that the decision to move a loved one into memory care is never easy. That’s why we walk alongside families every step of the way—from that first call to moving day and beyond. Our team provides not only health care and daily support but also understanding, guidance, and a shoulder to lean on when the emotions run high.

We encourage families to visit often, stay connected, and lean into the supportive arms of our community. The Sonnet is not just a place to live—it’s a place to be embraced, to be seen, and to belong.

Contact our Memory Care Community Today

Finding the right care facility for dementia is a journey, shaped by emotion, hope, and the desire to honor a loved one’s life. It requires time, thought, and a commitment to uncovering the community that offers not just care—but connection, purpose, and peace.

At The Sonnet at Tennyson Assisted Living and Memory Care, we are more than just a senior living facility—we are a family-like community committed to helping our residents live each day with comfort, safety, and joy. If you’re beginning this journey and want to learn more about how our community can support your loved one, we invite you to get in touch.

Contact us today to speak with our team or to schedule a personal tour. Let us show you what the poetry of senior living truly feels like.

Ready to experience the harmony of senior living? Contact The Sonnet at Tennyson to schedule a tour!

Finding the Right Care Facility for Dementia