Choosing an assisted living or memory care community for yourself or a loved one is a big decision—one that involves balancing care needs, lifestyle preferences, budget, and peace of mind. With so many options available, the process can feel overwhelming. But by knowing what to look for and asking the right questions, you can find a community where your loved one will feel safe, supported, and right at home.
Here are 8 helpful tips to guide you in your search for the best assisted living or memory care community in Kalispell:
1. Start with an Honest Assessment of Needs
Before touring communities, take time to understand the level of support you or your loved one needs. Are they mostly independent but require help with things like medication management or mobility? Or do they need more hands-on assistance with bathing, dressing, and other daily tasks? Are their concerns with memory loss or cognitive decline?
Identifying current and potential future needs will help narrow your search and ensure the community you choose can provide the appropriate level of care.
2. Location Matters—For Everyone
Think about proximity to family and friends, access to medical facilities, and the neighborhood setting. Do you want something close to your home for frequent visits? Would your loved one prefer a quiet, residential area or to remain in a more urban environment with nearby conveniences?
Choosing the right location can make transitions smoother and encourage regular visits and ongoing involvement from loved ones.
3. Research, Then Visit In Person
Online research is a great starting point—read reviews, explore community websites, check out social media, and review state licensing and inspection reports. But don’t stop there. Touring in person gives you a better sense of the community’s atmosphere, cleanliness, team member engagement, resident satisfaction, and the overall environment.
Be sure to pay attention to how the care team interacts with residents. Are they friendly and attentive? Does the community feel warm and welcoming or sterile and rushed?
4. Ask About Staff and Care Services
The heart of any assisted living community is its care team. Ask about team-to-resident ratios, training requirements, and how care plans are developed and updated.
Also inquire about what services are included in their rental rates and general pricing structure: such as medication management, mobility support, personal hygiene assistance, and any specialized care such as memory support or diabetes management. If your loved one has changing or progressing needs, you will want to consider if the community you are considering can adjust their level of care?
Here at Kalispell Assisted Living & Memory Care, we are proud to offer personalized care plans that are tailored to each resident’s individual needs and preferences. Designed to provide evolving support as care needs change, our focus is on providing quality care in every stage of life.
5. Explore Amenities and Lifestyle Offerings
Assisted living and memory care is not just about care—it’s about quality of life. Look for communities that offer enriching activities, wellness programs, and opportunities for social interaction. Some amenities to look for include:
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Daily dining services with flexible, personalized menus
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On-site fitness classes or therapy
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Game rooms, libraries, or hobby spaces
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Scheduled outings and community events
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Beauty salons, chapels, or walking paths
A strong lifestyle offering helps residents stay active, engaged, and connected.
At our community, we love supporting our residents’ desire for FUN! Check out our assisted living and memory care activity calendars to learn more about life at our community.
6. Understand the Costs
Cost is often one of the biggest factors in choosing a community. Ask for a detailed breakdown of fees, including what is covered in the monthly rent and what might incur additional charges. Don’t forget to ask about future rate increases, levels of care pricing, and any refundable deposit or entrance fee policies.
Some families may also want to explore long-term care insurance, VA benefits, or Medicaid waiver programs to help offset costs.
If you are in need of assistance navigating the financial elements of senior living, we encourage you to review our Financial Resource Guide, or connect with our team for a personal financial consultation. We are here to help!
7. Talk to Residents and Families
Hearing directly from residents or their families can provide valuable insight into the community’s culture, communication, and overall satisfaction. If possible, try to visit during an activity or meal time and casually talk with those who live there.
Ask current residents what they like most—and what they would change. Their candid input can reveal details you may not find in a brochure or tour.
8. Trust Your Instincts
Finally, go with your gut. Beyond the brochures and tour script, how does the community feel? Does the care team seem rushed or genuinely happy to be there? Does your loved one smile and seem comfortable while visiting?
A well-run community should make you feel at ease, and your loved one should feel respected, empowered, and welcomed to be themselves.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right assisted living or memory care community takes time, research, and reflection—but the rewards are well worth the effort. A great community can offer peace of mind for families and a supportive, vibrant lifestyle for older adults. By staying informed, asking good questions, and involving your loved one in the decision-making process, you can help ensure a smooth transition and a fulfilling next chapter.
If you’re just beginning your search, we encourage you to jot down your top priorities and reach out to our team—we’re here to help. Whether our Kalispell community becomes your new home or not, we’re happy to be a resource and support you on your journey to finding the right fit for you or your loved one.