Quality of care should be the most important consideration when finding a home for your loved one with dementia. You need to fully assess what level of care is required – know your loved one’s specific type of dementia, and what stage – and investigate communities to find the best match.

That said, personal preference also plays a role, because comfort is essential. The fit can’t just be about health and personal care. Is your loved one an introvert? Is exercise or entertainment a big part of their life? When you start visiting assisted living options, you are likely to find that size does matter. And why in many cases, a small facility might be a better choice.