Published November 9, 2026 · Updated November 9, 2026 · By Maple Cottage Memory Care

A first call or tour can go by quickly, and it is easy to leave without the answers you needed. This checklist is meant to be read before you go, printed or saved to your phone, and used on every call or visit. You do not have to ask every question. Pick the ones that matter most for your loved one, and write down the answers so you can compare communities later.

A useful tip: ask the same questions everywhere. It makes differences easy to see. If you are calling from out of town or from another state, a phone call is a good first step, and many of these questions work just as well by phone as in person.

Before You Go

A little preparation makes any call or tour more useful. Write your loved one's story on one page: their routines, what they enjoy, what upsets them and what care they need now. Bring a notebook or use your phone, and decide which three or four questions matter most to you. If possible, bring another family member, because two people notice more than one. Afterward, take a few minutes in the car to jot down what you liked, what worried you and what you still want to ask.

Questions to Ask

Care and Staffing

What kind of help is provided with dressing, bathing, toileting and getting around?
Who oversees care, and what are their qualifications?
Is there a nurse on the team? How often does a doctor or nurse practitioner see residents?
How are caregivers trained to support people living with dementia?
Will my loved one have consistent caregivers who get to know them?
How does staffing change in the evening and overnight?
How do you create a care plan, and how often is it reviewed?
What happens if my loved one's needs increase?
Is there a registered nurse involved in overseeing care?
How do you handle a caregiver being absent or leaving?

Safety and Security

How do you help prevent wandering while letting residents move around freely?
How do you handle a fall, a medical emergency or a resident who is upset?
How are medications stored, given and recorded?
Is the building easy to move around in, with clear walkways and good lighting?
Are outdoor areas safe and easy to reach?
Which Tennessee license does the community hold, and what level of care does it cover?

Have questions about care for your loved one? Our care team is happy to talk it through, with no pressure.

Call (615) 447-8112

Daily Life

What does a typical day look like?
Who plans activities, and are they offered through the day and week?
Is taking part always a choice?
How are meals handled, and can special diets be supported?
Can residents bring furniture, photos and keepsakes?
Is there time outdoors?
How do you support people who are shy or who prefer quiet time?

Health Coordination

How do you work with my loved one's current doctors?
What help is available with appointments and prescriptions?
Can home health services, such as therapy, be arranged?
How do you work with hospice if it is ever needed?
How do you communicate with the family after a change in health?

For general health questions, your loved one's doctor is the right person to ask. Ask the doctor what to look for in a community.

Costs and Contracts

What is the rate, and what does it include?
What costs extra?
How are changes in the level of care priced?
What fees apply at move-in?
How much notice is given before rates change or a resident must move?
Which payment sources are accepted?
Can I take the contract home to read, or review it with an attorney?

Our guide to memory care costs in Middle Tennessee goes deeper, and the cost and payment options page lists general ways families pay.

Communication With Families

Who is my main contact?
How will you update me, and how often?
How will I hear about falls, illness or a change in mood?
Are there visiting guidelines, and can I visit at different times of day?
Can I take part in care planning?
If I live far away, how can I stay involved?
Who do I call if I have a concern, and how quickly can I expect a response?
How do you welcome families into the life of the community, such as holidays and special events?

While You Tour, Use Your Eyes and Ears

Beyond the answers, notice how the place feels. Do staff greet residents by name? Do residents seem comfortable and engaged? Is it clean, calm and free of strong odors? Visit again at a different time of day if you can, perhaps around a meal. Pay attention to how people speak to each other, and trust what you see.

How Maple Cottage Helps

We hope you ask us every one of these questions. Maple Cottage Memory Care is a family owned, Registered-Nurse-owned home at 101 Maple Drive in Hendersonville with seventeen private suites. The RN owners oversee an LPN manager and caregiving team, and a Nurse Practitioner visits regularly. A discreet resident security system helps prevent wandering while allowing freedom of movement.

Our team helps with dressing, bathing and mobility, manages medications through unit-dose pharmacy packaging, and offers cognitive engagement and emotional support. A full-time activities director plans the days (taking part is always by choice), and meals are homestyle. Call for current rates and availability, and ask about our state licensure. See our memory care and FAQ pages first if you like. You can also read how to choose memory care in Hendersonville and the Nashville area.