--- title: "Memory Care: Tips on Visiting Your Loved One Living with Dementia" description: When planning a visit with a loved one who is living with dementia, talk with their memory care team to determine the best times of day to visit. image: https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/hubfs/TGG_Blog_DementiaVisits_640x427_8.1.22.jpg --- [![](https://thegoodmangroup.com/wp-content/themes/thegoodmangroup/assets/logos/tgg-bug.svg)](https://thegoodmangroup.com) - [Who We Are](http://thegoodmangroup.com/who-we-are/) - [What We Manage](http://thegoodmangroup.com/what-we-manage/) - [What We Develop](https://thegoodmangroup.com/what-we-develop/) - [How We Innovate](https://thegoodmangroup.com/how-we-innovate/) - [Connect With Us](https://thegoodmangroup.com/connect-with-us/) - [Blog](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/) # moments matter A Senior Living Resource Blog from The Goodman Group ## Memory Care: Tips on Visiting Your Loved One Living with Dementia Posted by [The Goodman Group](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/author/the-goodman-group) on August 20, 2026 - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) ![TGG_Blog_DementiaVisits_640x427_8.1.22](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/TGG_Blog_DementiaVisits_640x427_8.1.22.jpg?width=640&height=427&name=TGG_Blog_DementiaVisits_640x427_8.1.22.jpg)Having a loved one with dementia can be a significant adjustment for your entire family. While the nature of your time together may change, it can still be just as meaningful as it was before their diagnosis. An estimated 7.4 million Americans age 65 and older are living with Alzheimer's dementia today, according to the[Alzheimer's Association](https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures), and millions more family members support a loved one through the journey. You are not navigating this alone. Upon receiving a diagnosis, we recommend that you talk with your loved one's memory care team. They can help you identify the best times of the day to visit, activities you can enjoy together and other ways to make the most of your visits.  In the interim, here are some tips based on The Goodman Group’s Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® approach to care when visiting your loved one. # Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® Most memory care communities managed by The Goodman Group have implemented the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® to care for a few reasons. It allows residents to focus on their individual strengths and engage in meaningful activities Routines are important, especially for people with dementia. They work best alongside plenty of room for basic human choice. “All of our team members are trained to offer choice, to give our residents the time they need to still be independent and decide things on their own,” shares Tina V., regional director of life enrichment at The Goodman Group. “We offer choice in everything from what residents wear to when they want to shower, when they want to brush their teeth, when they want to eat their meals, what they want to eat for their meals and what activities they want to do.” Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® is all about meeting residents where they're at while focusing on what they are able to do independently. This approach drives how residents, team members and visitors interact with one another.  # Timing Matters Visit at a time of day that works best for your loved one, so your time together fits comfortably into the flow of their day. That may be during meals which you can share together, after a nap or another time of day when they feel best.  Later in the day, an effect of dementia known as [**sundowning**](https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/alzheimers-disease/expert-answers/sundowning/faq-20058511) can make them feel more tired and confused. **The care team can advise you on the best times for your loved one. ** At the beginning of each visit, say hello and use your loved one’s name or relationship to you: “Hi Jean,” or “Hi dad.” If they seem uncertain, add your name: “Hi mom, it’s Bob.” If your loved one doesn’t seem to recognize you, don’t take it personally. This is an effect that dementia can have and it may or may not be recurring. Keep in mind that what’s most important is that you’re able to be together. Your loved one will feel your love and care, regardless of whether or not they remember your name.  **[![TGG_BLOG_NewCTAStyle_640x136_5.8.24_3_MemoryCare (1)](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/2284858/interactive-170097068841.png)](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLIrSEtfB1MU2ONM9lsLzboCLcXRTs37KOOIrCcIH1vn%2F0mZb7u%2BvJLpYxYUVOOn60Tht3ymelXcNVULle5B5nkgJThFl%2FIZKR6VEhi6xpI4cvUssG68S9rwfI3dtXVicCu8KrTuMJOmICiMqUJGeGbDpVenJiAKVDtih4E6IuAzw631qemstTPfX5mP71zrHHYriGZ72oxQtw3GPG5%2Brdk%3D&webInteractiveContentId=170097068841&portalId=2284858)** # Flexibility is Important If you’re visiting regularly, your loved one may not always feel or act the same as they did on your last visit. Accept that they are where they need to be in the moment and try to adjust to sharing that moment with them.  We suggest letting go of the urge to correct your loved one’s memory or comments, even if they’re not accurate. It’s also a good idea not to insist on anything like a day of the week, someone’s name or someone’s relationship to your loved one. People living with dementia can feel most at ease when they aren't made to feel corrected. Being with your loved one is far more important than small details. Stay as long as both you and your loved one are comfortable. One day that may be an hour or more; on another, 10 or 15 minutes may be enough. There is no set time frame for a visit, and every visit can be different.  However long you stay, make sure they are the focus of your visit. Unless you are sharing an activity like a meal or other event, it can be confusing to your loved one if you’re distracted by answering your cell phone, for example. It’s best to stay in the moment and be present with each visit. # Staying Connected Through Virtual Visits Some weeks, an in-person visit isn't possible. When that happens, [video calls can be a meaningful way to stay connected](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/how-to-stay-connected-as-a-senior-a-guide-to-video-calling-texting-and-more) with your loved one between visits. [It can help families of residents living with dementia](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12762805/) maintain relationships and emotional well-being. A few tips: - Choose a familiar, quiet spot with good lighting so your loved one can see your face clearly. - Bring a photo, a favorite song or a simple update to give the conversation an easy starting point. A tablet, smartphone or laptop with a video calling app like FaceTime or [Zoom](https://www.zoom.com/) works well for most families, and your loved one's memory care team can help set up a device or a regular call schedule that fits their routine. This new chapter can bring new ways to connect. Patience, consideration for your loved one's wishes and simply being present with them can turn any visit into a meaningful one. ### Frequently Asked Questions What is the best time of day to visit a loved one with dementia? It depends. Many families find mornings or early afternoons work well, before sundowning sets in later in the day. Your loved one's memory care team can help you identify their best hours based on their routine. What should I do if my loved one doesn't recognize me? Try not to take it personally. Introduce yourself warmly by name and relationship, such as "Hi mom, it's Bob," and focus on being present together. Recognition can come and go, but your loved one will still feel your care. How long should a visit last? There's no set length. Some visits may last an hour or more, while others may only be 10 or 15 minutes. Let your loved one's comfort and energy guide how long you stay. Is it okay to correct my loved one when they misremember something? Generally, it's best to let it go. Being together matters far more than getting every detail right. Can video calls take the place of an in-person visit? Video calls are a wonderful complement to in-person time and a helpful way to stay connected when a visit isn't possible. Keeping calls familiar helps your loved one stay engaged. What is the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle® approach? It's the person-centered care philosophy used in memory care neighborhoods managed by The Goodman Group. It focuses on residents' individual strengths and offers choice in daily routines, from meals to activities, rather than a one-size-fits-all schedule. Topics: [Memory Care](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/topic/memory-care), [Caregivers](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/topic/caregivers) --- [Blog Home](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com) ### Stay in the Loop on the latest stories and information by subscribing to our resource blog ### Key Takeaways | - Visit at the time of day when your loved one feels most comfortable, and lean on the care team for guidance on timing. - Say hello using your loved one's name or your relationship to them. - Focus on being present together rather than correcting details or filling every silence. - When an in-person visit isn't possible, a video call or shared photos can help you stay connected in between. | | --- | [Blog Home](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com) ## Recent Posts ## Schedule a tour discover a senior living community near you [Let's Connect](https://info.thegoodmangroup.com/schedule-a-community-tour) [![](https://thegoodmangroup.com/wp-content/themes/thegoodmangroup/assets/logos/stacked-logo.svg)](https://thegoodmangroup.com) [![](https://thegoodmangroup.com/wp-content/themes/thegoodmangroup/assets/logos/logo.svg)](https://thegoodmangroup.com) - ![](https://thegoodmangroup.com/wp-content/themes/thegoodmangroup/assets/logos/stacked-logo.svg) - [Home](https://thegoodmangroup.com/) - [Who We Are](https://thegoodmangroup.com/who-we-are) - [What We Manage](https://thegoodmangroup.com/what-we-manage) - [Senior Living & Health Care](https://thegoodmangroup.com/senior-living-health-care) - [Residential Living](https://thegoodmangroup.com/residential-living) - [Additional Services](https://thegoodmangroup.com/additional-services) - [What We Develop](https://thegoodmangroup.com/what-we-develop) - [How We Innovate](https://thegoodmangroup.com/how-we-innovate) - [Connect With Us](https://thegoodmangroup.com/connect-with-us) - [Partner](https://thegoodmangroup.com/partner) - [Newsroom](https://thegoodmangroup.com/newsroom) - [Careers](https://thegoodmangroup.com/careers) - ![](https://thegoodmangroup.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/star_trib_2023.png) - ![](https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/hubfs/2020%20TGG/MN-PE-Award-Logo.jpg) - [![](https://thegoodmangroup.com/wp-content/themes/thegoodmangroup/assets/logos/WEB_Facebook_100px.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/thegoodmangroupllc/) - [![](https://thegoodmangroup.com/wp-content/themes/thegoodmangroup/assets/logos/WEB_X_100px.svg)](https://twitter.com/tggllc?lang=en) - [![](https://thegoodmangroup.com/wp-content/themes/thegoodmangroup/assets/logos/WEB_YouTube_100px.svg)](https://www.youtube.com/@tggvideo) - [![](https://thegoodmangroup.com/wp-content/themes/thegoodmangroup/assets/logos/WEB_LinkedIn_100px.svg)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-goodman-group-llc) --- 1107 Hazeltine Boulevard, Suite 200, Chaska, Minnesota 55318  |  [952.361.8000](tel:1-952-361-8000) © 2023 THE GOODMAN GROUP, LLC - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED [Terms of Use](https://thegoodmangroup.com/terms-of-use)   |   [Privacy Policy](https://thegoodmangroup.com/privacy%20Policy) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "The Goodman Group", "url" : "https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/author/the-goodman-group" }, "dateModified" : "2026-08-20T17:08:44.668Z", "datePublished" : "2026-08-20T17:06:28.000Z", "headline" : "Memory Care: Tips on Visiting Your Loved One Living with Dementia", "image" : [ "https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/hubfs/TGG_Blog_DementiaVisits_640x427_8.1.22.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/visiting-patient-with-dementia", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/hubfs/TheGoodManGroup_June_2016/Logo/TGG-Italic-Stacked-PMS-550C--PMS-Cool-Gray-10C.jpeg" }, "name" : "The Goodman Group" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "It depends. 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