Receiving a dementia diagnosis can feel like time stops, but sometimes, decisions have to happen fast.
Whether prompted by a sudden health crisis, a hospital discharge, or an escalating safety issue at home, families often find themselves asking: How soon can we get Mom or Dad into memory care?
At The Kensington Sierra Madre, we understand the urgency. That’s why we’ve created this guide to help you navigate rapid memory care placement, from diagnosis to move-in, in just 30 days or less.
This timeline is not just possible; it’s compassionate, intentional, and designed to give your loved one the best chance at safety, comfort, and connection from day one.
Week 1: Understanding the Diagnosis and Assessing Needs
Whether it’s Alzheimer’s, Lewy body dementia, Parkinsons-related cognitive decline, or another form of memory loss, clarity on the condition is essential.
What to do now:
- Request a formal written diagnosis and care recommendations from your loved one’s healthcare provider.
- Observe and document symptoms at home, such as wandering, forgetfulness, or changes in behavior.
- Schedule any needed tests or follow-ups to rule out reversible conditions (such as infections or medication side effects).
This is also the time to begin discussing the need for memory care, especially if daily safety is at risk or home support is no longer sustainable.
Week 2: Researching and Touring Communities
Once the decision to explore memory care is made, the next step is to find the right environment and act quickly to secure availability.
What to prioritize during your search:
- Communities that specialize in memory care and offer secure neighborhoods
- 24/7 licensed nursing care with cognitive support
- On-site dining, enrichment, and health services
- Flexible move-in timelines and emergency placement options
- Strong family communication and emotional support during transitions
At The Kensington Sierra Madre, families can schedule a tour within days. We offer both short-term and long-term memory care and are prepared to expedite move-ins based on clinical need.
Week 3: Choosing the Community and Preparing for Move-In
By the third week, families should finalize their community choice and begin the paperwork.
During this stage:
- The community will complete an assessment (often within 24–48 hours) to determine the right level of care.
- Families gather medical records, medication lists, and advance directives.
- Financial discussions and deposit arrangements are completed.
- If needed, home care or short-term respite stays can bridge the gap.
The Kensington Sierra Madre offers three distinct memory care neighborhoods:
- The Kensington Club: our unique early-stage memory care program for new and current assisted living residents experiencing mild changes in cognition. It features a strong relationship-based focus, peer support, sensory movement, and family participation.
- Connections supports individuals with early- to mid-stage memory loss, fostering independence through structured routines and cognitive engagement.
- Haven serves those with more advanced needs, offering a serene, secure setting with personalized 24/7 support.
Our team works closely with families to prepare everything, right down to room setup and comfort items, to ensure a smooth and welcoming transition.
Week 4: Moving In and Settling In
The final week is all about transition, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally.
While every person adjusts at their own pace, The Kensington Sierra Madre’s transition team focuses on making new residents feel safe, seen, and supported from day one.
What families can expect:
- A warm welcome and personalized introductions to team members and neighbors
- Gentle daily routines tailored to the resident’s interests and preferences
- Consistent communication with families about progress, meals, activities, and well-being
- On-site medical oversight to manage medications and any post-hospital needs
Small details, like honoring favorite meals or music, go a long way in creating comfort after a move. Our goal is to replace fear with familiarity and ensure that every new resident feels truly at home.
Why Speed Matters in Memory Care
Delaying memory care, especially after a diagnosis, can increase risk. Conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia are progressive, and as symptoms worsen, so do the complications of remaining at home.
Benefits of a rapid memory care placement include:
- Immediate safety from falls, wandering, or medication mishaps
- Early intervention to slow cognitive decline through activities and routine
- Emotional relief for family caregivers stretched too thin
- Clinical stability, especially after hospital stays or rapid deterioration
- Preserved dignity by ensuring care is delivered proactively, not reactively
Acting quickly isn’t about rushing, it’s about doing what’s best in the moment for long-term quality of life.
How The Kensington Sierra Madre Supports Fast Transitions
We specialize in urgent transitions, offering:
- Same-day assessments
- Fully furnished suites for emergency or temporary stays
- Collaborative planning with hospitals and home health providers
- On-site dining, therapies, and life enrichment to reduce post-move disorientation
- Family support through every step of the process
And above all, we live by Our Promise: to love and care for your family as we do our own.
What Families Say About Fast Placements
While every story is different, many families find that choosing The Kensington Sierra Madre for a rapid move-in feels like a turning point.
After weeks or months of stress and uncertainty, there’s a renewed sense of peace knowing their loved one is safe, supported, and engaged in a nurturing community.
Some families have described the transition as easier than they ever imagined, not because it’s simple, but because the right team made it manageable.
Additional Resource for Guidance
If a recent diagnosis has prompted urgent decision-making, the National Institute on Aging offers a practical caregiving guide that provides advice on adapting to changing care needs, maintaining communication, and ensuring safety during transitions.
Ready to Begin Your 30-Day Roadmap?
If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with dementia or memory loss, there’s no need to wait and wonder. The Kensington Sierra Madre is ready to help you move from diagnosis to support in 30 days or even sooner if needed.
Connect with The Kensington Sierra Madre today to begin your rapid memory care placement journey with clarity, compassion, and expert care.