What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is long-term care for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia

If you’re looking for assisted living for an older adult with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairment, a memory care community is a good option.

They’re places where seniors with dementia can get specialized care.

We explain how memory care is different from assisted living, how much it costs, and share two checklists you can use to evaluate a memory care community.

How is memory care different from assisted living?

Memory care communities have environments that are secured against wandering and specially designed to be calming and easy to navigate.

There’s 24 hour supervision and a higher staff to patient ratio for a greater level of care. And in memory care communities, staff are specifically trained to work with older adults with cognitive impairments. Memory care residents get help with important daily tasks, like taking medication, bathing, dressing, and eating.

There are also structured activities, exercise, and therapy programs.

How much does memory care cost?

Because of the specialized care and larger staff, memory care usually costs more than other senior living options and, on average, about 20-30% more than assisted living. Since the average cost of assisted living in the U.S. is $4,500 per month, memory care would average $5,625 per month. This is an estimated national average –costs can differ by thousands of dollars per month in different states. That’s because memory care costs usually reflect an area’s cost of living. When trying to keep costs low, consider communities in less expensive neighborhoods.