What Is Memory Care?

If your loved one is struggling with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other forms of cognitive impairment, you may have considered getting them professional help. But what exactly are your options for memory care?

Memory care can look different depending on your loved one's needs. There are memory care facilities, memory care units within nursing homes or assisted living facilities, and memory care providers that can come to your home.

It's estimated 7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's in the United States. With such a large chunk of the population suffering from cognitive impairment, memory care is becoming an increasingly important type of long-term care.

In this article, we'll explain what memory care is, how it's different from traditional care, how much it costs, and when memory care might work best for your loved one.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is care designed to help individuals with cognitive decline or other memory issues such as dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. 

Memory care can happen in many different settings, including:

• Memory care facilities. Stand-alone memory care communities that focus on only caring for those with cognitive decline, different forms of dementia, or Alzheimer’s Disease.

• Memory care units within other long-term care facilities. A memory care unit is a specific section of an assisted living facility, nursing home, or continuing care retirement community (CCRC) that specializes in caring for those with various types of dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease, and cognitive decline.

• Memory care at home. This is when a specially trained caregiving professional provides care for someone struggling with cognitive impairment in the comfort of their home.

This article focuses primarily on stand-alone memory care facilities and memory care programs or units within other facilities. This article does not focus on memory care services delivered at home, as this can look very different depending on the individual's needs, preferences, and budget.

Caring for someone with memory loss requires a compassionate and unique approach, often offered only by those specially trained to do so.

Memory care communities provide a safe space for dementia and Alzheimer's patients to live as comfortably as possible. They offer specialized activities to promote relaxation and mental stimulation.

Facilities are designed to be easy to navigate, with plenty of safety features like grab bars and non-slip floors to ensure residents don't accidentally injure themselves or get lost within the facility.

Key Features: What Does Memory Care Look Like? 

Living arrangements in memory care communities can vary depending on the facility or program. For example, some facilities offer a choice between a private room or a shared room, and some more luxurious facilities may even offer a private studio or one-bedroom apartment. 

Day-to-day life at a memory care facility includes help with personal care and activities of daily living such as dressing, bathing, toileting, and eating. 

In addition, those with more advanced memory issues may need round-the-clock supervision. Some residents may be prone to confusion or aggression and need help calming down or remembering where they are. 

Each resident usually has a personalized meal plan that staff will follow and enforce, ensuring every resident meets their nutritional and dietary needs. 

In downtime, residents are strongly encouraged to socialize and participate in hobbies or group activities. Types of activities can depend on the facility, but most offer light fitness classes, game nights, a common area for socializing and eating, pet therapy, music therapy, and access to arts and crafts. 

Memory care facilities often enforce a structured daily routine to help reduce confusion and provide a sense of stability. This may include consistent wake-up times, meal times, activity schedules, and bedtimes. Maintaining a predictable schedule can help residents feel more secure, improve their sleep quality, and enhance their overall well-being.

How Is Memory Care Different from an Assisted Living Facility or a Nursing Home?

Some people may wonder what the difference between regular care and memory care is in an assisted living facility or nursing home.

There are three main differences, including:

• Specialized caregivers.

• Activities and treatment specifically designed for cognitive decline.

• Extra security and safety features. 

Staff Members Specialize in Dementia Care

Unlike assisted living facilities or nursing homes, caregivers at memory care facilities or in memory care units are often required to undergo specific dementia and cognitive decline training.

There is no national standard for independent or privately owned and funded memory care units or facilities. However, in most cases, staff are required to get certifications in dementia care and elder abuse prevention and participate in continuing education measures throughout their time at the facility.

For any memory care facilities, units, or services covered by Medicaid or Medicare, staff are required to do memory care training, as stated in the Affordable Care Act and in the Hand in Hand training series.

In addition, there are often more higher-level workers in memory care, similar to the types of caregivers in a more advanced setting like a skilled nursing facility. Some caregivers may include:

• Certified nursing assistants (CNAs)

• Registered nurses (RNs)

• Licensed practical nurses (LPNs)

• Doctors or physicians

Care happens more on a person-to-person basis, as each individual has specific needs and experiences regression to different degrees. Facilities may have a ratio of one caregiver for five patients or even higher. Memory care facilities may have a higher staff-to-resident ratio than other types of care, such as assisted living.

Each individual receives care based on their needs and abilities. Older adults with severe memory loss or cognitive decline may experience delusions. Caregivers will take a personalized approach to help calm these confusions. 

For example, an older individual may ask where their long-deceased spouse is or worry about having to watch over a baby.

Logic would tell you to comfort this person by telling them their spouse has passed or there is no baby to watch. However, memory loss is not logical. Instead, a better approach would be to redirect this person's attention.

You could tell them their spouse is at work and will be home soon or that the baby is sleeping and safe with the other parent. This helps calm the individual down and validates their concerns.

No one wants to believe they're crazy, and telling someone they're misremembering can do more harm than good and increase anxiety, especially if the same scenario happens multiple times a day. It's best to focus on minimizing stress rather than correctness in these situations.

This is a key difference between caregivers in memory care units vs. regular long-term care settings. Caregivers are trained in how to de-escalate concerns with compassion. Their main goal is to keep residents safe, happy, and calm, building personal connections while reducing stress.

Specialized Activities for Cognitive Impairment

Residents in memory care facilities, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes can access group activities and amenities. However, activities at a memory care facility may focus more on relaxation and mental stimulation rather than encouraging independence.

For example, an older adult in good cognitive health may enjoy the competitiveness of a good game of chess or team activities. These adults may prefer to do activities that keep them active and social and challenge them to think critically.

An older adult with dementia or Alzheimer's may feel overwhelmed or confused by those same activities. Instead, it may be better for these adults to do activities that connect them with their former selves or help them remain in the present moment. 

Some activities that may be beneficial to those with dementia include:

• Listening to their favorite music or music therapy techniques.

• Reminiscing through old photos or memory albums.

• Creative hobbies such as painting, drawing, pottery, or other crafts.

• Slow, active hobbies such as gardening, walking, or yoga.

• Spending time with children or other family members.

• Spending time with animals like cats or dogs.

• Low-pressure social activities like game nights or movie nights.

• Cooking or baking with the help of caregivers to keep residents focused.

Memory care facilities still encourage the same socialization, exercise, and creative outlets as regular long-term care facilities. The difference is that in a memory care facility, the activities are chosen with cognitive impairment in mind.

The staff is there to supervise residents and help them stay engaged in the activities. Staff may be more involved with memory care patients than at a regular long-term care facility. 

Low-pressure activities and the availability of assistance can help those with dementia enjoy the activity and relax rather than feeling confused about the rules of a game or stressed about the social aspects. 

Staff members also work more closely with residents to provide personalized care. Some residents in later stages of cognitive decline may need near-constant supervision and redirection for their confusion.

Because of this, staff often provide more personalized care based on the residents' mental needs as opposed to regular long-term care facilities, where the main goal is to help with daily activities. 

Safety and Security in Memory Care Facilities

Another large difference between memory care facilities and other long-term care facilities, such as assisted living, is the safety and security features. 

All long-term care facilities include safety features like handi-cap and accessible infrastructure, as well as grab bars and emergency alert systems to prevent accidents and increase the availability of assistance. 

However, those living in assisted living, independent living, or continuing care retirement homes have more flexibility in scheduling and going out, living their lives as they please. 

Individuals with severe cognitive decline may not have the same capabilities. Often, these individuals need supervision so they don't harm themselves or others. 

Regular activities like going out alone could result in them wandering or getting lost or confused about where they are. It's estimated around 36% of people with dementia will wander. This can be incredibly dangerous, especially if the individual does not remember information like where they live or their loved one's contact information.

Memory care facilities also have other features like personalized doors and rooms so residents feel safe and at home in their new living space. Having a personalized door can also help residents remember which room is there. 

Hallways may be circular and color-coded to help residents remember where they are and prevent them from getting lost. Other features like non-slip floors or carpets may be around to help reduce or prevent falls or other accidents. 

In addition, there is a higher staff presence in memory care facilities. The main goal of memory care is to keep residents safe and comfortable; however, dementia can cause aggression and confusion in people. 

Staff are responsible for monitoring residents and ensuring they do not harm themselves or others. Some of their responsibilities may include reducing confusion by de-escalating situations and showing empathy and compassion in seemingly delusional situations. 

It's important for residents to maintain their dignity and respect, even through their mental struggles. Staff are acutely aware of these processes and are expected to help residents calm down without judgment when they need help. 

Unlike other long-term care facilities, memory care residents are not encouraged to live independently or do many activities alone. They are encouraged to socialize and enjoy the community but discouraged from leaving without trusted supervision so they don't wander or get lost. 

Other security measures may be in place, such as key card-only entrances, and individuals prone to wandering or violence may have extra security, such as an alarm on their door. 

Public spaces like common areas, hallways, or outdoor spaces may have security cameras that let staff know where a resident is in real time if they go missing from their room. However, privacy laws vary based on state and local regulations. 

What Are the Benefits of Memory Care & Is It Worth It?

Memory care facilities provide countless benefits to older adults and are often the only option capable of providing a comfortable environment for those with rapidly declining cognition.

Some of the most notable benefits include:

• Safe, controlled, and secure environment. Your loved one will be in an environment geared toward safety for those with cognitive impairments. Staff are available 24/7 if an accident happens or your loved one needs some form of support.  

• Peace of mind. You can have peace of mind knowing that if your loved one needs help, they have trained medical professionals readily available to help them. This also reduces the stress of personal responsibility for the safety and well-being of your loved one. You can rest, knowing your loved one is taken care of, and enjoy your time away from your loved one instead of worrying about their well-being when you're away.

• Reduced personal responsibility to take care of your loved one. Caring for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer's can be an enormous task. Entering into memory care can reduce the financial, emotional, and time burdens of caring for your loved one and provide families with time to spend together in peace instead of being involved in caregiving responsibilities.

• Medication management. One of the biggest problems with dementia patients who take medications is remembering if the medication was already administered or not. In a memory care facility, medications are controlled and administered by staff, meaning your loved one will not be at risk of missing their medication or taking more than they're supposed to on any given day.

• Around-the-clock care and supervision. Whether your loved one needs care during the day or in the middle of the night, there is always someone available to help them.

• Activities and socialization. Memory care facilities provide residents with low-stress social opportunities and activities geared toward promoting mental stimulation and interpersonal connections.

• Specialized staff. Caregivers in memory care facilities are specialized in treating those with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. They know what type of care to provide and how to provide it in a compassionate way.

• Personalized meal plans. Nutrition is an essential part of slowing the progression of early dementia and maintaining optimal health. At memory care facilities, dietitians will create and maintain personalized nutritious meal plans catered to each resident's specific needs and preferences.

• Improved quality of life. Memory care facilities encourage activities, socialization, and routines and take care of any long-term care needs that come up along the way. This can greatly reduce stress and responsibilities and give families more time to spend enjoying their loved ones instead of caring for them.  

Whether memory care is worth it to you or your loved one completely depends on your situation.

For those in the beginning stages of cognitive decline, receiving memory care may not be as important. Instead, you may be more inclined to save money, rely on minimal professional support, and spend more time with your loved one as an informal caregiver.

However, if you're past this stage and your loved one is struggling to live on their own or potentially at risk of wandering or endangering themselves or others, that is when memory care becomes more of a necessity than a preference. 

How Much Does Memory Care Cost?

The cost of memory care will depend on many factors, including location, facility amenities, type of facility, and how much care your loved one needs.

For example, some people in the early stages of dementia may not need round-the-clock supervision.

Others in more progressed stages of the disease may become aggressive or confused easily and need nearly full-time support to decrease dangers to themselves or others. These individuals may end up paying more for the additional services.

In addition to the level of care, your location and the amenities offered within the facility also impact the cost. Facilities with more luxurious amenities and intensive services will cost more than basic facilities with standard amenities and care.

The national median cost for memory care in the United States in 2025 is:

• $191 / day

• $5,830 / month

• $68,812 / year

However, this is the national median. What you pay for memory care could vary greatly. Each state and region and provider has a different rate, that all depends on regulations, wages, and demand for care in the area.

For example, a state like Massachusetts has a memory care cost of $7,296/month, which is far higher than the national median. On the other side of that coin, a state like Mississippi has a median memory care cost of $5,179/month. This is more aligned and even lower than the national median cost.

You can use LTC News's Long-Term Care Cost Calculator to research the cost of different types of care in your or your loved one's area.

Our cost calculator tool lets you choose between major cities in every state. You can then compare different types of care, including assisted living, memory care, nursing home care, in-home care, and adult day care. You can also search for the current cost of care as well as the predicted costs in the future.

Does Insurance Cover Memory Care?

Traditional health insurance plans and Medicare don't cover the cost of memory care. Instead, private insurance options like Long-Term Care Insurance can pay for memory care. 

Traditional health insurance plans and Medicare do not cover long-term care. Instead, these plans are focused on skilled care and medical care, not helping with daily tasks like much memory care focuses on. 

Long-term care Insurance is the best option for covering various types of long-term care, including memory care. This private insurance option is federally regulated, allowing policyholders to receive benefits as soon as they meet benefit triggers and ensuring stable premiums throughout the policy's lifetime. 

However, the caveat to Long-Term Care Insurance is that individuals must be in good health to qualify for a new policy. This means if your loved one has already been diagnosed with dementia, then they would not be able to qualify for new coverage.

In addition to LTC Insurance, Medicaid also covers memory care and other forms of long-term care. Medicaid is a government healthcare program for disabled and low-income individuals. 

However, relying on Medicaid comes with a cost. Individuals are subject to Medicaid income and asset spend-down requirements and may be responsible for reimbursing the government for their costs in a process called estate recovery. 

The last option to cover the cost of memory care is through personal savings and funding. This isn't sustainable unless you have substantial income or savings, as memory care often costs thousands per month and potentially lasts for years. 

Finding the Right Memory Care Provider

Finding the right memory care provider for your loved one is the most important step of the process. There are so many providers out there, and it can be difficult to sort between high-quality, compassionate providers and those who don't quite meet those criteria. 

Below, we'll discuss a few things you can do to ensure the memory care facility is a good fit for your loved one. 

Questions to Ask a Memory Care Provider

In addition to your own personal concerns about the memory care facility, it may be helpful to ask the following questions:

• What’s the staff-to-patient ratio? (An ideal ratio would be one staff member for each 5-6 patients. This ratio may change during night shifts.)

• Who is in charge of the facility? Is it owned by a larger corporation or a local business?

• What training and certifications are required of staff members?

• How does the staff resolve issues? What does the process look like?

• How extensive is medical or long-term care? Does any of this come at an additional cost?

• What staff members are on duty or on call at all times? Who is usually in charge of staffing and oversight?

• Do you assign the same caregivers to the same residents each day or rotate? 

• What’s your approach to redirecting dementia symptoms such as aggression or confusion? What’s your process to calm residents down?

• Is there a dietitian at the facility? What do meal plan options look like? 

• Is there any separation between high-functioning and low-functioning individuals?

• How easy is it to access group areas and stimulating activities? How much time each day do residents spend in their room vs. in activities? Is there a lot of flexibility?

• Do residents or their families get to choose any sort of routine or activities on their own? Are all these decisions made by memory care staff?

• Do staff members receive continuing education about dementia care?

• Does each resident have a personalized plan of care? If so, how do you develop them? How much family involvement do you allow? How often are these care plans changed or evaluated?

• What does day-to-day life look like in a facility? 

• What types of activities are offered? (Physical activity, art, music, socialization, games, pet visits, outings, etc.)

• What types of medical care or therapies are offered? 

• Is the facility Medicaid-certified? (this could be important if you run out of money to pay for care and need to rely on Medicaid at a later date.)

What to Look for While Touring a Memory Care Facility

There's only so much you can find out on a memory care facility's website or by asking questions. Here are a few important things to look for in a memory care facility when you tour:

• How small or big are the rooms?

• Do the residents look happy?

• Do the staff look happy? Are they busy or overworked?

• Do the residents look clean? Does the facility as a whole look clean? Are there any weird smells throughout the entire facility?

• Is there a lot of natural light, and does the environment feel homey?

• What are the safety features like? Are there grab bars or emergency alert systems? Are the floors slippery or carpeted to help seniors balance better?

• Does the design of the facility prevent wandering? Do hallways feel confusing to you? Do residents get to customize their doors and rooms or does everything feel the same? Is every hallway and door numbered? How easy is the facility to navigate?

• How easy is it to get the attention of a staff member?

• Do you notice security measures in and around the facility, such as security cameras?

In addition to these observations, make sure to talk to current residents and staff members while you're there to get a feel for the environment.

Do the residents seem happy and well-taken care of? Are the staff members attentive to the resident's needs? Do they seem happy to be working there? Do the staff seem stressed or overworked?

Keeping these things in mind during your tour can help you determine what your loved one's day-to-day life will look like and make it easier to decide if the facility works or if you should keep looking. 

Other Considerations for Memory Care

It's also important to consider some other factors. For example, if you and your loved one are far away, consider how close the facility may be to home. The closer the facility is, the easier it will be for you to visit them and help them transition. 

Memory care facilities may offer different payment plan structures. See what type of payment structure they offer. Are all services included one fee or are there fees for different levels of care? 

After collecting all this information, it's important to compare everything to your loved one's needs and preferences. The most important thing is choosing a facility where your loved one will be happy, healthy, and comfortable. If you don't think it's a good fit, don't hesitate to keep looking. 

Memory Care Facilities Offer Compassionate Care and Peace of Mind

If you're concerned about a loved one who you think may be suffering from dementia, Alzheimer's, or another form of cognitive decline, it may be a good choice to look into memory care. 

Memory care provides structure, stability, and specialized support to those suffering from various forms of cognitive decline and memory conditions. 

Care includes help with daily living tasks, socialization opportunities, and activities to encourage mental stimulation and calmness. The supportive environment also provides extra security and peace of mind.

Memory care does not aim to cure the individual of cognitive decline but rather redirect confusion and protect residents from possible harm. Professional caregivers are able to assist individuals better, reducing pressure on family caregivers.

If you're considering memory care for your loved one, LTC News can help you find a high-quality provider near you.

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LTC News's Care Directory includes thousands of listings from long-term care providers nationwide. This tool allows you to compare options and choose the best one for your loved one.

LTC News also has other educational resources on dementia and family caregiving to help connect you with the resources that matter most:

• What Is Alzheimer's Disease: Causes, Stages, and Treatment - This article explores the progression and treatment of Alzheimer's Disease.

• How To Prevent or Delay Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease - The risk of Alzheimer's is partially determined by genetics. As you care for your aging loved one, consider what you can do in the meantime to protect yourself from or delay the onset of dementia or Alzheimer's Disease. You can do many things to improve your chances, including making dietary changes, exercising consistently, and managing stress.

• Managing Caregiver Burnout: Causes, Symptoms and Solutions - If you're currently caring for a loved one, you may relate to the feeling of being constantly exhausted. If so, it's possible you're experiencing caregiver burnout. This article discusses the symptoms of burnout and how to get respite and support through your caregiving duties.