What is memory care?
Assisted living designed for people with Alzheimer's or another dementia: secured environments, trained staff, and structured activities.
How to choose senior care in your area
The marketing looks the same everywhere. The record does not. Here is what actually separates a good community from a risky one, by care type.
Assisted living & memory care
These are state-licensed, not federally rated, so the burden is on you. Confirm the state license is active, ask the staff-to-resident ratio during the day and overnight, and ask how they handle a fall or a medical change at 2 a.m. For memory care, confirm the unit is secured and ask about staff dementia training. Tour more than once, including unannounced.
How memory care is paid for
- Memory care is typically private pay and usually costs more than standard assisted living.
- Medicare does not cover memory care room and board.
- Some state Medicaid waivers help with the care portion; eligibility and waitlists vary.
- Long-term care insurance and the VA Aid and Attendance benefit may offset costs.
Find memory care communities by city
Frequently asked questions
What is memory care?
Assisted living designed for people with Alzheimer's or another dementia: secured environments, trained staff, and structured activities.
How is memory care paid for?
Memory care is typically private pay and usually costs more than standard assisted living. Medicare does not cover memory care room and board. Some state Medicaid waivers help with the care portion; eligibility and waitlists vary. Long-term care insurance and the VA Aid and Attendance benefit may offset costs.
How is memory care different from the other types of senior care?
Senior care ranges from independent living and assisted living to memory care, nursing homes, home health, and hospice. Memory care sits in that spectrum: Assisted living designed for people with Alzheimer's or another dementia: secured environments, trained staff, and structured activities.