Memory Care Facilities are Senior Living communities that specialize in caring for people who are diagnosed with Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. This type of facility provides safe and secured environment with structured activities to help care for people with memory issues.
Generally, memory care facilities are secured and locked to provide safety and protection to Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients who have the tendency to wander. Typically, all doors and windows have alarms to ensure that all the memory care residents are safely monitored for their safety.
Caregivers and staff members are well-trained to provide supervision and assistance with Activities of Daily Living such as eating, bathing, toileting, dressing, grooming and minor house chores. All the employees are equipped to handle different types of issues and situations due to Dementia or the Alzheimer’s Disease. Daily structured activities are provided for stimulation to help improve cognitive function and help lessen the stress of residents in Memory Care communities.
Memory care communities usually have nurses and doctors either on site or on call. Memory care in the 50 US states have caregivers 24 x 7 to ensure the protection and safety of all the residents in Memory Care Facilities.
Memory Care supports the physical and psychosocial needs of the elderly and other individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia. These services are provided in a Alzheimer’s Care Facility which can also be in a secure, locked wing for the safety of those who have the tendency to wander.
Memory Care Facilities are specifically designed to treat and provide special care to seniors who are suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. These Facilities provide assistance with activities of daily living like help with eating, bathing, toiletry, grooming, dressing-up and minor chores. These Communities or Homes can be very similar to Assisted Living Facilities in terms of services and amenities, but are secured to prevent residents from wandering.
The overall objective of Memory Care facilities is to provide care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease by keeping the participants as healthy and active as possible. Social services and programs are tailored to provide seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other Dementias with as much mental and memory stimulation as possible.
In a large Memory Care community, there can be anywhere from 30 to 200 residents and a typically a 1:6 to 1:12 caregiver-to-resident ratio. Large communities also provide a high level of socialization among their residents, frequent activities throughout the day, pet and music therapy, daily prepared meals, transportation to mass service or doctor appointments, and assistance with bathing, dressing, walking, and medication management.
Some of these Memory Care facilities also have secure, locked-down memory wings for residents who are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and have tendencies to wander.
Typically, Memory Care Residents suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease that have a tendency to wander will require a secure Memory Care Wing. These Wings are usually located on the property of a large community, but sectioned off to help Memory Loss Residents from getting lost. There can be anywhere from 30 to 75 residents suffering from Alzheimer’s and a typically a 1:6 to 1:12 caregiver-to-resident ratio.
The other type of Memory Care Facility that can take care of Residents with Alzheimer’s are the Small, Residential Care Homes. Although these care homes do not have a secured Memory Wing, many can still offer a secured home that has been customized to meet the needs of their residents. For the most part, the cost of care and rent at a small residential memory care home tends to be more affordable than the costs you will find in a large community.
There are pros and cons to each type and it will come down to the facility and staff being able to meet your Loved Ones care needs, location and budget. Please ensure to do your research and seek free consultation with a family care advisor so that you choose the best Facility possible.
provide special care to those suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia. These special services include structured Care Programs such as crossword puzzles, Sudoku and other board games to help stimulate the brain. Caregivers will undergo special and extensive training to ensure the proper care is given to their residents.
are non-medical facilities for active, healthy, and alert seniors who want a “resort-style” living without worrying about household chores and maintenance. Older adults living here want socialization with other residents and frequent activities and entertainment.
are a non-medical facility for active and alert seniors who want to maintain independence for as long as possible but may need help with one of the activities of daily living (ADL). These activities of daily living include assistance eating, bathing, showering, dressing, getting out of bed, and more.
Nursing Homes are for seniors who require nursing assistance 24 hours a day, 7 days a week due to the higher level of Memory Care needed.
In-Home Care is different than care given at Memory Care Facilities. In-Home Care is performed by a caregiver in the comfort of the individual’s own home or even at a family-member or friend’s home. In-Home Caregivers can stay 24-7 in the home or perform help and care during hours specified by the individual or family. This is usually one-on-one care with the caregiver directly helping and giving full attention to the individual. Since in-home care is one-on-one in the convenience of the individual’s home, it is also typically more expensive.
The difference with Memory Care is that care is performed in a facility that does not belong to the individual or family. Residents have moved away from their home and into either an Large Community or Residential Care Home. This is also known as a board and care home, residential care home, or elderly care home. Help and Care at a Facility is performed by Caregivers employed or hired by the Facility owner.
Usually in a residential care home, there are usually 2 caregivers in the home taking care of 6 residents. In larger communities, more caregivers are present to help all the residents, which can span up to 200 or more residents.
Structured programs and activities are available to meet the needs of people with this memory loss disease. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, chess and several other board games are usually available in Alzheimer’s care centers as it helps stimulate the brain.
Memory Care Facilities provide 24-hour caregiving support and higher level of security to protect those residents that have the tendency to wander. Caregivers and staff members in these facilities undergo extensive senior care training on how to care for Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients. This ensures that proper quality of care is given to all senior residents with the disease and other forms of Dementia.
Memory Care Facilities serve three healthy and balanced, home-cooked meals to all of their senior residents. Special diet accommodations may also be available upon request. Most Care Facilities provide a high level of socialization among their residents, frequent activities throughout the day, mental stimulation games, pet and music therapy, laundry, hairdressing, medication assistance, transportation to mass service or doctor appointments, and assistance with bathing, dressing, walking and medication management.
The food service is an important factor for seniors. Memory Care facilities offer a wide range of healthy and nutritious menu selections. Three complete balanced meals are provided daily as well as snacks and drinks throughout the day. Special diet accommodations may be available upon request.
Usually, Residential Care Homes offer a casual family dining style, while Large Communities may offer a wider range, from casual dining to fine dining. Housekeeping and laundry services are available as well.
A variety of activities and programs are available in Memory Care facilities to entertain seniors and enhance quality of life. Activities such as daily exercise, gardening, and board games help keep seniors mentally and physically active for a healthy lifestyle.
The following additional activities and programs may be available to meet seniors’ needs and interests:
Basic medical services are usually provided in these Care facilities such as:
The following health-related services may be available to seniors as well:
These health-related services may be performed in the Residential Care Home or Large community but could be provided by an outside third party.
On a national average, costs for Care can start as low as $5,000 per month to as high as $15,000 per month. The national average for Memory Care is $7,000 which will depend on a variety of factors.
This will include the care needs of your loved one, if they will need a secured memory wing or if they can remain safe in a small care home, desired services and amenities, private or shared bedroom and bathroom, location of the care facility, years the facility has been in business, staff experience specializing in residents with Alzheimer’s Disease, as well as other services.
The monthly fee for this type of care may vary depending on the location, level of care needs, and size of the facility or community. Memory Care and Rent can be very expensive and that’s why it is important to plan and prepare for your aging loved one’s future.
Memory Care is typically paid out of pocket (private pay). This can be expensive for most families, so planning ahead is crucial to ensure a smooth transition into the facility.
Just like real estate prices, location always influences the cost of labor, property value, services, etc. If you need to save on costs and are working with a budget, you might want to consider areas a little further out from your desired location. A Senior Care Advisor should be knowledgeable about costs in a specific area and can give you a variety of options based on budget requirements.
Just like anything in life, the higher the care needs, the more expensive it gets. If certain residents require special attention from highly trained professional staff, the costs are usually higher. Again, being able to compare a few communities and having options is ideal as one facility may charge a little less for the same provided care. A Senior Care advisor can make the search much easier and give you free options to compare.
Large Communities usually charge based on different levels of care while Small, Residential Care Homes typically have an all-inclusive rate. These are factors that families will want to consider when looking for Senior Living.
While the cost of Amenities will vary by community, it is wise to ask what’s included so you can determine what is essential and what is not really required. Facilities with more amenities and memory-care specialized services will typically have higher care costs.
For more information on What Influences Costs in Facilities, click here
Typically, seniors and families use private funds to pay for care. However, some facilities accept long-term care insurance. Check your senior loved one’s long-term care insurance policy to see if this type of care is covered.
This special pension is called VA Aid and Attendance Pension Program. If the senior is a war veteran and/or a spouse of a war veteran, he or she might be able to get a pension from the Veterans Administration to help pay for care. In order to be eligible for the VA Aid and Attendance Program, the Veteran or spouse will need help with at least two Activities of Daily Living.
To qualify for the VA Aid and Assistance program, a Veteran must:
For more information on the VA Aid and Attendance Program, you can also read VA Aid and Attendance to learn more or contact your local VA regional office at 1-800-827-1000.
Medicare covers some parts of dementia care. Some examples include inpatient stays at a skilled nursing facility, home health care, and medically necessary diagnostic tests. Additionally, people with dementia may be eligible for specific Medicare plans that are tailored to their specific needs.
Generally, Medicaid does not pay for Memory Care Facilities but in some states, Medicaid may pay for a limited stay in the facility. Keep in mind though that you will have to qualify since Medicaid has very strict guidelines. Contact your local Medicaid office to learn more about your state’s Medicaid program. You can also contact Medicaid directly at Medicaid.gov or 877-267-2323.
SeniorCareHomes.com provides Free Memory Care options to help seniors and families find the best-matched facilities based on budget, location and care needs. The process for finding the right care home or community can be overwhelming and daunting. SeniorCareHomes.Com helps make the journey much easier for all of the families we’ve helped since 2007.
Contact one of our Senior Care Experts now to get started for free advice and options at (877) 523-6523 x1 for Memory Care Options or click here
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Assisted Living for Seniors is non-medical care that provides older adults assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs).
Assisted Living for Seniors Services that are provided include dressing, bathing, grooming, transferring, eating, medication, and toileting.
Many seniors that need Assisted Living do not need 24 hour medical supervision (as found in a nursing home) but have caregivers that can help with their Activities of Daily Living (unlike independent living communities).
The national average cost of Assisted Living for Seniors in the United States is $4,500 per month (Genworth Financial Survey 2023)
First determine your Loved One’s requirements including Care Needs, Budget and Location or the care home or community .
Absolutely. We have tips and articles from making the movie easier, to making new friends in the care home or community, etc.
The nurse in a large facility does a regular assessment plus the caregivers are required to report any changes in the residents’ care needs. If you’re Loved One is in a large community, contact the head nurse or staff. If they are in a small care home, contact the care home owner.
Family members can visit their loved ones in an Assisted Living for Seniors Facility throughout the day. Contact the community or care home to determine the visiting hours.
Kate A. | Senior Advocate / Care Advisor 
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