What Is Memory Care?

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is a specialized form of care for seniors struggling with memory loss due to Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, or other cognitive impairments. Specially trained staff deliver personalized care focused on keeping your loved one comfortable, engaged, and safe.

Memory Care Services and Activities

Services and activities focused on stimulating your loved one cognitively and physically are essential to memory care. Keep in mind that each senior has a different level of capability. These activities should provide stimulation, not stress:

• Art therapy to increase self-expression
• Exercises such as chair yoga or tai chi to improve balance and muscle strength
• Music therapy to boost mood and emotions
• Crafting such as knitting, coloring, collages, and ceramics for sensory stimulation
• Mental health therapy for depression or anxiety
• Group walks for social interaction
• Games such as bingo, dominos, or checkers to encourage fine motor skills

What Is the Average Stay in Memory Care?

While the average stay in memory care is two to three years, memory loss is a progressive disorder that affects each patient at a different pace. It means the length of stay in memory care can be as short as a few months or as long as a decade. The severity of symptoms, the senior’s overall health, and the caregiver’s ability to properly care for their loved one affect the senior’s need for memory care.

Questions to Ask When Choosing a Memory Care Facility

As you interview local memory care facilities, be mindful of these questions and considerations:

1. What is the staff-to-resident ratio during the day and night?
2. Is there a medical professional, such as a doctor or nurse, on staff 24/7?
3. What type of memory care training has your staff received?
4. Do the residents have dedicated staff daily? Or will the personnel rotate?
5. What medical services are offered on-site?
6. What is your pricing structure, and what does it cover?
7. What types of daily activities are offered?
8. How is your facility secured?
9. Do you group residents by cognitive level?
10. How do you respond when a patient becomes confused or combative?
11. What does your meal plan offer?
12. How often do you provide updates on the resident’s health and well-being?
13. Do you perform background checks on all employees?

Memory care red flags you should never ignore:

1. The facility is not clean, brightly lit, or easy to navigate.
2. The residents appear unhappy.
3. The staff does not appear compassionate.
4. The residents are not properly groomed and dressed.
5. The staff does not actively engage with the residents.
6. The facility has violations or complaints.
7. The admissions policy and facility pricing are unclear.
8. There are no proper safety protocols in place, such as window locks, smoke alarms, exit signs, and handrails or nonslip material on flooring for fall safety.
9. There appears to be excessive use of the television to keep the residents occupied.
10. The staff are unwilling to answer your questions.

Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias in the United States

Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia are a lot more common than you might think. Know that if you’re seeking memory care for a loved one, you’re not alone. Below is a breakdown of the prevalence of dementia in the U.S. based on a 2020 report from the Alzheimer’s Association.1

Dementia in the U.S. based on Alzheimer’s Association data

How Much Does Memory Care Cost?

According to Genworth’s 2024 Cost of Care Survey, the estimated monthly median memory care cost for a semiprivate room is $8,929, and a private room is $10,025. Memory care costs vary depending on the level of care required, the setting, and the geographical location. For more detailed information on the cost of memory care, visit our state-by-state memory care cost guide.

Is Memory Care Covered by Medicare?

Over 50 million seniors aged 65 and over are enrolled in Medicare. Unfortunately, Medicare does not cover all memory care costs, resulting in significant costs. Individuals can pay for memory care through private insurance, Veterans Affairs health care, or out-of-pocket.

Memory Care Services Covered by Medicare

• Care planning services for people recently diagnosed with cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer’s and other dementias3
• Annual wellness visits
• Up to 100 days of skilled nursing home care under specific conditions
• Prescription medications (under Medicare Part D)
• Inpatient hospitalization to treat an illness or injury4
• Hospice care costs directly related to pain relief and symptoms associated with end-stage dementia5

Memory Care Services Not Covered by Medicare

• Long-term care (also known as custodial care)
• The “room and board” portion of memory care

Memory Care vs. Skilled Nursing: What’s the Difference?

While both skilled nursing and memory care facilities offer 24-hour medical care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as personal care and medication management, skilled nursing focuses on short-term care and rehabilitation.

Many times, once a senior is released from the hospital, they require additional care before returning home. Skilled nursing facilities provide in-patient medical care, plus physical, speech, or occupational therapy. Patients in need of post-surgery wound care, physical therapy after a hip replacement, intravenous medications, or speech therapy post-stroke will benefit from skilled nursing.

Memory care is specialized long-term care focusing on patients with memory loss.

What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

The major difference between assisted living and memory care is the overall needs of the resident. As the name suggests, assisted living is designed to “assist” your loved one. Within assisted living communities, you’ll find seniors who remain mostly independent. While residents may need help with specific ADLs, they do not require 24-hour medical attention.

Memory care is for seniors living with memory-related challenges such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease. Memory care facilities provide round-the-clock care for seniors experiencing memory loss.

When to Move From Assisted Living to Memory Care

Many older adults make the move from assisted living to a memory care facility as they enter new stages of life and their needs change. But when exactly is the right time to move from assisted living to memory care? It may be time to move your loved one to memory care if they:

• Show increased signs of confusion within their daily life
• Pose a safety risk to themselves by wandering
• Show signs of agitation, aggression, or violence
• Neglect their personal care and hygiene
• Require care over and above what assisted living care can provide

Maybe your loved one lives in assisted living and has started experiencing new symptoms, but you’re not sure if they are experiencing dementia or normal signs of aging. Watch our video below on dementia learning signs to learn more.

Finding a Memory Care Facility Near Me

Family members and caregivers can experience immense emotional stress when finding the right memory care facility for their loved one. While this is a challenging time, you are not alone. There are many resources to help during this journey. The U.S. Administration on Aging offers an Eldercare Locator tool to find memory care facilities in your area. You can check with your state Department of Social Services. We’d also suggest asking your loved one’s doctor to see if they have any local recommendations. You can also use our senior housing directory to find options near you.