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Find memory care communities

Compare memory care facilities designed to support people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
Or call us for help connecting to care at (888) 227-3726.

What is memory care?

Memory care is a specialized type of senior living designed for people living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or another form of cognitive decline.

Unlike other senior care options (like assisted living or independent living), memory care communities are designed around the needs of people experiencing changes in memory, thinking, judgment, and behavior. At many memory care communities, the caregivers on staff have received dementia-focused training, and the programs and environments have been intentionally built to support residents' comfort and engagement.

What memory care often includes:

  • Personal care and support with daily living
  • Medication management
  • Structured daily routines
  • Activities designed to engage residents, support cognitive function, and improve cognitive function, including reminiscence therapy
  • Personalized care planning
  • Safety-focused environments
  • Staff members with specialized training to support people living with dementia
  • Secure memory care units to ensure safety for patients who wander
Some assisted living communities also offer memory care, which is an ideal solution for those with early-stage dementia who don’t yet require advanced support. When dementia patients move during the earlier stages of the disease, it allows them time to bond with staff and build a sense of familiarity before their cognitive needs increase. Memory care is typically more expensive than assisted living, but less expensive than comparable care at home.

Browse memory care by location

Featured memory care communities

Why families use CareScout

When care needs change and you’re looking into memory care communities, it’s helpful to have trusted guidance on your best next steps. CareScout brings together quality-focused providers, trusted guidance, and resources to help you make informed care decisions.

  • Explore quality-focused options

    Find communities that meet CareScout’s quality standards and are committed to person-centered care.

  • Compare care options in one place

    Learn about different types of care, compare options, and prepare questions as you explore providers and communities.

  • Plan for the cost of care

    Explore local cost information and better understand the factors that may affect what you pay.

  • Get support along the way

    Connect with an advisor who can answer questions and help you navigate your search.
CareScout applies quality standards to help you compare care options with greater confidence. Learn more about the CareScout Quality Network.

When might memory care be the right fit?

Every person's experience with dementia is different. Families often begin exploring memory care when memory loss starts affecting safety, daily routines, or the ability to live independently.

Signs it may be time to explore memory care

  • Wandering has become a safety concern
  • Confusion or disorientation is increasingly an issue
  • Daily activities require more assistance
  • Care needs have become difficult to manage at home
  • Managing medication is increasingly a challenge
Important: Only a qualified healthcare professional can diagnose dementia or recommend medical treatment. Families should consult appropriate healthcare providers regarding diagnosis and care decisions.

How much does memory care cost?

Memory care communities vary in price, depending on certain features and services provided.

Factors that affect cost

  • Location
  • Level of care needed
  • Apartment or room type
  • Staffing and services
  • Amenities and programs

Ways families pay for memory care

  • Private pay
  • Long-term care insurance
  • Medicaid programs (where available)
  • Veterans benefits
  • Other financial resources

Compare senior care options

The right option depends on how much daily support, medical care, and supervision you or someone you care for needs. Key considerations in a care decision are cognitive and health needs, level of independence, and the type of support that's needed over time.

Home care: How it differs from memory care

Provides support in familiar surroundings, while memory care offers specialized care, structured activities, and ongoing supervision in a residential setting.

Assisted living: How it differs from memory care

Offers help with daily activities but may not provide specialized dementia support. Some communities include dedicated memory care units.
Memory care vs assisted living: what's the difference?

Skilled nursing: How it differs from memory care

Provides more extensive medical care and rehabilitation, while memory care specializes in supporting people with memory loss.
Assisted living vs nursing centers: which is right for you?

Helpful resources for families

Choosing memory care can bring up a lot of questions. These resources can help you compare your options, prepare for community tours, talk with family, and plan for a possible move.
Explore resources

FAQs

No, memory care is not considered skilled nursing. Memory care is similar to assisted living, but it provides 24/7 care from staff members specially trained to handle the special needs of those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing communities, care for seniors who have significant medical needs and need round-the-clock care. Assisted living communities are an ideal choice for seniors who are still active and fairly self-sufficient, but who need a little help with daily personal tasks, housekeeping, and medication management.

Memory care communities always welcome family and friends as visitors. Check to see if there are visiting hours, if you need to call ahead, or if you're welcome to just drop in, though you will most likely need to sign in.

Some memory care communities have community pets, since interacting with cats and dogs provides positive stimulation for those with dementia. It's unlikely that your memory care community will allow your loved one to bring their own pet; if they do, expect to pay an additional charge for pet care. You might also want to check to see if your loved one's dog can come visit when you do.

Memory care residents often have far less need for transportation away from the community than assisted living residents do. Many communities will provide transportation to medical appointments, but ask to make sure if it's available and if there's an extra charge.

Access to the outdoors and to sunlight can help residents with Alzheimer's and dementia maintain normal circadian rhythms. A beautiful view or a pretty garden is soothing, and features like bird feeders or fountains provide positive stimulation for the brain.

Check out the outside areas to see if there are pleasant and safe walkways and restful spots to sit and enjoy being outside — and don't forget to check out the view from your loved one's window. In addition, find out if the residents have unlimited access to the outdoor areas and what any restrictions are.

Sometimes a memory care community seeks to discharge a resident because they can no longer provide the specialized care the individual requires. This is a legal discharge. A community can also discharge a resident if their remaining in the community poses a risk to their own health and safety or that of the other residents. Find out what type of medical care the memory care community of your choice can't provide, and how they handle the transition to a skilled nursing community if needed.

However, in most cases, a memory care community isn't allowed to discharge a resident for switching the manner of payment. For example, if you find your loved one needs to switch to Medicaid to continue payment, the community can't discharge them (as long as they accept Medicaid). While no one likes to think about worst-case scenarios, make sure you understand the circumstances under which your loved one might no longer be able to stay in the memory care community of your choice, and seek out the recourse you have available.