What is memory care and when is it the best choice?

It’s hard to describe the pain of witnessing a loved one battle dementia. The early signs, like misplaced items or struggles with established routines, remind us our loved ones are changing. But as things progress, concern for our loved ones’ safety supersedes all. That’s when many people turn to memory care, a specialized form of assisted living, for support.

Dr. Mitchell Clionsky, board-certified clinical neuropsychologist, says individuals who find themselves considering this option are doing what they can to make sure their loved ones have all of their needs met. “You realize that you really cannot do it all, and that you would hate yourself if Mom or Dad walked out of the house in the middle of the night or decided to go down the basement stairs and fell,” he says. 

Despite the emotional roller coaster, memory care can be an invaluable resource to increase peace of mind and everyone’s comfort and safety. Read on for more information about memory care and important considerations to make when choosing memory care for yourself or a loved one.

What is memory care?

“Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living that is focused on the needs of people with moderate to severe dementia,” says Clionsky. He adds that forms of dementia treated by memory care may include:

• Alzheimer’s disease.
• Vascular dementia. 
• Lewy Body Dementia (typically seen in Parkinson’s Disease).
• Fronto-Temporal Dementia.
• Traumatic brain injuries.
• Encephalopathies due to infection or alcohol abuse.

Memory care facilities provide a high level of oversight and interaction, often with a low staff-to-resident ratio, allowing for greater individualized attention, stimulation and safety, Clionsky explains.

“Staff members within well-developed memory care programs have had advanced training in dementia care, which gives them a higher level of understanding of how someone at this level is processing information and how to communicate with residents in clearer ways and in a manner that is less likely to cause agitation,” he says.

Who needs memory care?

Memory care is a good option for those who can no longer safely live at home, even with family caregiving, yet need more care than traditional assisted living provides, Clionsky explains. Additionally, he adds, those who opt for memory care generally don’t yet need the kind of specialized skilled nursing care that a nursing home might provide.

But how do you know when someone is ready for this level of care? Dr. Jane Pritchard, a dementia nurse specialist at the Good Care Group, says the following can be signs it’s time to consider memory care:

• Increasing memory loss, especially of recent events.
• Difficulties with routine tasks, like cooking or dressing.
• Changes in behavior, such as mood swings. 
• Withdrawal from social activities. 
• Safety concerns, like forgetting to turn off appliances or getting lost frequently.

“Staff members within well-developed memory care programs have had advanced training in dementia care, which gives them a higher level of understanding of how someone at this level is processing information…”

— Dr. Mitchell Clionsky, neuropsychologist

How much does senior memory care cost?

Memory care services average $6,160 monthly, or nearly $74,000 annually, according to the National Council on Aging , and Clionsky notes that this type of care typically isn’t covered by insurance. Cost can be impacted by location, facility type and the amenities offered, with some memory care facilities costing closer to $80,000 per year. You can use our Care.com Cost of Care calculator to estimate the monthly costs for memory care in your area.

Unfortunately, the high costs of specialized facilities and trained staff can create disparities in access, disproportionately affecting those with limited financial resources, Pritchard adds. “As a result, families from lower socioeconomic backgrounds may struggle to afford the care their loved ones need, exacerbating existing inequalities in healthcare access.”

If you need assistance paying for long-term care, there are some options available. Services are sometimes covered by Medicaid or VA benefits. You may also consider:

• Health savings accounts.
• Dependent care accounts.
• Long-term care insurance.
• Private or home equity loans.

Planning ahead and working with a financial advisor can help make costs more manageable; however, even with all the information and preparation, it’s OK to decide that memory care services are inaccessible and look for alternatives if needed. Sometimes insurance or Medicare will help cover other forms of care, and it’s vital to do what works best for your family and unique situation.

What to look for in a memory care facility

“The major goals of [memory] care are to identify the cause, slow memory loss and maintain quality of life and independent functioning as long as possible,” says Dr. Antoine R. Trammell, an internist and assistant professor of medicine at Emory University School of Medicine. In addition to a strong commitment to those goals, here are some common features the experts we spoke to say you should expect to find in a memory care facility:

Sensory-friendly environments

Facilities should pay special attention to sensory needs related to dementia, including restlessness and trouble sleeping. Some use Bright Light Therapy, or lighting that mimics sunlight, which is found to support better sleep, improve mood and reduce wandering. Additionally, some facilities offer sensory rooms that include individualized music, fidget toys and other therapeutic objects and scents that help patients feel calm.

Intentional internal layout and design

To prevent accidents, many memory care facilities are developed without stairs or uneven surfaces. They may also have circular or L-shaped hallways, which researchers say have the potential to help patients better navigate the space and limit the frustrations of being lost.

Support with activities of daily living (ADLs)

Staff should be trained and able to support memory loss patients with the activities of daily living. This includes tasks like:

• Housekeeping
• Laundry.
• Meal preparation and eating.
• Bathing.
• Toileting.

Depending on the facility, they may also offer other services related to health, hygiene and holistic wellness. This type of assistance helps to prevent choking accidents, falls and unsanitary health habits while keeping your loved one safe.

“Memory care facilities should prioritize compassionate, person-centered dementia care, creating personalized care plans that consider residents’ preferences, past experiences, abilities and care needs.”

— Dr. Jane Pritchard, dementia nurse specialist

Increased security to limit wandering

Expect facilities to have increased security measures, such as:

• Weighted doors. 
• Emergency alert systems.
• Around-the-clock monitoring.

These measures are in place to prevent patients from wandering or getting lost, and they ensure staff knows where each patient is at all times.

Respectful, patient-centered care

“Memory care facilities should prioritize compassionate, person-centered dementia care, creating personalized care plans that consider residents’ preferences, past experiences, abilities and care needs,” says Pritchard. “Staff should invest time developing relationships with seniors and their families beyond the initial memory care assessment.”

Cultural competency is also a crucial consideration. Pritchard and Trammell note that social barriers and racial disparities can limit certain groups from receiving quality care. For example, Black and Hispanic individuals face an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, but can also be subject to unfair to barriers to support, including lower rates of diagnosis and segregated or less-resourced care.

Trammell recommends honest and direct conversations with providers to express those concerns and highlights several “hallmark questions” on assessing cultural competency:

• Do you feel comfortable with your care provider?
• Do they listen to you? 
• Do you sense that they respect you? 
• Do they talk with you and not at you? 

“At the heart of cultural competency is someone’s ability to understand and speak the language of your life experience and consider it when approaching your memory needs,” Trammell adds.

Memory care vs. other forms of long-term care

There are several types of long-term care facilities, including assisted living, residential care facilities, nursing homes and dementia and Alzheimer’s supports like memory care. The best one for you or a loved one depends on individual needs and circumstances.

• Nursing homes: Nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, are medical care-focused and offer around-the-clock supervision, three meals and assistance with daily activities, plus rehabilitation services, like physical, occupational and speech therapy.
• Assisted living: Assisted living provides daily care support with fewer medical components than a nursing home, often with more personalized living spaces and more social and recreational activities.
• Memory care: Memory care is a special category of care usually offered within assisted living facilities. Memory care offers continuous care and additional supervision for individuals experiencing dementia.

A final word about memory care

Memory care is specially tailored to support and treat dementia patients with complex needs. However, there are financial and social barriers to consider. A collaborative discussion amongst your medical care community can make this decision easier. The sooner you connect with a trusted physician and care team, the faster you can identify the best treatment options.

Above all, Trammell advises, “If you feel something is off with your memory, do not avoid seeking help.” Whether you choose memory care or another path, finding the cause of health problems early on and getting your loved one the support they need will give them the best chance to maintain their quality of life and independence.