Immediately after a dementia diagnosis, your concerns include safety and health, plus the growing challenges family caregivers face. The central question is how to support your overall health, safety, and happiness as the condition progresses.
Memory care is designed to do just that, providing specialized care, enriching programs and events, and a safe environment. Costs vary by location and level of care, with the median price being around $8,000 per month, but families often find that the value extends far beyond price. It’s about peace of mind, connection, and quality of life.
Watch the video below for a simple breakdown of memory care pricing.
Memory care is a specialized type of senior living designed for people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. It’s intentionally created to help residents thrive each day—not just get by. Everything from specialized care and community safeguards to purpose-driven programs and trained team members is tailored to the needs of adults living with memory loss.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 42 percent of Americans over the age of 55 will eventually develop dementia, and the number of new dementia cases per year will double by 2060. Memory care is more essential than ever, providing both practical safety and an uplifting quality of life.
Assisted living is a great option for older adults who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as getting dressed or eating. In addition to the services and benefits provided by assisted living, memory care is designed for individuals with dementia who could also benefit from:
Proactive planning makes the transition much smoother. When you explore memory care options early—after a diagnosis but before a crisis occurs—you can feel more prepared and have more of a say in shaping your future care.
The right time for memory care is different for each individual, but some common signs include:
The median national cost for memory care is almost $8,000 per month, but this is only a starting point. Factors such as geographic location, apartment size, and—most importantly—level of care needed all play a role in shaping the final price.
Residents of memory care usually pay a single monthly cost that is based on the amount of care needed. When a resident arrives, the team members conduct a level of care assessment to determine how much daily assistance they require. The more care required, the higher the cost.
The services that you need in memory care are bundled together for simplicity and peace of mind. Instead of juggling multiple bills, you’ll have one comprehensive cost that covers:
When you begin evaluating communities, it’s important to look beyond the base cost. Questions to ask include:
One of the biggest questions families ask is: What benefits do residents get from memory care at a senior living community versus living at home? The answer lies in specialized support, safety, and events and programs that memory care provides each day:
Memory care is often the right choice when safety becomes a concern, when family caregivers feel overwhelmed, or when you need more specialized support.
Nearly 12 million people in the U.S. provide unpaid care for people with Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. For many, this caregiving role begins at home, with family members stepping in to offer love and support.
Although caregiving at home can be meaningful and important, it also comes with challenges such as burnout, safety concerns, and the inability to provide consistent support and companionship. Even the most dedicated and flexible families may not be able to replicate the professional staff expertise, structured programs, and secure environment that memory care provides.
Making the move to memory care isn’t about giving up. Instead, it’s about choosing an environment where you can live with dignity and joy, providing peace of mind for you and your family members.
When it comes to exploring memory care options, starting early is one of the best choices you can make. If you wait until a crisis arises, you may do more harm than good and not get the care you need. Researching soon after a diagnosis provides peace of mind and empowers you to make decisions about your own long-term care.
Start with research, gathering information and comparing options from resources such as:
If possible, tour communities in person. Online research is helpful, but there’s no substitute for walking through the doors and experiencing the environment for yourself. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to ask team members about care needs and which next steps or options to explore. When you visit:
Choosing memory care can be one of the most compassionate and empowering choices you make for yourself and your family members. With the safety, enrichment, and peace of mind it offers, you can focus on connection rather than caregiving.
Ready to learn more? Download A Caregiver’s Guide to Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care to find more resources, confidence, and support.