MEMORY CARE (MC)

🩺 Care and Staffing

All Memory Care communities are secure, featuring locked or alarmed entrances that require staff codes for entry and exit to ensure safety.
Care is available 24 hours a day by awake staff, including:

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• HCA/ CNA's

• Medication Technicians

• Licensed Nurses (LPNs or RNs) providing nursing oversight

 

🌿Services Include

• Medication management

• Assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming

• Meals and snacks 

• Housekeeping and laundry services

• Daily reminders and cueing​

• Secure and closely monitored environment

 

🎵 Engagement and Daily Life

A hallmark of Memory Care is its structured daily programming — designed to promote connection, comfort, and purpose.
Caregivers and activity staff use sensory engagement, music, art, and familiar routines to help reduce anxiety and enhance quality of life.

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🩺 Assessments & Levels of Care

Before move-in, every resident receives a nursing assessment to ensure the community can safely meet their needs.

Levels of care vary by community — some offer additional support such as feeding assistance or two-person and or Hoyer transfers, while others may not.

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🌿 Memory Care: Pros, Cons, and Costs

 

💗 Pros

• 24-hour awake staff trained specifically in dementia and Alzheimer’s care

• Secure, alarmed buildings ensure safety and prevent wandering

• Structured daily programming to engage memory, provide comfort, and reduce anxiety

• Personalized care plans tailored to each resident’s cognitive and physical needs

• Consistent routines help reduce confusion and agitation

• Many communities partner with hospice for end-of-life support

 

⚠️ Cons

• Among the most expensive levels of residential care

• Residents may need to move again if medical needs exceed community capabilities

• Staff-to-resident ratios vary and can affect individualized attention

• 1 on 1 care is additional cost and expensive

• Limited privacy — most rooms are semi-private for safety and observation

• Transitions can be challenging for those moving from home or another setting

• Typically only private pay; few accept Medicaid immediately. Very few allow spend-down to Medicaid after 2–3 years of private pay.

 

💰 Typical Costs

• Average monthly cost: $6,500–$10,000             (varies by location and care level)

• Two-part pricing: base rate (housing & meals) + level-of-care fee

• One-time move-in fee: $2,000–$15,000

• Contracts: usually month-to-month with a 30-day notice for move-out

• Some communities accept Long-Term Care Insurance or Medicaid after qualifying periods