Top Memory Care Facilities

When a loved one is living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, finding the right care environment is crucial.

Memory care facilities offer specialized support designed to meet the unique needs of individuals experiencing cognitive decline.

This guide will help you understand what memory care entails, what to look for in top facilities, and how to navigate the selection process.

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What Memory Care Facilities Provide and Who They Help

Focused Dementia and Cognitive Support

Memory care facilities are specialized long-term care settings that provide a safe, structured environment for individuals with:

• Alzheimer’s disease
• Dementia
• Other cognitive impairments

They focus on:

• Trained staff with dementia care certification
• Secure environments to prevent wandering
• Structured routines and therapeutic activities

Types of Memory Care Settings

“Long-term care facilities are not one-size-fits-all... Many facilities offer special programs for people with Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia.” — National Institute on Aging¹

Setting Type	Description	Best For
Assisted Living with Memory Units	Offers dementia-specific wings or floors	Early to moderate-stage dementia
Group Homes (Board & Care)	Smaller, home-like with personalized care	Intimate environment, high staff ratio
Skilled Nursing Homes (SCUs)	Medical care and 24/7 supervision	Advanced dementia or complex medical needs
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)	All levels of care on one campus	Aging in place with progressive support

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Must-Have Features in a Memory Care Facility

Look for the following:

• [x] Trained Staff in dementia-specific care
• [x] Secure Layout with locked exits and visual cues
• [x] Therapeutic Programs like music, art, memory games
• [x] Daily Living Support (bathing, dressing, meals, medication)
• [x] Family Involvement (meetings, updates, events)

“Nursing homes where more than 90% of residents have dementia seem to provide better dementia care than nursing homes with a lower proportion.” — National Institute on Aging¹

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Benefits of Specialized Dementia Care

Facilities focused on memory care often see:

• 🔽 Fewer ER visits and hospitalizations
• ✅ More access to occupational and speech therapy
• 🕒 Increased nursing care time per resident

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How to Choose the Right Memory Care Facility

1. Identify Your Loved One’s Needs

Ask:

• What level of support is required today?
• Will their needs increase in the next year or two?
• Is proximity to family or medical facilities important?

2. Tour and Evaluate Facilities

“When choosing a nursing home or long-term care facility, visit multiple facilities... ask about training, staff turnover, and medical care availability.” — National Institute on Aging¹

Tips:

• Tour at different times of day
• Watch staff interactions

• Ask about:

  • Staff-to-resident ratios
  • 24/7 nursing availability
  • Behavior management protocols
  • Individualized care plans

Use:

• Questions for Tours
• Assisted Living Contracts Guide

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Cost and Payment Options

Payment Method	What It Covers	Notes
Medicare	Short-term rehab/skilled nursing	Does NOT cover long-term memory care
Medicaid	Long-term care for eligible low-income individuals	Availability varies by state
Long-Term Care Insurance	Covered services per plan	Check daily/lifetime caps
Private Pay	Savings, retirement, home equity	Most common payment source

Always ask what’s included in the base fee (meals, activities, transportation), and what costs extra.

See:

• Medicare Coverage Guide
• Medicaid and Long-Term Care
• Long-Term Care Insurance

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Compare Facilities with Trusted Tools

Tool	What It Offers	Link
Eldercare Locator	Connects you to local aging resources	eldercare.acl.gov
LongTermCare.gov	Planning and payment info	longtermcare.acl.gov
Medicare Care Compare	Reviews and inspection reports	medicare.gov/care-compare
Joint Commission Quality Check	Lists accredited care providers	jointcommission.org

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Transitioning to Memory Care: Tips for Success

“Moving a person with Alzheimer’s to a care facility can be stressful and emotional.” — National Institute on Aging²

• ✅ Involve your loved one in the process
• 🏡 Personalize their new space with familiar belongings
• 🗣️ Communicate often with care staff
• 👩‍⚕️ Attend care meetings and ask questions
• ❤️ Reassure your loved one with patience and consistency

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Where to Get Ongoing Help

Explore these trusted support networks:

• ADEAR Center — Alzheimer’s info and caregiver guidance
• Family Caregiver Alliance — Community support and resources

Also visit:

• Caregivers
• Dealing with Parents

Caring for someone with dementia is demanding. Don’t forget to care for yourself too.

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Explore Related Topics:

• Memory Care for Seniors
• Memory Care Safety Tips
• Memory Care vs Assisted Living
• Memory Care vs Nursing Home Costs
• Talking to Seniors About Dementia Care