Finding quality care for your loved one can be a challenging experience. To help you navigate the process and understand your family’s memory care options, BrightStar Care® has created this comprehensive guide, which explains what memory care is, the different types of memory care, potential costs of memory care, and tips for choosing the right care option for your loved one.

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is a specialized form of assistance for seniors and adults living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. In addition to providing specialized, long-term care for seniors and adults diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, memory care also offers support for adults with traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) or other cognitive impairments.

Memory care for Alzheimer’s, dementia, and TBI addresses both the physical safety and emotional needs of those who are dealing with memory-related loss or reduced cognitive function. This type of care is regulated differently in each state, but should only be provided by nurses and caregivers who are specially trained to understand the unique needs of individuals with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

What Do Memory Care Services Include?

Depending on your loved one’s degree of memory loss, physical mobility, and whether they have other medical needs, memory care may include a wide range of services. Some examples include:

Meal and medication management, such as tracking when and how often to take each prescription
24-hour supervision from staff members who are specially trained to manage agitation, wandering, and other behaviors associated with dementia and memory loss
Structured therapeutic activities, such as art or music therapy
Assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), such as bathing, changing clothes, and eating meals

Who Benefits from Memory Care?

There are many different types of people who can benefit from memory care, including individuals with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, or TBIs, along with family caregivers who are in need of extra support. Examples of people who might benefit from in-home memory care include:

Seniors showing signs of behavioral or cognitive decline
Caregivers in need of respite care
Individuals with early, middle, or late-stage dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
People who need help completing daily tasks and physical functions
People who are at high risk of wandering, such as people with advanced memory loss from Alzheimer’s disease

Types of Memory Care

Alzheimer’s, dementia, and severe TBI can make managing everyday life progressively more challenging. Depending on your loved one’s unique needs, there are many different types of memory care services that can help them continue living with dignity, comfort and security.

From assistance with daily activities, to more advanced medical support that requires skilled nursing, BrightStar Care® provides in-home care services for individuals with memory loss.

Type of Care	Who It Serves	Key Features	Medical Support	Social Engagement
In-Home Memory Care	People with early to mid-stage memory loss who can safely remain in their home with support	Personalized care provided in the home Safety supervision Medication management Respite care	Moderate - RN oversight and caregiver support	Limited - primarily family interaction, but includes emotional support
Memory Care in Assisted Living Communities	People with mild memory loss who need assistance with ADLs and safety	Secured environment Assistance with ADLs Social activities Cognitive engagement programs	Moderate - staff available 24/7	High - group activities and events, shared common spaces
Standalone Memory Care	People with moderate to advanced memory loss	Specialized memory care facilities Secure access Personalized routines Enrichment activities	High - specialty trained staff, RN oversight	High - daily events, structured group activities and therapies
Skilled Nursing and Memory Care	Individuals with complex medical needs in addition to memory loss	24/7 medical care Therapy services Medication management Advanced dementia support	Very high - RN and physician supervision	Limited - focused on providing 24/7 care for advanced medical needs

Levels of Memory Care

Multiple levels of residential and in-home memory care are available depending on your loved one’s physical, emotional, and medical support needs. This at-a-glance chart below will help you compare levels of memory care for early, middle, and late-stage Alzheimer’s or dementia.

Level of Care	Common Symptoms	Typical Support Services
Mild (Early Stages)	Struggling with familiar tasks Forgetting important dates Misplacing items	Medication reminders Assistance with ADLs Personalized care routines
Moderate (Middle Stages)	Mood changes Sleep disturbances Incontinence Forgetting personal details	Supervised meals Personal care Incontinence care Safety monitoring Therapeutic activities
Severe (Advanced Stages)	Difficulty communicating Walking and swallowing Lack of awareness of surroundings	2/47 supervision and medical care Mobility assistance Behavioral support

How Much Does Memory Care Cost?

Memory care costs vary by location, services provided, duration of care, and other factors. However, the average monthly cost is approximately $7,900, or around $94,800 annually. A portion of the cost may be covered by Medicare, Medicaid or your insurance provider.

Learn more about the costs of memory care and financial assistance options.

Signs It's Time to Consider Memory Care

There are many signs it may be time to consider memory care for your loved one, such as new behavioral changes or neglect of their living space. If you notice any potential signs of dementia or memory loss, you should immediately speak with your family members and your loved one’s physician. Here are a few common examples:

Their personal hygiene starts to deteriorate.
They have difficulty remembering or carrying out ADLs, like getting dressed or moving around in their home.
Their residence starts to grow more untidy or cluttered as they struggle to perform household chores.
They have increased difficulty following or holding conversations.
You notice new, out-of-character personality or behavioral shifts, such as increased aggression.

Getting Started with Memory Care

If your loved one is starting to show signs of forgetfulness and confusion, you may wonder if they need more support than you’re able to provide. You may also have questions about what type of care they need.

If you aren’t ready for a full transition into a memory care facility, in-home memory care services may offer an alternative. In-home memory care can serve as a bridge that offers your loved one the care they need in familiar surroundings, while easing the physical, logistical, and emotional strain on family members who lack the skilled training of a professional memory care nurse or caregiver.

No matter the level of memory care your loved one needs, BrightStar Care can help. Learn more about getting started with memory care.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the terms are sometimes used interchangeably, memory care and dementia care are not the same service. Dementia care is broader in scope, providing support for families and patients at every stage of memory loss. Dementia care can be provided by caregivers in the patient’s own home and may include a wide range of services, from transportation and meal preparation to assistance with household tasks.

Memory care is a type of long-term care for those living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia that is typically provided within a secure, specially designed facility. Memory care staff are trained to prevent wandering, offer emotional support, and meet the needs of patients with advanced memory loss. Though memory care facilities and communities are common, in-home memory care is also available with assistance from home health aides and skilled nurses.

Your loved one may qualify for memory care if they have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, any form of dementia (including Lewy body dementia), or another condition that causes mild to severe memory loss, such as TBI.

Memory care costs can vary depending on factors like your location, insurance coverage, whether services are at home or in a care facility, and more. Keeping these factors in mind, the average cost of memory care in the U.S. is around $7,900 per month, which is equivalent to approximately $94,800 per year.

Unlike Medicaid, Medicare coverage does not include long-term residence in a memory care community or facility. However, it may help you pay for other medical expenses resulting from a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, such as doctor appointments and medications. For example, Medicare Part A covers up to 100 days of care per benefit period in a skilled nursing facility (SNF). However, Medicare does not pay for “custodial” (caregiving) services, meaning it only covers care provided by licensed medical professionals.

Find Memory Care Near You

Learn how BrightStar Care supports independence, dignity, and life’s simple joys for those with memory care needs. Find a location near you or call 866.618.7827 to request more information.

Memory Care Options for Seniors