Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who are relatively independent, but they need some assistance with daily tasks, like bathing, dressing and managing medication. Assisted living is ideal for those who are looking to make the most of their retirement by living closer to other people in the same stage of life, while getting access to quality care, great onsite amenities, and interesting activities happening at the community.

Memory care communities are specifically designed for seniors living with Alzheimer's or dementia. They feature safe and secure environments where staff can closely monitor the health of the residents. You'll also find programs, activities, and events that are designed to help memory care residents work on their cognitive abilities, while also getting to enjoy passions and hobbies. Staff typically are specially trained to provide the quality care needed for seniors with memory loss.

Memory care features can vary from location to location. Sometimes they are stand-alone communities, and sometimes they are part of a larger community with more levels of care. They often include safety features like emergency alert systems, enclosed courtyards and keypad entry; personalized programming; easy-to-navigate features like color-coded hallways and spacious hallways; and accommodations for seniors in both the early and late stages of dementia.

As much as we wish there was a cure for Alzheimer’s, the best thing a memory care community can do is provide opportunities for your loved one to maintain or experience improvement in their current skills. Research has shown that living in a community can reduce the amount of medication a resident needs, increase their overall health and wellness with proper nutrition and exercise, and provide increased social interaction that leads to lower levels of depression and isolation.

The cost of memory care depends on several different factors, including location, floor plan and how much care your loved one needs. The good news is that our residents only pay for the services they actually need. 

This is one of those tricky questions that only you can answer. It’s important to do your research before coming to a final decision. But we can tell you that as the disease progresses, the amount of time, energy and resources required to provide quality care will increase. This often creates more stress for the caregiver and could compromise the otherwise high quality of life your loved one could enjoy in a memory care community.

Our communities incorporate several features to help keep your loved one safe, like including emergency alert systems in each apartment. The majority of our communities also have enclosed outdoor courtyards so residents can explore in a secure environment.

Many caregivers think that a private suite is always the better option for their loved one, but research has shown the value of companionship for seniors living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Sharing an apartment with a roommate can sometimes give residents a greater sense of purpose and lead to deep and lasting friendships. Companion suites can also be more budget-friendly!

Most memory care communities provide educational materials and outreach for families exploring senior living options, but you still need to do your research. Consider what specific items are on your wish list, taking into consideration your loved one’s individual needs and any activities, treatments or accommodations that you believe is important. For more information on finding the right memory care community, visit our Find the Right Memory Care Community page.