Is Memory Care Considered Skilled Nursing?

Date Updated: July 26, 2024

Written by:

Rachel Lustbader

Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.

Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers

No, memory care is not considered skilled nursing. Seniors in the later stages of Alzheimer’s or dementia may reach a point where they require constant monitoring and care that only trained professionals such as nurses and doctors can provide. If this happens, a facility offering skilled nursing services may be a better option than memory care.

What is memory care?

Memory care is a type of residential long-term care for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other memory impairments. Memory care is provided by professionals trained to deal with the unique needs of seniors who have memory problems and may include assistance with the activities of daily living, provision of meals, housekeeping, transportation services and specialized therapy programs to help improve residents’ quality of life. Memory care can be found in stand-alone memory care facilities or in memory care units within assisted living communities.

Skilled nursing

Skilled nursing facilities — or nursing homes — provide round-the-clock supervision and care for individuals with complex medical needs who can’t be cared for at home or in other senior care facilities. This may include people with chronic or progressive health conditions and those who are recovering from injuries or surgery.

Professionally trained staff provide medical care in addition to personal care and assistance with activities of daily living. Some skilled nursing facilities have special memory care units for residents who require both medical care and memory care.