Who Qualifies for Memory Care?

In general, people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia qualify for memory care. However, residential memory care communities may have different admission criteria. Communities use diverse screening processes to determine an individual’s care needs and assess whether their facilities can provide appropriate services. There’s no legal standard for memory care eligibility, and public funding for memory care varies between states.

Although admission policies vary between facilities, many use similar criteria when assessing an individual’s eligibility for memory care. Most require a dementia diagnosis and a physician’s recommendation, and many facilities only admit seniors who can’t safely live in a different care setting and need 24/7 supervision. Assessments usually consider whether a senior has decision-making difficulties, behavioral changes, confusion and lack of awareness, as well as challenges related to day-to-day function because of memory loss, such as forgetting to take medication, eat, lock doors or pay bills.

Communities commonly offer several levels of memory care designed to support people at different stages of memory loss. Individuals with mild dementia who can live safely and comfortably with additional support often find less restrictive settings, such as assisted living communities or home care, are more suitable options. Memory care facilities may not admit people with mild disease progression because these communities are usually more appropriate for seniors with moderate to severe memory loss.

Most memory care facilities have enhanced security measures to prevent residents from wandering, a common symptom of Alzheimer’s. They often have features designed to alleviate other distressing symptoms, such as easy-to-navigate layouts, sensory items and safe rummage spaces, shadow boxes for room location and special lighting to regulate circadian rhythm disturbances, often referred to as sundowning. Many communities offer specialized programming to boost cognitive function, which focuses on maintaining life skills and promotion of dignity and quality of life. Trained caregivers follow personalized care plans to help residents with daily activities, which are adjusted as dementia progresses and function decreases.