As of 2024, approximately 6.9 million seniors aged 65 and older live with dementia in the United States, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Managing cognitive impairments at home can become challenging and unsafe for some seniors, leading many families to seek memory care when symptoms start.
Memory care communities provide a safe alternative for those with memory challenges. These residences staff professionals with extensive training in dementia care and offer a wide range of cognitively stimulating treatments to provide seniors with a high quality of life. They also ensure resident safety through measures such as controlled access, 24/7 monitoring and enclosed outdoor spaces to prevent wandering.
Memory care communities frequently provide opportunities for residents to socialize and engage in meaningful hobbies. Some communities may offer recreational activities that specifically benefit people living with cognitive challenges, such as visits from therapy pets, gardening and musical entertainment.
This guide will provide detailed information to help caregivers and family members better understand how memory care can help and what to look for when choosing a community.
Assisted living is a type of long-term residential senior care designed for older adults who need help with their everyday personal needs, like bathing and dressing, and other tasks, such as laundry and transportation.
Unlike nursing homes, assisted living facilities (ALFs) do not provide skilled medical care. Rather, ALFs offer residents daily support, a social environment, and around-the-clock staff available for emergency support. Care is catered to each individual, so residents can remain as independent as possible. This makes assisted living a good fit for many seniors who are beginning to have challenges with their day-to-day tasks but do not need ongoing medical care.
*Activities of Daily Living. Learn More About ADLs.
**Regular skilled nursing care is sometimes, but not always, offered in assisted living and memory care communities.
Learn More About How Assisted Living Compares To Other Types of Senior Care