What is memory care? This page explains how it works, what it includes, and how 1-800-MEDIGAP helps you find the right community.
What is memory care and who is it for?
Memory care is a specialized form of long-term residential care for people living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia, or other cognitive impairment. It provides secured (often locked or alarmed) environments to prevent wandering, 24-hour supervision, staff trained in dementia behaviors, and structured daily routines that reduce confusion and agitation. Residents receive help with bathing, dressing, grooming, medications, and meals, plus therapies designed to maintain function and quality of life. Memory care can be a standalone community or a secured wing within assisted living. It's for seniors whose cognitive decline makes living safely at home or in standard assisted living no longer possible. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) to learn more.
How is memory care different from other senior care?
Memory care differs from assisted living and nursing homes in focus. Assisted living serves mostly independent seniors who need light help; it lacks the security and dementia training memory care provides. Nursing homes deliver round-the-clock skilled medical care for complex health conditions. Memory care sits in between — more secure and specialized than assisted living, but not as medically intensive as a nursing home. Its defining features are wander-safe design, dementia-trained staff, and structured programming. Because of this specialization, memory care costs 15–25% more than assisted living. 1-800-MEDIGAP helps you understand which level of care fits and find the right community.