Memory Support
& Peace of Mind

Memory support, also known as memory care, is a form of specialized care for individuals with cognitive challenges related to dementia. For this reason, you also may hear this type of support referred to as “dementia care” or “Alzheimer’s care” (Alzheimer's disease is a common type of dementia).

Care plans are personalized to each client, but all clients benefit from specialized therapies, social experiences, hands-on nursing care, and round-the-clock oversight to ensure their safety and well-being — all within a homelike environment.

You may hear memory support communities referred to as households or neighborhoods. Residents enjoy their own private apartments, designed to be accessible and safe without feeling clinical. Residents and their families can personalize the space however they wish. In addition to private apartments, residents enjoy shared spaces for dining, recreation, and wellness.

Most families who tour our memory support neighborhoods expect to see a hospital-like environment and are pleasantly surprised to experience just how homelike and welcoming the space is.

Typically, family members, such as a spouse or adult child, notice that their loved one may need some extra support. Some possible signs a parent needs memory care include:

• Difficulty with activities of daily living (ADLs)
• Increased confusion or memory loss
• Episodes of disorientation or elopement
• Changes in personality, including aggression or agitation
• A tendency toward social isolation
• Declining physical health

Your loved one’s health care provider or care team can offer guidance with this decision.

No two residents in memory support have the same needs or preferences. That’s why we’re committed to person-directed care. We work with clients, their loved ones, and their physicians to develop individualized care plans that reflect their unique needs.

Residents also are given freedom over their care and sleep routines. For example, there is no set schedule for when they can receive assistance with bathing or when they need to go to bed. We believe the individual’s needs and preferences should be honored at all levels of living, including in memory support.

Memory care pricing depends on the community, but the average monthly rate nationwide is $7,505, according to U.S. News.

Memory care costs cover extensive benefits, including:

• A private apartment
• Communal spaces and amenities
• Clinical support
• Assistance with ADLs
• Specialized experiences
• 24/7 safety and security
• Chef-prepared meals
• Housekeeping services

Families often leverage proceeds from a home sale or draw on investments and retirement savings to help manage the cost of memory support. Learn more about senior living costs and potential savings by using our cost calculator.

Insurance may help with the cost of memory care. Health insurance, including Medicare, generally does not cover memory support costs associated with room and board. However, Medicare and private health insurance policies may cover costs associated with care that your health care provider deems necessary.

If you have long-term care insurance, it may cover part or all of the cost of memory care, depending on your needs and the terms of your policy.

Memory care and assisted living share some common features, but memory care is designed specifically for individuals with dementia. Refer to this table for a quick overview of assisted living vs. memory care.

Memory support services aren’t just limited to practical forms of care. We support the whole person through organized social events, learning opportunities, spiritual enrichment, and more. Whether it’s a visit from a beloved therapy dog, laughter around the dinner table, or a group exercise class, every day is full of opportunities to pursue joy.

To find memory care in your area, start by searching for providers that specialize in dementia care or memory support. Keep in mind that some memory care communities exist within a broader senior living campus, offering a full continuum of care.

Be sure to research and tour communities to compare your options, and look for these key distinctions:

• Person-directed philosophy: Does the community follow a rigid schedule or honor residents’ natural rhythms? Look for places that prioritize resident choice.

• Team member expertise: Ask about the specific care training the team receives. High-quality communities invest in ongoing education to ensure their team understands how best to navigate dementia-related challenges.

• Homelike environment: Memory support should be safe and secure without feeling like a hospital. Look for communities that cultivate a homelike environment.

• Dynamic experiences: See what experiences a memory care community includes on the calendar. Are there opportunities for residents to learn, grow, and socialize?

• Family partnership: A strong memory care community views the family as an essential part of the care team. Ask how they communicate updates and support families.

Ready to see the WesleyLife difference? Use our community locator tool to find a WesleyLife location near you and schedule a visit today.