What's the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

Instead of guessing which option is the best fit for you or your loved one, let's break down each level together. And remember, if you have any questions along the way, don't hesitate to reach out to one of our senior living advisors. We're here to help make this decision a little easier for you!

Assisted living communities cater to those who still want to enjoy the freedom found in retirement, but need a little extra assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. Memory care primarily focuses on those with Alzheimer's or dementia that need enhanced care throughout the day in a secure environment.

Let's take a deeper look into each of these services and what makes them unique.

associate cooking with resident

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted Living is for seniors looking to receive a bit of help with a few activities of daily living such as bathing, managing medication and dressing, while still maintaining a sense of independence. Our assisted living communities offer a vibrant lifestyle with a jam-packed calendar of events and lots of opportunities to create meaningful connections. Connect with your neighbors at resident socials, over a friendly trivia game or on one of our scheduled local excursions. With the burdens of everyday chores and maintenance taken care of, residents can focus on enjoying life to the fullest.

Who Can Benefit Most From Assisted Living?

Assisted living may benefit you the most if you’ve noticed slight changes in your ability to complete activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, laundry or other daily chores and are in need of some assistance. Because everyone’s needs are different, we provide a personalized care assessment upon arrival that will help you receive the care specific to your needs.

 

Find a Brookdale assisted living community near you

Caregivers talking with resident sitting on bench

What is Memory Care?

Memory care is specialized care for people living with the challenges of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. We tailor programs and activities to each person's interests to help promote their independence and support their cognitive abilities while enjoying their individual passions and hobbies. This person-centered approach, combined with purposeful engagement, helps foster our residents' well-being. And you can experience peace of mind since communities feature secured areas with sheltered freedom while promoting independence and movement.

Who Can Benefit Most From Memory Care

If you've noticed that your loved one's safety or well-being has been compromised at home due to memory loss, memory care could be the ideal solution. Our dedicated staff are specially trained to provide intentional care and establish familiarity with each resident. Their well-being and comfort are our top priorities, and we're here to provide support and assistance.

 

Find a Brookdale memory care community near you


divider

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care

Not sure what separates memory care from assisted living? Many of the services and amenities that are provided throughout each level of care are similar, but are adjusted for each care. By understanding the differences between assisted living and memory care, you can make a more informed decision and provide better assistance to you or your loved one. Let's explore these differences together to help you find the right level of care.

Connect with a Senior Living Advisor! Call 844-322-8629


divider

Factors That Affect Cost

Now that you know the differences between assisted living and memory care, your next question might naturally be, "What's the cost?" Cost is an important factor when it comes to making a decision. The pricing varies depending on location, level of care needed and specific amenities offered by each community. Understanding the cost will help you plan and make an informed choice. Let's dive into the pricing details and explore what factors contribute to the overall cost.

location
Complexity of Care

We understand that everyone has unique needs, so we offer services tailored to those needs. The more care required may impact overall cost, but we'll work closely with you to try to find a balance that suits your lifestyle, needs and budget.

location
Community Location

Base rates can vary depending on your location. Factors like the cost of living in your area can influence the pricing of local communities. To get accurate and up-to-date information about the prices in your community, reach out to one of our friendly senior living advisors. 

location
Apartment Style

We want you to feel right at home. That's why we offer a range of room options, that vary by community, to suit your preferences, from cozy studios to spacious one or two-bedroom apartments to companion suites. Keep in mind that the room type you select will impact the overall cost, allowing you to find the perfect fit for both your needs and your budget

location
On-Campus Amenities

We offer a range of amenities tailored to your needs and preferences. While many amenities are included, we also offer optional add-ons that may impact the overall cost.

placeholder

Still looking for more information regarding the cost of senior living? Take a closer look at each type of care to understand how factors contribute to the cost.

 

Cost of assisted living at Brookdale → 

 

Cost of memory care at Brookdale →

Convenient Amenities
*Amenities vary by community. Check with your local community for a detailed list.
Library
Library

Beauty/Barber Shop
Beauty/Barber Shop

Fitness Center
Fitness Center

Courtyard/Garden
Courtyard/Garden

Private Dining Room
Private Dining Room

Pet-Friendly
Pet-Friendly

Game Room
Game Room

Fireside Living Room
Fireside Living Room

Coffee Shop
Coffee Shop


divider

Find The Right Community For You
Find The Right Community For You
Frequently Asked Questions

The costs of assisted living or memory care are dependent on several factors including location, floor plan, and care needs. To better help manage your finances, we have created a few resources that will guide you through this process — explore our Financial Planning page

You need to move into another level of care? No problem. At our select continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), we provide all three levels of care at one location. And some of our communities offer more than one level of care. The best part? You can still live under the same roof.

Not only will your loved one be able to visit you in your new apartment, we encourage it! Spending time with family is key to living a full and rich life so don’t just invite them over, but encourage them to get involved with some of our activities too or enjoy a nice chef-inspired meal with you!

Yes, we know how crucial proper nutrition is in maintaining overall health and wellness. So to meet your loved one’s nutritional needs, both of our assisted living and memory care communities have services available to provide assistance for your loved one as assessed in their service plan.

There are a wide variety of amenities that are provided at assisted living for you to live your best life. Many of our amenities are included such as, housekeeping and maintenance, social engagement opportunities, movie theater, library, pool, dining options, and more. Other amenities can be added for your specific needs as well such as clinical services and personal assistance with a range of daily activities. Each community is different however, so make sure you check with your local community to see which amenities are provided.

Chat Now