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

Assisted living communities cater to those who want to enjoy an active community and need a little extra help with activities of daily living. 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 both of these care levels.

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. Our assisted living communities offer a vibrant lifestyle with a packed calendar of events and lots of opportunities to create meaningful connections.

Who Can Benefit From Assisted Living?

If daily tasks like bathing, dressing or laundry start feeling more tiring, assisted living could be a great fit. Everyone’s needs are unique, so we start with a personalized care assessment to help you get the right level of support from the start.

Find a Brookdale assisted living community near you

Daughter Looking At Photo Album With Mother

What Is Memory Care?

Memory care is a type of senior living designed specifically for people living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. It’s more than a place to live—it’s a thoughtfully built community where your loved one can feel known, valued and supported each day.

At Brookdale, memory care means comfort, familiarity and connection in a setting built with your loved one in mind.

A closer look at memory care

Brookdale’s memory care communities offer 24/7 support in a secure, welcoming space. From morning to evening, your loved one can experience meaningful routines, warm relationships and peace of mind.

Here’s what memory care may include:

Engaging daily programs: Six daily activities designed to spark joy, boost confidence and create connection
Dementia-informed team: Kind associates trained in memory support, redirection and personalized care
Secure design: Keypad entries, enclosed courtyards and easy-to-navigate spaces to explore with confidence
Personalized routines: Care plans that reflect your loved one’s preferences, personality and abilities

Memory care is about more than managing memory loss. It’s about helping your loved one thrive—emotionally, physically and socially—in a place that feels like home.

Who Can Benefit From Memory Care

When memory changes affect daily life, our memory care team steps in with thoughtful support. Our specially trained team strvies to build strong, familiar connections with loved ones while focusing on comfort, routine and well-being.

Find a Brookdale memory care community near you

Can Someone Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care?

Many Brookdale communities offer both assisted living and memory care on the same campus. This setup makes it easier to transition between care levels while staying in a familiar, supportive environment.

Here’s how it may work:

Your loved one begins in assisted living with support that matches current needs
The care team tracks patterns, preferences and any changes
You stay involved in ongoing conversations about care
If memory care feels like a better fit later on, the team can help guide the next steps

Based on availability and care needs, you may move to a different part of the community or to another nearby Brookdale location. Either way, we can guide the process and help you feel at home every step of the way.

Can Someone Move from Assisted Living to Memory Care?

Here’s how it may work:

Your loved one begins in assisted living with support that matches current needs
The care team tracks patterns, preferences and any changes
You stay involved in ongoing conversations about care
If memory care feels like a better fit later on, the team can help guide the next steps

What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

Assisted living

If you prefer to remain active while having a little extra help each day, assisted living provides personalized support. You continue to lead your life—with added assistance where it matters.

What may be included:

Support with dressing, bathing and medications
Meals and housekeeping
Transportation to appointments and outings
Staff available 24/7 in case of emergency
Social activities and community events

This option brings comfort, convenience and peace of mind.

Memory care

Memory care is designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The environment is secure, the care is personalized and the approach supports a daily rhythm filled with familiarity and dignity.

What it can include:

Customized care plans
Support with meals and personal routines
Consistent schedules and guided engagement
Secure spaces and trained staff

Memory care helps create a calming space where each day feels familiar and meaningful.

What Is the Difference Between Assisted Living and Memory Care?

Assisted living

If you prefer to remain active while having a little extra help each day, assisted living provides personalized support. You continue to lead your life—with added assistance where it matters.

What may be included:

Support with dressing, bathing and medications
Meals and housekeeping
Transportation to appointments and outings
Staff available 24/7 in case of emergency
Social activities and community events

This option brings comfort, convenience and peace of mind.

Memory care

What it can include:

Customized care plans
Support with meals and personal routines
Consistent schedules and guided engagement
Secure spaces and trained staff

Memory care helps create a calming space where each day feels familiar and meaningful.

Security

Our assisted living and memory care communities focus on your well-being every day. Team members are on-site 24/7 and ready to respond if an emergency arises.

In our memory care communities, added features like enclosed courtyards and exterior keypad entries support a secure and comforting environment.

Security

Our assisted living and memory care communities focus on your well-being every day. Team members are on-site 24/7 and ready to respond if an emergency arises.

In our memory care communities, added features like enclosed courtyards and exterior keypad entries support a secure and comforting environment.

Caregiver laughing with resident on bench

Consistent Care Assignments

We thoughtfully assign the same team members to support your loved one as often as we can. This consistent approach strives to builds trust, encourages strong connections and helps create a care experience centered around each person’s needs. A familiar face can bring comfort, ease and a sense of home.

Consistent Care Assignments

Functional Apartments

You might notice our apartments and common spaces look different in assisted living and memory care. We have designed our memory care communities with uniquely painted walls to help your loved one find their way around. They can feel at home with our functional apartment floor plans that are both spacious and simple to promote familiarity in their new place.

Functional Apartments

Enhanced Training and Assistance

When providing care for your loved one, we prioritize quality. Our dedicated staff members receive training and education to equip them with the skills and knowledge to help meet the needs of each individual. Our memory care program staff undergoes ongoing training to stay updated on advancements in dementia and Alzheimer's care.

Enhanced Training and Assistance

Meaningful Connections

Across every level of care, our friendly team is ready to welcome your loved one and help them feel right at home. We offer four meaningful ways to engage—individual pursuits, resident-led small groups, community partnerships and associate-led large groups.

Once we learn what inspires your loved one, we help them connect with others who share similar interests—creating opportunities for friendship, purpose and a true sense of belonging.

Meaningful Connections

Once we learn what inspires your loved one, we help them connect with others who share similar interests—creating opportunities for friendship, purpose and a true sense of belonging.

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

Factors That Affect Cost

Pricing depends on location, level of care and the unique amenities offered at each community. When you understand how it comes together, it’s easier to plan and choose what fits you.

Here’s a look at the key factors that shape the overall cost.

Complexity of Care

We tailor our services to match your unique preferences and routines. The level of care you choose plays a role in pricing, and we work closely with you to find the right balance of support and value.

Community Location

Basic service rates can differ by location, often based on factors like the local cost of living. For the most accurate pricing details in your area, connect with one of our friendly senior living advisors—they’re happy to help.

Apartment Style

We offer a variety of apartment options—ranging from cozy studios to spacious two-bedrooms—so you can find the layout that fits your lifestyle. The type of apartment you choose plays a role in the overall cost.

On-Campus Amenities

Each community offers a variety of amenities designed with your needs and preferences in mind. Many are included, and you can also choose optional add-ons to personalize your experience. These choices may influence the overall cost.

Explore each type of care to see how different factors—like services, support and amenities—shape the overall 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

Beauty/Barber Shop

Fitness Center

Courtyard/Garden

Private Dining Room

Pet-Friendly

Game Room

Fireside Living Room

Coffee Shop

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I afford assisted living or memory care?

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 can guide you through this process—explore our Financial Planning page.

What if I need further care after moving into a community?

At our select continuing care retirement communities (CCRC), we provide three or four levels of care at one location. Many of our other communities offer more than one level of care.

Can I host visitors in my new apartment?

We encourage you to have visitors—spending time with family is key to living a rich life. Invite them over and share a chef-inspired meal or participate in a community activity together.

Can my loved one receive assistance during meals?

We know how crucial proper nutrition is in maintaining overall health and wellness. In order 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.

What amenities are provided at assisted living communities?

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