Memory care is a kind of care specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Communities typically feature safe and secure environments where staff can closely monitor the health of the residents.

What features are included in memory care?

Memory care features can vary from location to location. Sometimes they are stand-alone communities, and sometimes they are part of a larger community with more levels of care. They often include safety features like emergency alert systems, enclosed courtyards and keypad entry, personalized programming, easy-to-navigate features like color-coded hallways and spacious hallways, and accommodations for seniors in both the early and late stages of dementia.

How do you pay for memory care?

The cost of memory care depends on several different factors, including location, floor plan and how much care your loved one needs. The good news is that our residents only pay for the services they actually need.

How do memory care communities keep residents safe?

Our communities incorporate several features to help keep your loved one safe, like including emergency alert systems in each apartment. The majority of our communities also have enclosed outdoor courtyards so residents can explore in a secure environment.

Is a private or companion suite better for my loved one?

Many caregivers think that a private suite is always the better option for their loved one, but research has shown the value of companionship for seniors living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Sharing an apartment with a roommate can sometimes give residents a greater sense of purpose and lead to deep and lasting friendships. Companion suites can also be more budget-friendly!

What Is Memory Care? | Brookdale Memory Care Facilities

Q: What is the difference between memory care and assisted living?

Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who are relatively independent, but they need some assistance with daily tasks, like bathing, dressing and managing medication. Assisted living is ideal for those who are looking to make the most of their retirement by living closer to other people in the same stage of life, while getting access to quality care, great onsite amenities, and interesting activities happening at the community. Memory care communities are specifically designed for seniors living with Alzheimer's or dementia. They feature safe and secure environments where staff can closely monitor the health of the residents. You'll also find programs, activities, and events that are designed to help memory care residents work on their cognitive abilities, while also getting to enjoy passions and hobbies. Staff typically are specially trained to provide the quality care needed for seniors with memory loss.

Q: Can living in a memory care community cure my loved one?

As much as we wish there was a cure for Alzheimer’s, the best thing a memory care community can do is provide opportunities for your loved one to maintain or experience improvement in their current skills. Research has shown that living in a community can reduce the amount of medication a resident needs, increase their overall health and wellness with proper nutrition and exercise, and provide increased social interaction that leads to lower levels of depression and isolation.

Q: Is it better for my loved one to live at home with dementia?

This is one of those tricky questions that only you can answer. It’s important to do your research before coming to a final decision. But we can tell you that as the disease progresses, the amount of time, energy and resources required to provide quality care will increase. This often creates more stress for the caregiver and could compromise the otherwise high quality of life your loved one could enjoy in a memory care community.

Q: What should I look for when visiting a memory care community?

Most memory care communities provide educational materials and outreach for families exploring senior living options, but you still need to do your research. Consider what specific items are on your wish list, taking into consideration your loved one’s individual needs and any activities, treatments or accommodations that you believe is important. For more information on finding the right memory care community, visit our Find the Right Memory Care Community page .

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 that offer the chance 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.

What Is Memory Care?

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

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 that offer the chance 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.

Making the Right Choice for Them

Discover our person-centered approach to memory care

Making the Right Choice for Them

Discover our person-centered approach to memory care

Brookdale Clare Bridge® Memory Care Communities

Clare Bridge at Brookdale is a community for people living with dementia and their families who love them. Our residents are surrounded by familiar people who know them and help them to enjoy life, experience feelings of belonging and purpose and support their current abilities through our daily path of engagement. Here are a few ways we promote seniors' well-being in our memory care programs:

Relationship-Rich Care

Our care associates focus on getting to know our residents’ histories, routines and preferences to create a sense of stability and comfort. Knowing and being present with your loved one gives us a solid foundation to help anticipate their needs and address behavioral expressions that may occur due to dementia symptoms.

Consistent Care Assignments

We invest in quality training for our staff to help them stay updated on the latest dementia care techniques. Whenever possible, the same care associates are assigned to the same resident to build relationships based on trust and compassion. Consistency in care enhances connections between residents, care partners and family.

Engaging Programs

Through our daily path programming—which includes a routine of six planned programs—your loved one can enjoy stimulating and challenging activities to help them stay socially connected, engaged and confident in their abilities. Whether they're using InTouch technologies, participating in themed trivia, or getting their muscles moving in a fitness class, your loved one can be active and engaged.

A Secure Setting

Secured entrances and exits help support our Clare Bridge residents while promoting independence and movement. Our purpose-built spaces typically include secured outdoor spaces and enclosed courtyards that help encourage freedom through secure exploring.

Quality Services

We provide services to help your loved one live a fulfilling and enriched life. Our staff assists with activities of daily living, medication management and more. Dining is personalized, with menus that cater to dementia needs and consistent seating for comfort.

Supportive and Engaging Care Environments

Your loved one has made meaningful contributions throughout their life—we want them to continue to feel valued. Our environments feature areas that are set up for suitable engagement in gardening, kitchen work, handyman help and other tasks that provide opportunities to use skills and pursue interests.

Clare Bridge: Our Community-Based Approach

Clare Bridge is our exclusive Alzheimer’s and dementia care that serves both you and your loved one. We’ve crafted the program over the last 30+ years to help meet the specific needs of your loved one based on the latest research. Our person-centered approach lies at the heart of it all—allowing us to create a nurturing environment where your loved one can rediscover their sense of self and experience consistent engagement.

Learn More About Brookdale's Approach to Memory Care

What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

You often hear the terms dementia and Alzheimer's mentioned together, but they aren't exactly the same thing. Let’s break down what they mean.

Dementia* is used to describe a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s* is the most common form of dementia. The disease causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time, becoming serious enough to interfere with daily tasks.

If you have questions about memory care, reach out to our compassionate team of senior living advisors. They are here to help and offer valuable information for finding the Clare Bridge community that suits your loved one's needs.

*alz.org

What’s the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?

You often hear the terms dementia and Alzheimer's mentioned together, but they aren't exactly the same thing. Let’s break down what they mean.

Dementia* is used to describe a wide range of symptoms associated with a decline in memory or other thinking skills severe enough to reduce a person’s ability to perform everyday activities.
Alzheimer’s* is the most common form of dementia. The disease causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Symptoms usually develop slowly and worsen over time, becoming serious enough to interfere with daily tasks.

*alz.org

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Understanding the Stages of Dementia

Dementia Early Stages

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Dementia Late Stages

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

Whether you choose assisted living or memory care, you can enjoy a warm and welcoming environment full of new friends and a compassionate care team to help meet your unique needs. We're here to help you determine which level of care is right for you.

Explore the differences between assisted living and memory care

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

Explore the differences between assisted living and memory care

Common Questions About Memory Care

What is the difference between memory care and assisted living?

Assisted living communities are designed for seniors who may need some assistance with daily tasks like bathing, medication management and dressing. These communities have plenty of social activities, outings and amenities to allow for an enriched and supported retirement. Occasionally, a few seniors in early stages of memory issues might consider assisted living if their care needs match the community's level of care.

It is more common for those with dementia or Alzheimer's to choose a Clare Bridge memory care community that was designed with their needs in mind. These communities are built for those with these issues and typically have secure spaces with memory care specific features, activities based on Alzheimer's and dementia research and 24/7 specially trained staff on site to react in case of an emergency.

Brookdale provides free care assessments to determine the right care level for your circumstances—you are welcome to call us with questions.

Can living in a memory care community cure my loved one?

The goal of a memory care community is to provide opportunities for your loved one to maintain or experience improvement in their current abilities—a cure has not yet been found. However, research has shown that living in a community can reduce the amount of medication a resident needs, increase their overall health and wellness and provide increased social interaction.

What is the cost of memory care?

The cost of memory care depends on several different factors, including location, floor plan and care needs. Explore our memory care cost page for more information.

Is it better for my loved one to live at home with dementia?

This depends on your loved one, their care needs and your own bandwidth. As the disease progresses, the amount of time, energy and resources required to provide quality care will increase. This often creates more stress for the caregiver and could compromise the quality of life for your loved one—and for you. There are options for in-home assistance through Brookdale at Home—talk to a senior living advisor to discuss your options.

What features of memory care communities focus on resident security?

Our communities incorporate several features to help your loved one stay secure, such as door keypads to secure entries and exits. Many of our communities also have enclosed outdoor courtyards so residents can explore the outdoors in a secure environment.

Are companion suites available?

Yes. Many of our memory care communities have companion suites. Contact one of our senior living advisors or your local community for more information.

What should I look for when visiting a memory care community?

Consider what specific features are on your wish list, taking into consideration your loved one’s individual needs and any activities, services or accommodations that matter to you. Location, amenities and the types of recreation available tend to be important. For more information on finding the right memory care community, visit our Find the Right Memory Care Community page.