Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory care are often provided in a secure assisted living or nursing home setting, usually in a separate floor or wing. Residents may live in semi-private apartments or private rooms and have structured activities delivered by staff members trained specifically on caring for those with memory impairment.
Seniors with any one of the 20 or so types of dementia become appropriate for memory care communities based on their diagnosis of dementia.
Memory impairment from normal aging and mild cognitive impairment are accepted in others types of senior living. However, only when true dementia is present and diagnosed, is memory care appropriate.
Memory care is licensed by the state in which the facility resides, and as such, communities are required and mandated to follow all laws and protections required by the state for the protection of its elderly and most vulnerable residents. Families of dementia seniors must understand that with quality care comes supervision and regulation in memory care.