Memory care is similar to assisted living, but it is optimized to better suit adults with progressive cognitive impairments such as Alzheimer's disease, dementia, and other memory problems.

 

Memory care residents have special needs as they may become disoriented or have a tendency to wander away from home. Memory care facilities are secured units with alarm devices and enclosed outdoor areas to keep residents safe and deter wandering. Staff at memory care facilities also have specialized training to better assist residents with cognitive impairments. With memory care facilities, there’s also an increased emphasis on intuitive layout, which prevent confused residents from endangering themselves or getting lost.

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Many assisted living facilities offer memory care as part of a suite of available services. Such facilities often are called continuing care retirement communities, or more recently, life plan communities.