The Average Costs of Memory Care in 2024
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May 27, 2022
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In 2022, the national median cost for memory care is about $5,430 per month for a private room. Depending on the specific community, memory care can cost anywhere from $3,000 to over $10,000 per month.
One of the primary determinants of the price is location. Based on data from A Place for Mom, we’ve compiled a list of the most and least expensive states for memory care.
Did You Know: New to the world of dementia and Alzheimer’s care? Take a look at our guide, What Is Memory Care?
Most Expensive States for Memory Care
| State | Median monthly price |
|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $11,490 |
| Vermont | $8,400 |
| Hawaii | $8,100 |
| New Jersey | $7,710 |
| Massachusetts | $7,695 |
| Maine | $7,695 |
| Connecticut | $7,250 |
| New Hampshire | $6,950 |
| New York | $6,895 |
| Minnesota | $6,418 |
Least Expensive States for Memory Care
| State | Median monthly price |
|---|---|
| Georgia | $3,995 |
| Utah | $4,220 |
| Idaho | $4,336 |
| Alabama | $4,410 |
| South Carolina | $4,415 |
| Tennessee | $4,417 |
| Mississippi | $4,452 |
| Kentucky | $4,513 |
| New Mexico | $4,600 |
| Florida | $4,650 |
What Goes Into Memory Care Costs?
To care for residents with cognitive impairments, memory care facilities provide supervision from specially trained staff and a secure environment with stimulating therapies. Memory care services include:
- 24-hour care and supervision
- Assistance with activities of daily living
- Housekeeping
- Emergency monitoring (especially for patients who are fall risks)
- Medication management
- Group activities
- Three meals a day, including snacks
- Transportation services
Memory Care vs. Assisted Living Costs
Memory care facilities generally cost more than assisted living due to the level of care, training, and specialization required. A memory care facility provides assistance to people with Alzheimer’s, dementia, and other memory impairments, with specific care plans and stimulating activities to boost brain health.
An assisted living facility is a long-term care option for seniors offering personal care assistance and communal activities. Both facilities may offer 24/7 supervision along with three meals a day, laundry, and housekeeping services.
According to Genworth, the monthly median cost for an assisted living facility is $4,635. You can expect to pay 20 percent to 30 percent more in memory care costs due to specialized training, mobility assistance, and additional security on the premises.
Does Memory Care Charge Additional Fees?
Some assisted living and memory care facilities require charges for services beyond their base level of care. Under a fee-for-service model, for example, you will need to pay a base rate for room and board at your assisted living or memory care facility. If you need additional services, then some assisted living communities will charge additional fees and incorporate a fee-for-service model.
Some communities opt instead for an inclusive monthly payment that includes the rental fee for the room along with all the transportation, utilities, housekeeping, and personal care assistance. In many cases, this monthly fee won’t increase or result in added fees for additional services.
You may want to inquire about the pricing tiers at the senior community you choose for your services, since they may have certain service caps or different pricing models. Some communities may also have an interview and entrance fee deposit on top of the monthly rental fees.
Paying for Memory Care
If you or a loved one has Alzheimer’s or dementia, then Medicare can help pay for some of the costs of home health care, skilled nursing care, or dementia-related diagnostic tests. Medicare does not cover memory care, however, which means many people are left to figure out a way to pay for this type of care.
In addition to using your savings, some other ways to pay for memory care include:
- Medicaid
- V.A. Aid and Attendance Benefits
- Long-Term Care Insurance
Choosing a Memory Care Community
When looking at memory care communities for yourself or a loved one, keep the following in mind:
- Pricing and what’s included. Memory care communities follow either an all-inclusive or fee-for-service pricing model. When you’re researching a memory care facility, inquire about the monthly pricing and the cost of additional services. That will help you more accurately gauge your total expenses.
- Floor plans. When selecting a memory care facility, you may have the option of selecting studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom units — all of which have different costs.
- Price increases. Some communities guarantee fixed rates for your stay in memory care, but others have been known to increase costs by up to 8 percent in one year.
- Deposits and entry fees. You may need to pay a one-time entrance fee or deposit to enter a senior community or memory care facility.
- Potential discounts. Reach out to your memory care facility to inquire about possible discounts for low-income seniors or move-in specials.
- Care plans. Review your care plan and make sure a healthy diet — along with movement, exercise, and stimulating activities — are included in your overall care plan.
- Extra costs. Consider which additional services you may need, and keep a running list of how these will impact your monthly costs.
To learn more about dementia care, check out our helpful guides:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does memory care cost more than assisted living?
Due to its more specialized care, memory care tends to cost about 30 percent more than assisted living.
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Is memory care pricing all-inclusive?
Some memory care communities use all-inclusive pricing, while others charge extra fees for additional personal care needs.
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Why is memory care more expensive than assisted living?
Assisted living communities can be relatively hands-off with care, but memory care communities have personnel who are trained in the nuances of caring for people with cognitive impairments. Because of the increased level of care, memory care tends to be more expensive.
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Does Medicaid pay for memory care?
Medicaid can be used to pay for some of the costs of memory care.