Memory Care Costs $1,169 More Than Assisted Living per Month

Assisted living and memory care both provide housing, meals and help with daily activities, but memory care is designed specifically for people with dementia. Memory care offers specially trained staff, structured activities and enhanced security to address risks such as wandering, falls and behavioral changes, while assisted living generally focuses on routine personal-care needs. Memory care typically costs more because residents require more supervision and specialized support; national averages cited are $5,830 per month for assisted living and $6,999 for memory care. Some communities offer both levels of care, allowing residents to remain in the same setting as their needs change.