There are 179 memory care facilities in Tennessee. Some facilities focus entirely on caring for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia, while some assisted living communities and nursing homes provide specialized memory care. These communities are spread throughout the state, which makes it possible to locate care near family and friends.

What Do Memory Care Facilities Offer?

Memory care facilities are residential care communities that provide specialized care for those with cognitive impairments. These communities offer increased security to prevent wandering and mentally engaging programs that challenge an individual’s abilities to think. Activities may include puzzles, music therapy, sensory games, gardening and socialization.

The needs of seniors in memory care facilities change over time, so the facility must be able to accommodate these individuals as they move through the different stages of memory loss. Services may include companionship and transportation as well as personal care assistance, such as grooming and bathing. Those who require frequent visits from a physician, including individuals with a chronic illness, may require nursing home care instead.

What’s the Estimated Cost of Memory Care?

Memory care costs an estimated 25% more than care in an assisted living community. According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Tennessee is $4,500, which means memory care is an estimated $5,625 per month. This cost can vary by hundreds or thousands of dollars depending on the facility’s location, the number of amenities and the types of care provided.