Memory care costs an average of $6,935 per month in the United States. The monthly cost of memory care varies depending on the facility and the city and state in which it’s located. Communities that offer a wider range of services aimed at the needs of seniors with memory loss disorders generally charge a much higher fee than those with basic services and amenities.

Memory Care Cost Comparison

Memory care and nursing home care require highly trained staff and costly amenities that aren’t found in an assisted living community. Nursing home care is far more expensive than memory care due to the high level of medical care services nursing homes are required to provide. In general, the average cost of nursing home care in a semiprivate room in the United States is $7,098 per month. Although some seniors with memory loss disorders may require the level of care provided in a nursing home, a community that offers specialized memory care is generally a better option for most seniors with cognitive impairment disorders. 

The cost of memory care is significantly higher than the monthly average cost of assisted living, which is around $5,380. The difference in cost can be attributed to the additional facilities and specialized staff training required in a memory care unit. 

Services Provided and Costs Involved in Memory Care Units

The majority of memory care units provide a range of facilities and services designed to meet the needs of seniors with cognitive impairment disorders. At a minimum, memory care communities provide 24/7 caregiving services and some level of security. In some states, these caregivers are required to undergo additional training on a regular basis.

Memory care costs are higher in communities that provide specialized activities tailored to each resident, research-based therapies, secure outdoor spaces and licensed medical staff. Since communities cater to different levels of memory loss, the costs increase depending on the severity of the disorder and the amount of care or monitoring required.