Everything You Need to Know About the Cost of Memory Care
By Merritt WhitleyOctober 21, 2020
Once you begin researching memory care costs, you’ll soon discover there’s a wide range. Key factors like apartment floor plans, location, amenities, and a person’s health care needs can all affect the price tag. While some memory care facilities charge $3,000 a month or less, others may cost $7,000 a month or more, according to an analysis of 2018 and 2019 memory care move-in data from A Place for Mom (APFM).
Learn which states have the highest and lowest costs of memory care, what’s included in the price, tips to save money, and 10 questions to ask when touring memory care facilities to better understand your loved one’s monthly bill.
What’s the average cost of a memory care facility?
The median memory care cost in the United States is $5,250 a month, according to APFM’s most recent analysis. Median means half the prices are lower and half are higher. This is generally thought to be a more accurate figure than the average for summarizing costs, as it’s not affected by extremely high or low figures.
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10 least expensive states for memory care
In the states with lower memory care costs, the median rate ranged from $3,800 a month in Hawaii to $4,700 a month in New Mexico.
Top 10 Least Expensive States for Memory Care
State
Monthly Median Cost
1. Hawaii
$3,800
2. Mississippi
$4,100
3. Georgia
$4,160
4. Idaho
$4,250
5. Alabama
$4,330
6. Tennessee
$4,400
7. Utah
$4,493
8. Florida
$4,498
9. South Carolina
$4,550
10. New Mexico
$4,700
Source: APFM move-in data analysis, 2018-2019
10 most expensive states for memory care
In the states with higher memory care costs, the median rate ranged from nearly $6,050 a month in Delaware to nearly $7,400 a month in Vermont.
Top 10 Most Expensive States for Memory Care
State
Monthly Median Cost
1. Vermont
$7,395
2. Massachusetts
$7,325
3. Connecticut
$7,195
4. Maine
$7,135
5. New Hampshire
$7,050
6. New Jersey
$6,990
7. New York
$6,700
8. Minnesota
$6,192
9. Washington
$6,109
10. Delaware
$6,048
Source: APFM move-in data analysis, 2018-2019
Monthly median memory care facility costs by state
The difference in memory care costs between the most and least expensive states — Vermont and Hawaii — is nearly $4,000. Find out how your state compares to the national median cost of care.
Memory Care Costs by State
State
Monthly Median Cost
Alabama
$4,330
Alaska
$5,900
Arizona
$5,200
Arkansas
$5,125
California
$5,038
Colorado
$5,795
Connecticut
$7,195
Delaware
$6,048
Florida
$4,498
Georgia
$4,160
Hawaii
$3,800
Idaho
$4,250
Illinois
$6,050
Indiana
$5,058
Iowa
$5,395
Kansas
$5,700
Kentucky
$4,850
Louisiana
$5,324
Maine
$7,135
Maryland
$5,814
Massachusetts
$7,325
Michigan
$5,250
Minnesota
$6,192
Mississippi
$4,100
Missouri
$5,725
Montana
$5,610
Nebraska
$5,500
Nevada
N/A
New Hampshire
$7,050
New Jersey
$6,990
New Mexico
$4,700
New York
$6,700
North Carolina
$5,542
North Dakota
$5,685
Ohio
$5,250
Oklahoma
N/A
Oregon
$5,875
Pennsylvania
$5,400
Rhode Island
$5,850
South Carolina
$4,550
South Dakota
$6,028
Tennessee
$4,400
Texas
N/A
Utah
$4,493
Vermont
$7,395
Virginia
$5,463
Washington
$6,109
West Virginia
$4,744
Wisconsin
$5,834
Wyoming
N/A
Source: APFM move-in data analysis, 2018-2019. Data not available in some states where APFM does not collect move-in care and rent charges.
What’s included in the price of Alzheimer’s care?
Housing, meals, and 24-hour care for seniors with dementia is included in memory care, sometimes called Alzheimer’s care. Memory care offers a safe environment for residents, memory-enhancing therapies, opportunities for socialization, and peace of mind for families.
While features and amenities vary, memory care facilities typically offer:
Yes — typically, memory care costs are all-inclusive, meaning residents pay one monthly fee regardless of care needs. This is different from assisted living costs, which are often determined based on level of care.
A few services in memory care may cost extra, like incontinence care, diabetic injections, beauty services such as manicures and haircuts, internet service, and special outings.
Why are memory care facilities more expensive than assisted living?
Memory care costs generally exceed assisted living costs by $1,000 or more a month, even when communities are in the same town or area. This is because:
Dementia care requires specific skills and ongoing caregiver training. Many people seek memory care for their loved one because managing dementia behaviors like confusion, anxiety, and aggression at home is extremely challenging. Memory care staff receive regular training on how to prevent such behaviors by understanding a resident’s unmet needs — whether they’re emotional or physical — and meeting them.
Memory care communities have smaller resident-to-staff ratios. People with dementia often require more attention than those in assisted living. Caregivers in memory care take the time to encourage residents to do as much as they can for themselves while providing support when needed.
Ask the following to clearly understand costs and avoid surprises later on, says Niki Gewirtz, a Senior Living Advisor for A Place for Mom and a former executive director at a memory care community:
What’s the price? Memory care prices change month to month, depending on factors like time of year and vacancy. For example, memory care facilities may reduce their price if they have many vacant rooms.
What’s included? Many communities charge an all-inclusive monthly fee, but some have different prices based on care needs. Be sure to clarify the care and services included in the price.
How much are the various floor plans? Most memory care communities have studio or shared room options. Some offer one- and two-bedroom options for a higher price.
Does the price increase annually? Memory care prices typically increase 3% to 8% a year.
Is there a community entry fee or deposit? Many communities charge a one-time community fee, ranging from $1,000 to the cost of your first month’s rent. This fee covers the extra services and one-on-one time needed to help a new resident adjust to the community.
Are there any move-in incentives? Many communities offer discounts, such as:
End-of-year rates.Deals are common around the holidays, when fewer people want to move.
Rate lock-ins.Some communities may offer to freeze your rate — called a rate lock-in — for two years or more.
Waived community entry fee. This initial payment may be eliminated as an incentive.
What’s the maximum amount of care offered?Your loved one’s care needs will be evaluated as part of the move-in process. However, these may change over time. Knowing the maximum price and care options can help you plan accordingly.
How often will care plans be reviewed? If your loved one goes to the hospital, or if their health changes, they may need different care and treatments. A plan outlining required care is important to your relative’s health — and it can affect costs.
What happens if our family can no longer pay? Is there a grace period if unforeseen financial difficulties arise? Does the community provide any resources?
Will I need to purchase any specialty items? Ask if there are any items related to your loved one’s care that you’ll need to pay extra for.
3 tips to save on memory care facility costs
Helping your family save a little bit can go a long way. Here are three tips to cut costs:
Move at the end of the year. You can often find deals around the winter holidays.
Consider a roommate. Splitting the cost of a room can be one of the best ways to save. In addition to being cost-effective, having a roommate may be comforting.
Ask for a deal or move-in incentive. If you don’t ask, you may never know.
Find affordable memory care communities near you
Are you curious about the cost of memory care in your area? Contact our experienced Senior Living Advisors to compare memory care rates and amenities near you.
Author
Merritt Whitley
Merritt Whitely is an editor at A Place for Mom. She developed health content for seniors at Hearing Charities of America and the National Hearing Aid Project. She’s also managed multiple print publications, blogs, and social media channels for seniors as the marketing manager at Sertoma, Inc.