Memory care: what it is and which homes are certified

Some assisted living facilities have special Alzheimer's units whose staff check on and care for people with dementia. Residents pay for the room or apartment and may pay extra for special care.nia.nih.gov

Some nursing homes have special Alzheimer's care units, often in a separate section of the building, where staff have special training in dementia care.nia.nih.gov

Many long-term care facilities offer special programs for people with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia.nia.nih.gov

A special needs assisted living residence (SNALR) serves people with special needs, including people with dementia or cognitive impairments, under an individualized service plan.health.ny.gov

An enhanced assisted living residence (EALR) lets residents age in place: it may admit or keep residents who need another person's physical help to walk or use stairs, depend on medical equipment and need frequent help from medical staff, or have chronic unmanaged incontinence.health.ny.gov

An adult care facility may seek licensure as an assisted living residence and then apply for extra certification as an EALR or SNALR.health.ny.gov

New York's SNALR voucher program can issue up to 200 vouchers that pay up to 75% of the regional average private pay rate for a SNALR, for approved applicants with Alzheimer's disease or dementia.health.ny.gov

California's updated dementia care rules for RCFEs took effect January 1, 2025. They aim to support person-centered care and let residents age in place in the least restrictive setting they know as home.cdss.ca.gov

The dementia care standards, once kept in one regulation section, are now spread across several sections so they support care for all residents.cdss.ca.gov

The rules now address resident behaviors whatever the diagnosis, focusing on individual needs, and whether a resident may have items such as cleaning solutions or sharp objects depends on their own needs and appraisal.cdss.ca.gov