Paying for memory care can feel overwhelming, but it’s crucial for families seeking the best support they can get for a loved one with dementia. The price tag often comes as a shock — but knowing what services are actually included in memory care, and why memory care costs what it does can help you make an informed, confident decision.

What Is Memory Care and Who Needs It?

Before we address the question “How much does memory care cost?”, it’s important to establish what exactly memory care entails and who needs it. Memory care is a specialized form of long-term care designed for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Memory care communities offer structured routines in a secure environment, with staff trained specifically to support cognitive decline and challenging behaviors. Residents usually benefit from personalized care plans, engagement activities, and environments built to reduce confusion and anxiety. 

For a deeper look at what memory care is, and how to look for those first signs of dementia, visit one of our additional resources:

Memory care is most beneficial for those whose memory loss or cognitive impairment has progressed to the point where safety, health, or daily functioning is at risk. 

If you’re unsure whether it’s time to consider memory care, check out our guide on recognizing the signs a loved one needs memory care or our guide on when to consider moving your parent into a senior living community.

What Is the Average Monthly Cost for Memory Care?

Families often ask, “What is the average monthly cost for memory care?” In 2025 (according to a cited study by the University of Southern California), the national median cost of memory care is about $6,988 to $7,292 per month. However, costs vary widely by state, ranging from around $4,000 to over $11,000 per month depending on location, amenities, and level of care needed.

What’s included in this price?

  • Housing (private or shared suites) 
  • Three daily meals and snacks 
  • 24/7 supervision and safety 
  • Housekeeping and laundry 
  • Medication management 
  • Assistance with daily living activities 
  • Cognitive and enrichment programming

So Why is Memory Care So Expensive?

The answer lies in the specialized services and resources required to keep residents safe, healthy, and engaged:

  • Trained, specialized staff: Memory care communities maintain higher staff-to-resident ratios than other senior living options. Staff receive ongoing training in dementia care, behavior management, and communication technique. 
  • 24/7 supervision and security: Continuous monitoring and secure building designs prevent wandering and ensure immediate response to emergencies. 
  • Cognitive therapy and structured programming: Residents benefit from therapies and activities tailored to stimulate memory, maintain cognitive function, and provide a sense of purpose. 
  • Personal care and daily support: Assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, and mobility is standard, along with medication management and health oversight. 
  • Enrichment through activities: Music, art, reminiscence therapy, and other activities for social engagement are integral to daily life, supporting emotional well-being and cognitive health. 
  • Secure, purpose-built environments: Communities are designed to reduce confusion and anxiety, with clear signage, color-coded hallways, and safe outdoor spaces.

Memory Care vs. Nursing Home: Cost and Care Compared

According to SeniorLiving.org, the median monthly cost for memory care in 2025 is about $6,988 to $7,292 per month, while nursing homes can range from $8,929 to $10,025 per month. You can see more average memory care costs sorted by state listed in the linked table.

Memory care focuses on cognitive support, engagement, and personal care, while nursing homes provide more intensive medical care for those with complex health needs. Memory care communities specialize in supporting individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s, offering secure environments, structured routines, and staff trained in dementia care. Their programming is  usually tailored to engagement and quality of life. 

In contrast, nursing homes deliver a higher level of skilled medical care for residents with complex health conditions and are equipped to manage a broader range of medical needs beyond memory loss. However, given their more clinical setting, nursing homes typically offer more limited amenities and social activities for residents. Nursing homes require a higher number of licensed medical professionals (such as registered nurses and therapists) and offer more advanced medical interventions, which increases costs for residents and families.

Not only is memory care typically more affordable than a nursing home, but it also offers a uniquely supportive environment for individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s. The emphasis on quality of life, engagement, and personalized care take precedence to care for the “whole person” and ensure peace of mind for the resident’s family. 

Choosing a memory care community like Cogir means your loved one receives expert, compassionate support at a lower cost — all without sacrificing the comforts and activities that make life enjoyable. To learn more about how Cogir’s memory care can make a difference for your family, visit our Memory Care Services page.

What Impacts the Cost of Memory Care?

Several factors influence how much memory care is a month, in general:

  • Type of residence: Private suites cost more than shared rooms. 
  • Services and amenities: More amenities and specialized therapies increase the price. 
  • Location: Urban areas and states with higher living costs charge more. 
  • Level of care needed: Residents requiring more intensive support may be subject to higher rates.

One of the key reasons for the higher cost is the expertise required. Quality memory care at Cogir is intentional and comprehensive — reflecting our commitment to both residents and their families. Our team members receive ongoing training in dementia care that empowers them to deliver thoughtful, individualized support bolstered by current best practices. This specialized training represents a meaningful operational investment, which is reflected in the overall cost of memory care services. 

Quality memory care also depends on the right staffing. Maintaining a higher staff-to-resident ratio allows us to provide the attentive, relationship-based care our residents deserve. 

While memory care often comes at a higher price point than traditional senior living, the value lies in the enhanced benefits and peace of mind it provides. At Cogir, we believe these investments in specialized training and thoughtful staffing are what truly elevate the memory care experience for residents and their loved ones. Cogir communities also feature the SafelyYou program, a leading fall prevention and response technology, to help keep residents safe and provide families with added confidence in their loved one’s care.

How Do You Pay for Memory Care?

Families often ask, “How do you pay for memory care?” and “What are my options for paying for memory care?” Here are the most common ways:

  • Private pay: Most families use personal savings, retirement accounts, or home equity. 
  • Long-term care insurance: These policies may cover some or all memory care costs, depending on the plan. 
  • Medicaid: Medicaid may help with memory care costs for eligible individuals, primarily covering care in nursing homes and, in some states, certain services in residential memory care settings through Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers. Coverage and benefits vary by state. 
  • Veterans benefits: Eligible veterans and spouses may receive financial assistance through VA programs.

Some communities also offer other resources to help families thoughtfully plan their financial options. Cogir Senior Living aims to provide a worry-free environment where residents can live the lifestyle they deserve. We partner with several organizations to help residents and their families see what financial options are available to them. Learn more here.

Key Takeaways & Next Steps

  • The average cost of memory care is higher than other senior living options due to the specialized staff, 24/7 supervision, and tailored programs required to support those with dementia. 
  • Costs vary by state, level of care, and amenities, but the investment provides safety, engagement, and peace of mind for families. 
  • There are several ways to pay for memory care, including private funds, insurance, Medicaid, and veterans benefits.

Choosing memory care is a significant and often difficult decision, but it can greatly improve your loved one’s quality of life. Before making a decision, visit different communities in person and ask the right questions. (We have a guide to help get you started on your search: Looking for Memory Care? You Should Ask These Questions)

Ready to learn more or see a Cogir Memory Care community in action? Find your community and schedule a tour today.

For more information on Cogir Senior Living, visit our memory care services page.