What Arbors Memory Care Is
Arbors Memory Care is a chain of assisted living communities that specialize in caring for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The communities are designed around the specific needs of residents whose memory is declining — staff are trained in dementia care, the physical layout includes safety features like secured exits, and daily activities are built around memory-care best practices rather than general assisted living routines.
Arbors operates multiple communities across different states. Each location is independently licensed and operated, which means the specific services, staffing levels, and costs vary by location. If you are considering Arbors for yourself or a family member, you will be working with the individual community, not a national office.
Key Takeaways
- Arbors Memory Care communities are licensed assisted living facilities focused on dementia care, with secured units and staff trained in memory-care techniques.
- Costs, services, and availability differ by location, so you need to contact the specific community you are interested in to learn what they offer and what they charge.
- Most Arbors communities accept private pay, some accept Medicaid, and a few may work with long-term care insurance — payment options vary by location.
- The move-in process typically includes a tour, a needs assessment, a contract review, and a move-in date, which usually takes several weeks to arrange.
- Memory care communities are not nursing homes and do not provide skilled nursing care, so residents who need 24-hour medical supervision may need to move to a different level of care.
What Services and Support Look Like at Arbors
Arbors Memory Care communities provide 24-hour supervision, information with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting, eating), medication management, and structured activities designed for people with memory loss. Staff are trained to use techniques like validation therapy and reminiscence therapy, which work with a person's memory rather than against it.
The physical environment is designed for safety and familiarity. Secured units prevent residents from wandering off the property. Common areas are arranged to reduce confusion, and many communities use visual cues like color-coded doors and large clocks. Meals are provided, housekeeping and laundry are included, and transportation to medical appointments is typically available.
The level of care and the specific activities offered depend on the individual community. Some Arbors locations have on-site therapy services, some offer art or music programs, and some have partnerships with local day programs. When you contact a community, ask what a typical day looks like and what activities are available each week.
How Much Arbors Memory Care Costs
Arbors Memory Care communities charge a monthly fee that covers room, board, supervision, and care information. The cost varies significantly by location, by the size and type of room, and by the level of care the resident needs. A community in a rural area will cost less than one in a major city. A private room costs more than a semi-private room.
Most communities publish a base rate on their website or will provide it over the phone. That base rate typically covers standard services. Additional costs may explore for specialized care (such as care for advanced dementia), extra activities, or services like salon visits or outings. Ask the community for a full fee schedule in writing before you commit.
Arbors communities accept private pay (out-of-pocket funds). Some accept Medicaid, though Medicaid coverage for assisted living varies by state and by the individual community's contract with the state program. A few communities may work with long-term care insurance. Contact the specific community to learn what payment methods they accept.
How to Explore an Arbors Community
Start by identifying which Arbors communities are near you or near family. You can search online for "Arbors Memory Care" plus your city or state, or call the main Arbors office to ask which locations serve your area. Once you have identified a community, call and ask to schedule a tour.
During a tour, ask to see the secured memory care unit, meet some staff, and observe a meal or activity time if possible. Ask about staffing ratios (how many residents each caregiver is responsible for), training requirements for staff, and what happens if a resident's needs change and they require more intensive care. Ask whether the community has a waiting list and how long the typical wait is.
If you are interested in moving forward, the community will typically conduct a needs assessment — a conversation about the person's medical history, current abilities, behavior, and care needs. This helps the community determine whether they can meet those needs and what level of care will be required.
What Happens During the Move-In Process
Once you and the community have agreed to proceed, you will sign a residency agreement. This contract outlines the services provided, the monthly cost, what happens if costs increase, what the community's policies are around visitors and outings, and what the process is if the resident needs to leave the community. Read this carefully and ask questions about anything unclear.
The community will typically ask for a deposit to hold the room. This deposit is usually applied to the first month's fees or refunded if you decide not to move forward. You will also need to provide medical records, a list of current medications, emergency contact information, and information about insurance or payment method.
The move-in date is usually scheduled several weeks out, which gives time for paperwork to be completed and for the resident to prepare. Some communities allow a trial period of a few days or a week before the official move-in, so the resident can adjust and you can see whether it is a good fit.
When Arbors Memory Care May Not Be the Right Fit
Arbors Memory Care communities are licensed as assisted living facilities, not nursing homes. This means they do not provide skilled nursing care — they cannot manage complex medical conditions, administer injections, or provide wound care. If a resident develops a condition that requires 24-hour nursing supervision (such as advanced dementia with significant behavioral or medical needs), they may need to move to a nursing home or skilled nursing facility.
Some residents with severe behavioral symptoms, significant aggression, or very advanced dementia may exceed what an assisted living community can safely manage. If this is a concern, discuss it directly with the community during the assessment process. Ask what their policy is if a resident's needs change and whether they have a transition plan.
Arbors communities are private-pay facilities first, and while some accept Medicaid, not all do. If Medicaid is your only payment option, you will need to confirm that the specific community you are interested in accepts it in your state.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Arbors Community
Before committing to a move, have a conversation with the community director or admissions staff about these specific points: What is the staff-to-resident ratio in the memory care unit? What training do staff receive in dementia care? What is the process if a resident wanders or becomes aggressive? How often do families typically visit, and are there visiting hours? What happens if the resident's condition changes and they need more care than the community can provide? Is there a waiting list, and if so, how long is it? What is included in the monthly fee, and what costs extra?
Also ask about the community's experience with the specific type of dementia or behavior you are concerned about. A community that has worked with many residents with Lewy body dementia, for example, may have more informed than one that primarily serves residents with Alzheimer's disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I move my family member to Arbors if they are still in early-stage dementia?
Yes. Many people move to memory care communities while they still have significant independence and memory. The benefit is that staff are trained to work with memory loss, the environment is designed to reduce confusion, and the person can build relationships and routines before their needs become more intensive. Some families find this transition easier than waiting until crisis forces a move.
What if my family member refuses to go to Arbors or becomes unhappy after moving?
This is common, especially in the first few weeks. Many communities have a trial period or a short-term agreement that allows you to see how it goes. Talk to the community about what support they offer during the adjustment period — some have staff trained in helping new residents settle in. If it truly is not working, you can explore other options, though moving again can be disruptive.
Does Arbors accept Medicare?
Medicare does not cover assisted living, including memory care communities. Arbors communities are paid through private funds, Medicaid (in states and communities that accept it), or long-term care insurance. Medicare covers skilled nursing care in a nursing home, but that is a different level of care.
What if my family member needs more care than Arbors can provide?
The community will work with you to identify the next level of care, which is usually a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. Some communities have relationships with nursing homes and can help with the transition. Ask during your initial tour what the community's process is if a resident's needs change.
How do I know if an Arbors community is licensed and regulated?
Each Arbors community is licensed by the state as an assisted living facility. You can verify the license by contacting your state's health department or department of aging. Ask the community for their license number, and you can look it up online to see whether there are any complaints or violations on record.