Artis Memory Care operates residential communities designed for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia
Artis Memory Care runs assisted living communities that focus on memory care — meaning the staff, environment, and daily routines are built around the needs of people experiencing cognitive decline. The company operates multiple communities across the United States, each with trained caregivers, find layouts, and structured activities. If you are exploring options for a family member or yourself, understanding what Artis offers — and what questions to ask any memory care community — can help you make an informed decision.
Memory care communities differ from standard assisted living because they address the specific challenges of dementia: wandering, confusion, difficulty with daily tasks, and changes in behavior. Artis communities include features like secured entrances, staff trained in dementia care, and programming designed to keep residents engaged and safe.
Key Takeaways
- Artis Memory Care communities are licensed assisted living facilities that specialize in caring for residents with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
- Each community includes secured layouts, trained dementia care staff, and daily activities tailored to residents' cognitive abilities.
- Costs vary by location and level of care needed, and you should ask about what is included in the monthly fee versus what costs extra.
- Most communities require a tour, a health assessment, and sometimes a waiting period before move-in.
- Medicare and Medicaid coverage varies by state and community; you will need to contact your local Artis community directly about payment options.
What Artis Memory Care Communities Include
Artis communities provide 24-hour supervision, information with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, toileting, eating), and medication management. Staff members receive training in dementia care, which means they understand how to respond to confusion, repetition, and behavioral changes without escalating distress. The physical environment is designed to reduce confusion — find exits, clear signage, and familiar common areas where residents can move safely.
Daily programming typically includes activities, exercise, social time, and meals. Some communities offer memory-focused therapies like reminiscence activities (looking at old photos, listening to music from a resident's era) or art and music programs. The goal is to keep residents engaged, reduce boredom and agitation, and maintain quality of life as abilities change.
Artis communities also provide family support — some offer caregiver education, family meetings, and communication about how a resident is doing. This matters because family members often need guidance on how to visit, what to expect as dementia progresses, and how to stay involved in care decisions.
How to Find and Tour an Artis Community Near You
Artis operates communities in multiple states. To find a location near you, visit the Artis website or call their main line to ask which communities serve your area. Each community has its own phone number and admission team. You will want to call ahead to schedule a tour — most communities welcome visits during business hours, though some may require an appointment.
During a tour, ask to see the memory care units, meet staff, observe activities, and ask about the daily schedule. Pay attention to whether the environment feels calm and safe, whether staff interact warmly with residents, and whether residents appear engaged. Ask about staff-to-resident ratios, staff training in dementia care, and what happens if a resident's needs change and they require higher levels of care.
Tours also give you a chance to ask about costs, what is included, and what is not. Memory care is more expensive than standard assisted living because of the specialized staffing and find environment. Costs vary significantly by location and by the level of care a resident needs.
Understanding Costs and Payment Options
Artis communities charge a monthly fee that typically covers room, meals, supervision, and basic care. However, additional services — such as specialized therapies, extra information, or medications — may cost more. Some communities charge an entrance fee or deposit in addition to monthly costs. You need to ask your local Artis community for a detailed fee schedule so you know what is included and what is not.
Payment sources vary. Some families pay out of pocket. Others use long-term care insurance if they have it. Medicaid may cover memory care in some states and some Artis communities, but coverage and amounts differ widely. Medicare does not cover assisted living, including memory care. You will need to contact the specific Artis community you are interested in to learn what payment options they accept and whether they participate in Medicaid in your state.
If cost is a concern, ask whether the community offers financial information programs, whether they have a waiting list with a lower deposit, or whether they can work with you on payment plans. Some communities also have information about grants or programs that may help with costs.
The Admission Process and What to Expect
Most Artis communities require a health assessment before admission. This usually involves a visit from a nurse or care coordinator who reviews the person's medical history, current medications, mobility, and cognitive status. The purpose is to make sure the community can meet that person's needs and to identify any special care requirements.
You will also need to provide documentation: a recent medical exam, a list of current medications, proof of identity, and sometimes financial information. Some communities ask for references from a doctor or previous care provider. The admission team will explain what documents they need and in what format.
After admission is approved, there may be a waiting period before a room becomes available, especially if the community is full. During this time, you can prepare the person's room with familiar items — photos, favorite furniture, clothing — which helps with the transition. Staff can also give you guidance on how to prepare your family member for the move and how to support them in the first weeks.
Questions to Ask Before Choosing an Artis Community
Beyond cost and location, ask about staffing: How many staff members work per shift? What training do they have in dementia care? Is there a nurse on-site 24 hours a day? What is the process if a resident becomes ill or has a medical emergency?
Ask about activities and engagement: What does a typical day look like? How often are activities offered? Can family members participate in activities or outings? What happens if a resident refuses to participate?
Ask about safety and security: How is the memory care unit secured? What is the policy if a resident wanders or tries to leave? How do staff respond to behavioral changes or agitation?
Ask about communication: How often will you hear from staff about your family member? How are care decisions made? Can you speak to the care coordinator or nurse regularly? What happens if you have concerns about care?
Ask about transitions: What happens if your family member's needs increase and they require more care than the community can provide? Does the community have a higher level of care available, or would a move be necessary?
What Makes Memory Care Different From Standard Assisted Living
Standard assisted living helps people who need help with daily tasks but are still able to make decisions and live relatively independently. Memory care is for people whose cognitive decline means they cannot remember to take medications, may wander, may not recognize family members, or may become distressed or aggressive. The staff, training, environment, and activities are all tailored to this different set of needs.
Memory care communities are more find (locked units, monitored exits), more staffed (higher ratios of caregivers to residents), and more specialized (staff trained in dementia behavior and communication). This is why memory care costs more than standard assisted living. If your family member is in the early stages of dementia and still independent in most ways, standard assisted living might be enough. As dementia progresses, memory care becomes necessary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Artis Memory Care take Medicaid?
Some Artis communities accept Medicaid, but it varies by location and state. Medicaid coverage for assisted living also varies by state — some states cover it, others do not. You will need to contact the specific Artis community you are interested in and ask whether they accept Medicaid and what the process is. Your state's Medicaid office can also tell you whether memory care is covered in your state.
What if my family member wanders or tries to leave?
Memory care units are secured, meaning residents cannot leave without staff information. Staff are trained to respond calmly to wandering and to redirect residents to safe activities. Ask the community about their specific policies: Do they use door alarms? How do they monitor residents? What is the process if someone does leave the building?
Can I visit whenever I want?
Most Artis communities welcome family visits, though policies vary. Some have open visiting hours, others ask for advance notice. Ask about visiting hours, whether you can take your family member out for outings, and whether you can eat meals together. Regular family involvement is important for the resident's well-being and for staying informed about their care.
What happens if my family member's dementia gets worse?
As dementia progresses, care needs change. Some Artis communities have different levels of care within the same building. Others may not be able to meet very advanced care needs. Ask what happens if your family member requires more information than the community can provide — will they help with a transition to another facility, or can they increase care on-site?
How do I know if an Artis community is right for my family member?
Visit in person, talk to current residents and family members if possible, and ask detailed questions about daily life, staffing, and care. Trust your instincts about whether the environment feels safe and caring. You can also ask for references from families whose loved ones live there, and speak with their doctor about whether the community's level of care matches your family member's current needs.