How to search for memory care and assisted living near you
The fastest way to find facilities nearby is to start with your local Area Agency on Aging (AAA), which keeps a current list of licensed providers in your county. You can find your AAA by calling the Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 or visiting eldercare.acl.gov. They can tell you which facilities have memory care units, what they cost, and whether any have openings.
A second route is to search the state health department's inspection database directly. Every state publishes inspection reports and violation histories for assisted living facilities and memory care units online. Searching there lets you see which homes are licensed, what deficiencies inspectors found, and how recent those findings are. This information is public and free.
You can also search by name if you already know a facility you want to learn about. Type the facility name plus your state and "inspection report" or "license status" into a search engine, and you will usually find the state's record within the first few results.
Key Takeaways
- Your Area Agency on Aging keeps a list of licensed memory care and assisted living facilities in your county and can tell you about costs and current openings.
- State health department websites publish inspection reports and violation histories for every licensed facility, which you can search for free by name or location.
- Memory care units are typically more expensive than standard assisted living because they provide specialized staff and security for people with dementia or Alzheimer's disease.
- Visiting a facility in person and talking to current residents' families will tell you more about daily life there than any brochure or website.
- Some facilities accept Medicaid, but coverage and payment rules vary by state, so you will need to ask each home directly about their payment options.
What to look for when comparing facilities
Memory care units differ from standard assisted living in staffing, security, and programming. In memory care, staff are trained to work with people who have dementia or Alzheimer's disease, and the unit is usually locked or secured to prevent residents from wandering. Activities and meals are often structured around the needs of people with cognitive decline. Standard assisted living offers help with daily tasks like bathing and medication, but does not assume memory loss or provide the same level of supervision.
When you call or visit a facility, ask about staff-to-resident ratios, how many staff work at night, and what training they have in dementia care. Ask whether the facility is licensed specifically for memory care or whether it is a general assisted living home with a memory care wing. Ask what happens if a resident's needs change — whether they can stay in the same facility or whether they will need to move to a nursing home.
Visit during a meal or activity time if you can, and talk to families of current residents. They will tell you whether staff respond quickly, whether the place feels clean and safe, and whether their relative seems content. A brochure can look polished; a conversation with someone whose parent lives there will tell you what the place is actually like day to day.
Understanding costs and payment options
Memory care costs more than standard assisted living because of the specialized staff and security. Costs vary widely by state, city, and facility — a memory care unit in a rural area may cost half what the same care costs in a major city. There is no single national price, so you will need to contact facilities directly to learn what they charge.
Most facilities charge a monthly fee that covers room, board, and basic care. Some also charge extra for specialized services like medication management or behavioral support. Ask whether the quoted price includes all services or whether additional costs are added later.
Payment options vary by facility and state. Some accept Medicaid, but Medicaid coverage for assisted living and memory care is not the same in every state — some states cover it generously, others do not cover it at all. Medicare does not cover assisted living or memory care. Private pay, long-term care insurance, and Veterans benefits (if you or your spouse served) are other common payment sources. Ask each facility which payment methods they accept and whether they have a social worker who can help you understand your options.
What to ask about daily life and activities
The quality of life in a memory care unit depends a lot on what residents do during the day. Ask what activities are offered, how often they happen, and whether they are designed for people with memory loss. Some facilities offer music, art, gardening, or pet therapy — activities that can matter more to someone with dementia than traditional classes or lectures.
Ask about meals — whether residents eat together, whether the food is made on-site, and whether the facility can handle special diets. Ask about visiting hours and whether family members can eat with residents or take them out. Ask whether the facility has a find outdoor space where residents can spend time outside.
Ask how the facility handles difficult behaviors that sometimes come with dementia, like aggression or wandering. A good memory care unit will have a plan that does not rely on medication alone. Ask what happens if a resident becomes upset or confused — whether staff are trained to redirect and calm, or whether they call for help when ready.
Checking licenses and inspection records
Every assisted living facility and memory care unit must be licensed by the state. Before you visit or move someone into a facility, check that the license is current and that the facility is licensed for the level of care you need. A facility licensed for assisted living may not be licensed to provide memory care.
State inspection reports are public record. They show what inspectors found during routine visits and what violations, if any, the facility had. Not every violation is serious — some are paperwork issues — but patterns matter. A facility with one violation from three years ago is different from one with multiple violations in the past year.
To find inspection records, go to your state health department's website and search for the facility by name. If you cannot find it online, call the health department directly and ask for the inspection history. You can also ask the facility itself for a copy of its most recent inspection report — they are required to have it available.
Questions to ask during a facility tour
When you visit, bring a list of questions and take notes. Ask about the background checks and training required for staff. Ask how many staff work during the day and at night, and whether the same staff members work regularly or whether there is high turnover. Ask what happens in a medical emergency and whether the facility has a nurse on-site.
Ask about visiting policies and whether you can visit at any time or only during set hours. Ask whether residents can keep personal items, pets, or furniture from home. Ask what the process is if you want to move your relative out, and whether there is a contract you need to sign.
Ask about the cost of moving in — whether there is an entrance fee, a deposit, or a waiting list. Ask whether the monthly fee can increase and how often. Ask what happens if a resident runs out of money or can no longer afford the facility.
When to start looking and how much time to allow
Memory care facilities often have waiting lists, especially in popular areas or during certain times of year. If you know you will need memory care in the next year or two, start looking now. Some facilities will put you on a waiting list months in advance, and you can usually cancel without penalty if your situation changes.
The process of choosing a facility, visiting, and completing paperwork typically takes several weeks to a few months. If you are in crisis — if your relative is unsafe at home or you are overwhelmed as a caregiver — you may need to move faster. In that case, ask your Area Agency on Aging or a social worker whether there are temporary or short-term options while you search for a permanent placement.
If you are moving someone from a hospital or rehabilitation facility, the discharge planner can often help you find a memory care bed quickly. Tell them what you are looking for, and they may have relationships with facilities that can take residents on short notice.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if someone needs memory care versus regular assisted living?
Memory care is designed for people with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, or other conditions that affect memory and thinking. If your relative is safe at home with reminders about medication and meals, assisted living may be enough. If they wander, get lost, forget to eat, or cannot recognize family members, memory care is usually the right choice. A doctor or geriatric care manager can help you decide.
Can I move someone into memory care if they do not have a dementia diagnosis yet?
Some facilities will admit people who are showing signs of memory loss but do not have a formal diagnosis. Others require a diagnosis before admission. Ask the facility directly. If they require a diagnosis and your relative does not have one, talk to their doctor about getting an evaluation — it does not have to be a specialist, a primary care doctor can often diagnose early dementia.
What if I cannot afford the monthly cost?
Ask the facility whether they accept Medicaid and whether they have any reduced-cost beds available. Ask about Veterans benefits if your relative served in the military. Some facilities offer financial information or sliding scale fees based on income, though this is not common. A social worker at your Area Agency on Aging can help you understand what payment options exist in your state.
Can I visit anytime, or are there visiting hour restrictions?
Policies vary by facility. Some allow visiting anytime during the day, others have set hours. Ask about this during your tour. Also ask whether you can take your relative out for a few hours or whether they must stay on-site at all times. Good facilities usually encourage family involvement and flexible visiting.
What should I do if I think a facility is not treating my relative well?
Talk to the facility staff and management first. If the problem is not resolved, contact your state health department's complaint line — every state has one. You can also call your Area Agency on Aging or a long-term care ombudsman, who investigates complaints about nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Do not wait if you think your relative is being harmed.