Brookdale operates memory care communities across the United States

Brookdale Senior Living is one of the largest operators of senior living communities in the country, with locations in most states. Many of their communities include dedicated memory care neighborhoods or units for people with Alzheimer's disease and other dementias. These are separate from their independent and assisted living areas, with staff trained specifically in dementia care and environments designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

Brookdale memory care is private pay — meaning you pay out of pocket, not through Medicare or Medicaid (though some states have Medicaid programs that cover certain Brookdale locations). The cost, services, and what's included vary significantly by location. A community in one state or city may look and operate differently from another Brookdale community nearby.

Key Takeaways

  • Brookdale operates memory care neighborhoods in most states, but each community sets its own pricing, services, and admission requirements.
  • Memory care at Brookdale is typically private pay, though some locations accept Medicaid in certain states — you must ask each community directly.
  • Staff in Brookdale memory care units receive dementia-specific training, and the physical layout is designed to support people with cognitive decline.
  • Visiting a specific community in person and speaking with their admissions team is the only way to learn what they actually offer and what it costs.

How to find a Brookdale memory care community near you

Brookdale's website has a community locator tool where you can search by state and city. When you find a location, you can see basic information like address and phone number. However, the website does not show pricing, current availability, or detailed descriptions of their memory care program — you have to contact the community directly for that information.

You can also call Brookdale's main phone line or use their online contact form to request information about memory care communities in your area. They will typically connect you with the admissions department at a specific location. Be prepared to ask about memory care specifically, because some Brookdale communities may not have a dedicated memory care unit.

What to expect in a Brookdale memory care neighborhood

Brookdale memory care units are typically secured — residents cannot leave without staff information, which is a safety measure for people who may wander. The physical space is usually designed with memory care in mind: simpler layouts to reduce confusion, secured outdoor areas, and common spaces for activities and social engagement.

Staff in these neighborhoods receive training in dementia care, including how to communicate with people experiencing cognitive decline and how to respond to behavioral changes. Daily activities often include memory-focused programming, exercise, and social events. Meals are usually provided, and information with bathing, dressing, and toileting is included as part of the service.

The specific amenities, staffing ratios, and activities differ by location. Some Brookdale communities may have on-site therapy services, visiting physicians, or specialized programs; others may not. This is another reason to speak directly with the community you're considering.

Pricing and what it typically covers

Brookdale memory care pricing is not published online and varies widely by location, the level of care needed, and what services are included in the base fee. A community in a rural area will cost less than one in a major city. Pricing also depends on the resident's care needs — someone requiring more information may pay more than someone in the early stages of memory loss.

Most Brookdale communities charge a monthly fee that covers room, meals, basic activities, and staff information with daily living. Additional services — such as medication management, specialized therapies, or extra staffing — may cost more. Some communities charge an entrance fee or deposit in addition to monthly rent.

When you contact a community, ask for a written breakdown of what the monthly fee includes and what costs extra. Ask whether the price changes if care needs increase, and what happens if you can no longer afford the community.

Medicaid coverage at Brookdale memory care

Most Brookdale communities are private pay only, but some locations in certain states do accept Medicaid. Medicaid coverage for memory care varies by state — some states cover assisted living or memory care, others do not. Even in states where it is available, not all Brookdale communities participate in the Medicaid program.

If you need Medicaid to help pay for memory care, you must ask each Brookdale community whether they accept it. If they do, ask what the Medicaid rate is, whether there is a waiting list, and whether the person must first pay privately before Medicaid takes over. Some communities have a limited number of Medicaid beds and may not have openings.

Your state's Medicaid office or your local Area Agency on Aging can tell you which memory care programs in your state accept Medicaid, which may or may not include Brookdale locations.

Questions to ask when contacting a Brookdale community

Before you visit or commit to anything, have a conversation with the admissions team. Here are the things you need to know:

  • Current availability: Do they have an opening in memory care now, or is there a waiting list? How long is the wait?
  • Pricing: What is the monthly fee? What does it include? What costs extra? Is there an entrance fee or deposit?
  • Care level: What stage of memory loss do they serve? Do they ask residents to leave if care needs become too high?
  • Staffing: What is the staff-to-resident ratio in memory care? What training do staff receive?
  • Medical services: Is there a doctor on site? How are medications managed? What happens in a medical emergency?
  • Medicaid: Do they accept Medicaid? If so, what is the process and the rate?
  • Visiting: Can you visit in person? Can you speak with current residents or families?

How to visit and what to look for

Always visit a community in person before making a decision. A tour should include the memory care neighborhood, common areas, dining room, and a sample room. Pay attention to cleanliness, lighting, noise level, and whether the space feels safe and welcoming. Talk to staff about their approach to care and ask how they handle difficult situations.

If possible, speak with family members of current residents. Ask them whether their loved one is happy, whether staff respond quickly to needs, and whether the community has been honest about pricing and services. Ask whether the community has had any licensing violations or complaints — your state's health department website usually has this information.

Visit at different times of day if you can. A community may feel different in the morning during activities than it does in the afternoon. If the person you're considering the community for is able, take them along on the visit and observe how staff interact with them.

When to contact Brookdale and what to do next

Start looking at memory care communities as soon as you know or suspect someone has a memory disorder. Even if you don't plan to move them right away, you'll have time to understand your options and save money if needed. Some communities have waiting lists, and having information in advance means you won't have to make a rushed decision during a crisis.

Contact the Brookdale community you're interested in by phone or through their website. Ask to speak with someone in admissions who can answer your questions and arrange a tour. Bring a list of questions with you, take notes during the visit, and ask for written information about pricing and services to take home.

After your visit, compare what you learned with other memory care communities in your area. You don't have to choose Brookdale — there may be smaller, local communities or other large operators that better fit your needs and budget.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Brookdale memory care accept Medicare?

No. Medicare does not cover room and board at memory care communities. It may cover short-term skilled nursing care if someone is recovering from a hospital stay, but that is different from long-term memory care. You pay for memory care out of pocket or through Medicaid in states where it is covered.

What happens if someone can no longer afford Brookdale memory care?

That depends on the community's policy. Some will work with families on payment plans or reduced rates. Others may ask the resident to leave. Ask this question directly when you contact the community, and get the answer in writing. Also ask whether they accept Medicaid if the person runs out of private funds.

Can someone move from independent living to memory care within the same Brookdale community?

Many Brookdale communities have both independent living and memory care on the same campus, which can make a transition easier. However, not all locations have both. Ask whether the specific community you're considering offers this option, and whether moving between levels affects pricing or requires a new contract.

How do I know if Brookdale memory care is the right fit?

Visit in person, speak with staff and families, and compare it with at least one or two other communities. The right fit depends on the person's care needs, your budget, location, and how comfortable you feel with the community's approach to care. Trust your instincts — if something doesn't feel right, keep looking.

What should I do if I have a complaint about a Brookdale memory care community?

Start by speaking with the community's management. If that doesn't resolve the issue, contact your state's health department or long-term care ombudsman. The ombudsman is a free advocate for nursing home and assisted living residents and can investigate complaints about care quality or safety.