Certus Premier is a private memory care community with locations in multiple states
Certus Premier Memory Care Living operates residential communities designed for people with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. The company runs facilities in several states, each offering 24-hour supervision, structured activities, and information with daily living tasks. Unlike assisted living that serves mixed populations, Certus Premier communities focus exclusively on memory care residents.
The communities are typically smaller than large nursing homes, with a focus on person-centered care routines. Staff members receive training in dementia care approaches. Residents live in private or semi-private rooms and participate in daily programming tailored to their cognitive level and interests.
Key Takeaways
- Certus Premier operates memory care communities in multiple states, each specializing in care for people with Alzheimer's and dementia.
- The communities provide 24-hour staffing, meals, medication management, and structured activities within a find environment.
- Costs vary by location and room type, and you should contact individual communities directly for current pricing and what their fees include.
- Most communities require a tour and assessment conversation before admission to may support the setting matches the person's needs.
- Payment options typically include private pay, long-term care insurance, and sometimes Medicaid, depending on the specific location.
What services are included in daily care
Certus Premier communities provide supervision and support throughout the day and night. Staff information with bathing, dressing, grooming, and toileting. Meals are prepared on-site and served in a dining room or, when needed, in the resident's room. Medication management is handled by trained staff, and the community coordinates with the resident's physician for ongoing medical oversight.
Activities are a core part of the daily schedule. These may include music, art, reminiscence therapy, gardening, and social events. The goal is to keep residents engaged and to support their emotional well-being. Many communities also offer family visiting areas and encourage family involvement in care planning.
How much does Certus Premier cost
Monthly costs for Certus Premier communities vary significantly depending on the location, the size and type of room, and the level of care needed. Costs also differ based on whether the resident requires specialized care for advanced dementia or behavioral support. You should contact the specific community you are considering to learn their current monthly rates.
Most communities provide a detailed cost breakdown that shows what is included in the base monthly fee and what services cost extra. Some charge separately for incontinence supplies, specialized activities, or end-of-life care planning. Ask whether the quoted price is all-inclusive or whether additional costs are typical.
How payment and insurance work
Certus Premier communities typically accept private pay, meaning out-of-pocket payment by the resident or family. Some residents use long-term care insurance policies to cover part or all of the cost. A few Certus Premier locations may work with Medicaid, though this varies by state and by individual community—you will need to ask directly.
Medicare does not cover memory care living in a residential community setting. Veterans may have access to Aid and Attendance benefits through the VA, which can help offset costs. It is worth exploring whether the resident has any insurance, pension benefits, or other resources that could contribute to payment before assuming the full cost falls on the family.
The admission process and what to expect
The first step is to contact the community directly by phone or through their website to request information and schedule a tour. During the tour, you will see the living spaces, activity areas, dining room, and outdoor spaces. Staff will explain their approach to care and answer questions about daily routines.
Before admission, the community will typically conduct an assessment with the person who has dementia and their family. This conversation helps staff understand the person's history, preferences, medical needs, and any behavioral patterns. The community may decline admission if they believe they cannot safely meet the person's needs—for example, if the person requires 24-hour one-on-one care or has medical needs beyond what the community provides.
Once admitted, there is usually an adjustment period. The community will work with family to establish routines and to help the resident settle in. Many communities ask family to limit visits during the first week or two to reduce confusion, though policies vary.
Questions to ask when comparing communities
Beyond cost and location, ask about staffing ratios—how many staff members are present during day and night shifts, and what their training includes. Ask about the community's approach to residents who wander or who become agitated, and what de-escalation techniques they use. Find out how often activities are offered and whether they can be tailored to the person's interests.
Ask about communication with family: how often will you hear updates, and through what method? Ask what happens if the person's condition changes significantly or if they develop new medical needs. Ask whether the community can keep the person on-site as their dementia progresses, or whether there is a point at which they would need to move to a higher level of care.
Ask about visiting hours and whether family can participate in activities or meals. Ask about the community's policies on end-of-life care and whether they work with hospice. These conversations help you understand not just what the community offers today, but how they will support the person and family over time.
How to find the specific Certus Premier location near you
Certus Premier operates communities in multiple states, but not in every state or every city. The best way to find a location near you is to visit the Certus Premier website directly or call their main office to ask which communities are currently operating and where they are located. You can also search online for "Certus Premier" plus your city or state name.
If no Certus Premier community is in your area, you may want to explore other memory care options through your local Area Agency on Aging, which can provide referrals to communities in your region. A geriatric care manager can also help you identify and compare memory care communities that meet your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Certus Premier accept Medicaid?
Some Certus Premier locations may accept Medicaid, but this varies by state and by individual community. You must contact the specific community you are interested in to ask whether they participate in Medicaid. If they do not, ask whether they have a waiting list or whether they know of other communities in your area that do.
What happens if my loved one's dementia gets worse while they live there?
Most memory care communities are designed to care for people across the spectrum of dementia severity. However, some residents eventually need 24-hour one-on-one care or specialized medical support that a residential community cannot provide. Ask during your tour whether the community can keep your loved one on-site as their condition progresses, or at what point they would recommend a move to a nursing home or hospice care.
Can family members visit whenever they want?
Visiting policies vary by community. Most allow family to visit during daytime hours and some allow evening visits. A few may ask family to call ahead or to limit visits during certain times of day to maintain routines. Ask about the specific policy when you tour, and whether family can participate in meals or activities.
How do I know if Certus Premier is the right fit for my loved one?
The best way is to tour the community in person, meet the staff, and observe how they interact with residents. Pay attention to whether the environment feels calm and whether residents appear engaged. Ask whether you can speak with other families who have loved ones living there. Trust your instinct about whether the community's approach and atmosphere match what your loved one needs.
What should I bring when my loved one moves in?
Ask the community for a packing list before move-in day. Most communities ask for comfortable, straightforward-to-clean clothing, toiletries, and a few personal items like photos or a favorite blanket. They typically provide linens and towels. Avoid bringing valuable jewelry or large amounts of cash. The community will give you specific guidance on what is safe and practical to have on-site.