Assisted Living vs Memory Care

Donna Nichols • January 5, 2022

What are Alzheimer’s/Dementia/Memory Care Communities?

Memory Care communities feature specially trained staff and medical personnel who are there to aid your loved one. All staff must undergo a background check, including fingerprinting.

memory care facilitiesThey must also have certain certifications and the administrator of the community must have more certifications than the staff; all employees must pass a test to deal with the needs of dementia residents.

Ask to see the certification if you’d like to ensure they know what they are doing.

This environment is secure and safe and designed to give your loved one the best quality of life available.

Normally, the floor plans are one level. Most communities have novelties such as textured pictures on the walls, for sight and touch, enclosed courtyards for freedom and security. Semi-private rooms are available and sometimes preferred.

They have activities that are specific to people with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.

What services do memory care facilities provide?

Memory care communities are specialized, they have trained staff that are knowledgeable in dealing with Alzheimer’s and Dementia clients. They help with all aspects of care – dressing, bathing, feeding, activities, redirection, keeping your loved one safe. They have programs to keep them active, offering the best possible quality of life.

How much does memory care cost per month?

Each community is unique. Memory care is specialized – it’s more than a locked door. They range in cost starting at $4000.00/month.

Does insurance pay for memory care facilities?

Medicare does NOT pay for memory care communities!

Most communities, whether independent, assisted, or memory care are private pay, however, there are resources out there to help you with the cost should you qualify.

We found a page full of information for you, just click the link provided here:
https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/memory-care/florida

What questions should I ask my memory care community?

  1. What training/criteria is required for your staff?
  2. Has your staff had a background check?
  3. Are they certified to work with Alzheimer’s and Dementia patients?
  4. How often is their training updated?
  5. What is your staff ratio to residents?
  6. What specialized activities do you provide?
  7. It’s always best to ask local placement companies for recommendations.

What’s the difference between Assisted Living vs Memory Care Communities?

Assisted Living vs Memory Care Communities: What's the Difference?

If you have memory care “issues” you can go to an assisted living community, however, if you start to show signs of cognitive declination, behaviors, and/or wandering, you will need to be moved to a memory care community.

When it comes to choosing the correct memory care community for your unique situation, please don’t go to the internet, call the experts at Assisted Living Made Simple. We really do make it “simple” for you!!!

If you’re looking for other senior living articles and resources then click here.

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What can a Senior Advisor do for you?

By Donna Nichols • July 17, 2025
A senior advisor is a personal guide or advocate for older adults and their families. Here’s what they can do for you: Help Navigate Options They can explain the differences between independent living, assisted living, memory care, nursing homes, and in-home care, and recommend the best option for a person's health, lifestyle, and budget. Find the Right Community or Services They often have knowledge of (and connections with) local senior living communities or services. They’ll: Match your needs to suitable options Setting up tours Even help ask the right questions Assist with Financial Planning Some advisors can help figure out how to pay for care: Understanding long-term care insurance Veterans’ benefits Medicaid/Medicare guidance Budget planning Guide Legal and Paperwork Stuff They can refer you to elder law attorneys, help with advance directives, or even help you understand contracts from senior living facilities. Support for Families They can act as a neutral third party when families struggle with decisions, easing tension and helping everyone feel informed and involved. Assist with Movers and Downsizers Some advisors have connections with movers, downsizers, and other people who can make your transition smooth.  If you believe a senior advisor can assist you, please call us today to schedule your complimentary consultation at 386-847-2322 . Our services are 100% FREE to you! What have you got to lose?

Beating the Florida Summer Heat

By Donna Nichols • July 7, 2025
Florida summers come in three flavors: hot, hotter, and what fresh hell is this? Whether you're a lifelong local or newly initiated into the Sunshine Sweat Fest, you know it’s more survival sport than season. So, how do we stay cool without losing our cool? Here’s your sun-savvy guide to getting through it. Make hydration a hobby Not just water, electrolytes are your best friends when you're sweaty. Coconut water, cucumber-mint spritzers, watermelon slices. If your drink doesn’t sparkle, chill, or drip condensation like a rom-com montage, it’s not summer-ready. Dress for success and summertime Loose, light, breathable fabrics. Cotton, linen, or the holy grail: moisture-wicking. Bonus points for sun hats and SPF clothing that make you look like a beach detective on vacation. Fans ARE your best friends Table fans, ceiling fans, handheld fans—the whole rotation. Keep them oscillating like your thoughts during a political debate. And if you’ve got a cooling towel? You’re royalty. Avoid the “Roasting Hours” From 11 AM to 4 PM, Florida turns into a convection oven. Errands, walks, and yard work? Schedule them early or late. Unless you’re trying to get baked like a Publix cookie—then by all means. Sunscreen is a lifestyle Apply, reapply, then pretend  you're an influencer and do it again. Because nothing says “I’m melting” like a shoulder burn shaped like your purse strap. Eat lightly Cold meals can be your best friend—salads, chilled pasta, and fruit-forward lunches are all options. Bonus points if you serve them on plates fresh from the fridge like the true champion you are. Rest, reset, repeat If the heat’s making you crankier than a mosquito at a citronella convention, take breaks: shade, air conditioning, quiet corners. Recharge without guilt—you’re surviving a sauna with its own zip code. Florida heat might be relentless, but so are we. With humor, hydration, and a healthy dose of stubborn grace, we ride the wave and keep the ice cubes coming. Stay cool out there, friends. You’ve got this.

Honoring Independence Day with Grace

By Donna Nichols • July 2, 2025
Not every 4th of July needs to burst with fireworks. For many older adults, especially those with tender hearing, health challenges, or a fondness for quieter joys, Independence Day can be just as meaningful in a slower rhythm. It’s the scent of something delicious simmering nearby, the comfort of a cool seat and a cherished show, and the simple dignity of being remembered; of having made it this far, with stories to tell and wisdom that still glows brighter than any sparkler. Caregiver Tips for a Thoughtful 4th: Keep things soft and soothing. Loud sounds can be jarring for seniors with sensory sensitivities, dementia, or PTSD. Choose instrumental patriotic music or old-time radio shows that bring joy without overwhelming them. Build a gentle plate. Soft, easy-to-eat favorites like tender pulled chicken, mashed potatoes, or a festive red, white, and blue parfait (layered Greek yogurt, mashed berries, and crushed graham crackers) keep things celebratory without strain. Spark memories, not stress. Bring out family photo albums, classic Americana films, or even music from their youth. Columbo, The Andy Griffith Show, or golden-age musicals can be a comforting trip down memory lane. Create rest-friendly spaces. A cozy chair near the window, a shaded seat outside, or even a reclined viewing spot for a live TV broadcast of fireworks can help them feel included without fatigue. Let them lead the conversation. Ask about what Independence Day meant to them growing up. You might discover tales of ration books, war bonds, or dancing at VFW halls. These stories are treasures wrapped in the quiet of the day.  In the end, Independence Day is about honoring resilience—the kind that’s quieter, often overlooked, but profoundly enduring. Whether you’re caring for someone, being cared for, or simply holding space for reflection, there’s beauty in choosing peace over spectacle. This Fourth of July, let’s celebrate not just the freedom of a nation but also the freedom to adapt, to rest, and to cherish those we love in the way that suits them best.