Memory Care and Assisted Living: Unpacking the Differences and Benefits

Welcome to Assisted Living Investing with Brett Chotkevys, where we explore ways to achieve financial freedom and reclaim your time through assisted living. My wife and I own a luxury assisted living mansion, and our journey has taught us the value of merging assisted living and memory care to provide exceptional care for seniors while building a thriving business. Today, we’re breaking down what memory care really means, who should consider offering it, and how it can coexist with assisted living.

Before entering this field, I often wondered about the distinction between assisted living and memory care. Are they separate, or do they overlap? Can you integrate them into the same space? Many large facilities divide their services into independent living, assisted living, and memory care, creating a perception that these categories are rigidly distinct. In reality, my experience has shown that assisted living and memory care can blend seamlessly, allowing residents with varying needs to coexist harmoniously.

At its core, memory care addresses the safety concerns and specialized needs of individuals with dementia or Alzheimer's. For example, one of the defining features of memory care is the use of locked doors to prevent wandering—a common safety risk for residents who may not know where they are or even what time it is. In our facility, we use magnet locks on doors to ensure safety without compromising the residents’ comfort.

The physical environment in memory care may also differ slightly. Rooms are typically smaller because residents don’t require amenities like kitchenettes or large personal spaces. Instead, the focus is on providing hands-on care and fostering a peaceful atmosphere.

One of the most significant challenges in memory care is managing the behavioral changes associated with dementia, such as repetitive speech, outbursts, or wandering. These behaviors often intimidate new operators, but with proper training, these challenges can be effectively addressed. Medication management plays a critical role here, requiring regular coordination with doctors, families, and caregivers to adjust care plans and ensure the residents’ well-being.

Interestingly, not every resident with dementia needs to be in a locked memory care unit. In large facilities, residents are often separated based on behavior rather than diagnosis. Those who don’t pose a wandering risk or exhibit challenging behaviors can thrive in a standard assisted living environment. This integration creates a dynamic and inclusive community where residents with and without memory care needs can dine, participate in activities, and enjoy life together.

At our luxury assisted living mansion, we’ve found that offering both services under one roof is not only practical but also enhances the overall experience for residents and their families. By focusing on end-of-life care, we aim to solve a larger problem—providing high-quality, intimate care during the final years of life. This includes addressing both physical challenges, such as mobility and self-care limitations, and mental challenges, like memory loss.

Our approach involves creating a home-like environment with 16 private rooms, around-the-clock caregivers, two managers, and a dedicated chef. Whether a resident needs assistance due to physical decline or memory care needs, our team is trained to provide consistent, compassionate support.

If you’re considering adding memory care services to your assisted living operation, it’s important to assess whether you’re prepared to meet the higher care requirements. The key is understanding that the solution—more care and attention—remains consistent across both physical and mental challenges. By solving these larger problems for families, you can differentiate your facility from larger institutions and create a meaningful impact in your community.

​Memory care isn’t just a service—it’s an opportunity to enhance your business while providing peace of mind to families. Whether you’re already in assisted living or just starting, integrating memory care can set you apart and ensure a brighter future for both your residents and your business.