Georgia Memory Care Facilities

Georgia is in the southern United States and subsequently provides the same great value as the rest of the region. The southern U.S. is known for its cheap, affordable housing and Georgia is no different. The state is witnessing a rise in senior living, including more dementia care facilities being built throughout Georgia.

The state currently ranks within the Top 10 most affordable memory care facilities in the United States. Alzheimer’s care homes in Georgia rank ninth, just below Tennessee and above the southern states of South Carolina, Alabama, Louisiana and Arkansas. The price paid compared to the quality service and number of amenities is hard to beat with Georgia dementia care facilities.

Detailed Cost of Alzheimer's and Dementia Care in Georgia

The average cost for a dementia care home in Georgia is $140 per day. The national average is $160 per day, designating Georgia’s Alzheimer’s care homes as significantly lower than the rest of the U.S., especially outside the southern United States.

The top ten percent of expensive Georgia dementia care homes are about $7,200 per month, while the bottom ten percent charge around $3,500 per month. When you factor in the median, most older adults pay approximately $4,200 per month, give or take.

Memory Care Costs by City in Georgia

Affordable Alzheimer’s care in Georgia can go for as little as $120 per month. It is nearly impossible to beat that daily rate in any other part of the country. Southern assisted living, nursing homes, and dementia care homes are notoriously cheap and this is prime example. It is very possible to find a quality Alzheimer’s care home in Georgia for under $140, as only a select few luxurious units help drive up the higher cost.

Some of the most expensive dementia care facilities in Georgia cost $200 to $240 per day. These figures are higher than the national average, but rarer than the high selection of cheap housing.

Atlanta is far and away the biggest city in Georgia with a population of over 420,000 residents. As a result, a ton of high quality and affordable Alzheimer’s care and dementia care facilities are available here.

Other major cities like Augusta (and the entire Richmond County area), Columbus, Savannah, Athens and Sandy Springs are also popular for dementia care. There are a variety of quality dementia care homes in more rural setting as well, where prices can dip to $80 to $90 per day.

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Georgia?

In Georgia, Medicaid can cover certain types of memory care services, but there are specific conditions and limitations. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that helps with medical costs for individuals with limited income and resources, and it may assist with the costs of memory care under certain circumstances. However, it’s important to understand the details to determine if your loved one qualifies for coverage.

1. Medicaid Coverage for Nursing Homes and Long-Term Care

Medicaid in Georgia can cover long-term care services in a skilled nursing facility (SNF) for individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, including financial and medical requirements. If an individual needs memory care and is eligible for Medicaid, this could include coverage for a nursing home or other long-term care facility that provides specialized care for memory-related conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.

However, traditional Medicaid does not cover memory care in assisted living communities or memory care units within such facilities, unless the individual qualifies for a special Medicaid program. Medicaid generally does not cover room and board costs for assisted living or memory care units, unless the person is in a Medicaid-certified nursing home facility.

2. Medicaid Waivers for Home and Community-Based Services

Georgia offers a Medicaid Waiver program, such as the New Choices Waiver and the Service Options Using Resources in a Community Environment (SOURCE) program, which can help cover memory care services in certain home or community-based settings. These programs aim to provide care in the home or less restrictive settings instead of institutional care.

For individuals who do not require full-time institutional care but need help with activities of daily living, including those related to memory loss and cognitive decline, these Medicaid waivers may provide coverage for services like personal care, respite care, and in some cases, home modifications or support in memory care settings. The eligibility criteria for these waivers can be strict, and they generally require a demonstration of medical necessity for memory or dementia-related care.

3. Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for Medicaid in Georgia, individuals must meet both financial and medical eligibility requirements:

• Financial eligibility: This includes income limits, which are typically set at 100% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) or slightly higher, depending on the type of Medicaid program.
• Medical eligibility: This includes the need for long-term care services due to a physical or cognitive condition that impacts daily living activities. A doctor or healthcare provider must assess the individual’s needs and document the necessity for memory care.

4. Costs and Limitations

Even if an individual qualifies for Medicaid to help with memory care, there may still be costs involved. For instance, Medicaid may only cover part of the cost of a nursing home facility, and the individual may need to pay the difference (through personal savings, income, or other means). Some specialized memory care units may not be fully covered by Medicaid if they do not meet the state’s Medicaid certification criteria for skilled nursing.

5. Long-Term Care Insurance and Medicaid

Some families may also use long-term care insurance in combination with Medicaid to cover additional memory care costs in Georgia. If an individual has long-term care insurance, it may cover part of the cost for memory care services that Medicaid does not.

When should someone with dementia go to memory care in Georgia?

Deciding when a person with dementia should transition to memory care in Georgia is a deeply personal and sometimes difficult decision. It involves assessing the individual's health, safety, and overall well-being, as well as considering the family's ability to provide adequate care. Several factors can indicate when it may be time to consider memory care for someone living with dementia:

1. Safety Concerns

As dementia progresses, individuals may experience confusion and memory loss that puts their safety at risk. If the person begins to wander or forgets how to perform basic daily tasks like cooking or bathing, they may be at risk of harm. Memory care facilities in Georgia are equipped to handle these situations with secure environments that prevent wandering and 24-hour supervision to ensure the individual’s safety.

2. Behavioral and Psychological Changes

People with dementia often experience significant changes in mood, behavior, and personality. This may include increased agitation, aggression, or depression. If these behavioral changes become unmanageable at home and are causing significant distress to the individual or caregivers, it may be a signal that professional care is needed. Memory care units are designed to address these behavioral challenges with specialized staff trained to handle the complexities of dementia care.

3. Health Decline or Increased Medical Needs

As dementia progresses, the person’s medical needs may become more complex, such as difficulty managing medications, mobility issues, or the need for specialized care for conditions like incontinence. If caregiving becomes overwhelming or if the individual requires more frequent medical attention than can be provided at home, a move to memory care may be necessary. Memory care facilities in Georgia offer healthcare services, including assistance with medications, medical monitoring, and access to healthcare professionals.

4. Caregiver Stress and Burnout

Caring for someone with dementia is emotionally and physically exhausting. If family caregivers experience significant stress, burnout, or health problems due to the demands of caregiving, it may be time to consider a transition to memory care. Memory care facilities provide relief to caregivers by offering professional care and support, allowing them to take a step back while ensuring their loved one’s needs are met.

5. Inability to Manage Daily Activities

As dementia progresses, individuals may struggle to manage activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, eating, and maintaining personal hygiene. When someone with dementia can no longer perform these tasks independently or requires help with most activities, it is an indicator that a memory care facility may provide the necessary assistance to ensure their well-being.

6. Unmet Emotional and Social Needs

Dementia can lead to isolation and withdrawal from social activities. If the person with dementia is no longer engaging in activities they once enjoyed or if they experience severe anxiety or depression due to isolation, memory care facilities provide a structured environment with opportunities for socialization, enrichment activities, and emotional support tailored to their needs.

7. Legal and Financial Considerations

In Georgia, if the person with dementia has a legal guardian or power of attorney designated to make decisions about their care, this individual may play a key role in determining the timing of the transition to memory care. Financial factors also play a role—memory care can be expensive, and understanding insurance options, Medicaid eligibility, and personal finances is important when making this decision. It's crucial to assess whether the family can afford the cost of memory care or if there are resources available to assist.

Georgia Memory Care - Amenities

Standard amenities in Georgia’s dementia care facilities include daily food prep and serving, regularly scheduled activities, assistance with daily functions and hygiene, and opportunities for friends and family visitations.

Extra measures are taken to keep residents suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s safe, protected, comfortable and happy. Since wandering and getting disoriented are common issues with dementia and Alzheimer’s, buildings are often designed to make the halls as non-confusing as possible.

The care includes a combination of group activities and personalized, one-on-one interactions. Life skills are incorporated to help with memory and keep the brain as active as possible. Staff make a point to get to know residents on a first name basis and learn about their individual personalities and specific needs.

Here's a more detailed look at amenities that a family can find in one of Georgia's many memory care facilities:

Secure and Safe Environment

One of the foremost amenities in memory care facilities is the implementation of safety and security measures. Georgia memory care centers typically feature secured entrances and exits to prevent wandering, which is a common behavior among those with Alzheimer's and dementia. The design of the facility often includes closed-circuit cameras and staff monitoring systems to ensure the safety of residents without intruding on their privacy.

Specialized Care Programs

Memory care facilities in Georgia provide tailored care plans to address the cognitive and physical needs of each resident. These programs often involve daily activities designed to stimulate memory, reduce anxiety, and enhance emotional well-being. Activities might include memory exercises, music therapy, art therapy, and social interaction that cater to varying levels of cognitive function. Staff members are trained to handle behaviors commonly associated with dementia and Alzheimer's, such as aggression, confusion, and emotional distress.

Person-Centered Approach

A hallmark of Georgia’s memory care facilities is the focus on person-centered care. This approach means that staff get to know each resident on a personal level, taking into account their preferences, history, hobbies, and routines. This allows for the creation of individualized care plans that prioritize dignity, respect, and comfort. Caregivers work closely with residents and their families to ensure that the care provided aligns with their values and needs.

Wellness and Health Services

Memory care facilities in Georgia provide comprehensive healthcare services tailored to the unique needs of individuals with memory impairments. In addition to regular monitoring of vital signs, medications, and physical health, many facilities offer specialized services such as:

• Medication management: Ensuring that residents take the correct medications at the right times.
• Physical and occupational therapy: Helping residents maintain mobility, strength, and independence for as long as possible.
• Nutritional support: Offering meal plans designed to meet the specific dietary needs of residents, with options for those with difficulty swallowing or other dietary restrictions.

Social Engagement and Activities

Georgia memory care communities emphasize socialization and mental engagement to combat the isolation that can come with cognitive decline. Activities are structured to foster interaction and mental stimulation, such as trivia games, gardening, pet therapy, or outings to nearby parks and attractions. These activities can also help residents feel a sense of accomplishment, reducing feelings of depression or frustration.

Family Support and Education

Memory care centers in Georgia recognize the importance of family involvement in the care process. Many facilities offer support groups, educational workshops, and counseling services to help families cope with the challenges of caring for a loved one with dementia. Some even provide respite care services, giving family caregivers time to rest while knowing their loved ones are being well cared for.

Comfortable and Homelike Environment

To make residents feel more comfortable and reduce feelings of disorientation, many memory care facilities in Georgia emphasize creating a homelike atmosphere. This may include personalized rooms or apartments, outdoor areas like gardens or walking paths, and communal spaces designed to foster social interaction. The goal is to make the environment as familiar and welcoming as possible.

Advanced Technology Integration

Some memory care facilities in Georgia have integrated innovative technology solutions to enhance care. This can include wearable devices that monitor health metrics such as heart rate or fall detection, as well as virtual reality programs designed to provide cognitive stimulation. The integration of these technologies ensures that residents receive the best care possible while also offering peace of mind to family members.

Transitioning Services

For individuals who may need a higher level of care as their memory impairments progress, many Georgia facilities offer a continuum of care that includes assisted living, nursing home services, or hospice care. This ensures that residents can transition seamlessly through various stages of care without the need to move to a new facility.

Georgia’s Memory Care Admission Requirements

Georgia has outlined specific restrictions on who may be admitted to assisted living facilities and care homes including memory care facilities.

Older adults and individuals with:

• Alzheimer’s or any form of dementia
• Physical and developmental disabilities
• Mental health disorders
• AIDS
• Traumatic brain injuries
• A yearning to live in a memory care unit without having a probable conclusion of Alzheimer’s disease who renounced their right to live in a different kind of setting

These are the primary reasons why an individual may not be admitted:

• Has active tuberculosis
• Needs incessant nursing and medical care and services as determined by their physical examination
• Has a diagnosed behavioral condition that needs physical limitations and/or chemical restraints, confinement, and isolation
• Confined to the bed
• Needs care that is beyond what the facility can provide

Secured Memory Care Units in Georgia

Depending on the level of memory loss in your loved one, recommendations of putting them in secured memory care units might be suggested by the facility. Yes, all memory care divisions are secured because they have to promote the safety of their residents. It is required by the state of Georgia for facilities to have a reliable security system to ensure the well-being of their residents.

A higher level of security might be designated to portions of the facility where doors can only be accessed using security codes and secure ID swipes. The last thing that this memory care unit would want to deal with is to call a resident’s family informing them that their loved one is lost. Providing a higher level of security is a good and practical approach for everyone.

Memory care facilities in Georgia implement a variety of security measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, particularly those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. These residents often experience cognitive impairments that can lead to wandering, confusion, and difficulty with daily tasks. As a result, security protocols are designed not only to protect them physically but also to provide peace of mind to their families. Below are some of the most important security measures typically seen in memory care facilities in Georgia:

1. Secure Entrances and Exits

One of the primary concerns in memory care facilities is preventing residents from wandering off the premises, which can lead to serious risks such as injury or getting lost. Secure entrances and exits are crucial, and facilities often use keycard access systems, biometric scanners, or keypad locks. Many memory care units are enclosed within secure perimeters, sometimes with fenced areas that allow residents to move safely within designated spaces.

2. Monitoring and Surveillance

Most memory care facilities are equipped with continuous monitoring and surveillance systems. These systems can include security cameras, motion detectors, and audio monitoring in common areas. Cameras are often placed in hallways, communal spaces, and outdoor areas, ensuring staff can monitor residents in real time. Some facilities also employ security personnel who conduct regular patrols to enhance overall security.

3. Electronic Tracking Devices

To prevent wandering, some facilities use electronic tracking systems. These devices are typically worn by residents, often in the form of wristbands or pendants, which emit a signal that staff can track. If a resident strays beyond a certain perimeter, an alert is triggered, allowing staff to respond quickly and safely guide the individual back to the facility. These systems provide an extra layer of protection, especially for those with a tendency to wander unpredictably.

4. Staff Training and Awareness

Staff in memory care facilities undergo specialized training to understand the behaviors and needs of residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s. This includes training in how to manage challenging behaviors, recognizing the signs of distress, and responding to emergencies. Facilities may also hold regular drills to ensure that all staff members are familiar with emergency protocols, including evacuation procedures and how to use security systems effectively.

5. Environmental Design

The design and layout of memory care facilities are intentionally structured to reduce the risk of confusion and disorientation. The environment is often built to be easy to navigate, with clear signage and visual cues to help residents find their way around. Secured areas, like courtyards or gardens, may allow residents to enjoy outdoor space while remaining safe within the boundaries of the facility. Additionally, certain areas may have restricted access, especially to dangerous or unsupervised zones.

6. Visitor and Family Protocols

Memory care facilities in Georgia often implement strict visitor protocols to control who can enter and exit the facility. Visitors may need to sign in and be accompanied by a staff member while on the premises. This ensures that no unauthorized individuals have access to the residents and helps minimize the risk of abductions or incidents. Many facilities also establish visitation hours and maintain clear communication with family members, ensuring that they are involved in their loved one’s care and aware of any security concerns.

7. Emergency Response Systems

In the event of an emergency, memory care facilities are equipped with comprehensive response systems. These systems typically include emergency buttons or call systems in resident rooms and common areas, enabling residents to alert staff if they need assistance. The facility’s emergency response plan includes procedures for dealing with medical emergencies, fires, natural disasters, and other urgent situations. Staff members are trained to respond swiftly and effectively to protect residents.

8. Health and Medication Management

Memory care residents often require medication and health management due to the cognitive decline caused by dementia. Facilities use secure medication storage systems and employ trained staff to administer medications according to prescribed schedules. This helps prevent residents from accessing medications improperly and reduces the risk of medication errors. Additionally, regular health assessments are conducted to monitor the physical and mental health of residents, allowing early detection of any issues that may require attention.

9. Resident-Centered Care Plans

Each resident in a memory care facility typically has a personalized care plan that is tailored to their individual needs. This care plan includes safety measures specific to the resident’s behaviors and conditions. For example, if a resident is at high risk for falls or wandering, their care plan might include more frequent monitoring or a more secure living environment. These personalized plans ensure that security measures are appropriately adjusted to meet the needs of each resident.

10. Technology and Innovations

In addition to traditional security measures, some memory care facilities in Georgia are beginning to integrate advanced technology to enhance security. Innovations include smart home devices that can monitor residents' activity, temperature sensors, and even artificial intelligence systems that can analyze patterns in behavior to predict wandering or other risky behavior. These technologies are becoming increasingly popular as part of a holistic approach to resident care and safety.

Memory Care Regulations in Georgia

Care Plan

In Georgia, the memory care facility is obligated to complete a resident’s evaluation within 2 days of the resident moving in. After that, a yearly assessment is required or after any significant changes in the senior’s health.

A licensed health professional needs to evaluate if the resident is capable of self-administering medication or if assistance is necessary. Other assessments like psychological, intellectual, and developmental impairments may be done when deemed necessary.

Residents are also free to get in touch with 3rd party health providers like certified home health agencies or mental health agencies if they feel that they can benefit from these additional amenities.

Memory care facilities in Georgia are required to document the results of the assessments following a care plan guideline and every resident’s file needs to be updated yearly. The facility is also mandated to review the care plan of their dementia residents quarterly, making adjustments as needed.

Medical Management

Support with self-administration and management of medicines must be done by a licensed registered nurse (RN) or a licensed practical nurse who is working under the supervision of a licensed doctor or RN. A substitute caregiver working for the residence may be allowed to administer these services too.

Facility

Georgia recommends and promotes apartment-style units for memory care so the seniors can live almost like when they are home. They can have solo or shared rooms and a minimum of one toilet and sink is required for every four residents. There should be at least one room for showering and bathing for every eight residents.

In line with the homelike set-up that Georgia’s memory care units are promoting, each facility should have at least one multipurpose room for dining and social activities with the outdoor spaces fully secured. A communication system should be available and set up to allow the staff to communicate with the rest of the team and also for easy access to emergency service workers.

Care Staff and Training

There should be enough specialized dementia care personnel for all the residents. Certified medical staff trained in CPR should always be on-site. The recommended lowest on-site, staff-to-resident proportion is 1:15 during waking hours and 1:25 during non-waking hours. The facility can add more as when necessary.

All dementia care staff needs to complete special training that covers the philosophy of care, dementia-specific care protocols, handling behavioral problems, better communication skills, and therapeutic activities specific to dementia patients.

When Is Your Loved One Ready for Memory Care?

There’s more to dementia than the obvious memory loss. Beyond the lapses in memory are delusions, extreme behavioral and personality changes, confusion, and the feeling of losing a portion of yourself every second of every day. It is a scary and overwhelming feeling and experience for your senior loved one and to you as their family.

Families try to own their responsibilities and create a healthy and safe environment for their loved ones. Sometimes it works, but the reality is, dementia requires specialized care that will come from people outside your family. Admitting that you can no longer efficiently provide the much-needed specialized care to your senior may lead you to consider a memory care facility in the state of Georgia. Here are other indicators that might further trigger you that moving your loved one is the best for them.

1. A worry that never ends – you can worry too much about your dementia-stricken loved one, worry about yourself and the changes and adjustments caused by the sickness but the reality is, the worrying won’t ever stop as dementia progresses. Expect confusion, agitations, tears, and even violence. This is a new experience for you and your loved one and it’s scary. Worrying specifically about safety is a huge deal. It might be time to consider a safe environment for your senior with trained professionals who are familiar with the symptoms and can provide the structured and comprehensive help that is needed.
2. Signs of Depression – it is a natural feeling for a person suffering from memory loss and if left unattended, this can progress into loneliness and isolation. Memory care communities can arrest this feeling with engaging activities and social interactions. The actions are designed to be focused and enjoyable while at the same time alleviating the anxiety and worry that comes with dementia.
3. Long-Distance Caregiving – intermittent care will not work for dementia. Providing long-distance caregiving won’t be sufficient especially as dementia progresses. Your loved one’s needs would constantly increase and your continued physical presence will be required. Half-baked care and assistance won’t work so you might as well get the additional hands you need in memory homes that have around-the-clock personnel.

Questions to Ask Memory Care Communities in Georgia During a Tour

Visiting a memory care community is an experience unique to its own. As a family member deciding to transition a loved one from a familiar environment into an unfamiliar one, you only want what’s best for them, and a memory care facility tour can either make you more confident or second-guess your soon-to-be taken decision.

Each memory care residence in Georgia is unique, but here are some questions you can ask to help ease your worries and make you more confident with your decision.

Questions about the staff

• • Is your facility including the staff accredited?
  • Do you have any staff member/s who is certified dementia care managers (CDCMs)?
  • How do you handle physically violent residents or those who display upsetting behaviors?

Questions about safety

• • Is the whole community secured?
  • Is there a 24/7 nurse or physician working onsite?
  • What is the protocol for emergencies?

Questions about costs and policies

• • How often do you bring up-to-date families about the resident’s welfare?
  • How much is the monthly cost of care?
  • What is the discharge policy?

Questions about activities?

• • Can the care plan be shared to the family?
  • What are the calendars of activities?
  • Can outside resources be invited inside the facility?

Although these are helpful questions, sometimes you also have to go with your gut feeling based on your observations. Reviews and feedback on the memory care unit will also be a good source of information.

Memory Care and Georgia Assisted Living

Memory care units are specialized units in an assisted living community that help in providing memory care services and assistance to their residents with diagnoses of GA-2 probable Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. Memory care facilities have rigid oversight and security systems. They also foster activities geared towards cognitive deficits that impact the gradual deterioration of memory, thinking, language, and impulse control.

An assisted living community is a personal care home that can have 25 or more residents and is licensed to give assisted living care to its residents. It is a set-up that settles housing, food, and other arrangements as necessary. Single assistance and supervision in doing essential activities of daily living are provided in these facilities. Activities that fall under the bucket of activities of daily living are but are not limited to: eating, going, and using the bathroom, bathing, ambulation, and providing transportation.

Memory Care vs Dementia Care in Georgia

When considering care options for individuals facing cognitive decline in Georgia, it is important to understand the distinctions between memory care and dementia care. While the terms are often used interchangeably, they can refer to different levels of care, services, and types of support available. Here’s a detailed comparison of the two:

Memory Care

Memory care typically refers to specialized care provided in a facility or community designed specifically for individuals with memory loss, such as those affected by Alzheimer’s disease or other types of dementia. Memory care units are often part of assisted living or skilled nursing facilities, offering a structured environment that focuses on supporting residents with memory loss.

In Georgia, memory care communities are designed to provide a safe, supportive environment that minimizes confusion, anxiety, and wandering—common challenges for those with memory-related conditions. These facilities often have specialized staff trained in memory care techniques and provide 24-hour supervision. Activities in memory care communities are designed to stimulate the brain, promote engagement, and enhance residents' quality of life. This may include memory exercises, physical therapy, art activities, and other therapeutic programs aimed at slowing cognitive decline.

Memory care units in Georgia are regulated by the Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH) and must comply with state regulations to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. These regulations include requirements for staff training, facility maintenance, and emergency protocols.

Dementia Care

Dementia care, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses care provided to individuals with various forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia care can be provided in different settings, such as hospitals, home care environments, nursing homes, or specialized dementia care units within assisted living communities.

While memory care focuses specifically on memory loss and related behaviors, dementia care addresses a wider range of cognitive, emotional, and physical issues associated with dementia. People with dementia may experience difficulty with memory, but also have challenges related to motor skills, communication, mood swings, and behavioral changes. Dementia care in Georgia is typically offered in a more individualized manner, taking into account the specific type and stage of dementia that the person is experiencing. This care may be provided by geriatric care specialists, neurologists, and other professionals who specialize in dementia.

In dementia care facilities, there is a focus on comprehensive care plans that cater to the various needs of each individual, including managing physical health issues, social interaction, and behavioral therapy. Staff are typically trained in both the cognitive and behavioral aspects of dementia, which ensures that care is tailored to the progression of the disease.

Key Differences

1. Scope of Care: Memory care is specifically for those with memory-related issues, often focusing on Alzheimer’s and similar conditions. Dementia care is a broader term encompassing all forms of dementia, with a focus on managing a wide range of symptoms.

2. Care Environment: Memory care is often provided in designated memory care units within assisted living or nursing homes, while dementia care can be delivered in a variety of settings, including in-home care, hospitals, or nursing homes with specialized dementia units.

3. Staffing and Training: In both memory and dementia care, staff are specially trained. However, dementia care may require additional training in handling more complex symptoms beyond memory loss, such as behavioral and physical issues.

4. Cost: In Georgia, memory care tends to be more expensive than regular assisted living due to its specialized nature. Dementia care costs can vary depending on the level of care required, but it may be more expensive in specialized dementia units or for individuals requiring intensive care.

Choosing the Right Option in Georgia

When deciding between memory care and dementia care in Georgia, families should carefully assess the individual’s needs. If the primary concern is memory loss and the person is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or another memory-related condition, memory care may be the appropriate choice. However, if the individual has advanced dementia with additional behavioral or medical complexities, a specialized dementia care unit may be necessary.

Additionally, it’s important to consider the level of personal care needed, the person’s preferences, and the financial aspects of long-term care. Many facilities in Georgia offer tours and consultations to help families make an informed decision based on the individual’s specific situation.