Memory Care Costs in 2025
Memory care costs vary by state and facility, with a national median cost of $7,292 per month.
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Memory care can be a serious financial burden. The cost of memory care is typically 15 to 25 percent more than assisted living care; the median cost for memory care in the U.S. falls between $6,988 and $7,596 per month in 2025. These costs vary based on the level of care required and location.
Untrained, unpaid family members often shoulder the burden of caring for loved ones with dementia. According to a study by the University of Southern California, the total cost of memory care in the United States is projected to be $781 billion in 2025.1 Friends and family members account for $247 billion in unpaid care (or “informal care”) to those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia in 2025. With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at the real cost of memory care.
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Median Memory Care Cost
Memory Care Costs by State
Memory care costs vary widely from state to state. Check the following chart to determine your state’s estimated median cost of memory care.2
State | Median monthly cost (2025) |
---|---|
Alabama | $5,310 |
Alaska | $8,750 |
Arizona | $6,000 |
Arkansas | $5,650 |
California | $6,500 |
Colorado | $7,149 |
Connecticut | $8,312 |
Delaware | $7,424 |
District of Columbia | $10,555 |
Florida | $5,495 |
Georgia | $4,914 |
Hawaii | $11,000 |
Idaho | $5,500 |
Illinois | $7,200 |
Indiana | $6,135 |
Iowa | $6,500 |
Kansas | $7,100 |
Kentucky | $5,650 |
Louisiana | $5,499 |
Maine | $9,498 |
Maryland | $7,537 |
Massachusetts | $9,298 |
Michigan | $5,913 |
Minnesota | $7,765 |
Mississippi | $5,295 |
Missouri | $6,446 |
Montana | $8,110 |
Nebraska | $7,306 |
Nevada | $7,046 |
New Hampshire | $8,775 |
New Jersey | $8,877 |
New Mexico | $6,200 |
New York | $7,765 |
North Carolina | $6,700 |
North Dakota | $6,333 |
Ohio | $6,393 |
Oklahoma | $6,349 |
Oregon | $8,190 |
Pennsylvania | $6,800 |
Rhode Island | $7,162 |
South Carolina | $4,990 |
South Dakota | $7,174 |
Tennessee | $5,339 |
Texas | $6,063 |
Utah | $5,225 |
Vermont | $10,941 |
Virginia | $6,803 |
Washington | $7,845 |
West Virginia | $6,200 |
Wisconsin | $7,098 |
Wyoming | $4,025 |
Source: Genworth’s Cost of Care Survey Data from the National Senior Living Cost Index, based on 2025 estimates
Daily Memory Care Costs
In 2025, the daily memory care costs by state ranged from $83 to $403, while the national median is $181 per day. Doing research for your area is essential.
» Compare Your Options: Assisted Living vs. Memory Care
Monthly Memory Care Costs
Memory care costs vary widely by state. For instance, in Georgia, the median monthly cost is at the lower end of the spectrum at $4,914. In Washington, D.C., it reaches a staggering $10,555. The median monthly memory care cost is $7,292 nationwide. Memory care provided to those living among the general population of an assisted living community typically costs less each month than care at a memory care facility.
Annual Memory Care Costs
Yearly memory care costs range from about $58,968 in Georgia to $126,660 in Washington, D.C. — the national median cost is around $87,504 per year. Families also need to prepare for yearly cost increases.
» Also Check Out: Tax Burden by State for Retirees and Seniors
Interested in a more detailed breakdown of memory care costs? The Genworth Cost of Care Survey has been helping families map out long-term care costs since 2004. This invaluable tool aids families in anticipating and planning for the financial demands of long-term care.
They have created a cost of care calculator that allows you to select a state and see the median cost of various types of care. The calculator lets you see daily, monthly, and yearly costs by state, plus projections of future costs through the year 2071.
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How to Pay for Memory Care Costs
Memory care costs typically need to be covered using private funds unless care is provided in a skilled nursing community. Below, we’ll look at different ways to pay for memory care costs.
Does Medicare Cover Memory Care Costs?
Medicare doesn’t cover memory care costs when care is provided at an assisted living facility or a dedicated memory care community. There are exceptions, however. Medicare might cover care costs under specific conditions, often limited to 100 days for skilled nursing care. For instance, inpatient hospital care that meets certain criteria, select medical items, and some doctor consultations fall under Medicare's coverage. Additionally, many prescription drugs are covered by Medicare Part D. When a dementia patient enters hospice care, Medicare often covers most, if not all, care costs.
Pro Tip: Want to find a prescription drug plan that meets your needs? Check out SeniorLiving.org’s recommendations for Medicare Part D!
To learn about specifics concerning Medicare coverage, see Medicare's website. Also, read more about Medicare eligibility, Medicare costs, and caregiver resources. Medicare special-needs plans (SNPs) are available for persons with dementia. SNPs are Medicare Advantage plans specializing in care for beneficiaries with dementia.
» You Might Like: Best Medicare Advantage Plans
Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care Costs?
Medicaid offers health care coverage to qualifying older adults, those with disabilities, and other groups. Some long-term care costs are covered in facilities that accept Medicaid. However, it’s essential to note that facilities that offer Medicaid beds often have limited availability, and memory care communities accept Medicaid less frequently than other senior care facilities.
FYI: You can find more specifics about Medicaid benefits at Medicaid.gov. If you’re unsure if you qualify for Medicaid, consider this legal loophole.
For low-income seniors, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) might cover some adult day care costs. This program is a joint partnership between Medicare and Medicaid.
Are Memory Care Costs Tax Deductible?
Memory care costs may qualify as deductible medical expenses if they meet IRS criteria. In certain scenarios, the entire cost might be tax-deductible with a written assessment signed by a doctor stating the level of care required. For clarity on tax implications related to memory care costs, consult someone well-versed in local tax laws and elder care.
» For Tax Planning: Which States Have the Lowest Tax Rates?
Factors That Impact Memory Care Costs
Memory care costs run higher than many other types of senior care, such as assisted living and adult day care, because of its specialized nature. Individuals in the mild to moderate stages of dementia can live in an assisted living community until the need for supervision becomes too great. As the disease progresses to its mid or late stages, they may need to move to a nursing home, a memory care community, or a skilled nursing care facility.
» Compare Your Options: Nursing Home vs. Memory Care
Wondering why costs are so high? Memory care facilities offer higher levels of care and features designed to keep those with memory loss safe. Key features include:
- Enhanced supervision: Memory care units offer 24/7 supervision, ensuring residents are safe and well-attended.
- Robust security measures: Units are fortified with advanced security features, including cameras in communal areas, secure entry and exit points, and safely enclosed outdoor spaces to deter wandering — a common concern for individuals with dementia.
- Specialized staffing: The staff-to-resident ratio in memory care units is typically better than in standard care facilities. The staff also undergoes specialized training to handle the unique challenges of residents with memory issues, such as impulsivity and diminished safety awareness.
- Structured environment: Predictable schedules help residents feel more at ease and reduce confusion.
- Facility features: Unlike standard assisted living rooms, rooms in memory care units typically exclude kitchens, prioritizing the safety of residents. Standard accessibility measures, like wheelchair accessibility, are still in place.
- Tailored activities: Activities are curated specifically for individuals with memory impairments, ensuring they are engaged and stimulated in a manner that benefits their condition.
Expert Insights: Tailored activities might include reminiscence therapy with old photographs and music, art sessions for creative expression, and sensory stimulation through activities like aromatherapy. These activities aim to stimulate cognitive function, promote social interaction, and provide residents with comfort and engagement.
When evaluating memory care costs, it’s crucial to understand the comprehensive and specialized care these costs include. This specialized care ensures that individuals with dementia receive the best possible care tailored to their unique needs. Family caregivers often try to avoid the cost of memory care, only to realize they can’t do it alone. In many cases, a quality memory care facility is the best solution.
Is Memory Care Worth the Cost?
Below, our resident Geropsychologist, Dr. Altman, discusses her experience with memory care and why it is worth the cost for many families.
“I remember working with ‘John,’ who was struggling with moderate-plus stage dementia. His wife and children were doing everything they could, but managing his needs at home was getting harder. He was wandering and trying to exit their home and falling a lot, which led to safety concerns and increased agitation.
After many discussions, they decided to move ‘John’ to a memory care facility. The cost was a big concern — over $6,500 a month where they lived — but they ultimately felt it was the right move. The facility provided constant supervision, engaging activities tailored for dementia patients, a structured routine, and a secure environment to prevent wandering.
Pro Tip: In addition to memory care, the best medical alert systems can help you keep track of your loved one and prevent or reduce the risks of wandering.
A few months in, ‘John’ seemed more at ease. He was less anxious and agitated and more engaged with his surroundings. Although still worried about the costs, his family found comfort in knowing he was in good hands. They enjoyed their visits more, focusing on spending quality time with him rather than being worn-out caregivers.
I worked for many years in nursing homes and memory care units, but frequent stories like these reinforce for me how beneficial memory care facilities can be. They are a good option for families facing the challenges of dementia, offering specialized care and much-needed support.”
FYI: If you’re a family member who provides round-the-clock care to a loved one with Alzheimer’s, consider looking into respite care for yourself and your family.
More Tips Concerning Memory Care Costs
Navigating memory care costs can be challenging, especially as your loved one moves into the later stages of Alzheimer’s.4 Here are some strategies and resources to consider:
1. Veterans' Benefits for Memory Care Costs
If you or your loved one served in the military, programs like the Community Residential Care program and the Aid and Attendance program can offer financial assistance. Surviving spouses might also be eligible for certain benefits. Call Veterans Affairs at (800) 698-2411 for guidance and more information.
» Related Reading: Veterans Care Guide
2. Understand What’s Included in Memory Care Costs
Most costs are included with standard care, but additional services might incur extra charges. Consider consulting a geriatric care manager to ensure you make the most informed decision. You can also use the Eldercare Locator to find a geriatric care manager. Fortunately, the best place for you or your loved one doesn't have to be the most expensive.
3. Property Liquidation to Fund Memory Care Costs
Some families finance memory care costs by selling or renting out the senior's property. While reverse mortgages may seem viable, they might not be the best choice for a surviving spouse who needs care. Consult an elder-law attorney or elder care-savvy financial planner before finalizing any plans concerning the liquidation of a property, including a reverse mortgage.
» Check Out: A Guide to Finance for Seniors
4. Asset Liquidation for Memory Care Costs
Items like jewelry, artwork, antiques, and other collectibles can be sold to help cover memory care expenses. A senior move manager can offer guidance on the best way to liquidate these assets, ensuring you get the best value. That said, keeping some items for sentimental value or personal reasons is perfectly reasonable, too.
5. Early Consultation with Experts
Engaging with an elder law attorney or a financial planner specializing in senior care early in the process can be beneficial. Their expertise can help you navigate memory care costs more efficiently, potentially saving you money in the long run.
FYI: Have questions about senior care or housing? We’re hosting livestreams on our YouTube @SeniorLiving.Org with experts who are ready to answer your questions and provide advice based on years of experience. Send your questions to [email protected] and we’ll answer them during our next livestream!
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The USC Leonard D. Schaeffer Institute for Public Policy & Government. (2025). The Cost of Dementia in 2025.
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Genworth. (2025). Cost of Care Survey.
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CMS.gov. (n.d). Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).
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Alzheimer Association. (2025). Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.