WHAT IS MEMORY CARE IN ASSISTED LIVING?
2024

Understanding Memory Care in Assisted Living

Sample size: 13715 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Smith Lindsey, Jutkowitz Eric, Thomas Kali

Primary Institution: Oregon Health & Science University

Hypothesis

What constitutes specialized memory care varies according to who and how the setting is defined.

Conclusion

The definition of memory care in assisted living varies significantly depending on the perspective of state licensing agencies, industry professionals, and potential residents.

Supporting Evidence

  • 28% of large assisted living communities were identified as memory care by state licensing agencies.
  • 60% were identified by the National Investment Center.
  • 26% were identified by business advertisements.

Takeaway

Memory care is a special type of help for people with dementia, but different groups see it in different ways.

Methodology

A national directory of assisted living communities was created, and data was collected from state licensing agencies, the National Investment Center, and business advertisements.

Limitations

The study may not capture all variations in memory care definitions across different states and organizations.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1659

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