What does Memory Care Really Mean?

Memory care is a specialized type of long-term care, designed specifically for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia or other cognitive impairments these services are typically offered within assisted living communities, dedicated memory care communities and skilled nursing facilities. What makes memory care different is the specialized dementia training, a secure and supportive environment, structured daily programming and higher staff support. In simple terms, Memory Care means: a safe structured environment with specifically trained staff who understand how to care for and engage people living with dementia. There is one crucial caveat to keep in mind: the term memory care is not consistently regulated across the country.

State level regulation of memory care facilities in the US varies widely- and there is no single federal standard that requires specific certifications or dementia care standards for these facilities. Instead, each state sets its own licensing, training and specialty care rules for assisted living and memory care. All assisted living and memory care facilities must be licensed by the state, but dementia specific standards vary. Some states have special dementia care licenses, endorsements, or additional requirements. Others have minimal or no explicit dementia training/certification requirements (meaning they have no legal definition to operate) beyond the general assisted living licensure. An important note: even in the states with minimal requirements, many facilities that market themselves as memory care are still licensed and regulated as assisted living or residential care and many voluntarily adopt exemplary dementia care practices.

The Alzheimer’s Association Wisconsin Chapter has publicly described an effort calling for legislation to define memory care and require enhanced standards including dementia specific training. They are also lobbying that the term Memory Care can only be used if and when these standards and requirements are met. Last month, the Wisconsin State legislature SB-959 “The Truth in Advertising Bill” was introduced and as of now, the bill is still pending further action by the legislature.

This initiative is not just specific to Wisconsin alone. The Alzheimer’s Association along with The Joint Commission has partnered to address the issue. The Alzheimer’s Association has been working to emphasize that evidence-based training and care quality, such as their Dementia Care Practice recommendations, are recognized training courses. They are designed to equip staff with real skills in caring for those with dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association is recommending that to earn a “Memory Care” label, facilities such as Assisted Living or a CBRF’s would need to demonstrate the following:

• Enhanced dementia specific training
• Appropriate physical environment
• Specialized care planning
• Official designation required to advertise as “Memory Care”.

If you’re employed in senior living activities or dementia support, expertise is vital and as an activity professional especially valuable. While not always legally mandated by every state and for all staff, having personal certifications is vital for high quality care and credibility.

Verified competency: Certification proves the activity professional has specific dementia training including understanding the disease progression and managing behaviors.

Approved safety and reduced risk: Certified Activity Professionals are trained to identify risks in the environment and daily living activities, leading to fewer accidents.

Person centered care: Certification ensures that the activity professional understands how to tailor activities to the individual’s life history, preferences and current cognitive abilities.

Knowing and understanding state and federal regulations for memory care along with continued education and training can help ensure the community stays in compliance, avoid fines and sanctions or loss of licensure. It also ensures quality care and program services for those living with cognitive impairments.

Deborah Smith – 2026 NAAP Leadership Team