Assisted living is a housing category for seniors who need a bit of extra help with a few daily living tasks considered non-medical. These include tasks like dressing or bathing. Whereas nursing homes are more suitable for people who need higher levels of round-the-clock care, assisted living facilities are designed to create a home-like community where individuals can select the support they need to continue living independently. Some Assisted Living facilities will offer additional wellness programs, weekly housekeeping, linen, and personal laundry services.

A memory care facility is a type of living facility that places special emphasis on safety, structure and routine for individuals with memory impairments, which in turn lowers the stress levels of residents who suffer from dementia or Alzheimer’s. Meals are usually provided and the staff helps residents with personal care tasks and managing medications. Some memory care facilities exist on their own, while others belong within an assisted living facility.

Memory care facilities are primarily designed to help individuals with memory impairments, including dementia, Alzheimer’s or other memory-related conditions. While the symptoms and care options for dementia and Alzheimer’s may vary, memory care facilities are equipped to provide care for both, as well as other forms of dementia like Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson's Disease Dementia.

Medicaid will pay for some of the fees associated with memory care facilities; however, this is not complete coverage in most cases. Medicaid will not pay the cost of room and board for residents living in assisted living facilities, even if they provide memory care services. Medicaid will cover some services like wellness visits and health risk assessments.