Memory Care Information for Northern Virginia

The senior living experts at Assisted Living Locators of Northern Virginia are Dementia Care Certified®. They can help you better understand what is happening with a loved one diagnosed with a form of dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) and how to best care for them.

What is Memory Care?

For many seniors living with dementia, memory care is an ideal option that provides an environment that is supportive and safe, encouraging independence while also ensuring that any required assistance is close by. Dementia is a general term used to describe a decline in memory or cognitive ability that is severe enough to disrupt someone’s daily living. Currently, Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. With an aging population and higher cases of dementia in Northern Virginia and throughout the country, we are experiencing a growing number of seniors (aged 65 and over) who need memory care services.

In Northern Virginia, memory care is either provided in standalone communities or secure dementia annexes, typically called special care units (SCUs). Memory care offers specialized programs designed to deliver real-world activities and cognitive stimulation for residents with memory or cognitive impairment. Memory care sites often use security personnel or protective devices on entry and exit points to prevent wandering hazards. Likewise, memory care staff have extensive training that includes communication techniques and resident care procedures.

Memory care services generally include, but are not limited to:

• Private or companion room/suite and utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer, and trash removal)
• 24-hour on-site supervised care
• Three meals a day and frequent snacks
• Assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, incontinence care, feeding, transferring, and ambulation
• Medical monitoring and medication management
• An environment that is easy for residents to navigate
• Skilled staff trained to assist residents with impaired memory and cognitive abilities
• Specialized programs designed to support residents with poor memory and cognitive abilities
• Secured environment
• Housekeeping, laundry, and linen services

How much does Memory Care cost in Northern Virginia?

The cost of memory care in the Northern Virginia area varies depending on many factors, including care needs, community amenities, and property location. Still, the prices generally range from around $7,500 to $11,500 per month.

Many memory care communities in Northern Virginia, like Brookdale, Sunrise Senior Living, Pacifica, and others, provide memory care services at customized monthly rates, typically covering a resident’s daily care, living space, meals, social activities, and much more.

Are there Memory Care resources in Northern Virginia?