Choosing Between Memory Care and Assisted Living: What’s Right for Your Loved One?
- Ketan Chauhan
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
🧡 When a parent or loved one starts needing more support, one of the biggest questions families face is whether Memory Care or Assisted Living is the right choice:
“Do we need Assisted Living, or is Memory Care a better fit?”
At Elevate Senior Placement, this is one of the most common conversations we have with families. The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but understanding the key differences can help you make a confident, informed decision.
🏡 What Is Assisted Living?
Assisted Living is best for older adults who are mostly independent but need some help with daily routines like bathing, dressing, medication reminders, or meal prep. It’s a great option if your loved one is:
Struggling with managing the home or medications
Becoming more socially isolated
Needing help with personal care, but not full-time supervision
Assisted Living communities often offer private rooms or apartments, shared dining, social events, light housekeeping, and around-the-clock support when needed.
In New Jersey, the average cost of Assisted Living in 2024 is about $7,400/month, with prices ranging from $5,608 in Vineland to $8,975 in Trenton depending on the location and level of service.
🧠 What Is Memory Care?
Memory Care is a more specialized type of senior living for individuals experiencing Alzheimer’s, dementia, or other forms of cognitive decline. These communities offer 24/7 supervision, structured activities, secure environments, and trained staff who understand how to care for residents with memory challenges.
If your loved one has been diagnosed with dementia, frequently forgets where they are, wanders, or has experienced personality or behavioral changes, Memory Care may be the safer, more supportive option.
📈 And the need is growing:
In 2025, an estimated 210,000 people aged 65+ in New Jersey are living with Alzheimer’s—a 10.5% increase from the year before.
There are currently about 200 Memory Care communities in the state, ranging from larger campuses to smaller, residential-style homes.
Due to the increased level of care, Memory Care costs more than Assisted Living. In New Jersey, the average monthly cost is $8,507, with some areas like Trenton reaching $10,654/month. That’s roughly $1,662 more per month than Assisted Living.
🤔 Still Not Sure?
It’s okay. This is a big decision and we’re here to walk you through it. At Elevate Senior Placement, we take time to learn about your loved one’s needs, explain the options, and personally guide you through the placement process.
And the best part? Our services are always free to families.