Memory Care Services

In the world of senior living, the term “Memory Care” usually refers to all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer’s Disease, and associated with being provided in a smaller unit of a much larger assisted living facility. Many people are surprised to learn that small, 10 bed assisted living homes like ours at Colten Adult Care even exist, let alone provide a more personal and far less overwhelming environment for residents to thrive. Here are some of the many reasons why a small group home can often be a better option than a large corporate facility, especially for residents with dementia related issues:

Quality of Care and Attention

Small Homes offer a more personal approach, with long-term caregivers who know residents’ preferences and daily routines well and form loving relationships with them.

Large Facilities provide more amenities (gyms, pools, social programs) but often struggle with understaffing and corporate policies that limit flexibility in care.

Cost Comparisons

Small Assisted Living Home: Typically, small homes have a lower overhead, leading to lower costs. The national average for a small home is $4,000–$7,500 per month, depending on location and care level.

Large Corporate Facility: Costs are often higher due to larger staff, amenities, and corporate management expenses. Nationally, rates range from $6,000–$10,000 per month or more.

Hidden Costs: Large facilities often start with a base rate and charge extra for additional services, whereas small homes frequently have flat-rate pricing that includes personal care.

A La Carte vs. All-Inclusive Pricing

Small Homes: Most use an all-inclusive model, meaning the monthly fee covers room, meals, assistance, and often medication management, transportation, and activities.

Large Facilities: Most use an ala carte pricing model, where basic care is covered in the base rate, but additional services (such as medication management, extra bathing assistance, or incontinence care) incur separate charges, leading to unpredictable expenses.

Memory Care for Residents & Alzheimer’s

Small Homes:

More one-on-one attention due to few residents (typically 10 or less) and lower resident-to-caregiver ratios (often 1:3 to 1:5).

Familiar, homelike environment reduces confusion and anxiety for residents with dementia.

Continuity of caregivers fosters stronger relationships and trust.

Fewer residents mean less stimulation, which can help reduce agitation and wandering.

Large Facilities:

Often have locked memory care units with 30 – 60 residents, with higher resident-to-staff ratios (1:8 to 1:15).

More structured activities but may not be personalized.

Higher risk of staff turnover, leading to inconsistency in care.

More residents can mean more noise and overstimulation, which can increase anxiety and wandering behaviors.

For families prioritizing personalized care, cost predictability, long-term experienced caregivers and a home-like atmosphere, a small assisted living home is often the better choice, especially for dementia care. Larger facilities may offer more activities and amenities, but they often come with higher costs, impersonal care, and a more institutional feel.

For more information or to schedule a tour, please call Karina Figueroa at 480.518.5238 or visit our contact us page.