Quick answer
Dementia care options include help at home from family or a home care aide, adult day programs, respite care, assisted living for early stages, memory care communities, and nursing homes for advanced medical needs. Most families use more than one as the disease progresses. Medicare doesn't pay for long-term custodial dementia care. (800) 614-8388 and we'll help you think through what fits now and what comes next.
The options, early stage to late stage
| Option | What it provides | Often fits |
|---|---|---|
| Family care at home, with support | Family handles daily care with training, support groups and breaks | Early stage, safe at home |
| Home care aide | Paid help with meals, bathing, supervision, by the hour | Early to middle stage |
| Adult day program | Supervised day with activities and meals | Early to middle stage; working caregivers |
| Respite care | Short breaks for the family caregiver | Any stage |
| Assisted living | Apartment with daily help | Early stage, no wandering |
| Memory care | Secured setting, dementia-trained staff, structured days | Middle to late stage, wandering or unsafe |
| Nursing home | 24-hour skilled nursing | Late stage with complex medical needs |
Staying home with dementia
Many people with dementia live at home for years with the right support. Safety changes help: removing trip hazards, locking away medications, and adding door alarms if wandering starts. A home care aide can cover the hours family can't. See dementia home care. In 2025 home care had a median of $34 an hour in Kansas and $33 in Missouri (CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025).
Memory care communities
Memory care is built for the stage where safety and structure matter most: secured doors, staff trained in dementia, and a calm, predictable routine. It suits people who wander, get lost or need cues for most daily tasks. Read what memory care is and how it compares with assisted living.
Paying for dementia care
Medicare covers doctor visits, hospital care and some short-term skilled care, but not long-term custodial care. Families usually pay privately, sometimes with long-term care insurance or VA benefits. Medicaid can help people who qualify, through nursing home care or state waiver programs. See how to pay for senior care.
Support for the family
The Alzheimer's Association runs a 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900 and local support groups. The National Institute on Aging has practical caregiving guides. Your Area Agency on Aging can tell you about local programs and respite.
Not sure what level of dementia care fits?
Tell us what you're seeing at home. We'll explain the options near you and introduce you to a few that fit. Free.
Questions families ask
What is the best care for someone with dementia?
The one that keeps them safe and lets them keep as much of their routine and dignity as possible. That changes over time, from help at home to memory care.
How do I know when home is no longer safe?
Wandering, falls, leaving the stove on, missed medications and caregiver exhaustion are common signs. See when is it time for memory care.
Does Medicare pay for dementia care?
Medicare pays for medical care but not long-term custodial care, such as memory care or ongoing help at home.
Is Alzheimer's care different from dementia care?
Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia. The care options are the same.