Planning for a loved one’s memory care brings both emotional and financial considerations that deserve careful attention. Families researching quality memory care in Tacoma, WA and beyond often feel overwhelmed when first encountering these costs. At Peoples Senior Living, we share these financial realities openly because every family deserves to plan with complete information.
The key to successful memory care financial planning lies in starting early, understanding all available resources and creating protective measures that ensure quality care while preserving family economic stability.
This guide outlines the real cost of specialized dementia care, details the services included in the fee and provides essential financial planning tips and funding resources to secure a stable future.
How Much Does Memory Care Cost?
In the Tacoma and Puyallup region, cost range is $8,000-$14,000 monthly. These numbers represent more than simple housing costs, particularly when we consider that dementia care requires more resources than treating conditions like heart disease or cancer. Over the course of two years, the average cost of dementia care totals approximately $240,000. Peoples Senior Living’s average is $180,000 in 2026.
The starting costs for Memory Care at Peoples Senior Living in 2026 typically range from approximately $6,500 to $9,000 per month. While specific pricing depends on the resident’s required level of care and room choice, the monthly fee is generally all-inclusive. This cost covers essential services, including daily chef-prepared meals, weekly housekeeping, 24-hour staff support, assistance with daily living activities, medication management and specialized, engaging memory care activities.
What Services are Included in a Memory Care Community Fee?
Memory care communities bundle essential services into their monthly fees, creating comprehensive support systems for residents. These carefully designed programs typically include:
- Specially designed living environments
- Three nutritious daily meals plus snacks adapted for cognitive needs
- Round-the-clock supervision from dementia-trained staff
- Personal care assistance
- Medication oversight and health monitoring
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Therapeutic activities and cognitive stimulation programs
- Structured daily routines that provide comfort and stability
Many communities add transportation services, wellness monitoring and emergency response systems to their standard offerings.
Creating Your Family’s Financial Plan for Memory Care
Planning for memory care gives families confidence and peace of mind during a challenging time. At Peoples Senior Living, we understand that building a strong financial foundation begins with understanding costs and creating practical strategies tailored to your unique situation.
How to build a complete memory care budget?
A thoughtful budget helps families prepare for both current and future expenses. Start by gathering information about all potential costs your family might face:
- Ongoing medical treatment for symptoms and regular follow-up visits
- Safety-related expenses like home modifications and wandering prevention systems
- Prescription medications
- Personal care supplies
- Adult day care services or in-home care costs
- Full-time residential care services if needed in the future.
Planning for changing care needs
Since Alzheimer’s progresses over time, care requirements typically increase as the condition advances. Thoughtful financial planning takes into account these changing needs across various stages. Here’s how to assess future requirements:
- Consult with healthcare providers about the typical progression of symptoms.
- Consider potential transitions from in-home care to residential communities.
- Establish a care cost range from minimal support to intensive care.
Making financial management easier with automation
Automatic payments for bills and recurring expenses prevent missed payments and reduce stress for busy caregivers. Automation helps by ensuring the timely payment of memory care community fees, consistently managing utility bills, handling insurance premium payments and freeing up mental energy for other caregiving tasks.
Financial Resources for Memory Care
Most families discover that covering memory care costs requires combining several funding sources. Each family’s situation presents unique opportunities and exploring these options early helps create a stable financial foundation.
- Long-term care insurance coverage for memory care
- Government support through Medicaid and SSI (Alzheimer’s Association, n.d.)
- Home equity and reverse mortgage considerations
- Community assistance and nonprofit programs
Creating Peace of Mind for Your Family’s Future
Memory care planning stands as one of the most heartfelt decisions families make when caring for someone they love. This guide has walked you through the real costs of quality memory care. Numbers matter because they represent your family’s security and your loved one’s well-being.
The services bundled into memory care fees—comfortable housing, round-the-clock support, specialized meals and therapeutic activities—deliver genuine value. Yet families still need realistic budgets that grow with changing care needs.
Multiple funding sources often work best for covering the expenses of memory care. Long-term care insurance purchased before a diagnosis can significantly ease the financial burden. Government programs, such as Medicaid and SSI, offer essential support to qualifying families. Home equity options, such as reverse mortgages, provide another path; however, each choice comes with trade-offs that warrant careful consideration.
You don’t need to figure this out alone. Peoples Senior Living in Tacoma provides personalized guidance to families exploring memory care choices. Take your first step toward financial confidence by calling Peoples Senior Living today at (253) 474-1741 to schedule a tour and discuss your family’s planning needs. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure your loved one receives excellent memory care while maintaining financial stability for everyone you care about.
FAQs
Q1. How much does memory care typically cost?
Over the course of two years, the average cost of dementia care totals approximately $240,000. Peoples Senior Living average is $180,000 in 2026. Prices vary widely depending on location, level of care and amenities offered.
Q2. What financial planning steps should families take for long-term memory care?
Families should build a detailed budget that accounts for medical needs, safety adjustments and potential transitions between care levels. It’s also essential to prepare key legal documents early, such as a power of attorney and a living will and consult with financial planners or elder law attorneys for long-term guidance.
Q3. What funding sources are available for memory care expenses?
Standard funding options include long-term care insurance (if purchased before diagnosis), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), home equity or reverse mortgage programs and support from community or nonprofit organizations. Each resource has specific eligibility rules and guidelines that should be reviewed.
