Free senior care guidance for Fort Worth metro families. No cost to you, ever.
Call (682) 432-9929
Fort Worth Senior AdvisorTrust • Heritage • Home

Assisted Living vs. Memory Care

Texas requires a filed Alzheimer's/dementia disclosure statement for memory care rather than a separate license -- here's what physically differs.

HomeComparisonsAssisted Living vs. Memory Care
Short answer

Texas requires any facility marketing memory care to file an Alzheimer's/dementia Disclosure Statement with HHSC under 26 TAC Section 553.264, covering staffing, training and physical design -- standard assisted living carries no such requirement.

What physically differs

Memory care units typically add secured egress with door alarms, staff trained specifically in redirection and de-escalation, and a physical layout designed to reduce disorientation. Ask to see the disclosure statement by name -- it must describe exactly these elements.

On cost

There is no published memory-care cost median anywhere, in Texas or any other state. Get quotes in writing from each community rather than relying on an average.

Questions families ask

What should I do after my parent has a fall in the Fort Worth area?

Treat a fall as a signal rather than an isolated accident -- a first fall is one of the strongest predictors of a second one. Get the cause properly investigated by a physician (medication, blood pressure, vision, inner-ear issues are all common culprits), and fix the immediate environment while you decide on next steps.

What should a Fort Worth family do in the first month after a dementia diagnosis?

Slow down -- very little needs to be decided immediately. Get the specific diagnosis clarified (Alzheimer's, vascular dementia, Lewy body and frontotemporal dementia all progress and respond to treatment differently), and complete legal paperwork like power of attorney while capacity is still clear.

What should I do if my parent is showing signs of wandering or exit-seeking?

Recognize that exit-seeking converts a general supervision problem into an active safety one, and take practical steps immediately -- door alarms, secured exits, and enrollment in a wandering-response program -- while you evaluate whether a secured memory care setting is now needed.

I'm a long-distance caregiver for a parent in Fort Worth. What should I set up first?

Build a plan that survives a bad week -- one where you can't get on a plane and nobody can safely drive to check in person. Recruit local eyes (a Meals on Wheels driver, a neighbor, a geriatric care manager), and get medical power of attorney and HIPAA authorizations in place early so you can actually get information when you need it.

Not sure where to start?

Answer five questions and a local advisor will come back with senior care options in your area that actually fit your situation and budget. It is free, and there is no obligation.

Find care options
Find senior care — free