In addition to the answers below, MC is usually co-located with an ALF. Anyone with increasing cognitive impairment may be moved from AL to MC. The cost will be greater because of increased care required. Room and board and level of care may be charged separately. There will be a separate fee for necessary meds, doctor visits, sanitary products, if facility provided, and other ancillary services, such as use of the salon. Today's MC facilities are usually pleasantly decorated and residents have their own room unless they are in a SNF, which is completely different.
In addition, residents with other illness may also live in MC. People with Parkinson's, Huntington's or MS are often co-located with AD patients, for instance, because of cognitive impairment caused by these diseases.
Ruthie, essentially it is 24/7 care for a patient who cannot remember or cannot obey the rules. Usually the former. It is a locked facility and there is much more staff than in regular assisted living or board and care. Most patients need help with all facets of life at this point, whether laundry, bathing, eating, changing, mobility, and the prevention of accidents from inadvertently leaving the premises and being hurt. It is much more expensive and much less "nice" than assisted living. The expense comes from the need for more staff and care. The less nice is that most people have a lot of dementia going on, rooms are often two patients to a room, and etc. Some memory care facilities are getting a good deal better, likely due to rising population and need. Some have ruins around an inner core with only the outer door locked. Some facilities have both Assisted Living AND memory care.
A locked unit (locked so patient cannot wander out and get lost/injured) for patients with dementia issues, but no other medical issues serious enough for a skilled nursing facility. They are not locked in their rooms, but the entrances to and from the Memory Care itself is locked down. Patients are generally free to walk around the unit as they please.
In addition, residents with other illness may also live in MC. People with Parkinson's, Huntington's or MS are often co-located with AD patients, for instance, because of cognitive impairment caused by these diseases.