My dad is in a memory care facility but he is one of two higher-functioning residents. My dad and his buddy are fully ambulatory, able to carry on a conversation, etc. The other residents are out-of-it most of the time, slumped over in wheel chairs. My dad's buddy got moved to the adjacent building, which is a regular ALF but fully secured (locked). It is more cheerful and there are more suitable activities for a functional person. I am meeting with the facility director next week to see about moving my dad next door with his buddy and into a more active atmosphere.
I've never heard of an AL that is secure, if it's not MC. Hmm......
I would certainly discuss your dad's situation to see what is the best fit for him. I know that a regular AL soon was not adequate for my LO. We needed a doctor's signature stating why she needed Memory Care or Special Care Unit as they call it. It was my understanding that a regular AL can only handle residents who have limited incontinence, 1 person transfer assist, do not wander, and can get along with only reminders, oh, and those who do not resist assistance. After a certain point, it seemed to me that the care needed was too much for the staff.
If you father is able, then, I'd explore placing him near his buddy. As long as he is able to function there. Oh, I would imagine that the MC is ore expensive than regular AL, so, I'd keep that in mind. It shouldn't make a difference, but, you know....Did they do a needs assessment to determine if he really needed MC?
I hope you can find a place that's just right for your dad. It'll give you so much peace of mind.
My parents are in the same dilemma and that is the main reason I picked the memory care that I did because there were several other residents at their level. You might look around for a different memory care to see if you can find one with some higher functioning residents.
I would ask lots of questions of the ALF to make sure they can handle any dementia behaviors that he may have. My parents are higher functioning level but they need lots of help to.. I could imagine them getting lost at an Assisted Living.. and quickly needing more help then they could provide.
Maybe the Assisted Living side was full and they both got placed in the MC section until there was room.
If your dad qualifies for the other side, they should be able to move him too.