Memory Care in Atlanta: How to Find the Right Support for Your Loved One

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or another memory disorder is emotionally and logistically challenging. In Atlanta, there are many options for memory care, but it can be hard to know where to start, what services exist, and how local systems work.

This guide explains how memory care works in Atlanta, Georgia, what types of care are available, how to evaluate local options, and which Atlanta-based agencies and resources can help you navigate the process.

What “Memory Care” Means in Atlanta

In Atlanta, memory care usually refers to:

• Specialized residential communities or units designed for people with dementia or Alzheimer’s
• Enhanced services in assisted living tailored for memory loss
• Adult day centers offering structured daytime support
• In‑home care agencies with training in dementia care
• Hospital and clinic-based programs for diagnosis, treatment, and care planning

Most memory care communities around Atlanta are licensed under Georgia’s assisted living or personal care home regulations, but offer an additional level of structure, safety, and staff training for cognitive impairment.

Common features of memory care in Atlanta include:

• 24-hour supervision and secure environments to reduce wandering risk
• Help with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medications, meals)
• Structured routines and dementia-friendly activities
• Support with behavioral changes (agitation, confusion, sleep disturbances)
• Coordination with local physicians and hospitals

Types of Memory Care Options in Atlanta

1. Residential Memory Care Communities

These are live-in communities specifically designed for people with memory loss.

Typical services:

• Secured buildings or units
• Staff trained in dementia care
• Shared or private rooms
• Group meals and daily activity schedules
• Medication management
• Transportation to local medical appointments

Many are located in or around Buckhead, Midtown, Decatur, Sandy Springs, and other metro Atlanta neighborhoods, often near major hospitals and medical centers.

2. Assisted Living with Memory Support

Some assisted living communities in Atlanta have:

• A dedicated memory care wing or floor, or
• Additional services for residents who develop dementia after moving in

These can be helpful for someone who does not yet need intensive memory care but is starting to show mild to moderate cognitive decline and needs more supervision.

3. Adult Day Programs

Adult day centers can be a good fit if your loved one lives at home but needs:

• Supervision during work hours
• Social engagement and structured activities
• Regular meals and medication reminders

Atlanta-area adult day programs that often serve people with memory loss include:

• A.G. Rhodes – Adult Day Health

  • 350 Boulevard SE, Atlanta, GA 30312
  • Phone: (404) 688-6731

• Jewish HomeLife – The One Group Adult Day Center (serving metro Atlanta)

  • Main campus: around 3150 Howell Mill Rd NW, Atlanta, GA 30327
  • Phone: (404) 351-8410

Many churches and community organizations around Decatur, East Point, College Park, and the northern suburbs also sponsor smaller adult day or respite programs.

4. In‑Home Memory Care Support

If you want your loved one to remain in their Atlanta home or apartment, you can arrange:

• Personal care aides to help with bathing, dressing, toileting
• Companions to provide social interaction and supervision
• Skilled nursing for medical needs (ordered by a physician)

Many home care agencies in metro Atlanta train staff in dementia communication and safety. When interviewing agencies, ask specifically about dementia-specific training, supervision, and backup coverage.

5. Hospital and Clinic-Based Memory Programs

Evaluation and medical management usually begin at:

• Emory Brain Health Center

  • 12 Executive Park Dr NE, Atlanta, GA 30329
  • Main line: (404) 778-7777

• Grady Health System – Neurology / Memory Services

  • 80 Jesse Hill Jr Dr SE, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main line: (404) 616-1000

• Northside Hospital – Neurology / Memory Disorders care (multiple locations around Atlanta)

These centers typically offer:

• Neurocognitive testing
• Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s and related dementias
• Medication management
• Referrals to community-based memory care services

Who Regulates Memory Care in Atlanta?

In Georgia, memory care communities fall under state regulation. Key oversight bodies include:

• Georgia Department of Community Health (DCH)
  • Healthcare Facility Regulation Division
  • 2 Peachtree St NW, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main line: (404) 657-5700

DCH licenses:

• Assisted Living Communities (ALCs)
• Personal Care Homes (PCHs)

Many memory care units in metro Atlanta operate under these licenses, with added requirements if they market themselves as providing specialized memory care.

You can check:

• License status
• Inspection findings
• Any enforcement actions

by contacting DCH or visiting its public facility search tool.

Key Services to Look For in Atlanta Memory Care

When visiting Atlanta memory care communities or speaking with agencies, pay close attention to:

Environment and Safety

• Secured entries/exits
• Enclosed outdoor areas or courtyards
• Clear, simple layout to reduce confusion
• Monitored wandering and fall-prevention strategies

Staffing and Training

• Staff-to-resident ratios during day and night
• Formal dementia-specific training
• How they handle behaviors like sundowning, aggression, or wandering
• Staff turnover rates and availability of licensed nurses

Daily Life and Activities

• Structured daily schedules (music, exercise, crafts, reminiscence groups)
• Approaches matched to different stages of dementia
• Cues and supports for independence (signage, color-coding, routines)

Medical Coordination

• On-site or on-call nurses
• Partnerships with local Atlanta physicians, Emory, Grady, Piedmont, Northside
• Medication management systems

Family Involvement

• Family education sessions
• Regular care plan meetings
• Transparency around changes in behavior or health

Typical Costs and How to Pay in Atlanta

Costs vary significantly across metro Atlanta, depending on location, amenities, and level of care.

In general, you may encounter:

• Monthly fees for memory care communities (often higher than standard assisted living due to staffing and security needs)
• Hourly rates for in-home dementia care
• Daily fees for adult day programs

Common ways Atlanta families pay:

• Private pay (savings, income, family support)
• Long-term care insurance (check policy for memory care coverage)
• Veterans’ benefits for eligible veterans and spouses
• Medicaid waivers for certain home- and community-based services (not all facility-based memory care is covered)

To learn about financial assistance options:

• Georgia Department of Human Services – Division of Aging Services (DAS)

  • 2 Peachtree St NW, Suite 33.384, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Main line: (404) 657-5258

• Atlanta Regional Commission – Aging & Independence Services

  • 229 Peachtree St NE, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Aging Resource line: (404) 463-3333

These agencies can explain Medicaid waivers, local subsidy programs, and sliding-scale options for eligible residents.

Local Help: Where to Start in Atlanta

If you’re just beginning the search, these Atlanta-based resources can provide neutral guidance:

Atlanta Regional Commission (ARC) – Aging & Independence Services

• What they do:

  • Provide information on memory care communities, home care agencies, adult day programs, and caregiver support
  • Help older adults and families in the 10-county Atlanta region screen for services

• Contact:

  • Aging & Disability Resource Connection (ADRC)
  • Phone: (404) 463-3333
  • Location: 229 Peachtree St NE, Suite 100, Atlanta, GA 30303

Georgia Division of Aging Services (Statewide, Based in Atlanta)

• What they do:

  • Oversee programs for seniors, including those with dementia
  • Connect you to local Area Agencies on Aging, respite programs, and caregiver supports

• Contact:

  • Phone: (404) 657-5258
  • 2 Peachtree St NW, Suite 33.384, Atlanta, GA 30303

Alzheimer’s Association – Georgia Chapter (Atlanta Office)

• What they offer in the Atlanta area:

  • Support groups for caregivers
  • Education classes about dementia and care planning
  • Care consultation and referral to local memory care options

• Contact (Metro Atlanta):

  • 225 N Michigan Ave, Suite 1700 (statewide operations; Atlanta-area office locations may vary, call for current details)
  • 24/7 Helpline (serving Atlanta): 1-800-272-3900

Evaluating Memory Care Options in Atlanta: A Step-by-Step Approach

Step 1: Clarify Needs

Make a short list of what your Atlanta-based loved one needs help with:

• Safety: wandering, getting lost, leaving the stove on
• Daily activities: bathing, dressing, toileting, meals
• Medical needs: diabetes, heart issues, mobility problems
• Behavioral issues: agitation, aggression, paranoia, sleep disturbance

This will help decide whether in‑home care, adult day, assisted living with memory support, or a dedicated memory care community is most appropriate.

Step 2: Narrow Down by Location

Think about:

• Proximity to your home (easier visits)
• Distance to major hospitals (Emory, Grady, Piedmont, Northside)
• Traffic patterns on I‑285, GA 400, I‑20, and I‑75/85 for emergencies and visits

Families often choose memory care in:

• In-town neighborhoods (Midtown, Virginia-Highland, Decatur) for walkable access and proximity to medical centers
• North Metro (Sandy Springs, Roswell, Dunwoody, Johns Creek) for suburban settings with larger campuses
• South Metro and West Side (College Park, East Point, Douglasville, Lithia Springs) for potentially lower costs or proximity to extended family

Step 3: Call and Ask Targeted Questions

When you call an Atlanta memory care community or agency, ask:

• Do you specialize in dementia or Alzheimer’s care?
• What is your staff-to-resident ratio, and how does it change at night or on weekends?
• How do you handle medical emergencies, and which Atlanta hospitals do you typically work with?
• Are there additional fees for increased care needs?
• What is included in the base cost (meals, activities, transportation, medication management)?

Step 4: Visit in Person (If Possible)

When touring in the Atlanta area:

• Visit during different times of day to observe staffing and atmosphere
• Watch how staff speak with residents—respectful, patient, and calm is crucial
• Check cleanliness, lighting, noise levels, and whether residents appear engaged
• Ask to see activity calendars, sample menus, and care plans

Step 5: Involve the Care Team

Coordinate with:

• Your loved one’s Atlanta-area primary care physician or neurologist
• A social worker or care manager (often available through hospitals like Emory or Grady)
• Local caregiver support groups to hear about others’ experiences in the city

Quick Comparison: Common Memory Care Paths in Atlanta

Legal and Planning Considerations in Georgia

In Atlanta, planning ahead can make memory care transitions smoother:

• Advance directive for healthcare: Choose a healthcare agent to make decisions if your loved one cannot.
• Durable power of attorney: Allows someone to manage finances and legal matters.
• Guardianship or conservatorship: Sometimes pursued through Fulton County Probate Court or other county courts when a person can no longer make safe decisions and legal authority is needed.

For local information:

• Fulton County Probate Court (serves much of the City of Atlanta)
  • 136 Pryor St SW, Suite C-230, Atlanta, GA 30303
  • Phone: (404) 612-4640

Consider speaking with an elder law attorney in metro Atlanta for detailed guidance on Georgia-specific rules.

Support for Caregivers in Atlanta

Caring for someone with dementia in Atlanta can be isolating. Local support options include:

• Caregiver support groups

  • Often hosted by hospitals, senior centers, faith communities, and the Alzheimer’s Association (Georgia Chapter).

• Respite services

  • Short-term stays in memory care communities
  • Adult day programs providing daytime breaks

• Education workshops

  • Many Atlanta medical centers and nonprofits offer classes on communication strategies, safety, and behavior management.

To find current programs:

• Call Atlanta Regional Commission ADRC at (404) 463-3333
• Call the Alzheimer’s Association Helpline at 1-800-272-3900

Practical Next Steps If You’re in Atlanta

1. Write down your loved one’s needs and safety concerns.
2. Contact the Atlanta Regional Commission (404-463-3333) to get a list of memory care communities, adult day programs, and in-home options near your ZIP code.
3. Schedule evaluations with an Atlanta-based neurologist or memory clinic (Emory, Grady, or another local system) if you have not already done so.
4. Tour at least 2–4 memory care communities or visit 1–2 adult day programs to compare.
5. Review finances and potential benefits with the Georgia Division of Aging Services or a local elder law professional.
6. Connect with a caregiver support group in metro Atlanta for ongoing advice and emotional support.

By using the local resources, agencies, and medical systems based in Atlanta, you can piece together a memory care plan that fits your loved one’s needs and your family’s situation.