Assisted Living communities for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia are often referred to as “Special Care Units (SCUs).” Often housed in a special wing with additional security, cueing devices, and other specific architectural features these areas are state-licensed and provide programming specific to the population being served. SCUs are staffed with individuals who are specifically trained to work with individuals who have some form of dementia. SCUs can differ in the level of care they provide along the continuum of the disease. For instance, some assisted living communities will accept individuals with Alzheimer’s or related dementia through the entire disease process whereas others will only accept individuals who are in the early stage of the disease.
