Guide

Is a memory care matching service really free?

Yes. Guiding Hearth is free for families. We help you understand memory care and connect you with communities that may fit your parent’s needs, without pressure and without collecting medical records.

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What “free” means here

Guiding Hearth is a free matching service, not a care provider. That means we do not run a memory care home, and we do not make medical or legal decisions for your family.

Our job is to listen, explain the basics in plain language, and help you narrow down options that may be worth a closer look. Families never pay us for using the service.

If a community becomes a fit and your family chooses to move forward, that is a separate decision between you and the community. We stay focused on guidance, not pressure.

How we can be free for families

Our service is free for families because participating care communities pay us a flat fee. We do not charge you a finder’s fee, and we do not ask you to pay to get started.

That makes it easier to ask questions, compare options, and take your time. You can learn about memory care before you commit to anything.

If you want a simple next step, you can get matched or read more about how it works.

What we ask — and what we do not ask

We keep it simple. We may ask for general details like who needs care, the city or area, the type of care you are looking for, and how to reach you.

We do not ask for medical records, a diagnosis report, medications, or other health documents. You should never feel like you have to share private records just to get help understanding your options.

If your family speaks a language other than English, we will do our best to support that. Many families are comforted to know that care may be available in their own language and culture.

What memory care costs in general

Memory care costs vary a lot by state, city, and the level of support needed. In many places, it costs more than standard assisted living because staff are trained for people living with dementia or Alzheimer’s.

Some families use private savings, long-term care insurance, veterans benefits, or Medicaid in certain situations. Medicare usually does not cover long-term room and board in memory care, but rules and benefits vary by state.

We can help you understand the general landscape, but we do not give legal or financial advice. For a broader overview, see our guides.

What to expect when you ask for help

You do not need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Many families come to us tired, worried, and short on time.

We help you think through practical questions like location, budget, language, safety, and the kind of daily support your parent may need. Then we look for communities that may be a good place to start.

We never promise a perfect match. We simply help make a hard search feel more manageable.

A gentle next step

If you are trying to do right by your parent, you are not alone. A free matching service can save time, reduce guesswork, and help you understand memory care without handing everything over at once.

You can start small, ask questions, and go at your own pace. If you are ready, get matched today.

If you want to learn more first, our how it works page explains the process in simple steps.

In plain English Yes, it is free for families — Guiding Hearth helps you find memory care with plain-language guidance, not pressure, and without asking for medical records.

Common questions

Is Guiding Hearth really free for families?

Yes. Guiding Hearth is a free matching service for families. We do not charge you to use the service.

How do you make money if families do not pay?

Participating care communities pay us a flat fee. Families do not pay for matching or guidance.

Do you need my parent’s medical records to help me?

No. We do not ask for medical records, medications, or health documents. We only need general information to help narrow the search.

Can you tell me which memory care community is best?

We can help you compare options and understand what to look for, but we do not promise a specific community. The right choice depends on your family’s needs, location, and budget.

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Guide

Let us help you find warm, trusted care

Tell us a little about who needs care and where. We'll help you find and compare memory care communities near you — free, with no pressure. We never ask for medical records.

Get matched, free See how it works

Guiding Hearth is a free matching service, not a care provider. Always free for families.