Comparison
MemoryCareFind vs A Place for Mom
Both are free for families. Here's what's actually different.
TL;DR
A Place for Mom earns a referral fee from facilities when your family moves in. MemoryCareFind charges facilities a flat monthly subscription and keeps your contact information private. Results on MemoryCareFind are ranked by official CMS quality ratings, not advertising agreements.
At a glance
| Feature | MemoryCareFind | A Place for Mom |
|---|---|---|
| Data source | CMS government data (official) | Proprietary/partner network |
| Result ranking | CMS quality rating (unbiased) | Referral agreements influence placement |
| Business model | Facility subscription ($49–$149/mo) | Referral fee per family placement |
| Your contact info | Private — you reach out directly | Shared with multiple facilities |
| Cost for families | Free | Free |
| Human advisor | Self-serve search | Dedicated advisor available |
| Facility coverage | 14,000+ CMS-certified facilities | Network of partner facilities |
| Quality ratings | CMS star ratings shown | Reviews and ratings shown |
How they compare in practice
How results are ranked
MemoryCareFind ranks facilities using CMS quality ratings — the same star ratings published by the federal government based on staffing, inspections, and quality measures. No facility can pay to appear higher in search results.
A Place for Mom's network includes facilities that have agreed to pay referral fees. While they do include reviews and ratings, placement can be influenced by partner relationships. This isn't a criticism — it's their business model — but it's worth understanding when evaluating results.
What happens with your contact info
On MemoryCareFind, your contact information is never shared with facilities unless you choose to send an inquiry yourself. You control the conversation from the start.
When you submit a form on A Place for Mom, your name and phone number are shared with their advisor team and typically passed along to multiple facilities. Many families report receiving several phone calls quickly after submitting their information. If you're ready for that kind of outreach, it can be helpful. If you prefer to move at your own pace, it can feel overwhelming.
The referral fee model explained
A Place for Mom is free for families because facilities pay the bill — a referral fee when a family moves in, typically a significant portion of the first month's fees. This model creates a structural incentive: the service earns more when families choose partner facilities. It doesn't mean the recommendations are wrong, but it's a conflict of interest worth knowing about.
MemoryCareFind charges facilities a flat monthly subscription fee. The amount a facility pays does not change based on how many families choose them. This removes the per-placement incentive from the search experience.
Where A Place for Mom has an advantage
A Place for Mom offers a dedicated human advisor who can guide families through the search, help schedule tours, and support transitions. For families who are overwhelmed and want hands-on help, that service has real value. MemoryCareFind is self-serve — you search, compare, and contact facilities directly.
Who each is best for
Choose MemoryCareFind if…
- You want results ranked by government quality ratings, not ads
- Your contact info staying private matters to you
- You prefer to reach out to facilities on your own terms
- You want to see all CMS-certified options, not just paying partners
Consider A Place for Mom if…
- You want a human advisor to guide you through the process
- You're comfortable receiving calls from multiple facilities
- You'd like help scheduling tours and navigating the transition
Common questions
Search memory care facilities — free, no broker
14,000+ CMS-certified facilities. Results ranked by quality, not advertising. Your contact info stays yours.
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