Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer's, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Annapolis’s senior population continues to grow (15.69% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Annapolis, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 59.76% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 8.32%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4% in Annapolis vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent dozens of hours researching senior living communities in Annapolis. In addition to an overview of the communities’ best features, this guide highlights the best memory care facilities in the city, and gives information about pricing, types of care provided, residents’ reviews, and more.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time-consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Annapolis, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
A vibrant senior living community in Annapolis, MD, Annapolitan Assisted Living provides a caring, homelike environment where seniors live as independently as possible while receiving as-needed assistance. Cattail Cove is the community's memory care neighborhood, a private, safe area where those with Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive disorders receive round-the-clock care and encouragement from specially trained caregivers. The memory care neighborhood's layout is easy to navigate, and the color scheme fosters a feeling of security, serenity and comfort. Residents benefit from an established routine, curated therapeutic activities and recreation, and a menu of healthy foods to help them thrive. Licensed nurses perform regular assessments to evaluate residents' needs, ensuring they receive appropriate care. On-site amenities include a library, chapel and beauty salon, while indoor lounges and outdoor gardens and decks offer socialization venues.
Family members leave glowing reviews concerning the care their loved ones receive, with one saying, "Whatever you can imagine as the perfect care facility for your loved one, The Annapolitan is better. The staffing level is more than adequate for the population, but the very best thing is that the staff is competent, caring, and very accommodating."
Arbor Terrace Senior Living offers purposeful living by fostering meaningful connections with residents and their families. Its assisted living and memory care programs provide customized services that cater to evolving needs, helping seniors experience a comfortable lifestyle. The Evergreen memory care neighborhood, designed for those living with Alzheimers and other types of cognitive conditions, features dementia-friendly living spaces and apartment homes built for comfort, luxury and convenience. Licensed nurses, who serve as dedicated Evergreen directors, manage individual care plans, delivering personalized services and interventions tailored to seniors unique needs. Daily programming encourages productive participation, with a robust calendar of wellness activities, sensory exercises, group excursions and community events that residents can enjoy with visiting friends and families. The award-winning Dining with Dignity program helps create pleasurable mealtime experiences by serving specially prepared food options that accommodate unique dietary needs.
Reviewers like the well-kept surroundings and spacious rooms, and they're impressed with the responsive and accommodating staff. "The room, the apartment, dining, social interaction activities, and amenities were all ideal and best for my cousins needs because she has slight dementia. Everything was pristine; the greeters were more than helpful and well-informed, says a residents relative.
Arbor Terrace Waugh Chapel is a warm, inviting senior living community located in the Gambrills neighborhood. It offers two levels of memory care support. The Bridges neighborhood is specifically designed for seniors facing early-stage Alzheimers but can still live independently with minimal support. Its Evergreen neighborhood is for seniors with later-stage Alzheimers and other dementia-related issues who require 24/7 supportive services, such as assistance with activities of daily living and medication management. Individualized care plans are based on each residents unique needs. Three nutritious meals are served in the main dining area, using the Dining with Dignity program. Residents have full use of the communitys common areas, including the outdoor area with gardens and walking paths.
Residents enjoy the communitys well-appointed accommodations and supportive services the staff offer. One family member stated, "My mother has a suite, and she's very happy there. They have all the amenities, and it's a very nice place. We're happy with everything, and the service is great. The food is awesome. "
Arden Courts of Silver Spring is a senior living community that caters to seniors' specific needs with memory loss. The community is staffed by specially trained caregivers who are always on hand to provide compassionate care and assistance. Residents live in one of four self-contained homes that each house 10 to16 seniors. This design helps seniors feel comfortable and at home in their surroundings. Each of the homes feature a kitchen, dining room, family lounge spaces and secure outdoor areas. All homes' common amenities include a wellness center, a garden with walking paths, an arts and crafts studio, and a beauty salon and barbershop. Hourly safety checks are carried out to monitor the whereabouts and general health of residents. This community can handle challenging behaviors, such as aggression, sundowning and wandering.
Family members appreciate the professional staff and well-maintained facility, with one reviewer saying, "Over three years my Father spent in this facility, and you won't find a more caring group of people to look after a loved one. The rooms are immaculately kept, food is delicious but more important, it is a facility that has people trained to deal with Alz patients."
Brightview Annapolis offers residents rental apartments for independent and assisted living and memory care. The Wellspring Village for memory care residents offers heightened levels of care and attention. Residents have independence with cozy homelike apartments and can participate in daily memory activities for mental stimulation. Enhanced care is also available, which includes 24/7 on-call nursing. Residents can enjoy amenities, such as a fitness center, a beauty salon and a café. Cultural events and happy hours provide opportunities for socialization. Residents in independent and assisted living communities can visit the local shopping centers and grocery stores. Residents have access to kitchens, and the chef provides three nutritious meals daily for those who would rather not cook. All residents have access to health screenings and wellness checks.
People love Brightview Annapolis for the compassionate staff and beautiful amenities, with one reviewer saying, "The people are wonderful. The food is wonderful, too. It is a beautiful and clean community. They have been very helpful with the transition from the independent to the assisted side."
As a premier retirement community, Brightview Severna Park offers vibrant living with its resort-like amenities and engaging programs that cater to seniors varied interests and hobbies. The communitys continuing care program includes innovative memory care thats built around a strong collaboration between residents, families, caregivers and health providers. The thoughtfully designed Wellspring Village neighborhood promotes easy navigation while encouraging social interaction, with its cozy living spaces and secure outdoor areas. Visual cues scattered within the village serve as helpful navigational tools that help residents move around independently and safely. Brightviews social programming helps create stimulating experiences and manage behaviors. The Mind & Music program, for instance, harnesses the power of music to relax moods, encourage social interaction, trigger joyful memories, enhance creativity and explore new abilities.
Visiting relatives like the welcoming environment and are pleased with the attentive care. One describes their loved ones experience, saying, "He is well taken care of and has made a lot of friends. They cater to family visits and our children look forward to going see Great Grandpa almost every weekend. Family participation in events, arts and crafts and movies is highly encouraged.
Brightview South River offers a community where residents can socialize with one another and participate in activities that help maintain their physical and mental health. An active lifestyle is encouraged through fitness classes and daily walking sessions. Brightview South River also offers exercise classes that are specifically tailored to meet residents' needs, taking into account personal interests and health risks. It offers monthly health and wellness talks that provide advice on taking care of mental health. Residents receive three nutritious meals a day and always have a variety of dishes to choose from. Professional nurses are available to help with medication monitoring and any health concerns. Residents that require enhanced care have access to medical services 24/7.
Brightview South River is praised for its compassionate staff, with one reviewer saying, "The care here at Brightview South River has been superb. Staff [are] always available, with friendly, attentive smiles. My wife is showing extended periods of relaxing in the very pretty surroundings. I am delighted she is here."
Brookdale Towson is an assisted living and memory care senior living community located in a peaceful setting. The community offers the Clare Bridge memory care program, a person-centered approach to care that helps seniors find a sense of purpose and belonging each day. The memory care unit is in a safe and secure section of the building with keypad access for entry and exit. Residents have access to a landscaped courtyard area where they can safely garden, go for a walk or sit and enjoy the sunshine. A team of compassionate caregivers is available around the clock to offer care and assistance as required. The Daily Path is a structured program of six daily activities to help maintain current abilities and develop cognitive skills. Activities include manicure day, dancing, art classes, gentle exercise and musical events.
Visitors are impressed by the helpful staff as well as the health care and activities available, with one reviewer saying, "Staff seemed very friendly and reassuring. Appeared to have a ton of activities and amenities. More importantly the frequency of the clinical checks, safety measures appeared to be very good."
Located near a public park in Annapolis, Heart Homes At Bay Ridge offers assisted living and memory care. Seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's can find peace, care and comfort in the small 16-bed community. Each bedroom is equipped with a private bath, nightstand, and an emergency call system. The staff of trained caregivers are on duty 24/7 to tend to residents' basic needs, such as grooming, dressing and eating, and keeping the rooms tidy. Every day, seniors are given three chef-prepared meals with snacks and drinks in between. During downtime, residents can relax on a secure patio outside. For medical needs, a registered nurse is always present to ensure every individual care plan is followed.
Families of residents have shown appreciation and contentment for the community that brings optimism and peace in otherwise dreary circumstances. One reviewer said, "Heart Homes is [a] welcoming sort of place, very well managed and well kept. My father had dementia, as he became worse, we were unable to provide the level of care he needed It was touching how [the community] took care of their residents, one resident was very bonded with his dog, and when he moved in, they also welcomed his dog."
HeartFields Assisted Living at Bowie offers the Bridge to Rediscovery dementia and Alzheimer's care program. The program provides individualized care for seniors and designs activities that are suited to the personal needs of each resident. The community offers a warm, homelike atmosphere where residents can feel cared for. Memory care residents are housed in a secure neighborhood with a private outdoor space where they can safely go for a walk or relax with friends. There is a registered nurse on-site 24/7 to conduct regular wellness checks and provide assistance in emergencies. Pet therapy services are offered to help calm residents and improve their overall mood. Three chef-prepared meals are served each day, and meal assistance is available if required. A schedule of activities is offered every day and may include movie nights, gentle exercise classes and card games.
Family members appreciate the care shown to their loved ones, with one reviewer saying, "My husband's been at HeartFields AL at Bowie since early December. He is doing so much better than I could do myself. I could not have asked for a better place to put him. The staff is wonderful and caring!"
HeartLands Assisted Living at Severna Park is a homelike community that provides seniors with a safe and comfortable environment. Its Bridges to Rediscovery program is designed to give seniors struggling with Alzheimers and other dementia-related issues a secure setting where they select daily activities that most interest them and match their abilities. Its 24/7 nursing team conducts regular wellness checks, and trained caregivers assist seniors with activities of daily living, such as housekeeping and laundry. Physician visits and physical therapy sessions are available on-site. Residents can enjoy full use of the communitys many amenities, including a beauty salon, TV lounge, activity center, chapel and library. Meals are served restaurant-style in the main dining room, and scheduled transportation is available.
Residents enjoy the communitys welcoming environment and friendly staff. One family member stated, "My mom is starting to fit well into the place. The rooms look nice She seems to like the food. I saw the menu, which looked good. Their staff is great. Every time I come in there, they greet me and know my name.
Located right outside of the nation's capital, Hillhaven is a continuing care community that includes assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing services. Experienced and dedicated caregivers ensure residents have the personal and medical assistance needed while also providing plenty of opportunities to engage in planned activities that develop and maintain physical, cognitive, social and spiritual health. From movies and exercise classes to arts and crafts projects and religious services, seniors have plenty to keep them busy. Those interested in solitary pursuits can stroll on the community's walking paths, lounge in a secure outdoor courtyard or curl up with a book from the library. Seniors with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss live in spacious private suites in a secure memory care neighborhood. By partnering with family members and using the Montessori Moments in Time program, the staff strive to understand what makes each person tick and help bring meaning, joy and a sense of purpose to residents' lives.
Reviewers praise the level of care and homelike experience. One resident's wife states, "Hillhaven is as close to "home as you will find anyplace! He received the best of care The staff accommodated his every need: from serving a variety of delicious and nutritious foods to daily activities that were engaging."
Inspirations of Linthicum prides itself on having a staff ratio thats more than double the industry average for memory care facilities. This community has a quaint suburban setting in Linthicum Heights, conveniently close to Baltimore/Washington International Thurman Marshall Airport, and a short drive from Baltimore and Annapolis. Its lush campus consists of two standalone single-story homes, each having a secured backyard with raised garden beds. All modern private suites have ADA-accessible bathrooms and 40-inch HDTVs with DirecTV. Each home is enhanced with dementia-friendly programmed lighting to help prevent sundowning. Residents regularly enjoy animal therapy with goats, alpacas, chickens and birds. Other enriching activities include aromatherapy, arts and crafts, music and scheduled outings. These experiences are based on Inspirations wellness philosophy, placing great importance on outdoor daylight, physical and mental stimulation, excellent food, comfortable sleep and fewer medications.
Loved ones appreciate the exceptional staff and atmosphere at Inspirations of Linthicum. A residents daughter shares, "The staff has been very receptive They are very good at accommodating us The individuals that work there know me by name The room that she's in is clean, and they provide everything so far that I think my mom needs.
Morningside House of Friendship is a vibrant community that offers both assisted living and memory care services. Its care team is on hand 24 hours a day to assist with activities of daily living, such as grooming, hygiene, laundry and housekeeping. Its specialized memory care program focuses on personalized care that provides seniors with a calming, secure environment, including an enclosed outdoor area. It also enables seniors to choose activities, such as games and crafts, that best match their interests and abilities, providing a level of familiarity. Memory care residents also receive regular wellness checks by the communitys trained staff. Daily meals are served restaurant-style in the main dining hall, and residents have access to the communitys on-site amenities, including a beauty salon, and lounge areas.
Residents cant say enough about the personalized care they receive. One family member stated his fathers care, "They pay close attention to the patients and seem to be taking good care of him He has dementia, so he is having real problems, but they seem to be very attentive.
Morningside House of Laurel is only minutes away from the ER at UM Laurel Medical Center and Medpeds medical offices. Laurel Lakes Centre and Towne Centre Laurel shopping malls are also nearby. The staff provides 24/7 personal care and nutritious meal plans based on residents' preferences and medical limitations in addition to regular wellness checks. Exercise classes, such as Zumba and chair yoga, can help keep seniors active and relaxed. The staff encourage residents to participate in the plethora of social and recreational activities, including group discussions and movie nights. Horticulturalists can enjoy the gardening program as well as the calming effects of aromatherapy. Such as Spanish for Beginners, programs are available for seniors to learn new skills and explore various topics of interest. The pet-friendly community features complimentary Wi-Fi and an on-site beauty salon and spa.
Reviewers appreciate the staff for their dedication. One wrote, "My friends are living at Morningside House of Laurel now The people, from the sales representative to the person who helps with the patients, show a lot of love and care They have a wonderful restaurant-like dining room with a la carte and three different menus.
Noble Senior Living at Baltimore is located in a peaceful neighborhood that is conveniently close to shops and medical facilities. The memory care neighborhood is located in a separate and secure building specially designed for seniors with cognitive impairment disorders. Residents have access to spacious outdoor areas where they can safely go for a walk or spend time with friends. The community uses activities to calm the residents, encourage interaction and improve their moods One-on-one sensory activities are provided in the evenings to help the residents relax to help them to sleep well. Scheduled activities may include ice-cream socials, religious services, musical entertainment, puzzles and reminiscing. A team of specialist caregivers is always on hand to provide care based on the resident's needs and preferences. Support group meetings are provided to any resident's friends and family members.
Visitors praise the welcoming atmosphere and delicious food with one reviewer saying, "I toured this community and was very happy with the warm greeting from the time I walked in the door. Residents were having lunch and were complimentary of the food which is important to me because my dad is losing weight."
Somerford Place Annapolis is a luxury senior living community that focuses on seniors' needs with memory loss disorders. In-house doctor and therapy services enable residents to safely get the medical assistance they need within the community. There are secure outdoor areas with covered patios and walking paths where residents can enjoy some time in the sunshine or go for a walk with friends. The neighborhoods are all secured and have keypad access for the safety of residents with wandering behaviors. Monthly family support groups help loved ones cope with the stresses of a family member suffering from a cognitive disorder. Regular wellness checks are carried out to monitor residents' health and care plans are adjusted if required. A team of certified caregiving staff is always on hand to provide compassionate assistance.
Family members appreciate the high level of care their loved ones receive, with one reviewer noting, "My mother has been at Somerford for 12 months once her dementia was no longer manageable at home. The staff is attentive, and mom is well cared for We are grateful to have found a place that we are so confident in to help care for mom."
Just minutes from the city's downtown core, Sunrise of Annapolis is an award-winning senior living community known for its personalized care and full range of care services. For seniors in need of memory care, the community's separate reminiscence neighborhood offers a safe, familiar environment that supports their needs. Its centralized layout makes it easy for residents to access the community's many amenities, including a bistro, walking paths, garden, activity rooms and beauty salon. Care services are focused on the individual and delivered by a team of specially trained staff members who are available 24 hours a day. Residents also receive monthly visits from a licensed nurse. A full calendar of diverse memory-focused activities and programs keeps residents active and engaged, including multisensory experiences, daily exercise group outings and visits with children and pets.
People love Sunrise of Annapolis' commitment to the happiness and well-being of its residents, and staff are "caring, attentive, and really know residents' needs." As one reviewer shares, from day one, she and her family have felt "very grateful for the care, concern and warm welcoming attitude that greeted us at the door!"
Located off of Governor Ritchie Highway, Sunrise at Severna Park is a senior residential community in a suburban setting. It provides several kinds of care, including memory care. Residents with dementia and Alzheimer's are placed in a secure yet stimulating environment called Reminiscence. Residents are given rooms and private bathrooms that are routinely cleaned. The staff's trained caregivers give the residents personal assistance with eating, dressing and grooming. Laundry and linen services are also provided. A registered nurse makes sure individual care plans are followed and residents' health is closely followed. Dining areas are strategically close to residential rooms to simplify navigation and provide three home-cooked meals daily with snacks.
Families of residents praise the community as an ideal environment for those with dementia. One reviewer says, "Sunrise is a wonderful place for seniors with Dementia/Alzheimer's. The staff is competent and attentive to the residents. My mother has lived in several senior living facilities and this is by far the best."
Tribute at Melford is a luxurious, secluded community located within minutes of the Annapolis Marine Pier. Staff use The Cadence Living Revere Memory Care� program to identify residents' personal memory care needs and use relationship-building techniques to maintain cognitive function. Residents can mingle with friends on the beautifully landscaped elevated courtyard or take a relaxing stroll along the community's secure walking trails. Tribute keeps seniors engaged with fun local outings, educational workshops and clubs catering to various special interests. The community offers opportunities for personal expression with art classes and a choir that accepts singers of all skill levels. Seniors can stay fit and healthy through one of Tribute's fitness programs, such as yoga, tai chi, strength training and cardio exercises. Meals are chef-prepared and served in the community's elegantly decorated bistro and dining room. Pets are accepted, including cats and small dogs.
Tribute at Melford receives praise for its attentive caregivers and spacious rooms. Residents and loved ones are pleased with the food, events and activities Tribute offers. One says, "There is always something for the residents to do. The rooms are very nice The food at this community is very good, they try very hard to make the food appealing to everyone."