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 Augusta’s senior population continues to grow (16.79% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Augusta, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 12% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 8.79%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (8.15% in Augusta 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 Augusta. 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 Augusta, 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:
Augusta Gardens is a senior living community providing memory care services to residents with a variety of needs. Here, caregivers keep residents safe and assist them with their daily routines while conducting activities that help to preserve their cognitive abilities. Augusta Gardens also provides general health care services along with options for physical and emotional therapy. This community serves southern-style meals in a restaurant environment and offers residents and visitors a variety of healthy options. Amenities including community rooms, internet access, a library and religious services are also available. Augusta Gardens has an on-site beauty salon too. 24/7 surveillance and passcode measures keep residents and caregivers secure.
Relatives praise the service provided and the quality of care offered at Augusta Gardens. "The facility is nice, clean and has excellent food. Every member of the staff I met has been welcoming and kind," says the daughter of one resident.
At Benton House of Aiken, residents can feel right at home in a lively environment that delivers person-centered care. The community's Beacon Neighborhood is designed for residents with Alzheimers and related dementias. It features a keypad-protected design that allows seniors to explore and socialize safely, with an enclosed courtyard to stroll, garden or just relax. Staffed by an experienced care team, residents have 24/7 support for the activities of daily living, with services personalized around their unique needs. Activities occur the same time each day for a familiar feel, and the active lifestyle encourages residents to stay engaged while exploring their interests. From daily fitness classes and walking clubs to educational seminars, spiritual services, volunteer programs and live entertainment, diverse options are available everyday, along with weekly happy hours and monthly special events where loved ones are always welcome.
Family members praise the compassionate team. "The staff at this community are the angels in my life," one family member says. "The staff has always been there to support my parents and our family despite the many bumps along the way. I know that my father is loved and cared for by the entire staff."
Benton House of Augusta is a charming community that offers assisted living, memory care and an adult day program all in one convenient location. Designed to be bright, open and easy to navigate, its Beacon Neighborhood is purposefully designed for residents living with Alzheimers and other dementias, with a large, open floor plan that allows seniors to socialize and explore while providing peace of mind. Overseen by a coordinator and experienced caregivers, residents have 24/7 support with the activities of daily living while enjoying a full schedule of engaging activities. Programming occurs at the same time each day, creating a familiar routine in which residents can explore their interests. They can enjoy fitness classes, educational seminars and lectures, volunteer programs for charities, concerts and art programs. The Beacon Neighborhood is keypad protected, with access to a spacious enclosed courtyard.
Loved ones praise the dedicated team. "I cannot speak highly enough of the staff at The Benton House of Augusta," one relative says. "My mother was in the Memory Care. She was so loved and cared for by the entire community staff. The caregivers treated our mom and us like family."
Brandon Wilde provides two levels of memory care for early-stage and advanced-stage dementia. Residents with early-stage dementia live in a relaxed and safe homelike environment and take part in activities such as fitness classes, music therapy, concerts, speakers and flower arranging. For residents with advanced stages of Alzheimers and other types of dementia, this community provides a specialized program called Heartfelt CONNECTIONS " A Memory Care Program. This person-centered program focuses on the abilities a resident still has rather than the abilities they have lost by encouraging residents to engage in activities they enjoy, despite increasing impairments. All memory care residents receive assistance with personal care and medication administration from their caregivers.
Family members love how polite the staff of this community is. They also love that the buildings are well maintained. A reviewer writes, "Overall, my grand-mom has had a great experience here. She is very fond of the staff, she comments on their politeness whenever we visit her. She has met some great friends. The buildings are very well-maintained.
Camellia Walk offers multiple memory care services ranging from basic supportive care that encourages residents to maintain regular, healthy habits to fully comprehensive care delivered by staff trained by a certified dementia practitioner. All residents see physicians and nurse practitioners weekly. Apartments feature clear sightlines, wide pathways, a 24-hour call system and secure entrances. The rent includes expanded cable TV, Wi-Fi, telephone hookups and all utilities except personal telephone bills. Restaurant-style dining is available in the communal dining room, and private dining is possible during guest visits. Life enrichment is a core aspect of living at Camellia Walk. Residents can take advantage of intergenerational activity programs, pet and music therapy, exercise classes, weekly religious services and shuttle services to local events. A large communal room and community movie theater make it easy for residents to engage in stimulating social activities.
Many family members agree that the staff members are "professional, compassionate people who provide a "caring atmosphere. One relative says, "My father is there and we are happy he is there. My father he feels safe, secure, and he loves the food. All the people are friendly and checking on the residents all the time.
Located in a lively Augusta suburb, Elmcroft of Augusta is an all-inclusive community with a high level of care. Its specialized memory care program, Chronicles, offers a secure environment with a low staff-to-resident ratio. Since staff is on-site 24 hours, residents have the support they need when they need it, including assistance with bathing, dressing and medication management. The staff is specially trained in the latest techniques and practices affecting those with dementia, so they can help manage common symptoms like frustration, confusion and wandering. This specialized setting features comfortable common spaces with monitored interior/exterior areas and regular security checks to provide peace of mind, along with a full schedule of stimulating activities and events. From games to gardening, fitness classes, live music, movie nights and outings to local shopping centers, residents can stay engaged every day.
Visiting loved ones appreciate the caring, attentive staff. One says, "Our mother was a resident for five years and I cannot say enough good things about her care and the quality of the facility. She was given wonderful attention for her personal and medical needs. I felt as though the staff there were family."
Located right in the heart of the city, conveniently close to medical facilities and local recreational sites, HarborChase of Aiken offers comprehensive memory care at The Cove neighborhood. The team is specially trained in the latest dementia care technologies and therapeutic solutions. Memory care residents benefit from personalized care plans, developed from individual Silhouette of My Life profiles. Residents find pleasure in the communitys daily activities, which are designed around their favorite hobbies, past experiences and current abilities. Monthly calendars are filled with stimulating exercises, such as music therapy, trivia and brain games. The team encourages family involvement through regular communication and planned activities. The Cove neighborhood is safe, serene and comfortable, offering plenty of opportunities for socialization and multisensory experiences. Additionally, the intimate setting allows caregivers to closely monitor residents and provide attentive care.
Families appreciate the staff for accommodating loved ones special needs. "My mom is in Harbor Chase. Her leg is amputated above the knee, and she has dementia, but they have a bus for transport, so she has been able to go shopping and out to eat. That's a nice thing for her to be able to do, says one family member.
Madison Heights Evans is a memory care community located on beautifully landscaped courtyards and within minutes of numerous retail shops, medical facilities and churches. Its proactive SPIRIT memory care program is tailored to provide individualized care and attention for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, dementia or other types of memory loss. Care staff is available 24 hours a day to assist seniors with daily living needs in their own studio apartment. An RN and LPN nursing team provides assistance with medications and any health issues that may arise. Residents are encouraged to invigorate their brain fitness by participating in a variety of memory-enhancing activities. Three chef-prepared meals are served in the dining area and seniors are invited to submit and share their favorite recipes with the community. Madison Heights' respite care allows individuals to recover from an injury or illness while giving their caregivers a much-needed break.
Madison Heights has compassionate staff, say visitors. A relative of a resident writes, "My mother has been at Madison Heights for 4 years. She has made wonderful friends and the staff have been wonderful to her. I would recommend Madison Heights due to their quality of care."
Located in Evans, Marhsall Pines is a secure memory care community focused on each resident's safety and wellbeing. The care team consists of experienced health professionals trained in the Sunshine Pillars of Wellness. Through this, residents receive person-centered care and enrichment, such as life skill stations, physical and mental health monitoring and a full-sensory spa that use virtual reality technology. The specialized memory care dining program creates delicious meals made from mentally enhancing ingredients, served in a stimulating and personalized setting. The secure courtyard features walking paths and enclosed gardens to enable senior to enjoy the surrounding views. Daily schedules provide structured activities, such as educational workshops and fitness sessions, with plenty of group fun, including themed parties and musical entertainment, to promote friendly socialization.
Residents and their families offer high praise for the community's caring staff. One family member says, "The support staff at Marshall Pines take a personal interest in ensuring each resident receives top-quality assistance with their activities of daily living, and they take the time to learn each residents specific needs to make sure they are met."
The Claiborne at West Lake is a resort-style senior community that offers a wide range of assisted living and memory care services. Comfortable studio, one and two-bedroom apartments with private bathrooms are available for seniors to choose from in the pet-friendly community. For older adults living with Alzheimers disease, dementia or other forms of cognitive impairments, its memory care program provides a safe and secure environment for optimal care. A compassionate team of caregivers lends a hand with daily living tasks and other needs. Nurses are available 24/7 to help residents keep track of their medications and provide medical attention. Seniors can enjoy exercising in the wellness center, watching movies, restaurant-style dining, getting a cup of joe with friends at the coffee shop and luxurious spa treatments.
The Claiborne is a great place for seniors to live out their golden years. A family member wrote, "This is truly a first class operation. I felt like I was at Ritz Carlton! The property, staff, food and amenities are second to none. I can't imagine a better place to put my mother."
Situated on 17 acres of land, Thrive at Augusta is an assisted living and memory care community surrounded by a horse farm with wide-open spaces. Members of its staff are NIDE (National Institute for Dementia Education) certified to provide personalized care for older adults living with Alzheimer's, dementia or other cognitive impairments. Seniors are given a hand with daily living needs and are encouraged to build new friendships with others through social activities that stimulate their minds. Skilled nursing services are available for those requiring rehabilitation or who have serious medical problems that need constant monitoring. Hospice care at Thrive focuses on the physical, spiritual and mental needs of chronically ill residents. Residents can enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi, a library, art room, gourmet dining and local transportation for appointments or outings.
Thrive at Augusta offers residents a happy and contented life. One family member exclaimed, "This place is amazing! So happy to have my mother here! She has really come to life at Thrive. She is so happy. The staff is top notch and very attentive and fun."