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 Avondale's senior population continues to grow (23.05% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Avondale, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 11.98% between 2014 and 2019. The number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 19.21%. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (8.54% in Avondale 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 Avondale. 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 Avondale, 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:
The water features, walking paths and flower gardens at Legacy House of Avondale give this senior living community a relaxing feel. The Personal Touch Culture promotes a personal connection with each person served. Assistance with dressing, grooming, bathing and other daily living activities is provided. Diabetes care, medication monitoring and incontinence care are available as well. Physical, mental, social and spiritual activities enhance the residents' quality of life. Residents of the Alzheimer's care community, the Cottage, receive assistance with memory support and walking as well as assistance and supervision for daily living activities. Three daily meals plus snacks are provided. A library, an activity room, a game room and a fitness/therapy room are available for residents. A laundry room, a private dining room and a beauty and barbershop are on-site as well.
Many reviewers shared that they visited other assisted living and memory care communities that did not compare to Legacy House at Avondale. One person who moved her mother-in-law to the residence states, "The staff is amazing, they shower the residents with love and kindness. No processed food here, it is delicious and healthy."
Hacienda Del Rey is a large, well-designed senior living community located in Litchfield Park, Arizona, a suburb of Phoenix. Memory care residents live in modern apartments in the specialized Connections for Living neighborhood. Caregivers trained in dementia care ensure residents receive the personal care assistance they need to remain independent, from help bathing and grooming to facilitating involvement in activities and social events around the community. Inspiration stations, sensory cues and personalized brain games allow seniors to stay active and maintain or improve their cognitive functioning. Through the Teaching, Learning and Connecting (TLC) program, memory care residents can participate in family nights and volunteer off-campus, thus staying connected with loved ones and the broader community.
Many visitors to this community compliment the beautiful design of the campus, which is made from separate "neighborhoods" all surrounding a central courtyard. Others appreciate the kind and helpful staff who work with the residents. One family member writes, "Hacienda Del Rey is an amazing [community] with an awesome, caring staff. From the moment you walk in you're greeted with a warm friendly smile and you feel like family."
The Groves offers high-quality memory care services in Avondale, Arizona. The Groves' specialized memory care community, Garden House, is a comfortable, secure residence that caters specifically to the needs of those with memory loss. Secured outdoor courtyards offer safe opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors, and trained staff are available on-site 24/7. The Groves incorporates each resident's individual life experiences and preferences into daily programming. Activities are designed to improve cognitive and social well-being, and programming that focuses on physical activity improves fitness. Amenities such as a beauty and barbershop, as well as off-site transportation to excursions or appointments, keep residents engaged.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the caring staff and variety of activities and amenities at The Groves. One reviewer says, "The staff has been very helpful and very pleasant too. They have bingo, a movie theater, card games, monthly events/holidays, exercise classes, a beauty salon, and barbershop."
The Mission at Agua Fria Senior Living is a pet-friendly community offering a wide range of care options that meet the needs of those living with Alzheimer's, dementia and other types of memory loss. Located on the ground floor of the building, the memory care neighborhood includes relaxing lounges, an activity room and a nurses' station. On a daily basis, three chef-prepared meals are served in the dining room as well as snacks throughout the day. Specially trained and certified care staff lend residents a hand with bathing, dressing, mobility and other daily living tasks. Staff is pleased to arrange transportation to and from medical appointments. Seniors have plenty of opportunities to keep their minds stimulated by exercising, attending pet therapy and socializing with others in the outdoor courtyard. In addition to housekeeping services, other amenities include a theater, beauty salon, chapel and solarium.
Relatives love how caring the staff at The Mission is toward their loved ones. One reviewer exclaims, "This place is very welcoming and treat my grandma great. The caretakers are fantastic. They really care about the people they serve!"
Mariposa Point offers highly specialized memory care in Avondale, Arizona. Mariposa Point's GENERATIONS memory care community utilizes a number of programs to ensure residents feel a sense of belonging and independence. These programs, such as the life story display, intergenerational programming, and programs highlighting each residents' individuality, foster feelings of achievement. The memory care neighborhood offers amenities that include a beauty and barber salon, spacious community living spaces, in-house therapies and secured outdoor areas. Care staff are available 24/7 to provide as-needed assistance with daily activities. Daily activity programming is designed using innovative and research-based techniques to ensure residents' well-being is maintained. Mariposa Point also offers optional community outings, allowing residents a sense of normalcy and engagement.
Residents and their families love the accommodating staff and amenities at Mariposa Point. The son of two residents says, "The care-giving staff is fantastic. They have always responded within minutes when called at all times of the day or night with courteous professional help."
Located in sunny Glendale, Thunderbird Senior Living offers a vibrant, pet-friendly atmosphere that prioritizes seniors' comfort and autonomy. The Embrace memory care program supports body, mind and soul, fostering a safe, intimate environment that sparks residents' imaginations and creates joyful moments. Daily small-group programming, which promotes long-term recall, involves leisure and recreational activities based on residents' interests and abilities. Dining is tailored to residents' preferences and is designed to relieve dementia-related anxiety, incorporating environmental and hands-on cueing to ensure residents enjoy a delicious, balanced diet. Residents can participate in events and entertainment that foster fun and curiosity, such as board games, book clubs, exercises and classes. Amenities, including walking paths, the courtyard, the theater, the library, the billiards room and the cafe, provide leisure and social opportunities. Rooms include laundry services, weekly housekeeping, daily living assistance and transportation services.
Residents and family members appreciate the compassion of staff in easing the transition to a new home. One family member writes, "The community here is wonderful. They have been super good with my loved one in helping get my loved one transitioned. My loved one thinks that the staff and the residents are very welcoming and caring."
A pet-friendly community, Inspira Arrowhead offers assisted and independent living as well as memory care. Each memory care resident receives a personalized care plan, covering needs such as medication management and assistance with bathing, dressing and other daily tasks. For the protection of residents, a 24-hour emergency call system is in place as is security throughout the community. To unwind, seniors can make use of the community's outdoor heated pool and fire pit, or they can stroll along the garden beds and paths. Additional amenities include an on-site salon, a fitness center and a talent room, where residents can create arts-and-crafts projects. A chef oversees the meals, which are served restaurant-style. For added convenience, concierge services are available around the clock, and the community offers mobile health care arrangements.
Family members of residents are impressed with Inspira Arrowhead. One reports that "the staff has been nothing short of amazing" and praises the community as "aesthetically beautiful." Another reviewer says, "Beautiful interiors and common areas. Great food and very inviting pool. There's a cool little pet park for residents with dogs. Feels like an upscale hotel on the inside."
Conveniently located in a charming residential neighborhood in Glendale, MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care at Arrowhead offers an idyllic living environment close to restaurants, shops, nature preserves and medical venues, with Abrazo Arrowhead Hospital less than 10 minutes away. This community's Lavender Sky program supports seniors with memory loss by stepping into their world to gain valuable insights. The wellness director thoroughly assesses each resident's health, medical history, preferences and routines before creating an individualized care plan that's regularly re-evaluated to adapt to changing needs. A licensed nurse is on duty 24/7 to oversee clinical care, including ordering and administering medications. Daily spot cleaning and weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services are available. The life enrichment team organizes intellectual, physical and social activities, while the culinary team offers all-day, restaurant-style dining. Amenities include a beauty salon, a fitness room and an enclosed courtyard.
Family members praise the devoted staff and loving environment. A resident's son writes, "Staff is kind, gentle, and professional when dealing with residents, treating them like honored and respected families. Concerns, when they arise, are addressed promptly. I sleep better at night, knowing my mom is well treated and safe in a loving and caring environment."
Orchard Pointe at Arrowhead provides compassionate memory care services to seniors experiencing a memory loss condition. Its Portraits program is designed to help seniors reach their full potential by offering cognitive-based activities based on the Montessori method. Staff members in the memory care units are trained according to Alzheimer's Association of America guidelines. All apartment units are equipped with some detectors and cable television, and housekeeping services are provided. Nutritious meals are served three times per day, and snacks are available as desired. There are also whirlpool baths available to promote wellness and relaxation. Transportation to off-site locations is provided.
Residents' family members are grateful for the excellent care Orchard Pointe at Arrowhead provides. One reviewer says, "The staff at Orchard Pointe at Arrowhead: from office and administrative, to the medical techs, to the care givers, and housekeeping crew have been responsive, responsible and reliable consistently during our family member's time there."
Brookdale North Glendale is a memory care community whose design features circular paths and cues to help residents find their way around. Exits and entryways are secured, and staff members are on hand 24/7. The community's care approach involves the Clare Bridge Daily Path, which uses fitness classes, arts, music and other elements to engage residents and help maintain their capabilities. Additionally, the community's Solace program provides another layer of support for individuals with advanced dementia. Caregivers have experience with medication management and help residents with meals, and they also handle laundry and housekeeping. For relaxation outdoors, the community features a courtyard and garden, plus landscaped grounds and walking paths. Indoor common areas include a library and game room. A private dining room is available, as are on-site beauty services and haircuts.
The staff of this community receives praise from reviewers, one of whom calls them "professional, knowledgeable, patient, caring, and helpful." Additionally, one relative praises the appearance and upkeep of the community and reports that their loved one enjoys the community's food.
Brookdale Arrowhead Ranch delivers memory care through the Clare Bridge Daily Path program, which boasts six program options each day. Activity options include physical fitness, resident socials, puzzles and brain games and pet therapy. Each resident is also encouraged to decorate a box outside of their room with personal mementos to help them to find their back to their living space. Amenities including an on-site barber shop and beauty salon, walking paths around the garden spaces and a spacious library. Activity options include poker nights, Bible study and physical fitness options such as chair yoga.
Residents and their loved ones laud the community for its attentiveness, warm living environment and cleanliness. Staff professionalism is also commonly mentioned in reviews. Of this, one notes, "We placed my mother-in-law in Brookdale Arrowhead Ranch. The staff is attentive. My mother-in-law likes playing bingo. They have get-togethers during the day, and she participates in them as well."
BeeHive Homes of Arrowhead is situated in a quiet residential community that provides a homelike environment. Memory care programming is delivered with a personalized approach, specific to each resident. Residents can enjoy three meals daily plus snacks and access to a secured outdoor courtyard. Arts and crafts, physical activities, regular entertainment and an on-site hair and nail salon are available to all residents. The community is purposely kept small, so that each senior has access to staff who help with activities of daily living as well as providing personalized memory care services. Amenities include housekeeping and laundry service.
Reviews of this community emphasize cleanliness, spaciousness and the wide array of amenities. One writes, "My husband is currently at BeeHive Homes of Arrowhead, and so far, it is really good. It's very clean and very pleasant to go into. It feels more like home. They have a lot of entertainment on one of the outside patios."
Situated in a sunny residential neighborhood, Terra Pointe Memory Care fosters a loving, homelike environment. Through the Life Engagement program, trained specialists help residents create meaningful daily experiences that continue their unique life stories while mitigating wandering and combativeness. Tailored programming focuses on the unique cognitive, sensory, creative and physical activities each resident enjoyed in the past to restore a sense of purpose. A dementia care interface, It's Never 2 Late, helps residents converse and reminisce. Mealtime provides occasions to establish and maintain social connections, especially during festive occasions, and fresh dining options cater to each resident's requirements and preferences. Accommodations and amenities include rooms designed for seniors living with dementia, along with a beautiful, secured courtyard, an on-site beauty salon, on-site health services, transportation services, utilities and assistance with daily living.
Residents and family members value the homelike setting that caregivers have created at Terra Pointe Memory Care. One family member writes, "The staff are so friendly at this facility. Management is supportive towards residents, and they definitely make our loved ones feel at home. Positive, enjoyable setting throughout the home and very welcoming!"
Conveniently located in a quiet residential neighborhood in Peoria, The Montecito Senior Living offers a tranquil living environment close to nature preserves, shops, restaurants and medical facilities, with Banner Boswell Medical Center less than 15 minutes away. This community's Clubhouse memory care program supports the strength and capabilities of seniors with dementia while preserving their dignity. An accredited dementia practitioner oversees the program, and all the staff is trained in behavioral-based ergonomic therapies and dementia care. Every resident receives a job assignment to give them a sense of purpose, and they can participate in curriculum-based learning, such as science, language and creative arts. Other activities include table games, happy hours, group fitness classes and community field trips, while three chef-prepared meals are available every day. Amenities include landscaped walking paths, two swimming pools with heated Jacuzzis and a shuffleboard court.
People praise the friendly staff and diverse activities. A reviewer writes, "The facility is so spacious and inviting! Staff members are professional, knowledgeable, patient, caring and helpful. Everyone is so friendly! There are many outings and onsite events that encourage the residents to mingle and get to know one another. The grounds are well-kept and inviting."
Pacifica Senior Living Peoria devotes itself to memory and respite care for elders. Fully trained 24/7 staff provides personalized care for each community member. Daily routines and activities, with groups and one on one, keep residents engaged and content. Difficult behaviors are accommodated with compassion and patience. This community places emphasis on communication with family members, and regular assessment meetings with individual residents, family and caregivers ensure care plans keep up to date. Activities stimulate long-term memories, build physical flexibility and strength and deepen emotional connections. Natural cues, such as colors and aromas, help calm residents and guide them through daily routines. Private and semiprivate living areas with en suite bathrooms have warm furnishing colors and are welcoming spaces. Comfortable communal indoor areas foster socialization. The secure outdoor courtyard and walking paths let community members stretch their legs and enjoy the fresh air. A full-service beauty salon and barbershop is on the premises.
Family members are extremely positive about this community. A relative says, "An amazing facility! Staff is amazing, always helpful and loving." A daughter comments, "I am very impressed with Pacifica. The staff are friendly and helpful, and they interact well with the residents."
The Palazzo is a newly renovated senior living community that offers compassionate care in a bright, elegant space. Memory care draws on Montessori methods that connect residents to their surroundings and that restore a sense of purpose to seniors living with dementia. Personalized and specialized programming involves community activities such as live entertainment, book clubs, morning socials, community outings and Montessori dining. A secured neighborhood environment invites residents to plant in the community garden and relax in the landscaped courtyard, while indoor amenities, such as the jacuzzi spa, the billiards room and the village cafe, provide enriching leisure opportunities. The Jewish Family and Children Senior's Enrichment Center at Palazzo hosts classes and activities for Phoenix residents over 60. Accommodations include three meals per day (plus snacks), weekly housekeeping, weekly laundry services, daily bed-making, utilities and transportation to medical appointments.
Residents and family members appreciate the modern amenities and attentive staff at The Palazzo. One family member writes, "Palazzo's staff is caring, cheerful, well-trained, and anxious to assist. Palazzo's newly renovated and redesigned common areas are well-conceived and very attractive. And, the residents we spoke to in the Bistro and dining areas expressed pride in calling Palazzo home."
The Legacies Memory Care program at The Woodmark at Sun City helps preserve quality of life for seniors with dementia by offering compassionate, personalized care in a safe and comforting environment. Residents live in a secure neighborhood with apartments equipped with emergency call systems, allowing them to request assistance from the caregivers 24/7. The staff thoroughly assesses the level of care required by each senior before developing an individualized care plan that includes medication management and helps with various activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming, dressing and escort within the community. Many physical and cognitive wellness activities are available, including brain games, arts and crafts, group exercise classes and individual therapies. Seniors who need to go off-site for doctor's appointments can ride on the community transportation. Amenities include a beauty salon, library, game room, patio, coffee shop and community rooms.
People praise the pleasant staff and clean environment. A resident's son writes, "The community is very clean, nice, fresh and bright. The staff members are all very friendly and always willing to help out. Whenever we have questions they are always answered. They have a great activities director. Overall we are very happy with it."
Situated in a pleasant suburb of Phoenix, The Auberge at Peoria is a standalone memory care community focused on fostering independence. Caregivers link residents to stimulating opportunities that enrich body, mind and soul. The Montessori-inspired SPARK program assesses and engages residents through imagination-building and purposeful activities in a neighborhood designed for seniors with dementia. Care plans develop each resident's abilities and life histories through therapeutic techniques, touch-screen technology, biography boards, memory boxes, fun group activities, and more. Residents can stay active and adventurous through weekly shopping trips, museum tours and scenic drives, while weekly entertainment and scheduled celebrations enliven the community. Dining features homemade meals in a warm, social environment, complementing other social outlets such as book clubs, cocktail hours and fitness classes. Spacious accommodations include daily living assistance, mobility assistance and on-site physical, occupational and speech therapy.
Residents and family members appreciate the responsive caregivers and personalized care. One family member writes, "The staff do an excellent job looking after the residents here. The staff are very attentive, calming, and observant of the moods and attitudes of the people they care for."
Fairmont Village is a peaceful senior community offering a comfortable and secure environment for those with cognitive impairments. The care staff is specially trained to make a personal connection with each resident and assist with bathing, dressing, grooming and other daily tasks. Seniors are encouraged to take part in arts-and-crafts projects, monthly entertainment events and religious services to keep their minds stimulated. If they so choose, residents have access to the medical services of an on-site physician. A culinary team prepares and serves nutritious meals in the restaurant-style dining room that allows seniors to eat at their own pace. Snacks and beverages are also provided throughout the day to ensure everyone remains hydrated. Additionally, residents can benefit from the community's many amenities, which include free Wi-Fi, relaxing lounges, a beauty salon and housekeeping services.
Families appreciate the high level of care provided at Fairmont Village. One resident's daughterwrites, "We are so grateful we found this memory care community, my dad is doing great, he now has a purpose every day and that means the world to our family. Highly recommend Fairmont Village for your loved one."
Brookdale Union Hills focuses exclusively on memory care, so residents rely on personalized, around-the-clock support seven days a week. Highly trained caregivers learn the latest dementia care techniques, helping seniors with tasks such as bathing, grooming and medication. Consistent support from the same care partner creates close relationships between residents and their caregivers. The Clare Bridge memory care program is personalized for every senior, with programming focused on cognitive workouts, brain-stimulating games, and physical and social activities, such as B-Fit and dancing. For residents in the advanced stages of dementia, Solace offers more time for personal grooming and focuses more on sensory activities, including music and aromatherapy. The safe setting features an emergency alert system, keypad entry, and secured entryways and exits. Residents also can enjoy three fresh, home-cooked meals daily, with choices crafted around their dietary needs and preferences.
Loved ones appreciate the active environment. "The residents live in 'neighborhoods,' which makes life more personal," says one relative. "They get together daily in the community center with folks from other neighborhoods for music, concerts, activities, movies and more. The grounds are peaceful and beautiful; the rooms are all private; there are monthly family events."