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 Bay City's senior population continues to grow (6.8% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Bay City, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 104% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by only 30%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4.4% in Bay City 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 Bay City. 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 Bay City, 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:
Bayfield Assisted Living & Memory Care provides support and services to seniors who have Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia and their families. Located in Bay City, MI, the center creates individualized care plans for residents based on its Moments Memory Care program, which is Michigan's first program of its kind to be trademarked. Residents are housed in dedicated wings that each have a neighborhood pod system to create familiarity and comfort. This pet-friendly community provides plenty of activities for seniors to keep them mentally challenged, physically fit and socially engaged. Three meals per day are served, and menus are crafted based on resident feedback. The community also offers an on-site barber shop, beauty salon and library.
Residents and their families are thrilled with their experiences at Bayfield and leave glowing reviews. One wrote, "I can't say enough good things about Bayfield! My mom's room is awesome. The staff is all so nice, so helpful, patient, and kind. They have made my mom's stay here the best it could be."
Brookdale Bay City offers assisted living and memory care services to seniors in the Bay City, MI, area. It's a relatively small community located in a quiet area on the eastern outskirts of town and is just three miles from the heart of the city with direct access via Highway M-25 and just 1.5 miles from a large hospital. A specially designed and staffed memory care unit helps seniors with Alzheimer's or similar conditions by giving them safety, security and familiarity. As part of this effort, caregivers are assigned to the memory care unit on a consistent basis, which helps build relationships and identify residents' needs. With a daily schedule of engaging activities and events on offer, whether indoors at the fireside living room or outdoors in the secure courtyard and garden, residents are encouraged to remain active to retain their abilities.
The sister of a resident appreciates the smaller size of this community, and also says, "My brother is a resident of Brookdale Bay City. So far the people there are very nice and accommodating and they seem to get along with what they do, but most importantly, he seems to like it there."
Designed to feel like a luxury resort, Bay City Comfort Care provides quality memory care to seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's and boasts a plethora of amenities. The landscaped grounds, which are secured and monitored, offer residents a peaceful place to walk or socialize. Inside, residents can find an aquarium, cinema and salon. Intentionally designed to promote community engagement and reduce wandering, the memory care neighborhood is fully secured and easy to navigate, offering a homelike atmosphere to memory care residents. Support is all-inclusive at Bay City, whether it's preparing a grocery list, scheduling medical appointments or managing bills, the compassionate staff is able to help. Additionally, trained caregivers assist residents with daily living tasks, medication management and memory support. The community also offers specialized memory programming, such as music lessons or card clubs, to help residents retain cognitive skills.
The staff treats residents with gentleness and respect. One reviewer says, "The care and compassion that the workers display with the clients and the extra effect they put in to make not only the residents happy but also the families really shows." Another adds, "My aunt ... was always treated with tenderness and concern. ... Wonderful place and staff!"
In addition to independent and assisted living, New Hope Bay offers residential living options for seniors in the Bay City, MI, area who have Alzheimer's or severe dementia. Its memory care community is designed for seniors in the early to middle stages of cognitive impairment, and the enhanced memory community is for those in the advanced stages. Both communities offer a 24/7 staff who are specially trained and experienced in working with seniors with memory loss. Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals visit the communities as needed. All care plans are tailored to meet individual needs, and recreational and sensory activities are specifically crafted to enhance cognitive functions. Community amenities include three meals served per day, as well as laundry services and housekeeping. An interior courtyard safely provides sunshine for residents, while arts and crafts, fitness classes and community cultural events keep them socialized.
Glowing reviews abound for New Hope Bay, focusing on the facilities, the residents and the staff. One family member says, "We chose this community because of its cleanliness and friendliness. They have helped mom with everything, from getting her showered to getting her dressed... They also evaluated her very well, and we're just very pleased with the staff."
Monet Memory Care at Symphony Tri-Cities is located in Bay City, MI. It sits on Westside Saginaw Road near Highway 84, with McLaren Bay Special Care Hospital an approximate 5.5 miles away. There are multiple accommodation options in the area for out-of-town visitors. The community has staff on-site 24/7 who are specially trained in memory care. Entrances, exits and the outdoor courtyard are fully secured for memory care residents prone to wandering. Life-enrichment programs for Alzheimer's and dementia patients are part of the care process at this community, which also offers assisted living and rehabilitation services. All residents' rooms have kitchenettes and private baths. The community also offers common areas and quiet spaces where residents can socialize or relax in solitude, depending on their preferences.
Monet Memory Care at Symphony Tri-Cities is praised for its staff and cleanliness. Says one family member of a resident, "The staff members seem really good," and "The facility seems really nice and clean. They seem to be friendly with all the people too. My mom has been saying food is really good."
Seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's find compassionate, person-centered care at Bickford of Saginaw Township. Bickford provides care focused on meeting each resident's "Core Needs"- basic needs, care needs and unrecognized needs. Basic needs refer to quality of life services; the community offers a plethora of life-enrichment programming specifically tailored to memory care seniors, a variety of spiritual services and farm-to-table dining experiences. Care needs center on providing quality medical and wellness support. To meet these needs, caregivers assist residents with personal hygiene or medication management, registered nurses coordinate all medical care and specialized dementia programming helps residents retain cognitive skills or memories. Unrecognized needs services are the "little things" in life, the gentle touch of a kind caregiver, a remembered preference or a special occasion celebration. For resident safety, Bickford is a fully secured residence and boasts 24-hour video monitoring.
The friendly staff at Bickford is lauded for its compassionate care. One reviewer says, "My father-in-law has been at Bickford for nearly 2 months, and we have been extremely impressed with the
Brookdale Saginaw is a memory care community that also offers assisted living. It's located in Saginaw, MI, just a few miles from Ascension St. Mary's Hospital Health Center. The community is designed to feel welcoming, with a warm, homelike atmosphere, and it's fully secure to keep seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia safe. The outdoor courtyard is enclosed, so residents can enjoy fresh air without any worry of wandering. Caregivers are on-site 24/7 to attend to residents' needs, and rooms have emergency call systems to summon immediate help when needed. Six planned programs are offered daily to enrich cognitive function and quality of life. They include exercise classes, brain games and artistic pursuits to keep seniors social and active. Multiple floor plans are available at Brookdale Saginaw, including studio and companion suites.
Brookdale Saginaw receives praise for its cleanliness and staff. One reviewer says, "There wasn't anything that I didn't like about the facility," adding, "The staff was wonderful," and calling the community "...absolutely clean and beautiful."
New Hope Valley Assisted Living and Memory Care community is located in Saginaw, MI. This community uses the trademarked Varietas Memory Care Program for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. Through this program, residents participate in activities designed to encourage cognition, reduce stress and provide social opportunities. The community also uses Behavior-Based Ergonomics Therapy (BBET), a multifaceted approach to memory care residents' overall wellness. There's a high-tech security system in places so seniors can maintain as much independence as possible without compromising safety. Plus, there's always staff on-site to supervise and attend to seniors' care needs on a 24/7 basis. Just a few of the amenities here include housekeeping and laundry services, an on-site movie theater and resident transportation.
New Hope Valley Assisted Living and Memory Care Community is lauded for its high quality in multiple areas. One reviewer says, "The care staff was very compassionate and caring." Another praises the living spaces, stating that "Their apartments were very nice, they were very clean."
Edgewood Assisted Living Center is a memory care and assisted living community conveniently located in Saginaw, MI, within minutes of hospitals and other medical facilities. The specialized dementia care section of this community provides individualized care for residents and guides interactions with peers and caregivers. Daily routines are prioritized, and there are prompts and activities to spur memory recall and promote better cognitive skills. In addition to memory-centered activities, there are fun gatherings and events for resident socialization. Three nutritious meals are served daily, and snacks are available when residents want them. Amenities include an onsite hydrotherapy spa, beauty salon and barber, and laundry and housekeeping are provided. The caring, qualified staff at this community also offers support to family members of seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia.
This memory care community receives high praise for its caring, well-trained staff and level of quality. Says one reviewer, "Edgewood is by far the best assisted living in Saginaw. They not only have a full time nurse and on call nurse but also nurses that work as supervisors and medication technicians. The dining room service is above average."
Tucked away in a quiet, rural area of Bridgeport, Bavarian Comfort Care offers a tranquil setting surrounded by nature. Seniors with memory concerns live in a dedicated MemoryVille area of the community, where caregivers trained in dementia support provide personal care designed to encourage independence. There's also a team of RNs and LPNs that assist with medications, ensuring no one forgets to take their prescriptions. The community is carefully designed to feel like a home but with security features built in, allowing residents with memory loss to navigate freely and safely. Here, residents have plenty of interesting amenities to use throughout the day, such as a movie theater to catch a favorite film, a spa and salon for some pampering and a relaxing aquarium to watch. In addition, a secure courtyard provides a space for time outdoors.
The view from the back porch and the clean rooms appeal to visitors here. One who toured said, "It had a beautiful view in the back to sit out. The rooms were nice, clean, and updated. It's a fairly new facility. The staff was very friendly and informative. The atmosphere seemed nice."
With Highway 10 and Stratford Woods Park behind it, Independence Village of Midland provides a convenient location for older adults that's accessible to the rest of the community. For seniors with memory loss, specialized programming creates a comfortable setting that encourages cognitive abilities while also providing the support these seniors need to navigate life with memory impairment. The apartments and common areas in the memory care area have high ceilings and large windows, which help combat the effects of dementia. A daily schedule specific for memory care includes life skills, aromatherapy and exercise classes, with the schedule remaining consistent throughout the week to reduce confusion. At mealtimes, residents dine on chef-prepared meals served restaurant style, and staff is available to assist with choosing the right dishes when needed.
Residents' family members appreciate how the community keeps them connected. One said, "There is a small app for my phone where the facility posts pictures of residential life - activities in the facility and residents as they participate. Since remembering what they do during a day can no longer be remembered, it is a way to know what is happening."
Bickford of Midland offers a secure community for seniors with memory loss with a caregiving team dedicated to providing support and encouraging independence. Trained personal aides are available 24/7 to provide help with activities of daily living in addition to dementia-specific programming that helps seniors maintain their cognitive abilities and memories. Lifesong Documents capture seniors' historical information, which caregivers can use in their daily interactions with residents, while Lifesong Baskets are filled with items that match the interests of residents for use in leisure activities. The entire community is secure to prevent the risk of wandering, including the outdoor courtyard garden area. The enclosed design of this space gives residents the ability to explore this outdoor area independently while still remaining supervised and safe.
The way residents are treated with personalized attention is something many visitors notice. One recently mentioned, "They spent a lot of time going over Mom's hobbies, where she grew up, and kind of her background, so they could get a better idea of things that would stimulate her and help her."
Candlestone Assisted Living & Memory Care crafts individualized care plans for each resident based on its Moments Memory Care program. Specially trained caregivers connect with residents on a personal level to create meaningful relationships, and they provide full support with daily living activities, medication and household tasks. Residents live in secure, easy-to-navigate neighborhoods that offer a sense of familiarity and comfort, and caregivers provide 24-hour monitoring for support and peace of mind. Daily enrichment activities such as games, exercise sessions and movies keep seniors' minds and bodies busy, and staff members create the calendar according to residents' preferences. Dining is also personalized at Candlestone. Residents receive three chef-prepared meals each day, and the culinary team incorporates seniors' favorites into meal planning. Fresh, local ingredients make for healthy, tasty meals, and restaurant-style dining ensures plenty of options to match tastes and dietary needs.
Residents and their families are pleased with the quality care at Candlestone Assisted Living & Memory Care. One reviewer says, "Our family has had a phenomenal experience so far; the staff members are very friendly, helpful and informative...we do get a newsletter showing the activities they offer." Reviewers also compliment the food and the community's cleanliness.
Brookdale Midland is a memory care community also offering assisted living, independent living and skilled nursing. It's located close to Highway 10 and McLaren Health Care is about 15 miles by car. This community uses the Clare Bridge brand of memory care to help seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia retain independence through special programs and fun activities. There are brain-enhancing activities, fitness programs and enriching pursuits such as gardening for residents to enjoy. Family members can have peace of mind that their senior loved one is safe, as this community has stringent security measures in place. Multiple amenities are provided, including housekeeping and laundry services. Plus, there's always qualified, caring staff on-site to help seniors any time of the day or night.
Brookdale Midland is rated highly for its staff, cleanliness and culinary quality. States one reviewer, "The staff members were friendly and were able to answer all our questions...The dining area was wide, open, well-lit, and clean." The same reviewer also mentions speaking to residents who all agreed "that the food was very, very good."
Wellspring Assisted Living in Saginaw offers seniors a range of care options and programs that enable them to age gracefully in a comfortable environment. Those with Alzheimer's and other memory-related conditions can reap the benefits of Best Friends, an innovative approach to memory care, which centers on creating purposeful relationships between the resident and caregiver through friendship, respect, empathy, support, trust and humor. Experienced staff members familiarize themselves with the life histories of each resident, accentuating their capabilities and inspiring them to participate in engaging and purposeful activities such as music and pet therapy, exercise and sensory stimulation. Residents are provided with three daily meals, served family-style to promote social bonding. On-site nursing staff, including registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and certified nurse aid supervisors provide seniors with additional support and medical attention.
Families note the community's cleanliness and value the exceptional care their loved ones receive. One family member expressed, "Our Grandma Marj is there, it's very clean and well maintained. We are so grateful for the care they give her, which we are unable to give."