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 Bend’s senior population continues to grow (34.14% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Bend, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 64.79% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 19.59%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (9.58% in Bend 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 more than a dozen hours researching senior living communities in Bend. 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 Bend, 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:
Ashley Manor - Rimrock is in a residential development in Redmond, Oregon, a few blocks from Nolan Town Center and American Legion Park, about a mile from Redmond Clinic and 3 miles from St. Charles Redmond Medical Center. Ashley Manor offers therapeutic activities that greatly benefit seniors with memory loss. Music therapy and aromatherapy produce calming effects, while reminiscence therapy induces positive feelings through conversations and storytelling. The facilitys natural lighting spectrum helps prevent sundowning and improves memory care residents' sleep patterns. Hydration therapy may also be provided if needed. This single-level home is wheelchair-accessible, and its landscaped backyard has a relaxing patio area and raised flower gardens. Residents benefit from 24-hour supervision and on-call nursing assistance. In addition to providing personal care, the facilitys trained staff perform medication assistance, oxygen therapy, incontinence care and behavior management.
Residents and loved ones attest to the warm family atmosphere at Ashley Manor - Rimrock. One relative writes, "The staff is very caring! They always notify me if anything occurs right away! She really loves it there and loves all the staff! Another reviewer thanks the wonderful staff for being supportive to the residents families during challenging times.
Aspen Ridge Memory Care is in a residential area in the east of Bend. There are a number of medical facilities nearby, including the St Charles Medical Center. The community provides memory care, and the floor plans are designed with ease of navigation in mind. It has a comfortable homelike environment with three secure outdoor courtyards for residents to enjoy the fresh air. The memory care program takes a holistic approach based on Montessori principles. Residents are encouraged to foster meaningful social roles within the community to promote independence and feelings of belonging. There are a variety of daily activities for residents, designed to meet the unique physical, emotional and spiritual needs of each individual. Residents can also take part in excursions to museums or national parks. The care staff is available 24/7 to assistant residents.
Family members praise the wonderful staff, with one saying, "My mother at 97 was at Aspen Ridge. The kindness of the entire staff was exemplary. They took care of every detail to make our life easier including a smooth relationship with hospice. I cannot express enough how wonderful the staff is at Aspen Ridge memory care."
Located in a residential area near several parks, Brookdale Bend offers memory care for seniors in a home-like atmosphere. The single-story building is easy to navigate, and amenities include a salon, bistro, library, coffee shop and ice cream parlor. A garden and walking paths allow residents to enjoy the fresh air, while an arts and crafts studio and woodworking shop allow them to be creative. Meals are provided, along with housekeeping, transportation and concierge service. Skilled staff is available 24/7 and is trained in the latest dementia and memory care techniques. The community utilizes the Clare Bridge Daily Path program, which uses an evidence-based approach to help maintain and expand seniors skills and abilities and improve their cognitive abilities. Residents are encouraged to participate in daily activities such as brain games and physical fitness.
Reviewers were impressed by the caring staff and the tasty food. According to one family member, "My dad moved into Brookdale Bend. It's been wonderful, they've done such a good job. That's one thing he talks about too, how good the food is; he loves their food. The staff is so good, he loves them, it's wonderful, they're just so good and caring."
Juniper Springs Senior Living is in a modern residential neighborhood in Redmond, located in the High Desert of Central Oregon and a short drive from Bend. This Compass Senior Living community is a few blocks from local parks, close to downtown and about two miles from St. Charles Redmond Medical Center. Its pet-friendly campus consists of independent living cottages and standalone assisted living and memory care buildings with a connecting hallway. The Pines at Juniper Springs is a 24-bed memory care neighborhood with a single-level, open layout where the dining area, living space and central courtyard are easily accessible. Through the facilitys True North programs, such as Music Makes Memories playlists, Tiny Stories audio/video recordings, aromatherapy and Circle of Friends gatherings, residents are given special attention and meaningful experiences. Other memory care activities include fitness exercises, bingo, coffee socials, and games and movies of the residents choice.
People recognize the loving atmosphere at Juniper Springs Senior Living. A residents daughter highly compliments the facility and says, "Awesome, compassionate, caring, gentle, patient and loving staff! I am so pleased and happy we found Juniper Springs for our mom. She is happy and comfortable here.
Mt. Bachelor Memory Care has an accessible location off U.S. Route 97 at the boundary of Southwest Bend and the Old Farm District. This mid-size facility consists of two connecting single-story neighborhoods, each with its own landscaped central courtyard and secured backyard with pergola-covered patio areas. The barrier-free layout of each home is designed with continuous walkways and familiar spaces that allow residents to easily access indoor and outdoor areas. All private suites have 24-hour emergency call systems and wheelchair-accessible bathrooms that are either private or shared. Personalized services may include medication management, mobility and transferring assistance, continence care and assistance with meals. In addition to restaurant-style dining with multiple meal options, snacks are available all day. Residents benefit from the Pathways Program which is based on Montessori principles, supporting their independence and dignity through tailored daily routines with planned activities.
A residents loved one commends the Mt. Bachelor Memory Care staff and says, "They are very caring and take great care of my father-in-law. They have been very approachable throughout this pandemic with communication and have kept us up to date on what's going on with him and in the community.
Prairie House Assisted Living and Memory Care is located in the historic town of La Pine, Oregon. Conveniently located near a highway and conveniences such as restaurants, shops and health care facilities, the community also enjoys scenic mountain and meadow views. For memory care residents, the community offers consistent and highly trained staff, individual-centered care plans and a secure space designed to be comforting and familiar. Memory care residents also benefit from an enhanced program of activities and exercises. Additional support services are available as needed, including assistance with the activities of daily living and medication management, and meals, housekeeping and grocery services are provided. Residents can also take advantage of both indoor and outdoor spaces and a full calendar of activities and events.
Family members praise the community for the quality of its staff. One reviewer writes, "Absolutely the best regarding caregivers, employees, residents, executives. My husband and I have been in four different facilities like this depending on his health and this one is the best. "Another adds, "Prairie House is a wonderful 'home' for my mother. They have been kind in every way to Mom and her family.
Touchmark at Mount Bachelor Village offers memory care services to Bend residents dealing with Alzheimer's and other memory-related conditions. Staff are on-site and available 24/7, monitoring and providing care. The community is built with color-coded hallways to provide ease of navigation. Staff employ the Best Friends Approach to make residents feel supported, understood and secure. They assist residents with the activities of daily living and cuing of activities to help them stay as independent as possible. Exercise classes, a Music and Memory program and TimeSlips storytelling are offered in order to strengthen their cognitive abilities, support their physical and mental health, and keep them connected to their lives.
Residents love the staff, with one family member of a resident writing, "The staff are beautiful, very caring and very friendly, and they are 100% for the people that live there. They treat her with dignity. They have all kinds of different activities and different games, and it depends on what the people want to do."