The Best Memory Care Facilities in Birmingham, AL
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 Birmingham’s senior population continues to grow (9.4% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Birmingham, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 83.5% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 1.92%, 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 (7.85% in Birmingham vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
The Best Memory Care Facilities in Birmingham, AL
Table of Contents
How To Pay for Memory Care in Birmingham, AL
When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered price information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of memory care in Birmingham and 11 other cities in Alabama.
How Inflation Has Impacted the Cost of Memory Care in Birmingham, AL
Planning for senior care is essential, especially given inflationary trends. For instance, Birmingham's average cost of memory care is projected to rise from $6,013 in 2022 to $7,161 in 2024, with increases of 10.5% and 8% in 2023 and 2024 respectively. These rates are in line with national trends.
However, in Alabama overall, the projected increase is a more modest 4.5% for 2024. In comparison, Huntsville is expected to see costs go from $4,083 to $4,863, Mobile from $3,080 to $3,668 and Montgomery from $4,959 to $5,906. Monitoring these trends is crucial for effective budgeting for senior care.
| Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birmingham | $6,013 | $6,638 | $7,161 |
| U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
| Alabama | $4,428 | $4,769 | $4,972 |
| Huntsville | $4,083 | $4,508 | $4,863 |
| Mobile | $3,080 | $3,400 | $3,668 |
| Montgomery | $4,959 | $5,475 | $5,906 |
Memory Care vs. Other Types of Care in Birmingham, AL
Memory care is one of the most expensive senior care types due to the intense medical and physical support required from caregivers. Many communities offer assisted living as a separate option for those who don't need cognitive care. In Birmingham, memory care averages $6,638 per month, and assisted living is roughly $600 cheaper at $6,040. However, independent living is thousands of dollars cheaper than the previous options at a relatively low $3,262 per month.
| Care Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Assisted Living | $6,040 |
| Memory Care | $6,638 |
| Independent Living | $3,262 |
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Birmingham, AL
Other Ways To Pay for Memory Care in Birmingham, AL
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about your options for making memory care more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Alabama.
Free and Low-Cost Memory Care Resources for Seniors in Birmingham, AL
There are plenty of support options available for retirees in Birmingham, AL. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the type of care they provide for easy reference.
For more information about resources throughout the state and in nearby cities, we recommend visiting the Alabama state page on memorycare.com.
Area Agency on Aging
The Area Agency on Aging in Birmingham is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.
| program-name | phone-number | description |
|---|---|---|
| United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County (UWAAA) | 800-243-5463 | Alabama's Area Agencies on Aging (AAA) offer vital resources for seniors, including senior nutrition programs, transportation aid, and referrals to local assistance programs. They facilitate access to services such as home-delivered meals, discounted prescriptions, and household chore assistance. Legal and insurance counseling services are provided, along with advocates via long-term care ombudsmen. |
Food Assistance Programs
In Birmingham, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.
| program-name | phone-number | description |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Meals on Wheels | 800-243-5463 | Meals on Wheels in Alabama offers vital assistance to isolated and hungry older adults by delivering meals five days a week to those unable to cook, access food sites, or afford meals. |
| Adventist Community Services - Ephesus Food Pantry | 205-252-7912 | Food pantries provide complimentary food assistance to individuals and families facing financial challenges. They offer pre-packaged bags or boxes of donated goods to residents within specific geographical boundaries. |
| Church of the Highlands Dream Center Food Pantry | 205-591-1700 | Food pantries provide complimentary food assistance to individuals and families facing financial challenges. They offer pre-packaged bags or boxes of donated goods to residents within specific geographical boundaries. |
| Greater Birmingham Ministries Food Pantry | 205-326-6821 | Food pantries provide complimentary food assistance to individuals and families facing financial challenges. They offer pre-packaged bags or boxes of donated goods to residents within specific geographical boundaries. |
| Holy Rosary Food Pantry | 205-595-0652 | Food pantries provide complimentary food assistance to individuals and families facing financial challenges. They offer pre-packaged bags or boxes of donated goods to residents within specific geographical boundaries. |
| Homewood Church of Christ Food Pantry | 205-942-5683 | Food pantries provide complimentary food assistance to individuals and families facing financial challenges. They offer pre-packaged bags or boxes of donated goods to residents within specific geographical boundaries. |
| Jesus is Lord Ministry Food Pantry | 205-703-8388 | Food pantries provide complimentary food assistance to individuals and families facing financial challenges. They offer pre-packaged bags or boxes of donated goods to residents within specific geographical boundaries. |
| South Highland Presbyterian Church Food Pantry | 205-933-0790 | Food pantries provide complimentary food assistance to individuals and families facing financial challenges. They offer donated food items in bags or boxes to residents within specific geographic boundaries. |
| The Community Kitchens Food Pantry | 205-251-3569 | Food pantries provide complimentary food assistance to individuals and families facing financial challenges. They offer pre-packaged bags or boxes of donated goods to residents within specific geographical boundaries. |
| Woodlawn Community Table Food Pantry | 205-595-3776 | Food pantries provide complimentary food assistance to individuals and families facing financial challenges. They offer pre-packaged bags or boxes of donated goods to residents within specific geographical boundaries. |
Free Used Medical Equipment
In Birmingham, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.
| program-name | phone-number | description |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama's Assistive Technology Resource (STAR) - Birmingham | 800-441-7609 | STAR, a program offered by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, provides disabled adults with access to a variety of assistive technologies. These tools include specialized computer software, communication devices, adaptive switches, auditory trainers, Braille readers, scooters, wheelchairs, adaptive vehicles, and lifts and ramps. |
Home Repair and Modifications
In Birmingham, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.
| program-name | phone-number | description |
|---|---|---|
| Weatherization Assistance Program - Birmingham | 205-502-2108 | This program provides weatherization assistance to reduce energy costs for households. Services encompass insulating attics, walls, and floors, sealing ductwork, repairing HVAC systems, fixing leaky faucets, upgrading windows and doors, and replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient alternatives. |
Legal Resources
In Birmingham, there are several organizations offering cost-effective or free legal aid to senior citizens. They provide advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills, and power of attorney. Some also champion the rights of the elderly in long-term care establishments.
| program-name | phone-number | description |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Legal Assistance Program - Birmingham | 800-243-5463 | The Alabama Legal Assistance Program provides complimentary assistance to individuals aged 60 and older facing civil legal issues. Services include support for benefits appeals, elder abuse, financial exploitation, wills, end-of-life decisions, housing problems, and healthcare access. Eligible seniors can access guidance, counsel, and representation from legal experts. |
Social Security Offices
In the city of Birmingham, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.
| program-name | phone-number | description |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham Social Security Offices | 800-772-1213 | Social Security offers financial support to retirees and those unable to work due to disability. It is funded through payroll taxes contributed by employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Monthly payments upon retirement are based on past earnings. |
Utility & Energy Bill Assistance
In Birmingham, there are establishments ready to assist seniors with limited income facing challenges with home upkeep expenses, such as energy and utility bills. Emergency financial support might be available for individuals threatened with utility disconnection due to outstanding payments.
| program-name | phone-number | description |
|---|---|---|
| Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Birmingham | 205-502-2108 | The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) supports low-income households in paying for heating and cooling costs, especially those facing utility service disconnection. By reviewing past energy usage, the program issues a one-time payment to the utility provider for a specific season. |
Veteran's Services
In Birmingham, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.
| program-name | phone-number | description |
|---|---|---|
| Birmingham VA Medical Center | 205-933-8101 | The Birmingham VA Medical Center delivers a full spectrum of healthcare services for military veterans, families, survivors, and caregivers. Staffed by skilled medical professionals, the center offers screenings and treatments in cardiology, oncology, neurology, and mental health. Services also encompass hospice, palliative care, and transportation aid for appointments. All VA-enrolled healthcare beneficiaries can register for access to the Birmingham VA Medical Center. |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Birmingham
How Memory Care Facilities Can Help
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.
Our Selection Process
To choose the best memory care facilities in Birmingham, 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:
- Spent over 18 hours researching memory care facilities in Birmingham
- Read more than 65 reviews written by residents and their loved ones
- Interviewed 5 representatives from local communities
Reviews of the 8 Best Memory Care Facilities in Birmingham, AL
Brookdale University Park
- Resident Capacity:28
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:$5,500 330sf, 1bedroom $6,000, all-inclusive including medication management
Brookdale University Park is an elegantly furnished senior living facility focused on creating a vibrant, invigorating and active lifestyle for residents. Providing assisted and independent living, memory care, hospice and skilled nursing, the pet-friendly campus offers amenities including an on-site putting green, chapel and fitness center. The Clare Bridge memory care program helps residents remain in touch with their own skills and interests and guides them through six loosely-structured activities per day. Games and discussions stimulate cognition and provide a sense of belonging, while B-Fit exercises strengthen residents' hearts and muscles. Staff members also integrate the use of technology such as iPads and virtual reality into residents' days to increase their connections with loved ones and the outside community.
Residents praise the facilitys friendly staff, attractive rooms and abundance of interesting activities. One reviewer says, I have settled at Brookdale University Park, and I am very happy here The staff is fabulous, and they know us by name My room is lovely, and I am very happy with it They have exercise, tai chi, crossword puzzles and spelling bees.
- Reviews:3.6 out of 5 stars; 75 reviews
- Phone:(205) 282-9144
- Address:400 University Park Dr., Birmingham, AL 35209
- Web:brookdale.com/university-park
Country Cottages at Birmingham, Hoover
- Resident Capacity:48
- Room Types:Studios
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:Assisted living starts at $2,515 per month. Memory care starts at $4,005 per month.
Country Cottages in Hoover is a family owned and operated senior living community located in a quiet residential neighborhood. It provides assisted living and memory care services in a small, homelike setting with three quaint cottages, Holly, Magnolia and Oakleaf; each of which accommodates up to 16 residents. Each resident's private studio apartment features a private bathroom and an emergency alert system. A spacious living room, quiet library, family-style dining room and secure courtyard encourage socialization. The Cottages operates on a keep-it-simple philosophy, which is reflected in the furnishings and uncluttered environment. Each resident receives a customized personal care plan specific to his or her needs called CareSteps. The plan is reviewed every three months, and a residents rates may be adjusted based on how much staff attention is needed.
The facility's family-like atmosphere and single-level, easy-to-navigate layout are important to loved ones. A son shared, My mother-in-law has been a resident at Country Cottages for over seven months. She loves it there. The staff is very attentive to her needs and treats her like family. The food is great; she has gained weight living there.
- Reviews:3.6 out of 5 stars; 81 reviews
- Phone:(205) 679-0584
- Address:4000 Greenwood Dr., Hoover, AL 35216
- Web:cottageassistedliving.com/country-cottages
Danberry at Inverness
- Resident Capacity:N/A
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:Independent living starts at $3,900 per month. Assisted living starts at $4,700 per month. Memory care starts at $5,900 per month.
Danberry at Inverness is a Life Care Services community located in Hoover, a suburb of Birmingham. The large facility offers 160 independent living apartments, 48 assisted living residences and 24 private memory care suites. On-site amenities for active seniors include a saltwater pool, gym, theater, creative arts studio and spa. Outdoors, the pet-friendly property features gardens, a patio and hiking trails. Seniors with dementia participate in the Heartfelt CONNECTIONS memory care program, which incorporates a variety of customized, life-enriching activities. These may include musical and artistic expression, cooking, gardening, movies and reminiscing. Secure outdoor areas enable walks in the garden and outdoor dining. A serenity room provides a mood-enhancing environment that reduces anxiety and stress, while interactive life-enrichment stations facilitate reminiscence therapy.
Many residents who live in this five-star, first-class senior community wish theyd made the move sooner. The immaculate grounds and interiors along with the friendly staff receive high praise. One man shared, Our loved one has been at Danberry for more than four years. First two in assisted and the most recent two years in memory care. The level of professionalism exhibited by the entire staff is outstanding. They genuinely care, and it shows.
- Reviews:4.8 out of 5 stars; 126 reviews
- Phone:(205) 443-9500
- Address:235 Inverness Center Dr., Hoover, AL 35242
- Web:danberryatinverness.com/memory-care
LakeView Estates
- Resident Capacity:76
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Memory Care, Respite, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:$2,900 for memory care
The 24-hour staff at Lakeview Estates provides individuals with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia constant care and encouragement to socialize using the award-winning Bridge to Recovery memory care program. In addition to being minutes away from hospitals, residents can receive in-house doctor visits. Wireless internet is accessible throughout the property and the on-site barber shop and beauty salon is eager to provide a fetching haircut, manicure, pedicure and spa services. When creating the dining menu, Lakeview Estates partnered with celebrity chef, Brad Miler, to create signature entrees using fresh regional ingredients while ensuring nutritious and tasty options are available for special diets. This facility's location is convenient to a variety of local shopping and fine dining, and on a daily basis, residents stay busy participating in a variety of activities such as group walks, spiritual services and art classes.
The staff is excellent. Im totally satisfied. The cost of service is significantly less than the two other places that I looked at. Theyre warm, friendly and caring Daily they got movies, and they got bingo, said one resident's son. Several other online reviewers have said that the facility's affordability played a part in choosing it.
- Reviews:4.8 out of 5 stars; 119 reviews
- Phone:(205) 981-0001
- Address:2634 Valleydale Rd., Birmingham, AL 35244
- Web:fivestarseniorliving.com/lakeview-estates
Regency Retirement Village - Birmingham
- Resident Capacity:104
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:Independent Living starts at $2,950 per month. Assisted Living starts at $3,885 per month.
Regency Retirement Village of Birmingham is a privately owned community that offers independent and assisted living, memory care and respite stays. Secure memory care neighborhoods are decorated with personal mementos to create a homelike, familiar environment where residents feel safe. A core part of the Pathways memory care program includes the computer-based iN2L (Its Never 2 Late) system. This user-friendly software package lets seniors participate in a wide variety of engagement and cognitive stimulation activities, games and puzzles, and educational experiences. Movies and TV programs from the 50s and 60s are available with a touch. History buffs can revisit the past by exploring historical events and nostalgia. Residents receive a personalized account filled with their favorite activities. Regency also uses pet and music therapy to create an enriching lifestyle.
Family members remark upon the exceptional level of comfort and care the staff provides to loved ones living here. One son wrote, Our parents were blessed to be in this warm and wonderful home for over three years. We feel that they were destined to be at Regency after visiting five other places. The helpful and loving caregivers were always kind.
- Reviews:3.9 out of 5 stars; 35 reviews
- Phone:(205) 942-3355
- Address:285 West Oxmoor Rd., Birmingham, AL 35209
- Web:N/A
River Highlands of Birmingham
- Resident Capacity:110
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$3,554 for assisted living, $3,995 for memory care
The family-like setting at River Highlands of Birmingham creates an inviting atmosphere for residents to engage in enriching, socialization-encouraging activities. This facility's concierge health care program includes monthly physician visits, access to consultations with St. Vincent Hospital and on-site lab work. Residents can dive into a good book in the library or gain a reputation as the community pool shark in the billiards room. The movie theater is the perfect place to lounge and enjoy a classic film, and the tranquil fountains and courtyard gardens are sure to catch residents' attention when taking a stroll down this facility's peaceful walking paths. While there's a choice between three different dining rooms each offering its own unique experience, residents can be certain every meal is prepared using the freshest ingredients and served by a professional, courteous waitstaff.
My mother could not be happier! I am so pleased that she loves this place. She is so active now and loves staying busy. I can't believe how much goes on, said one resident's child. Other residents have mentioned how much they enjoy the food and on-site amenities.
- Reviews:4.3 out of 5 stars; 36 reviews
- Phone:(800) 499-1017
- Address:1851 Data Dr., Birmingham, AL 35244
- Web:riverhighlands.com/memory-care
Somerby At St. Vincent's One Nineteen
- Resident Capacity:199
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$3,295 for independent living, $4,995 for assisted living, $6,595 for memory care
Somerby St. Vincents One Nineteen is an exceptionally well-appointed continuum of care community in a wooded area of Birmingham. Seniors enjoy an upscale lifestyle here, whether they choose the independent or assisted living programs or require memory care. Somberys partnership with St. Vincents Health System includes a shared campus with the health and wellness center, for which all residents receive a complimentary membership. The beautifully landscaped grounds feature a large fishing pond and paved walking trails dotted with exercise stations. Indoor amenities include a movie theater, library with computer center and a creative arts studio. Memory care residents receive specialized support to maintain independence when possible. Life enrichment stations provide reminiscence therapy, and a secured memory garden encourages peaceful time in nature. The facility employs an electronic care planning system that enhances communication between caregivers and family members.
A warm and friendly staff, a full schedule of activities and the elegant environment appeal to many seniors. One man who lives here shared, I have everything I need less than a mile away, like a huge shopping center, grocery stores, cleaners and coffee shops. As I have more and more needs, they are right here.
- Reviews:4.6 out of 5 stars; 98 reviews
- Phone:(800) 401-6335
- Address:200 One Nineteen Blvd., Birmingham, AL 35242
- Web:somerbyseniorliving.com/birmingham-al
The Oaks on Parkwood
- Resident Capacity:30
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Private Rooms, Detached Homes
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:$4,684 for a studio, $4,974 and up for a suite, all-inclusive
The Oaks on Parkwood is a neighborhood-style senior living community offering independent living, assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing on a sprawling, luxurious 100-acre campus. Residents live in comfortable one-story buildings with porches and can easily access the Nolan Hall recreation center's gym, heated pool, assembly hall and business center. In the Orchard memory care unit, staff members create a secure, nurturing environment designed to promote each resident's independence. Unique elements in the memory care unit include a secure outdoor courtyard with walking paths and open interior spaces without dead-end hallways. Residents also benefit from specialized memory-enhancing activities and memory boxes placed in their private rooms.
Loved ones comment that they appreciate the facilitys numerous, wide-ranging amenities and activities that keep residents engaged. One reviewer says, My mother is in The Oaks on Parkwood. It is wonderful, and we're very pleased They have exercise everyday, bingo, movie time, bands come in, different speakers, and services on Sunday, and they take them to different places in the area.
- Reviews:3.1 out of 5 stars; 36 reviews
- Phone:(205) 497-4560
- Address:2651 Laurel Oaks Dr., Bessemer, AL 35022
- Web:N/A
