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 Blaine’s senior population continues to grow (19.5% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Blaine, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by 69.57% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 13.63%, 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 (10.25% in Blaine 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 Blaine. 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 Blaine, 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:
Based in a laid-back northern Minneapolis suburb, Autumn Glen Senior Living encourages independence and holistic well-being in seniors through memory care, independent living, respite care and assisted living. Less than a mile away from Mercy Hospital, Anoka-Ramsey Natural Area and Pheasant Ridge Park, Autumn Glen Senior Living offers transportation to many other nearby attractions, including local libraries, shopping centers, golf courses and churches. Residents have plenty of opportunities to interact with peers at this campus's plethora of communal spaces. In-house programming like FIT Functional Fitness, a proprietary exercise program that improves cardiovascular health, balance and core strength, also helps seniors engage with one another. Pearls of Life, the community's personalized memory care program, only employs caregivers who are extensively trained in handling Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Housekeepers change linens and clean rooms on a weekly basis.
In addition to its supervised group outings, family members like this community's diverse resident population. One says, "The staff was pleasant and easy to talk to. They have a variety of people of different religions living there. We liked the activities and the fact that they have outings and take them shopping. My mom can have dinner in her room."
Brookdale North Oaks is specially designed for memory care residents. Spacious floor plans emphasizing natural light and an enclosed courtyard and garden are among the aesthetically pleasing characteristics found here. A town square located in the middle of the community replicates a small-town feel. The community is designed with memory care resident safety in mind while ensuring the freedom to move around comfortably. Scheduled meal times provide consistency to avoid confusion, and a 24-hour security system provides another layer of safety for residents. The memory care program focuses on creating a sense of belonging and purpose, providing visual reminders and varied activities to enhance cognitive skills.
Community reviews emphasize the enclosed physical setting, array of resident activities and friendliness of staff, as well as its focus on security. One writes, "I liked Brookdale North Oaks because it was strictly memory care. The residents had a band around their wrists. The staff was very nice, very pleasant and very informative."
Champlin Shores provides personalized memory care services within an alluring wooded setting overlooking Mill Pond. The community's staff members apply insights gained from each resident's life story to deliver a customized care plan that elevates each resident's daily functioning capacities and promotes their optimal physical and emotional well-being. Residents receive assistance with all aspects of daily living, transportation to scheduled outings and events and weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services. The community's staff provides 24/7 security, and preparation for hospital visits or follow-up care is also handled by the in-house health and wellness team. Three restaurant-style meals are served each day, and community members are encouraged to participate in the weekly fitness, social, educational and recreational events.
Family members appreciate the attentive staff members, tight security and comfortable resident accommodations. One says, "My mother is in the memory care unit, and it is a secure area. The sanitation seems to be excellent."
Offering memory care, independent living, respite care and assisted living, Chandler Place is a Minneapolis-based senior living community that provides a full slate of programs and activities to keep seniors alert and cognizant. Based in St. Anthony, a first-ring suburb in northeast Minneapolis, its low-key, laid-back campus is within a mile's drive of several parks, churches and eateries. The community is also right next door to St. Anthony Health & Rehabilitation, allowing residents immediate access to hospice care if necessary. Caretakers help residents with daily living activities such as dressing and bathing, as well as safely storing and properly administering medication. The community employs a Montessori-based method in dealing with dementia, building up residents' strongest skills and abilities. Residents' fully furnished apartments are thoroughly cleaned by housekeepers every week. This community's residents receive three freshly prepared meals daily, always made by its in-house culinary team.
After visiting this community, family members note that their relatives' rooms are clean and loaded with amenities. One says, "My mother moved into Chandler Place Her apartment is spacious, clean, and it has what we needed. It has a kitchen and it's perfect in many ways. The staff is very nice, they're one of the reasons it's a good fit."
With its memory care, independent living and assisted living programs in northwest Minneapolis, Copperfield Hill Senior Living promotes seniors' health and well-being. Just one block away from downtown Robbinsdale, North Memorial Health Hospital and Crystal Lake's walking trails, Copperfield Hill Senior Living is close to numerous pharmacies, banks, restaurants and shopping centers. Residents can participate in numerous activities at this community, including book clubs, exercise classes, walking clubs, in-house theatrical showings, local event outings, intergenerational programs, garden clubs, happy hour and live musical programs. To facilitate organic social interaction, the campus is home to numerous alcoves that are perfect for sharing conversation or coffee, as well as several spacious community rooms for celebrations and activities. Its staff provides concierge services to residents and visitors, including sending faxes, printing copies, notarizing documents and scheduling appointments.
Reviewers note that residents participate in regularly scheduled activities, giving them plenty of opportunities for recreation, entertainment and exercise. One says, "They had things go on for them all the time, and they would take them to different places. If you are a Veteran, they would pay for the move and pick you up; I thought that was very nice."
Residents of Crest View Senior Community at Blaine live near a lovely wooded area in a quiet neighborhood. Its memory care assisted living apartments are set in a secured environment that allows seniors access to outdoor living. In order to provide an extra layer of safety for seniors who have a tendency to wander, residents are equipped with emergency alert pendant devices that work throughout the community. Seniors have access to an on-site beauty salon and barbershop, a chapel for worship services, a fitness room and a comfortable lounge for socializing. A variety of social and recreational programs, including transportation to outings, are scheduled on a regular basis.
Visitors to this community are impressed with the light-filled accommodations, the friendly staff and homelike environment. One resident's family member notes, "They have a beauty shop where my dad can get his toenails done, it's excellent, and the restaurant where they can eat has good food."
Edgemont Place Alzheimer's Special Care Center provides memory care services through its Meaningful Moments program. After learning about each individual's life story and cherished memories, the program weaves past routines and patterns into the daily life of each resident to provide a sense of familiarity and help them adjust to living with memory loss. On a daily basis, senior residents have access to several amenities throughout the facility, including activity rooms, outdoor walking areas, private conversation areas, and living rooms with TVs and fireplaces. The staff at Edgemont Place Alzheimer's Special Care Center encourages social gatherings by hosting regular movie nights, arts and crafts classes, opportunities for family visits, educational programs, and even supervised trips off campus to keep seniors engaged in daily life. Residents are also served three meals a day, with snacks available.
One reviewer says Edgemont Place Alzheimer's Special Care Center has a "wonderful, caring staff that strives to go above and beyond for residents." Another reviewer states, "We like this new community, and we are happy with the staff." One reviewer compliments the building itself, saying, "They remodel the facilities to keep them up to date and looking really nice."
Edgewood Blaine boasts open layouts and a homey decor in the community's indoor common spaces. Outdoor seating is plentiful as well to encourage resident interaction. Residents can stay healthy using the on-site fitness studio and can access a range of services at the community's beauty salon/barber shop. Memory care services use a Life Stations structure that helps residents engage in activities that promote increased interaction. The Life Stations approach, which emphasizes working with tools, gardening, doing desk work and more, avoids wandering among residents and induces calm. The residents determine which Life Stations work for their needs and goals, so that the stations align with their lifestyles and memories.
Residents note the welcoming environment of the community and the high quality of care residents receive. One relative writes, "A lovely place! We are so happy with the care our mom receives. The community of residents and staff members is warm, friendly and homey. I knew this place was 'it' for my mom the first time I walked in."
The Gable Pines community was designed with the optimal safety, security and comfort of its senior memory care residents in mind. Trained staff members help residents with all aspects of daily living, medication management and transportation to and from local scheduled events. An abundance of recreational, social and educational events are scheduled on-site throughout each month, and the secured, landscaped courtyard allows residents to enjoy nature freely throughout each day. Three hot, nutritious meals are served each day, and the community salon and spa helps residents continue to look and feel their best. The community's on-site home health and physician services ensure that each resident receives convenient immediate and ongoing medical care.
Residents praise the design, which overlooks a pond and the gardens. One says, "I moved from a house to Gable Pines Senior Living, which has Independent (what I am in), Assisted Living and Memory Care (what my wife is in). I am a retired Engineer and I could not have designed the Memory Care area any better."
Keystone Place at LaValle Fields provides holistic and innovative care programs that put an emphasis on connection instead of loss. The community's unique Holistic Harbors program offers individualized physical and cognitive exercise activities designed to support the wellbeing of residents living with dementia and Alzheimer's. Keystone Place is designed with ease of access in mind and provides both private and shared living options. The community also offers exclusive enrichment programs through its library, theatre and activity center, helping residents make new connections with people experiencing a similar stage in life.
Residents and their families love the many options for care and amenities at Keystone Place at LaValle Fields. One said, "We moved my mother into Keystone Place at LaValle Fields. So far, we've really been happy with it. The amenities fit all our needs. I've eaten there and the food is of good quality and there's a good selection. The staff is excellent. Everybody has been very accommodating and very friendly. It's clean and kept up very good."
Located in central Minneapolis' Ceresota Building, Millers Landing Senior Living is an upscale retirement community that offers memory care and assisted living. To meet residents' social needs, they're free to participate in arts, crafts, worship services, cards, other games, wellness programs, social events, weekly entertainment and daily programming. The community offers concierge and escort services to visitors and residents, helping iron out issues with planned outings. In addition to scheduled laundry and housekeeping, residents are given personal care assistance and medication management help. The memory care section has monitored exits and escort services to ensure the safety of residents.
Residents' family members appreciate this community's accommodating welcome programs. One says, "My Mother in Law has been here for about 4 months and she always has things to do. We were worried that she would have a hard time being away from her home that she lived in for years, but after a small adjustment period, it has been great."
Prelude Homes & Services offers unique memory care cottages to cater to specific needs of its residents. The care programs focus on uplifting residents while acknowledging individual preferences and strengths. This community also offers an all-male cottage to better focus on specific needs for male residents with Alzheimer's. The community is focused on providing care in a Christian-based environment. Prelude Homes & Services provides 24/7 on-site assistance, as well as a wellness director during typical business hours. The community gives its residents the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, including art projects and Bible study.
Residents and their families love the quality of care at Prelude Homes & Services, helping them feel safe. One said, "Definitely the best in senior living. The staff go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable and provide the highest quality of service."
Rose Arbor & Wildflower Lodge offers extensive care in a welcoming setting. The memory care program is sensory-based and focuses on helping those with dementia, Alzheimer's and other age-related diseases establish comfortable routines. The community also offers personal care services, including assistance with bathing, grooming and dressing. At Rose Arbor & Wildflower Lodge, residents have the opportunity to participate in a variety of activities, such as ice cream socials and live music, to foster enjoyable socialization with other residents. The 24-hour staffing ensures round-the-clock help, and the on-site gift shop provides opportunities to buy small items for loved ones.
Residents and their families love the thorough care and extensive amenities at Rose Arbor & Wildflower Lodge. One said, "The staff at Rose Arbor & Wildflower Lodge is very accommodating, especially with emergency situations. The facilities are very nice. They have bible studies, book clubs, and go to apple orchards or arboretums."
Tucked away in Coon Rapids, a low-key suburb in northern Minneapolis, Select Senior Living of Coon Rapids supports and motivates residents through its memory care and assisted living programs. Near Mercy Hospital, Riverdale Village shopping center and Bunker Hills Golf Club, its campus is also within a 10-minute drive of more than a dozen parks, making for plenty of convenient recreational options. The community offers three levels of memory care support " assisted, moderate and advanced " to meet every resident's needs. Memory care residents are kept safe by the community's 24-hour security, which includes multiple safety checks each day. Residents can keep themselves physically and mentally stimulated through Select Senior Living's on-campus wellness center, which offers group classes run by trained instructors. In addition to personalized nutrition options, residents receive caregiver assistance and special utensils to help them dine in dignity.
People believe the community's caring environment is hallmarked by its accommodating nurses and warmhearted staff. One says, "The staff was really good The rooms were very spacious and very nice. The food was really good. The nursing staff there was extremely helpful and very knowledgeable when it came to questions and concerns that you had; they address them right away."
Located in Roseville, a suburb adjacent to both Saint Paul and Minneapolis, Sunrise of Roseville is a senior living community known for its memory care, hospice, respite care and assisted living programs. The community is close to several hospitals, including the prestigious St. John's Hospital, as well as the Rosedale Mall, Lunds & Byerlys and Rosedale AMC. The memory care program's caregivers are trained to use Validation Therapy and other techniques to reduce anxiety and frustration in residents, thereby encouraging meaningful communication. All residents have access to on-site nurse practitioners and physicians, who help manage symptoms as they arise. The activities calendar is packed with events, including group exercise and happy hour. The pet-friendly community openly welcomes residents' family members as visitors. Equipped with several gardens and walking paths, Sunrise of Roseville gives residents enough space to enjoy nature.
Reviewers point out that the community has a warm atmosphere as well as helpful and accommodating staff. One says, "Sunrise of Roseville has been an excellent choice for our mom! The caring staff, excellent food, cheery surroundings have been amazing. Staff are always welcoming and take the time to chat with mom and get to know her."
With its location deep in Minneapolis and close to the Mississippi River, The Harbors Senior Living provides easy access to big-city amenities and a huge range of restaurants and entertainment. At the heart of this memory care community is the A Part of You program, where residents are valued as individuals and focus is put on the activities seniors like doing. Bright decorations help provide mental stimulation, and an outdoor courtyard provides a secure space for residents to enjoy the outdoors. The staff provides close supervision 24 hours a day, but the community maintains its residential atmosphere to help seniors feel at home. An on-site registered nurse helps determine necessary care levels, and the staff provides compassionate care throughout the day.
Family members appreciate the fresh meals and the community spirit of the Harbors. One says, "My aunt made a great choice choosing this place for [my uncle]. The food is wonderful as well, I was lucky enough to sit down for supper one evening and you can tell that the chef takes time with his meals and it is made fresh."
The Preserve of Roseville is set amid a forested natural setting, and many of the apartment homes have balconies from which to enjoy the views. Community amenities include walking trails and close proximity to a nearby nature preserve. Residents can take advantage of in-room or restaurant-style dining. Services include weekly housekeeping, scheduled transportation and personal fitness programs. The memory care program offers assistance with daily living activities as well as specialized coaching to help residents retain as much independence as long as possible. The memory care staff, which is available to residents 24/7, focuses on supportive care measures.
Standout features of the community include the well-appointed surroundings and wide range of activities in which residents can participate. The robust nature of the memory care program builds on the existing skills of residents while helping them to master new ones that promote independence.
The Waterford Independent & Assisted Living community offers residents a high standard of living. From scheduled transportation and lively outings to complimentary Wi-Fi in communal spaces, the design of the community emphasizes comfort and convenience. The enclosed walkway makes communal gatherings possible no matter the weather, and the park-like setting encourages outdoor activity. The memory care component focuses on individual programs designed to meet each resident where they are currently. The highly trained memory care staff has extensive experience in a wide array of cognitive conditions to support the level of care available here.
Reviews point out the beauty of the grounds, the professionalism of the staff and the degree of social interaction present at The Waterford. Additional points of mention include a diverse menu for residents and 24-hour nursing care. One visitor writes, "We were really impressed with it. It had a very good community feel. They had a lot of great programs."
White Pine Advanced Assisted Living focuses on creating a welcoming atmosphere for residents while offering affordable care options. The community offers 24/7 caregiver supervision, with medication setup and administration, bathing assistance and routine safety checks. The assisted living and memory care services focus on aiding residents through a difficult transition period in a manner best suited to their individual needs. A simple floor plan ensures residents feel safe and comfortable in their environment. White Pine also offers amenities, including a beauty salon and a community dining room, and invites the local community to participate in unique resident activities.
Residents and their families love the reliable care and home-like atmosphere at Blaine White Pine Advanced Assisted Living. One said, "We kept mother at White Pine Assisted Living, where it turned out to be a really good thing. If the caregivers needed the nurses on call, they were over there and they would help her with anything that she needed. Overall, they included her and they made her family. It smelled of chocolate chip cookies and coffee, and it was a beautiful place."
White Pine Senior Living is situated in a quiet countryside location in the Lakes of Blaine neighborhood. The residential community offers memory care and assisted living with high-quality care in a homelike setting. Housing is well designed, personalized assistance and support services are available and the community has private rooms and residential areas for seniors to socialize in. Residents can maintain their independence as long as possible, and regular activities help community members engage with each other. A dedicated caregiver supervises each resident and provides services such as bathing, dressing and grooming, incontinence and medication management.
Family members appreciate the well-thought-out accommodations and the highly competent staff at White Pine Senior Living. One says, "The staff was very friendly and very accommodating. My mother had a beautiful one-bedroom with a walk-through closet and a very spacious bathroom. The activities director had planned activities for their residents after their noon meal.