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 Bloomington’s senior population continues to grow (19.99% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Bloomington, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by a staggering 120% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 16.95%, 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 (11.22% in Bloomington 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 Bloomington. 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 Bloomington, 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 Villas of Holly Brook provide seniors with a high quality of life in the vibrant community of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. Family and faith are core values of this memory care residence, and residents can enjoy a wide range of amenities that support aging in place in the heart of the Midwest. Featuring both indoor and outdoor courtyards, residents can enjoy personalized care with a wellness staff that is available 24/7. Home-cooked meals are served daily, and dining experiences are family-style to encourage community and resident interaction. Both semi-private and private memory care suites are available. The Villas at Holly Brook also offers assisted living and short-term respite stays.
Residents enjoy the activities at The Villas at Holly Brook and think the staff is friendly and the rooms are nice. One family member says, "My parents are at Villas of Holly Brook & Reflections. The director is awesome. They've really helped with everything. It's been a good experience."
Bloomington Rehabilitation and Health Care Center provides a wide variety of care options for residents in the scenic area of Bloomington, Illinois. A variety of life enrichment programs for memory care residents ensure cognitive, physical, emotional and social well-being, including individualized programming to help them retain cognitive function. The community's activities include rides to relax and unwind while enjoying beautiful views and lunch outings for residents to enjoy different environments. Group activities such as cookouts and picnics encourage socializing and gardening for those interested in learning and participating. Religious services for different denominations are also available for spiritual nourishment, and a beauty salon and barbershop is located on-site. Residents who enjoy baking can put their skills to work during the bake sales.
People who visited loved the surroundings and friendly staff. One says, "Bloomington Rehabilitation was a nice place. The atmosphere was good and the staff was friendly. They treated me and my family very nice. I liked the place for the care of my mom."
Luther Oaks is a nonprofit continuing care community located just minutes from downtown Bloomington. It offers a secure yet inviting environment where seniors can retain as much independence as possible. The community takes a customized approach to memory care and develops an individualized care plan for each resident based on their unique history and routine. This level of personalization helps to create a familiar and comfortable setting. Licensed nursing staff is available 24/7 to assist with everything from medication management to activities of daily living, such as grooming, bathing and mobility support. Three nutritious chef-prepared meals are served daily in the main dining hall. Residents can enjoy on-site amenities, including a fitness center, beauty salon and multiple lounge areas as well as a calendar full of planned activities, such as games and crafts.
Residents and their family members cant say enough about the quality of service the community offers. One reviewer noted, "The staff are very kind and knowledgeable. It seems like most every staff member knows every resident. It is clean and brightly lite. They cater to every need the residents have that is within reason.
Located in the "Pumpkin Capital of the World," Morton Reflections Memory Care offers Alzheimer's and dementia specialty care. The community customizes a care plan for each resident and ensures their needs are met while supporting their lifestyle choices and promoting independence. Seniors have access to secured courtyards that allow roaming without compromising safety. Programs involving memory-centered activities, exercise and sensory engagement are offered. Faith-based programs are also available. Staff are on-site 24/7 and provide housekeeping, laundry, transportation and medication management. The meals cooked for residents are dietician-approved and made on-site so residents can enjoy home-cooked dinners and desserts. A beauty salon/barber shop and spa allow residents to pamper themselves as well.
Residents and the family of residents most often praise the compassionate nature of the staff and the high-quality facilities, with one family member writing, "The Staff is caring & compassionate to my mothers needs. They offer activities daily to keep my mother busy if she wishes and I feel at ease that they have a nurse on call around the clock. Their cleanliness is impeccable and I appreciate that!"
Reflections Memory Care helps people facing the challenges of dementia stay engaged and stress-free with a full slate of stimulating activities designed to enhance multiple areas of wellness while encouraging seniors to use their abilities. The community offers exercise classes that focus on increasing balance and strength and a variety of faith-based activities. In addition to the indoor courtyard, Reflections Memory Care has an outdoor courtyard as well as a lush garden, ideal settings to relax and socialize with neighbors. The community provides individualized care plans, and a team of compassionate caregivers is available around-the-clock. The culinary team follows a dietitian-approved meal plan and serves fresh, home cooked meals family-style throughout the day. Dining options are flexible, and nutritious snacks are always available. Additional amenities include transportation, housekeeping, laundry and an on-site beauty salon and barbershop.
Residents and visitors at Reflections Memory Care are continually impressed by the community's friendly staff. "It's an awesome place with awesome people. It looks like a hotel and not like an assisted living center or nursing home. It has wide aisles and wide hallways. Everything is good," wrote one resident's spouse.
Surrounded by parks, Sugar Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center is a memory care community conveniently located steps away from public transportation and minutes from medical facilities. As part of the community's Meaningful Moments dementia care program, elements of residents' past experiences, hobbies and interests are woven into daily activities to increase engagement and promote enrichment. Pet therapy, baking, singing, crafts and playing music are among the many fun activities seniors can join. In the peaceful community dining room, residents are served three nutritious meals a day tailored to the individual's preferences and dietary needs. The communitys team of specially trained caregivers work 24/7, and the on-site nursing director regularly meets with residents physicians to discuss and update treatment plans.
The community's cozy accommodations and high-quality dining are popular among residents and visitors alike. One resident's family member said, "It is not a stale or hospital-like environment like I see in a lot of nursing homes. It is very home-like. They care for the patients just like I would care for my own father. It is a wonderful place."
Villas of Holly Brook offers memory care through its Reflections Memory Care neighborhood. Here, residents reside in homelike suites that are either private or shared, while caregivers guide them through their days with deference to their memory concerns. Life enrichment activities are built in to daily living, with indoor courtyards and a Snoezelen Sensory Room to help engage residents cognitively. Varied activities are focused on building memory while developing physical fitness and balance, and the community provides faith-based programming for residents' spiritual needs. A secure outdoor garden and courtyard allows residents to take advantage of Bloomington's mild climate. Seniors receive housekeeping, laundry and transportation services along with help with activities of daily living. Wellness staff are available at all hours to attend to health and wellness needs.
The cleanliness and attentiveness of the staff stand out to those who tour this community. One said, "My mom is very particular, and she's very impressed. We saw just about every aspect of the place. We stopped by the dining area and talked to the chef there. We also talked to the people who live there. It's pretty organized."