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 (20.44% 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 61.1% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 13.06%, 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 (3.99% 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:
Cedarhurst of Bloomington is a senior living community dedicated to memory care. A blend of first-rate amenities, a welcoming environment and a person-centered approach to care puts families at ease, knowing that loved ones are adequately cared for. Caregivers receive continuing education from certified dementia practitioners, allowing them to implement the communitys inclusive, custom-tailored programming. Individual plans are developed through a series of assessments that determine the appropriate level of care, from supportive and assistive to comprehensive care. Health services are supervised by visiting physicians and nurse practitioners, who personally check on residents on a weekly basis. Cedarhurst creates a supportive environment, with handicapped accessible apartments, emergency call systems, wide pathways and an electronically monitored system ensuring the safety and security of residents. Active, productive living is promoted through various life enrichment programs, including supervised outings, support groups and social events that welcome family participation.
People describe the staff as well-trained and praise them for handling unpredictable behavior well. "I feel comfortable with Mom living there. The care is good and the staff are nice. They answer my questions and also give good feedback, writes a family member. Reviewers are also impressed with the friendly, home-like atmosphere.
GardenVilla provides specialized care to residents living with Alzheimer's, focusing on each resident's stage of development. Cognitive development therapy utilizes targeted activities to trigger residents' memories. The community offers a designated, secure walking path so residents can get out and enjoy the day without being in danger of wandering off-site. Residents enjoy transportation services, beauty and barber services, as well as laundry and housekeeping. The community offers chef-prepared meals, as well as a Starbucks coffee bar that residents can enjoy with friends and family. Garden Villa also offers adult daycare where participants living with Alzheimer's can enjoy meals and activities, as well as nursing services during the day.
Residents and families love how caring the staff is. One reviewer said of her grandmother, "They were really great with her and always provided excellent care. We had a great experience with the staff and they were really good to us."
Gentry Park Bloomington helps seniors focus on enjoying their golden years by relieving the burden of everyday maintenance and chores. The beautifully landscaped campus welcomes pets and has inviting memory care cottages, independent living villas and assisted living apartments, which make it easy for seniors to age in place comfortably as their needs change. To promote a sense of purpose and help residents with cognitive impairments and dementia-related issues remain independent and engaged, management has created specially designed activity areas called Life Stations. A culinary team fixes tantalizing meals filled with inviting aromas to encourage proper nutrition, and an on-site salon is available to help individuals look and feel their best. Holistic care programs let residents choose their preferred level of assistance, and life enrichment coordinators work with residents to enhance communication and overall wellness.
I like everything about Gentry Park Bloomington. I really enjoy living here, the people are friendly and helpful, comments a resident, who appreciates the warm atmosphere surrounding the community. Family members enjoy their time on campus as well. One notes, "I visit Gentry Park often. This community is vibrant and happy."
Located just minutes from the Bloomington Hospital, Golden LivingCenter � Bloomington provides a quiet setting with a homelike atmosphere. It uses sensory-driven techniques that involve customized care plans and one-on-one support when caring for seniors facing moderate to late-stage memory loss issues. Caregivers receive extensive memory loss support training that focuses on identifying ability levels, communication methods and behavior management. Its care team is available 24 hours a day to assist with daily tasks, such as grooming, bathing, incontinence care and mobility. The community offers on-site physical, occupational and speech therapy services, and scheduled transportation is available for off-site appointments. Residents are encouraged to participate in daily activities that match their interests and to make full use of on-site amenities, including a beauty salon, sitting areas and an enclosed courtyard.
Residents enjoy the homelike atmosphere the community offers. One family member commented, "My mother goes to Golden Living She loves the place. The nurses and the staff are outstanding. They are really good to her and they are wonderful. They give all the care that she needs.
Hearthstone Health Campus is located just off State Road 46 and close to numerous shopping and dining venues. It provides seniors with a secure setting and home-like atmosphere that encourages residents to remain as independent as possible. It takes a Best Friends approach to memory care services that promote positive interactions that focus on respect, understanding and patience. Specialty programs, such as Daily Rhythms, along with clinical support help seniors remain active and social. Caregivers are available around-the-clock to assist with activities of daily living, including grooming, dressing, mobility and housekeeping. On-site amenities include large sitting areas with a fireplace, a beauty salon and an outdoor courtyard with gardens and walking paths. Chef-prepared meals are served daily in the main dining area. Residents can stay active by participating in numerous planned activities, such as the Vitality Fitness program, Mindful Moments meditation, worship services and excursions.
Residents are pleased with the level of personalized care they receive. One family member noted, "Hearthstone staff were always very caring and treated my grandparents (as well as the rest of my family) as if we were part of their family. I would recommend it to anyone.
Part of the Meadow Lakes continuum of care campus, Auguste's Cottage offers a secure, homelike environment where seniors can thrive with the support of structured, research-based memory care services. Located just off 67 in Mooresville, residents can enjoy cultural and recreational attractions such as Pioneer Park and the Mooresville Family Aquatic Center as well as easy access to local restaurants, shops and health care facilities. The community takes a person-centered approach to care that incorporates holistic philosophies. Residents are encouraged to decorate their spaces with their own artwork and personal items to help them feel a sense of comfort and familiarity. Based on the four domains of wellness, the community's Meaningful Day program provides seniors with daily opportunities to participate in activities designed to stimulate the mind, promote independence and encourage social connections. Some of the offerings include gentle exercises, games, music therapy and pet visits.
When trying to describe her family's experience with Meadow Lakes, the daughter of a current resident shared, "I wouldn't say it is one thing; it is the overall experience." People love that the facility is well kept, staffed by friendly caregivers and offers "all kinds of activities, like bingo and arts and crafts."
Located in sunny Spencer, Owen Valley Health Campus offers a dedicated community for those with memory conditions. Residents have access to a 24-hour emergency response system in each room, and skilled nursing care is available 24/7. The community educates residents and their families about memory conditions and disease management. It also runs the BFF Program, based on the Best Friends approach. Residents can share about their lives, communicate in the way best for them and take part in activities they enjoy. As part of the program, seniors can participate in activities to help with cognitive retention, including art, music, computers, history and languages. The community offers religious services and meditation for spirituality. Owen Valley also endorses the Best Friends Dementia Bill of Rights.
Residents and families are happy with the staff being so caring and knowledgeable. One family member noted, "Its a very nice, very clean, very well kept, and very accommodating place. The staff has been very helpful. They have a physical therapy unit which is really nice as well as the memory care unit. Her room is very bright, and the colors are very neutral."
Silver Oaks Health Campus supports the unique needs of seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's through personalized care plans and carefully laid out room designs. In addition to helping with daily tasks, its compassionate caregivers use signature programs such as The BFF and Daily Rhythms to enhance the daily lives of residents. Life enrichment activities are scheduled regularly and include religious services, fitness classes, educational courses and musical events. Nutritious meals are served in a lovely dining room three times a day, and residents are encouraged to share feedback and menu suggestions during Chef's Circle meetings. To add excitement and interest to dining, management hosts cooking classes, family brunches and themed dinners with decorations, costumes and entertainment.
The staff are kind and caring. The campus is bright, clean and welcoming. Silver Oaks is a great home away from home! praises one visitor after spending time at the community. Another agrees, saying, "I highly recommend this campus as the staff are caring! They have plenty of wonderful activities to engage your loved one and the food is superb!
Stonecroft Health Campus provides options for senior living in neighborhoods tailored to residents' needs. This care community is built on a foundation of compassion, family values and caregiving with a servant's heart. Residents in need of memory care benefit from the Best Friends�� approach taken in this community. The BFF Program integrates emotional connection and support with clinical care so that residents feel safe and valued. Stonecroft Health Campus also provides a wealth of enrichment programs for exercise, inspiration, learning and creating. Residents can listen to and play music, get out into the community a couple of times a week and celebrate with happy hour every Friday.
The overall feedback for Stonecroft Health Campus is that the staff is extremely caring. One resident's family member wrote, "The staff in every department are caring people who give 100% to make not only Dad but our entire family feel at home and part of their family." Others also commented on the meticulously clean campus and compassionate team.