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 Blue Springs's senior population continues to grow (16.99% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Blue Springs, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased by 29.36% between 2014 and 2019. The number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 6.69%. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (3.7% in Blue Springs 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 Blue Springs. 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 Blue Springs, 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 Parkway Senior Living is a retirement community providing a safe and structured environment for those with dementia. The memory care community prioritizes the use of unobtrusive security measures that keep residents safe and prevent wandering without making them feel confined, while its life enrichment coordinators assist residents with tasks throughout each day and oversee their personal and medical needs. The Parkway Senior Living utiilizes life stations, which help residents relive pleasant experiences related to their own interests, and targeted methods engage seniors socially and address behavioral challenges. Specialized dining services ensure each person living here receives meals tailored to their dietary needs. An on-site beauty salon is available.
Several reviews praise the kind staff and dining accommodations at The Parkway Senior Living. One says, "The staff is very friendly and helpful. The dining room has an excellent choice of good food and service."
Cedarhurst of Blue Springs offers 24-hour support to both memory care and assisted living residents. Staff at Cedarhust of Blue Springs are trained by a certified dementia practitioner to provide appropriate care to memory care residents and keep them as independent as possible. The community's Level of Care system ranges from supportive care, such as reminding residents to do certain tasks, to comprehensive care, which allows staff to take over daily tasks for residents as needed. Residents can mingle in the dining room or gorgeous outdoor spaces. They can enjoy three nutritious meals a day and partake in activities such as bingo, movie nights and reading in the on-site library.
Residents and family of residents notice how compassionate the staff is and how clean and welcoming the facility feels. One relative writes, "Cedarhurst is amazing! Prices are extremely competitive, staff are some of the most caring people out there! Fantastic place for your higher functioning loved one with dementia!"
Benton House of Blue Springs offers assisted living and memory care in a welcoming environment designed to encourage independence while providing support. This community creates a familiar daily routine for residents in memory care while also offering a variety of activities to promote wellness and enjoyment. Residents experiencing memory loss can spend time in the beautifully landscaped, secure courtyard where they can safely walk, garden and relax. The entire community is on one level, allowing residents to move easily throughout the building. An on-site beauty and barber salon, a media center and a private dining room are available for residents to use. This community is equipped with emergency response buttons and grab bars in bathrooms, and each resident is also provided with a personal emergency pendant, allowing them to summon help whenever necessary.
Residents and their families speak highly of the welcoming atmosphere, high-quality care and friendly staff. One reviewer comments, "The entire staff, from administrators to caregivers and dining/hospitality associates has just been amazing. Benton House is a relaxed environment that provides the highest level of care."
Addington Place of Lee's Summit is located 25 miles southeast of Kansas City. It's in a residential area, close to medical facilities such as Lee's Summit Medical Center. The community features spacious communal areas and beautiful courtyards with raised beds for gardening. For residents with Alzheimer's or dementia, there is a secure memory care neighborhood, designed to feel like home. Residents receive an individualized memory care program that is tailored to their individual needs and interests. Caregivers provide 24/7 care and assistance with daily tasks such as grooming and bathing and also provide housekeeping and laundry services. There is a wide variety of activities, designed to slow down cognitive decline and enrich body, mind and spirit. Activities include pet therapy, religious services and exercise classes. Residents have access to restaurant-style dining, with three nutritious meals provided daily.
Family members praise the great location, with one saying, "Addington Place of Lee's Summit was nice, clean, and beautiful. I could walk to my husband's doctors and the hospital from where the facility is. Everybody I talked to was great and they did a lot of follow-up calls. They have a lot of activities that he could be doing."
Cross Creek at Lee's Summit specializes in resident-centered memory care designed to help seniors with dementia enjoy life and live with a purpose. The care team, highly trained in dementia care, uses state-of-the-art techniques to develop the best care plan for each resident. The staff, including licensed nurses, is available 24 hours a day to help with activities of daily living, such as medication management, housekeeping, wellness monitoring, laundry and linen services. Field specialists, including a recreation therapist and several dietitians, are also available onsite for the seniors with such needs. The memory care program builds on the five pillars of brain health: move, discover, relax, nourish and connect. For fun, residents can work out in the fitness center, curl up with a book in a reading nook or join a game of poker in the craft and game room.
People love the helpful staff and engaging activities. One writes, "My mom seems to be very content there and loves the staff. The staff is always available to help you with any issues. No smells, very clean place. The food is excellent and so are the activities that are totally geared to memory care issues."
Anthology of the Plaza is a senior living community where those with memory conditions can thrive with the help of trained caregivers who provide consistent, one-on-one attention and help residents with any challenges they face. This community encourages seniors to reminisce through artwork and environmental details as well as structured activities that entertain them and stimulate them physically and mentally. Caregivers at this community are specially trained to care for people with dementia, and they're specifically assigned to residents facing certain challenges based on their unique experience and training. Residents receive assistance with eating, bathing and any other personal needs and are kept secure via state-of-the-art alarms and anti-wandering systems.
Residents say positive things about the caregivers at Anthology of the Plaza. One family member of a resident says, "Above all it's the staff at Anthology that makes this place so special. Not only are they energetic and superbly credentialed but they are also warm, caring people, who are never too busy to stop and chat with a resident."
The caregivers of the memory care program at The Oxford Grand Assisted Living & Memory Care are all specially trained to work with individuals living with dementia. The staff is available 24 hours a day to help with activities of daily living, housekeeping, laundry and linen services. This community uses the latest technology to improve its quality of care, including Electronic Medication Administration Record (EMAR), which helps coordinate care among the staff and automatically spots potential health issues in residents. Caregivers utilize specialized medication software to safely automate the process of administering medicines. Residents can also take advantage of touchscreen technology with LinkedSenior, a therapeutic program that offers music therapy and cognitive games to keep seniors engaged, and OneDay App, a program that captures and shares videos of the residents with family members.
Family members love the homelike atmosphere and caring staff. A reviewer writes, "Oxford Grand has a welcoming, home-like atmosphere. The food is excellent and the staff treats each resident with care and respect. The memory care section is designed to feel just like a home. Mom has said more than once that she really likes it here."
The Health Services Director of The Gardens at Barry Road Assisted Living and Memory Care meets with every new memory care resident to assess their psychological and physical needs and develop a tailored care plan. The highly trained care team, under the supervision of a licensed nurse, is available 24/7 to help seniors with health care needs, including wellness checks, medication management and pharmacy services, and activities of daily living, such as grooming, bathing and dressing. Art, music and pet therapy are offered on-site. For urgent matters, residents can use the emergency call system to reach the caregivers at any time. The care team regularly takes seniors on scenic drives and outings to help them enjoy the outdoors and improve sleep patterns. Residents can also participate in a range of social activities, fitness classes and wellness programs.
Family members rave about the attentive staff. The son of a resident writes, "My Mom has been a resident now for six months. I couldn't be happier with the care she receives, the attentive staff, the variety of activities, or the facility itself. Grateful for such a safe, clean, secure, and happy home for my Mother."
Addington Place of Shoal Creek features secure memory care neighborhoods created for residents affected by memory loss disease. These neighborhoods are designed with added safety features, such as clear sightlines, wide pathways and secure entrances. Common dining areas and outdoor spaces encourage socialization within the community and with visiting family and friends. Each resident is treated as an individual, with a custom-tailored care plan based on their needs and interests. A physician and nurse see each resident weekly and get to know them personally. The staff is trained by a certified dementia practitioner to responsibly and respectfully assist residents with daily living activities. Reminders and assistance or supervision are provided, depending on the resident's needs and level of care.
Residents and their families love that the staff is caring and attentive, and they praise the community's cleanliness, food and range of activities. "Addington Place is clean and the food is good," write's a resident's daughter. "She has a great room and plenty of activities that she participates in. Would definitely recommend Addington Place."
The Courtyard Community memory care wing of Tiffany Springs Senior Living seeks to affirm the dignity of its residents living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia and provide them with a daily sense of pleasure and purpose. Planned memory care activities help seniors maximize their health and wellness levels through targeted social interactions and art, music and movement creative outlets as well as outdoor therapy sessions held in the community's secured outdoor courtyard. Staff members establish close relationships with memory care residents and remain in close contact with each senior's family to keep them updated and engaged in their loved ones' treatment plans. Medical transportation is provided, and complimentary concierge services are available.
Family members are happy with the range of amenities and the friendly caregivers who keep them updated on their loved ones. "There's been excellent communication," comments a resident's niece. "Everyone is extremely friendly. They have arts, games, small movie rooms, a salon, and a spa. They have multiples kitchens and tons of conversational areas. They have a courtyard, and you can have pets and have them in the courtyard. "
Anthology of Burlington Creek is an elegant senior living community that is conveniently close to medical centers and shops. The memory care neighborhood is safe and secure and has been specially decorated with images of local landmarks to help residents feel at home. A memory display box is located outside each apartment to assist seniors in navigating back to their rooms and to promote community interactions. Daily activities are designed around the needs of each individual resident and the programs are flexible to allow seniors choice and independence in their schedules. Activities offered include art classes, life stations, gentle fitness classes, religious services, gardening and cognitive games. A team of skilled caregivers is available 24/7 to provide physical support and emotional care to all the residents. The community runs regular memory care support groups for family and friends.
Family members praise the compassionate staff, with one saying, "My wife is currently in the MC unit at Burlington Creek. We did considerable research and chose this community and their staff has been outstanding! During every step, I was treated with politeness, efficiency and skill. The personal care that my wife is receiving is outstanding."
St. Anthony's Senior Living is a faith-based, resort-style community nestled in the Brookside area within walking distance of boutiques, restaurants and stores. This community was designed with the safety needs of memory care residents in mind. Memory caregivers at St. Anthony's are specially trained by a certified dementia practitioner in accordance with the latest guidelines from the National Council on Certification of Dementia Practitioners. This community is gated and adjacent to the Research Medical Center Brookside Campus. St. Anthony's amenities include the All Saint's Salon & Spa, St Elizabeth's Bistro and St. Peter's Pub. Resident priests and St. Anthony's Chapel are available for religious services and Mass is held daily. St. Anthony's is pet-friendly and Wi-Fi, HD cable and underground parking are included. The apartments are spacious with granite countertops and oversized bathrooms and closets.
People have great things to say about St. Anthony's Senior Living. One reviewer comments, "Can't say enough good things about St. Anthony's. Great facilities, amenities, food, and most importantly a great staff!"
Benton House of Tiffany Springs provides a safe and secure environment for seniors with options of assisted living, memory care or an adult day program. The Beacon memory care neighborhood, which is designed with safety as a top priority, features keypad protection and an enclosed courtyard where seniors can enjoy gardening, walking or relaxing outdoors. Residents have private rooms and receive assistance with daily living activities. Housekeeping and linen service is provided weekly, and nutritious meals and snacks are available throughout each day. Residents are encouraged to participate in fitness classes and walking clubs, seminars on topics of interest, concerts and performing arts events.
Families are glad that their loved ones are safe and feel at home in the Memory Care Beacon neighborhood. One online reviewer feels it's the best place for his wife. He says, "They have memory exercises, and they have well-qualified staff to do it. It's like home living, no hallways and everything comes out into the main living area."
Benton House of Staley Hills strives to create everyday happiness for seniors by focusing on four keys of service excellence: safety, caring, exceptional quality and consistency. These are clearly manifested in its Beacon memory care neighborhood, where seniors with cognitive issues get the assurance of compassionate support from the dementia care team. With the entire neighborhood protected by a keypad entry system, residents can freely enjoy the vibrant community ambiance in the open, spacious living spaces and wander safely in the relaxing outdoor areas. A dedicated Beacon coordinator schedules daily programs exclusively for memory care residents, providing a balance of planned, familiar routines and fresh, spontaneous activities. The Benton House team strives to rekindle the spirit of family dining by encouraging loved ones to visit and have meals with residents in the private dining room.
Families like that the staff encourage loved ones to stay productive. One sibling shares, "They let my sister work with them by helping set the table for the other residents, which is something that she's comfortable with and something that helps make her so happy. They're doing a great job of helping keep a routine with her. I would recommend them."
Bickford at Mission Springs is a pet-friendly senior living community dedicated to treating all residents as unique individuals. Caregivers are available at all times to help residents with activities of daily living, and all staff are trained in caring for residents with dementia. Licensed nurses administer medications, monitor residents' physical and emotional health and update individualized care plans every 90 days. Culinary staff prepare home-cooked meals in the Bread Basket kitchen, and residents can eat in the restaurant-style dining room or small, quiet dining rooms. Each resident has a Lifesong document containing personal history and Lifesong baskets to help caregivers plan activities based on individual interests and hobbies. A companion care program encourages one-on-one interactions. Bickford Springs also works with volunteers in the local area to provide on-site entertainment such as live performances, pet therapy and student visits.
Families praise the staff and amenities. One relative says, "It's very clean and well-kept. They're very nice and accommodating. The food looks great at all times. They give a lot of food the residents want. They have activities going on every day. It goes down into a little valley and it has a park around."
Located in downtown Overland Park, Morningside Place is dedicated solely to memory care. The person-centered programming focuses on Better Together, a schedule of events focused on connecting residents to each other, staff and student volunteers. Its Never 2 Late technology grants access to varied cognitive exercises, communication with family and recreation. To support residents, caregivers provide medication management and help with activities of daily living. Each resident's care plan is reviewed every 90 days by 24/7 nurses, trained staff and visiting physicians. Secured by silent monitoring systems and concierge reception, residents have access to walking paths and common areas designed to meet many mobility needs.
Residents and loved ones appreciate the active atmosphere. One says that her mother "has her friends to visit with and she has activities to attend. What more can a person want for their elderly parent! I feel so lucky that when my mother could no longer live safely at home, there was room for mom and dad at Morningside Place."
The staff members at Bickford of Overland Park write down each memory care resident's life story so that all of the seniors' caregivers can incorporate their history into their daily interactions and long-term treatment plans. Life baskets and stations are also erected throughout the memory care neighborhood so that items that match the residents' interests and hobbies can inspire them to engage in meaningful impromptu activities. Residents can enjoy one-on-one time with trained staff members and are encouraged to participate in the community's daily group activities, which include physical and mental fitness sessions. Pets are welcome to live with residents, and medical transportation is provided.
Family members appreciate the skilled, attentive staff, with one saying, "The staff members are wonderful. We interacted with them frequently because my father needed a high level of care, and they were fabulous, very skilled, personable, welcoming, and made my parents feel very good."
Sunrise of Leawood offers memory care recognized by the Alzheimer's Association for evidence-based training and care planning. In the community's Reminiscence neighborhood, staff use validation therapy, which includes mood-matching, eye contact and rephrasing to soothe disoriented residents. Life enrichment managers create care plans based on residents' histories and preferences. This allows residents to enjoy a schedule of events that includes story-sharing, game clubs, socials and brain and body exercise. Memory care common areas include a quiet reflection room and life skills station for maintaining cognitive abilities. With an on-staff culinary coordinator, residents may enjoy three diet-friendly, from-scratch meals per day. In the bistro, residents gather with neighbors for snacks and coffee.
Residents and families praise the attentive staff. One says, "I am so grateful we found this community. She is getting very good care, and whenever I have to go out of town, I know she is being well taken care of and that eases my mind. The staff is wonderful."
Residents of Brookdale Shawnee enjoy memory care based on the Clare Bridge signature program. This schedule of six daily activities can include B-Fit exercise classes, relaxing nature excursions, pet therapy and brain aerobics. During these activities, staff provide cueing and gentle reminders to acclimate residents to their routines. In the Solace program, residents in the late stages of dementia receive extra time for music and aromatherapy, hygiene assistance, and mobility help. Because this community is dedicated to memory care, all areas are keypad secured and feature floor-to-floor carpeting and plenty of natural light. Communal spaces include a greenhouse, fireside living room and pub. In the dining room, neighbors can gather around meals, including Maui burgers and strawberry mousse parfaits.
Residents and families appreciate the informative, caring staff. One writes, "[My mother's] care has been top notch and they keep us informed extremely well. Lots of activities for the residents and there is a genuine caring nature from everyone there. Couldn't ask for a better community for mom."
The Village at Mission is a rental retirement community that encourages independence among memory care residents. This community offers room options ideal for memory care residents who require higher levels of convenience and access to constant support. Residents can enjoy a sense of community while socializing in common areas and participating in daily fitness, learning, creative, social and spiritual activities. Activities for memory care residents are designed to help them maximize their capabilities and encourage living as independently as possible while assistance is always readily available. Individualized care plans are created based on the resident's interests and preferences while maintaining the structure and routine needed to increase comfort and reduce confusion.
Residents love the friendly and caring staff and the fun activities provided. One reviewer says, "I am also impressed with the exceptional quality of care as well as the many activities provided to make living there a pleasant experience! The atmosphere is elegant, warm and inviting, creating a wonderful feeling of home and family!"