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 Carmel’s senior population continues to grow (37.43% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Carmel, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 24.4% between 2013 and 2018, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly higher than the rest of the nation (6.9% in Carmel 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 Carmel. 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 Carmel, 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:
As a senior living community, Allisonville Meadows Assisted Living provides a variety of services and amenities for residents, offering additional support as needs change. The community helps residents transition into the community's skilled nursing, long-term care and memory support services when necessary. Located conveniently in Fishers and easily accessible to I-69 and I-465, the community lies minutes from Community North Hospital and the Castleton Mall shopping area. With transportation provided, it helps residents enjoy the company of neighbors with multiple planned activities, including shopping and social outings. Its restaurant-style dining room is available throughout the day, as are the on-site media and game rooms, a library and theater. The memory care neighborhoods provide a safe and comfortable residential environment for those in the early to middle stages of Alzheimers and dementia. Utilizing a uniquely structured program, each neighborhood customizes its care according to the residents' strengths and needs.
One family member says this: "Overall, their programs, activities, the layout of the facility and the staff have been outstanding. They have different craft activities, they have a vehicle that will take them out on Wednesdays to do different errands they want to do, they have church activities that come in (and) they have a salon on-site."
With its many amenities and innovative programming, Anthology of Meridian Hills has created a unique senior living experience for retirees in Indianapolis. The community offers comprehensive care services, including a dedicated memory care neighborhood that's thoughtfully designed with features to support the needs of residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. Memory displays are set outside of each resident's room to provide a sense of familiarity. Its signature programs address the six dimensions of wellness to ensure seniors are active and empowered, including Fit Minds cognitive stimulation therapy and iN2L person-centered engagement technology. Each day, a variety of purposeful social, cultural and recreational activities are arranged that serve residents' minds, bodies and spirits. Scheduled transportation is available to take residents to local hot spots such as The Fashion Mall at Keystone, Hollyhock Hill restaurant and Coopers Hawk Winery.
People love Anthology of Meridian Hills' focus on community and connection, and "the compassion, care, kindness, patience and professionalism of the staff." One woman shares that, "staff was patient with my mom and got to know her in a personal way which allowed them to relay funny or wonderful anecdotes; the personal care my mom received was excellent and respectful."
Bickford of Carmel focuses on life enrichment and specialized dementia programs to enhance residents' overall wellness and abilities. Care plans are designed according to individual needs, and staff members arrange activities such as pet therapy, live performances and student visits to match interests and hobbies. Bickford, which has community-owned pets, allows pet lovers to keep a companion in their private residence and offers assistance with feeding, cleaning and walking duties. Three meals are served daily in a beautifully decorated dining space, and the nutritious menu features delicious food made from scratch using fresh, high-quality ingredients by a professional chef and culinary team. The community partners with chaplains to provide regular church services and spiritual support. Transportation to scheduled appointments is available, and the management hosts frequent group trips to local sites, events and restaurants.
Seniors at Bickford of Carmel praise its friendly atmosphere. A resident's daughter notes, "The move to the Bickford has been a positive experience for my mother. She is making a lot of new friends and joining in all of the activities that they have available. She loves that she can go out of her room and talk to people."
Brookdale Carmel provides compassionate memory care services for seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Its unique Clare Bridge program utilizes the latest research to create an evidence-based approach to provide state-of-the-art care for those with dementia and their loved ones. The Clare Bridge Daily Path features a gentle daily structure with six planned programs each day. This routine helps residents preserve cognitive functions while preventing isolation. Residents work in small cluster groups with those who have the same cognitive abilities and participate in activities like art classes, book clubs, yoga and daily devotional services. The community also promotes connections through InTouch at Brookdale, an innovative program with intuitively designed touch-screen computers with picture-screen prompts. The community also has a dementia-friendly dining program with varied menu offerings, personal dining assistance and preselected seating in small dining rooms.
Numerous reviewers mention the care and attention provided by the staff at this community, including one who said, "We had a great experience here during what is for all families a very difficult time. As others have mentioned, it is well organized and well run and the nursing staff we worked with were caring and top-notch."
Located on the outskirts of Indianapolis and just minutes from St. Vincents hospital, Carmel Senior Living provides residents with safe and inviting accommodations. Caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with activities of daily living, including housekeeping, mobility and grooming. The communitys Montessori-based care plan uses sensory activities to boost memory and cognitive ability. Additionally, staff members encourage residents to participate in activities and to develop hobbies that best meet their interests and abilities, such as happy hour in Sky Lounge, movie night, fitness classes, gardening and computer lessons. Residents can also spend time in the secure outdoor courtyard with a gazebo, walking paths and plenty of seating. Three nutrition-based meals are served daily in the large dining room and flexible meal plans are available.
Residents are pleased with the personalized care they receive. One family member stated "I am very happy with the care my mother has received at Carmel Senior Living, both in Assisted Living and Memory Care. Although my mother can be difficult, staff has consistently been kind and patient with her staff notices and attends to patient needs and communicates with me.
Forum at the Crossing provides a community for seniors, with services tailored for what each resident needs. With a spacious activity center, numerous social and recreational events, restaurant-style dining, a full-service barber and beauty salon, all residents' needs are met. Not only is medical support provided, but residents are also encouraged to interact socially, stay intellectually stimulated, stay emotionally connected and connect spiritually. The community's award-winning memory care program offers a safe and nurturing environment for seniors living with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. Along with tailored medical resources, team members specializing in memory care help residents stay engaged, providing social outings, exercise classes, in-house religious services and 24-hour emergency response. The community also offers an on-site beauty salon and barbershop to help keep residents looking good and happy hours to encourage age appropriate socialization.
What one family member says, "My grandfather moved here last year, and our family has been nothing but pleased with the attention and service of the staff here at the Forum. On top of this, the food is absolutely delicious! An on-staff chef makes fresh, top-notch meals. On-site physicians, grooming services, and even a small store make this a fantastic option for seniors."
Grand Brook Memory Care of Fishers is located in a quiet, residential area 20 miles northeast of downtown Indianapolis. This close-knit memory care community is located next door to Fishers Junior High School and is less than 6 miles from IU Saxony Hospital. Residents enjoy the plethora of amenities and activities available at Grand Brook. Staff creates personalized care plans with the input of residents and their loved ones, which may include medication management, lab tests, therapy and other health monitoring services. Nurses specially trained in dementia care are on-site 24/7 for greater peace of mind. Seniors live in two residential-style homes separated by a central courtyard featuring garden and park areas. Residents can also benefit from the center's salon, chapel and cafe.
Residents appreciate the look and feel of Grand Brook. "It's very inviting and when you walk in the front door the decor is very pleasing. It doesn't look like a hotel, which I think a lot of other communities look like. It's very homey and well-appointed in terms of the decor. It just stood out among the ones that I've looked at. The staff is wonderful," one family member said.
Magnolia Springs Bridgewater is a senior community that centers on celebrating residents' lives, concentrating on each person's interests and skills to plan enjoyable activities, outings and events. The community's nationally recognized memory care program embraces residents with Alzheimers or dementia, encouraging family participation and hosting support group meetings to assist loved ones with understanding these conditions. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, the formal dining room provides ambiance with classy décor that includes a fireplace and aquarium. At the same time, its Bistro Café offers lighter options with a variety of soups, salads, sandwiches and desserts. A bar and lounge provide a social environment with an on-site health club, hair salon and spa to keep residents looking good. For those wishing to keep intellectually engaged, the community has a media center, library and game room, and the theater room features movies every night.
One resident says: "Magnolia Springs exceeds all my expectations. Staff and residents are friendly, and staff all seem to go the extra extent to assist." A family member mentioned, "The perfect place for my Mom. We visited several memory care facilities (but) Magnolia Springs was the only one that met our high expectations. The staff is very caring and attentive."
Magnolia Springs SouthPointe has a quiet park-like setting and is situated near Franciscan Health Indianapolis and Interstate 65. This Life Care Services community boasts plenty of amenities that indulge residents in their lifestyles of choice. Theres a health club, salon and spa, game room and movie theater for wellness and recreational activities, as well as a spiritual center for worship services. In addition to landscaped grounds with walking paths and a shuffleboard, the facilitys sunrooms and four seasons room offer relaxing spaces for outdoor appreciation. Residents can socialize over meals and drinks at the formal dining room, bistro/cafe and bar and lounge. The community's Heartfelt CONNECTIONS program benefits Memory Way residents with person-centered care based on their unique life stories. This program utilizes customized reminiscence tools and techniques that focus on each residents remaining memories and abilities.
People commend the resilience and compassion demonstrated by Magnolia Springs SouthPointe during difficult times. A residents son writes, "There could be no better place for my mom to be during this pandemic. The staff goes above and beyond in creative activities and keeping the staff up to date day by day. The fact that my mom feels secure is priceless.
Rittenhouse Village at Northside provides seniors with a stress-free lifestyle and includes a dedicated team of professionals available to help care for residents 24 hours per day. Its memory care community offers living options to help those facing challenges due to dementia and related conditions. Through ongoing education and specialized training. its nurses and certified nurse assistants help design memory care programs to rebuild and preserve important life skills. Team members encourage residents' independence, helping to provide them with greater confidence through encouraging active participation in activities, including through promoting socializing, spiritual welfare, physical exercise and intellectually stimulating activity. Healthy meals are served in a calm and quiet environment to allow residents to focus on eating, with specific meals provided for those who tend to wander. Non-competitive, and age-appropriate activities are presented to focus residents' abilities. These activities are organized for small groups or on a one-to-one basis.
One family member says: "We chose Rittenhouse for my brother. We liked that it was all inclusive and seemed like a very good place They have different activities like exercises in the morning, bingo, and checkers. They serve popcorn in the afternoon and snacks, as well. The staff is very helpful and easy to work with."
Robin Run Village is situated in Pike Township in northwest Indianapolis and is easily accessible via Interstate 465. Memory care residents benefit from a person-centered approach to care and a daily path of engagement that gives them a sense of purpose, dignity and security. This Brookdale continuing care retirement community shares the same campus as Robin Run Health Center, allowing a smooth transition for residents in need of skilled nursing care in the future. The 86-acre campus features a fishing pond, greenhouse and secured courtyards, and this pet-friendly community has its own chapel, fitness center, indoor pool, salon/barbershop and on-site banking services. There are guest suites for visiting loved ones, and the restaurant-style dining rooms, cafe/bistro, coffee and snack shops offer plenty of menu choices. Activities include arts and crafts, games and community excursions.
Families appreciate Robin Run Village for its continuum of care. A resident couples loved one shares, "My stepfather had early Alzheimer's when they first moved to their independent living apartment Eventually he moved to Clare Bridge (memory care) Mom was able to see him every day Robin Run provided a rich and comfortable environment for which I am grateful.
Rose Senior Living at Carmel gives seniors the comfort of aging in place through three levels of care: memory care, independent living and assisted living. Caregivers are highly trained in geriatric services, and the community has a robust variety of apartment styles. Care plans are designed to meet each residents' individual needs and include social, spiritual and emotional events to enhance overall wellness and enjoyment. The premier senior living community features many on-site amenities such as a studio theater, penthouse party room and salon and spa center. Beautifully designed outdoor areas invite nature lovers and walking enthusiasts to explore landscaped paths, gazebos, a stocked pond and rooftop garden terrace. Activity plans and boutique-style dining menus are prepared daily by dedicated staff members, and meals are crafted using fresh ingredients obtained from local businesses.
Family members are impressed with the cleanliness and delicious food served at Rose Senior Living at Carmel. One resident's daughter notes "It's very modern, really pretty, new, clean, and not overcrowded. Everybody knows everybody. It's a small community, and it's a friendly place. The food always looks good. Their chef is good."
Sugar Fork Crossing provides individualized senior memory care services in a modern, vibrant community that's specially equipped for residents with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Resident-submitted recipes are prepared daily by on-site chefs who utilize locally sourced ingredients in their breakfast, lunch and dinner preparations. A theater and art studio allows like-minded residents to socialize together daily, while scheduled monthly fitness, educational and lifestyle programs expose seniors to new ways of keeping as mentally and physically fit as possible. 24/7 care from trained staff members ensures that seniors receive the bathing, dressing and electronic medication management services they need to live a more maintenance-free lifestyle. Small pets are welcomed in Sugar Fork Crossing's private and shared resident accommodations.
Reviewers say that Sugar Fork Crossing provides excellent care. One states, "Sugar Fork Crossing was gorgeous, clean, and very well laid out. Their food was wonderful. The staff was wonderful too. Everybody right down to the chef and the maintenance man, they were all right there. They bent over backward for me and took care of Mom for five days in respite care while my husband was in surgery."
Sunrise on Old Meridian is a continuing care community that specializes in providing independent living, assisted living and memory care services for seniors. It has a dynamic person-centered memory care program that focuses on fostering a safe, familiar and stimulating environment. Its Reminiscence neighborhood features resident suites near living and dining areas to encourage independent navigation. The memory care team recognizes that each resident handles memory loss uniquely, and they are specially trained to recognize residents' individual needs and preferences. The community offers the Terrace Club program for seniors who are in the early stages of dementia and don't need as high a level of structure and care. This program offers some guidance for those who need gentle prompts to carry out activities such as personal care and eating. In this environment, residents participate in regular social interactions and activities that promote cognitive health.
Many reviewers who have aging loved ones in this community speak highly of the care provided. One reviewer said, "What a wonderful place to have your aging parent live! Lots of special touches. The staff bends over backwards to be welcoming and accommodating. We have felt very comfortable having my Dad here!"
The Barrington of Carmel is a senior retirement community that encourages residents to live healthy, active and independent lifestyles while providing social activities, services and amenities to enhance their lives. It guarantees seniors residing in its independent living apartments access to on-site assisted living, memory support and skilled nursing care should their requirements change. The community provides compassionate and progressive memory care, with a team of certified professionals working with families to create an environment that respects and honors each resident's unique story. Along with offering residents meaningful engagement in their own familiar, comfortable and secure space, the memory support services include team members trained to work with residents with Alzheimer's, other forms of dementia and memory loss, as well as custom musical playlists curated for residents. The community also offers 24/7 supervised care, three daily meals, housekeeping, personal laundry services, and an on-site beauty salon.
One resident says: "My wife and I continue to be impressed with the facilities, programs and staff. The continual variety of excellent service and interaction among residents is stimulating and rewarding." Another resident states: "I have many new friends and have enjoyed learning a host of new activities. The staff is very caring and supportive!"
The Hearth at Windermere is an assisted living and memory care community thats driven by its goal of enriching seniors lives. It provides luxurious living spaces, quality services and world-class amenities in a thoughtfully designed environment that promotes physical, mental, spiritual and emotional growth. Memory care plans are customized according to individual needs, and regular assessments are carried out to ensure that services are appropriate to the level of care needed. Support services are inclusive of nutritional counseling, escort and transfer assistance, incontinence care and access to round-the-clock nursing care. Active, healthy living is encouraged through wellness and exercise programs, and a myriad of recreation and entertainment options. Days are well spent playing card games in the activity center, watching TV in the comfortable lounge or enjoying a good book in the well-stocked library.
Visitors love participating in community activities and observe how active their loved ones are. The staff gets praised for its counseling skills and helping families make the right decisions. "Beautiful facility with wonderful care! The staff are caring, kind and always have a smile on their faces, says a reviewer. Residents also like the bright dining area and the lovely outdoor areas.
The Stratford is a continuing care community offering luxurious amenities and beautifully designed apartments of varying styles. At its memory care neighborhood, the Reflections, residents feel comfortable in a stress-free, nurturing environment with dementia-specific features, such as bright living spaces, maneuverable floor plans and secure entrances. Residents are cared for by a team of certified dementia practitioners who are specially trained to handle challenging behaviors, recognize symptoms and respond to individual needs. Person-centered programming is focused on wellness, mental and social engagement, and personalized plans are designed to optimize care, minimize stress and foster a sense of purpose. Residents participate in mental stimulation exercises that promote reasoning and information processing. The Stratfords on-site dietitian customizes meal plans according to individual nutritional needs, and families are welcome to join their loved ones in the private dining room.
Families love how the team strives to create positive experiences for residents. "My father lived at The Stratford for over 9 1/2 years until he passed away. He enjoyed it so much and he felt that he had a great quality of life there, says a reviewer. The community is recommended for its beautiful setting, first-rate amenities and spacious rooms.
Traditions at North Willow is a resort-style retirement community featuring luxurious amenities and upscale dining. Classic favorites and modern dishes are prepared by trained chefs and served in the restaurant-style dining room or delivered through room service. Snacks and all-day breakfast are available at a casual dining cafe, and cocktails are served each day at happy hour. A movie theater, salon, fitness center and chapel are also available. Care plans can be personalized depending on the needs of each resident and can include medication management, mobility assistance and help with daily activities. Nurses are available around the clock, and all memory care staff undergo Certified Dementia Practitioner Training, the gold standard in memory loss education.
Caregivers are lauded for being compassionate and attentive. "The staff is outstanding. There is genuine affection and concern for my mother. The communication is excellent," said one. "The staff is very attentive at Traditions @ North Willow, the medical team, PT dept, activity director, dining room, and housekeeping all make the residents feel they are important," said another.
Traditions at Solana is a resort-style retirement community featuring a variety of upscale amenities. The large yard has gardens, sitting areas and walking paths with picturesque views of the adjacent White River. Residents can participate in exercise classes in the gym or devotional services in the chapel. A theater, a computer lab and a beauty salon are also available. Expert chefs use fresh ingredients to prepare vibrant and classic meals that can be enjoyed in the restaurant-style dining room or delivered via room service. The innovative memory care program employs Behavior-Based Ergonomics Therapy, an award-winning approach shown to reduce agitation and depression in seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. The specialized memory care neighborhood is staffed around the clock by certified dementia practitioners.
Reviewers applaud the range of amenities. "The community is BEAUTIFUL. The staff really care about the residents. Always activities, entertainment and great food. Mom has laughed so much since making Traditions at Solana her home. She has made many great friends. The nursing staff, housekeeping staff and dietary staff along with the management staff go the extra mile," said one family member.
With beautifully maintained grounds and comfortable common spaces and apartments, Willow Lake Place provides memory care services with dignity and compassion. It has a full-time licensed nurse who's available 24 hours per day to provide care coordination and clinical oversight. Outdoors, residents enjoy socializing with friends and family on the wrap-around porch, participating in one of the community's walking clubs or gardening in the courtyard. Inside, residents find activities such as Candy Bar Bingo and Crazy for Crossword to keep them busy. For residents' convenience, the community has an on-site full-service hair salon, and scheduled transportation is available for errands. In addition to well-appointed common spaces, this community has comfortable luxury apartments for relaxing and enjoying time alone. All bedrooms and bathrooms have emergency call systems that are linked to caregivers' pagers, and housekeeping and laundry services are provided on a weekly basis for a clean, comfortable environment.
Many residents and visitors note the community's clean, well-kept atmosphere, including one reviewer who said, "The clean lawn and building appearance caught my attention. The cozy home-like environment flows through the building. The Appearance is what drew me in, but the teamwork and team planning kept me."