Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Centennial’s senior population continues to grow (11% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Centennial, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 61% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 34%, 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% in Centennial 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 Centennial. 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 Centennial, 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:
Highline Place is a care community for older adults living with memory loss and related cognitive conditions. Residents receive personalized support services in an environment that encourages their individuality, with caregivers ensuring that they routinely take their medications, address hygiene and restroom needs and stay hydrated. This maintenance-free lifestyle includes meal services and routine medical supervision. Residents have several on-campus areas to relax and unwind, while kept secure by a state-of-the-art Vigil real-time alert and silent alarm reporting systems. Highline Place provides cognitive and social activities, and it often hosts visits with schools, libraries, community centers and local businesses.
Residents describe Highline Place as a welcoming and caring environment. A resident's child says, "After a few weeks of adjustment, she's making new friends and has received the best of care from the group of committed, attentive and loving caregivers! We couldn't be happier with Highline Place as her new home and thank everyone there for loving her like family!
Brookdale Lowry is a senior community providing specialized memory care services via its Clare Bridge program. This community is a secure environment where residents can roam freely while protected by anti-wandering systems. Residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible while caregivers remind and help them to bathe, brush their teeth, use the restroom, take their medications and eat and drink regularly. The caregivers have specialized training so they're equipped to soothe residents during moments of frustration and determine what they need. Brookdale Lowry offers a variety of enrichment activities, such as puzzles, games and sensory stimulation exercises that help to delay further cognitive decline and encourage socialization. Loved ones can furnish each resident's room with personal furniture and cherished items. Everyone living in the community receives chef-prepared meals at routine times.
Reviewers speak positively about the services and staff members at Brookdale Lowry. A resident's daughter says, "Once again, I want to thank you and the entire staff at Brookdale Lowry for absolutely everything. You have a remarkable, caring staff and I appreciate each and every one of you."
Conveniently located next to a beautiful park in a residential neighborhood, Harvard Square Retirement & Memory Care is right across the street from a Kaiser Permanente hospital and less than 10 minutes from The Medical Center of Aurora. This community's The Rhythm of the Day Memory Care Program creates a sense of harmony and security for seniors with cognitive impairments through structured and steady daily routines that promote social engagement, sensory stimulation and personal reminiscence. Residents live in a secure neighborhood with an emergency alert system to ensure safety. Housekeeping, laundry and linen services are available. The highly trained caregivers are available 24/7 to provide medication management and continence care and help with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and grooming. A team of nurses offers specialized medical care, including oxygen therapy, catheter operation and CPAP therapy.
Family members love the caring staff and well-designed activities. A resident's son writes, "The staff at the memory care facility are kind, patient and caring. There are numerous daily activities that allow the residents to be social and make it feel like home. We are very happy with Harvard Square and would offer it our highest recommendation."
Sunrise at Orchard provides individualized care in the heart of Littleton, Colorado. It features two distinct neighborhoods tailored for residents at every stage of memory loss, so those living with Alzheimer's and related dementias receive highly specialized care. Both feature a dedicated around-the-clock team to assist with personal care and the activities of daily living. Terrace Club, which is for those with early to moderate memory loss, features a structured schedule of research-backed programs each day. Residents participate in memory support programs to strengthen their cognitive abilities, practice home and life skills through family-oriented activities, attend resident support groups and try occupation-based activities to reinforce their identities. The Reminiscence program, which is for those in the later stages of memory loss, features an easy-to-navigate neighborhood with designated life enrichment managers for every resident, multisensory experiences, cognitive programming, art projects, puzzles and crafts.
Visiting family members value the compassionate team. "The staff is wonderful!! My mom can be a bit of a challenge, but they are so great with her," says one relative. "They have great communication. Mom was briefly at another assisted living, and it was not a good experience. Sunrise is night and day compared to them."
Montage Hills is a family-owned and operated senior living community, which lends to its people-centric mission and allows for a very nurturing environment for its memory care residents. As a Generations community, the focus is on creating meaningful relationships with each resident and offering a sense of family through the Positive Approach. This holistic program covers everything from open design concepts for easy navigation to regular outdoor time in designated spaces. Personalized daily activities keep residents stimulated and engaged, and caregivers emphasize upholding strong relationships between family members. Amenities include private walking paths, a 24-hour emergency call system, chef-prepared meals and religious services. Frequent live entertainment helps seniors socialize, while daily games and exercises keep their minds and bodies healthy.
Family members appreciate the enriching sense of community at Montage Hills as well as the dedication of care from staff. One family member says, "We are so pleased with the level of care, team members and medical caregivers at Montage Hills. Communication is thoughtful, activities are well organized and appealing to all, My mother is so lucky to live here."
Brookdale Greenwood Village is located just south of Denver, so residents and their loved ones have easy access to medical support. Its Clare Bridge neighborhood is designed for seniors living with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss. The community is easy to navigate with exterior doors locked 24/7, keypad entry and doorbells to monitor who enters and exits. Caregivers are highly trained in dementia care and are always available to support residents. From bathing and dressing to dining, walking and medication, staff assists seniors through individualized care plans that take their interests and preferences into account. Evidence-based activities help residents strengthen their cognitive abilities and do what they love. Options include dance classes, brain games, journaling, sharing stories, creative activities, fitness programs and trips to local attractions.
Loved ones praise the dedicated team. "I am just blown away by this facility's staff and their ability to work as a team to get things done," says one reviewer. "This is the first time I've experienced a true concierge-level service to have all those things done for me. I can't tell everyone enough the positive experience."
Sunrise at Cherry Creek provides specialized memory care in the heart of Denver, Colorado. Its Reminiscence neighborhood is purposefully designed for seniors living with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Within this secure, easy-to-navigate neighborhood, residents receive individualized support 24/7. Each resident is paired with a life enrichment manager who learns their personal needs and preferences to deliver customized care whenever it's needed, including support with tasks such as grooming, bathing, getting dressed, eating, socializing and managing medications. Using validation therapy, staff asks open-ended questions, rephrases and puts full focus on the resident. Memory-focused activities range from cognitive programs, art projects, puzzles and crafts to intergenerational mentoring, multisensory experiences, exercise classes and outings, so residents can strengthen cognitive abilities and stay active while mastering new skills. Meals are prepared from scratch by the staff chef, so seniors can experience well-balanced dining.
Loved ones appreciate the supportive team. "We were most impressed by the genuine caring of the staff. My mother-in-law became part of their family and she part of theirs," says one reviewer. "We felt comfortable she was in good hands. We also appreciated very much that she was able to age in place."
Located in the heart of Denver, Colorado, Brookdale Parkplace provides a full spectrum of senior living options on one campus, including specialized memory care for those living with Alzheimer's and related dementias. Evidence-based Clare Bridge programming ensures that every resident receives the support and assistance they need 24 hours. Highly trained staff members help with daily tasks such as bathing, walking and medication management while helping residents maintain their abilities and feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Engaging activities are tailored for every stage of memory loss and feature options such as games, dancing, gardening, crafting, multisensory experiences, exercise programs, art and dance classes and off-site excursions. Clare Bridge is secured 24/7 with keypad entry, enclosed courtyards and doorbells to monitor who enters and exits. Dining features dementia-friendly menus with a variety of fresh choices crafted around dietary needs.
Family members are impressed by the diverse programming and attentive care at Brookdale Parkplace. "We are very happy with the care provided at Brookdale Parkplace," says one reviewer, ". Parkplace has done a wonderful job of following all the state-issued guidelines to keep my mother safe."
Springbrooke Senior Living offers a personalized approach to senior living within a short drive from most central Denver communities. Its memory care neighborhood, known as The Lane, has its own activity director trained in assisting those living with memory loss. Tailored activities can include educational presentations, exercise classes, craft sessions and outings to local parks. The staff maintains a watchful presence and takes the time to get to know each resident individually. Available public spaces include a billiards room, a fully stocked library, two fitness centers and a full-service beauty salon and barbershop. Spacious grounds with walking paths are available. Residents receive three chef-prepared meals daily.
Reviewers appreciated the friendly and welcoming staff. One family member says, "The staff seemed very interested and compassionate. I have found them very responsive. The owners actually come to Springbrooke on a regular basis. They show up, they walk around and they talk to the residents. That is the thing that makes it superior."
Juniper Village at Aurora offers various levels of Alzheimer's care and dementia care, with a certified 24/7 nursing staff that helps residents maintain their social skills and provides assistance with meal preparation and activities of daily living. Memory care activities emphasize creativity, especially music and art, and the community encourages unrestricted strolling and exploration of its outdoor walks, gardens and shady resting spots. Juniper Village is committed to the small home approach in memory care, which studies show helps promote social engagement, mastery, choice and happiness within individuals living with dementia and cognitive impairment.
Those who have visited the community have nothing but praise for the staff. One family member states, "Juniper is a blessing to us. The staff is amazing, incredibly patient, caring and treats residents like family. They take the time to get to know them."
Situated in a quiet neighborhood just outside of Denver, the professional staff of Sunrise at Pinehurst are trained to support seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's. The secure memory care unit has staff available 24/7, and the community is recognized by the Alzheimer's Association for utilizing evidence-based Dementia Care Practice Recommendations. The community's Life Enrichment Managers are trained in Validation Therapy. In addition to mediation management and skilled nursing, Sunrise at Pinehurst also offers housekeeping, meal preparation, personal grooming and laundry services. Games, music, fitness classes and religious services are available.
Residents and their families praise the nursing staff. One reviewer states, "The helpful nurses at Sunrise at Pinehurst have been patient and amazing as they have helped me transfer my mother from out of state. They know I am overwhelmed, and they have explained everything every step of the way."
The Ridge Pinehurst provides memory care according to the Montessori Approach for Dementia. This unique philosophy recognizes the preferences, abilities and needs of all residents and gives them as much power to make choices and be independent individuals as possible. Staff members work closely with residents and their families to design individual care plans to make sure that personal care needs and medication are managed well. Seniors can then enjoy the wide variety of programming the community has to offer. This includes FUNctional Fitness classes, Montessori Morning Chats, ice cream socials, movies, Eldergrow classes and musical entertainment. Spa days and craft sessions round out the calendar. The community's comfortable common areas provide plenty of space for activities and socialization, and they are tastefully decorated. The Ridge Pinehurst is a pet-friendly community.
Residents and their families rave about the excellent care provided by The Ridge Pinehurst. "Memory Care is very well designed to keep the residents safe while still allowing them a feeling of freedom, security, privacy and community," one reviewer notes. Her mother loves the relaxing atmosphere, supportive staff and special treats. She is "happy and secure" in this community.
At Atria Englewood, the staff takes a whole-person approach to memory care providing round-the-clock support with basic daily activities from staff extensively trained to work with dementia patients. Memory care residents live in a structured, secure setting designed to maximize safety. Each private studio apartment boasts an electronic key-card lock, and it comes with housekeeping, mobility staff, and on-site medication and health management supervised by physicians and nurse practitioners. For those patients with specific dietary requirements, staff assist with monitoring meals. Events and activities are tailored to suit residents' interests and needs. The private dining room is available to family and friends, and a comprehensive family support program is offered.
Residents and families are routinely impressed by the welcoming staff and modern facilities at Atria Englewood. One reviewer describes it as "a beautiful place inside and out! [T]he community itself is gorgeous, however, what is more important for my family is the culture found within. Everyone is not only professional, but human. You can tell that they truly care about making sure our family finds comfort during such an emotional time in our lives."
Brookdale Pinehurst Park uses the Clare Bridge Daily Path program to assist older adults living with dementia. Customized care plan help residents maintain past interests and current skills, while meeting their needs in a secure facility that consists of four neighborhoods. Every day, residents take part in six pre-planned programs that include household tasks, cooking and gardening. Daily routines are created for each resident to give them a sense of familiarity, and seniors can enjoy a varied menu of three meals a day cooked on-site. Trained, certified staff members who participate in continuing education are on-site 24/7 to assist with personal or medical needs.
Friends and family of residents appreciate the kind staff, good food and active and beautiful community. One family member says, "Brookdale is an excellent community. The people are wonderful. They would talk; they would listen. It's excellent care. The community is amazing. I have referred some people here."
Residents with dementia receive quality care at the Cottage, which is the memory care unit of Legacy Village of Castle Pines. The community's licensed, well-trained staff ensure residents are safe and following their nutritional and medical regimens. Staff members also assist in daily tasks such as bathing, eating and walking. Apartment studios are equipped with safety features, including keypads, grab bars and a 24/7 emergency call system. The community actively involves its residents in daily activities to keep them in shape, physically and mentally.
Residents and their families commend the community's capacity for treating those in memory care like family. One family member says, "My parents love the 'Personal Touch' philosophy: caregivers make a point of touching the residents via holding hands with them, rubbing their back, placing a hand on their shoulder or giving a hug. [My parents] constantly tell me how much they love living there. Best of all, I am back to being a daughter again, not a part-time caregiver."
Belleview Heights is a luxury memory care community specializing in treating seniors diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer's or any memory loss disease. Its comprehensive memory care program aims to help residents reach the six pillars of wellness via a combination of person-centered care, its Life Enrichment Program and the Sunshine Wellness Program, which is rooted in Montessori methodology. A nurse is always accessible for medical care, and staff ratios are carefully monitored with six caregivers available during the daytime hours. Supervised outings to local shops and activities are planned monthly for memory care residents, and community rooms with fireplaces and an outdoor courtyard keep residents busy and engaged with daily life. Three chef-prepared meals are served daily, with assistance provided as needed. Family members can also partake in educational programs and support groups provided by Belleview Heights.
Many reviewers speak highly of Belleview Heights, with one reviewer noting, "Belleview Heights was a very nice facility. The people were friendly and knowledgeable They had a lot of mind games, exercise programs and they make sure every resident was involved in their community. It was also very clean."
Willowbrook Place is dedicated exclusively to providing person-centered memory care in a secure community. The Vigil alert system ensures residents' safety, and staff members provide 24-hour supervision, support and guidance. Each resident receives a customized care plan that is reviewed every three months to account for changes in needs and abilities. Personal care and medication management top the list of services, and physician, podiatry and specialized nursing appointments are available on-site. Activities keep seniors with memory loss as engaged and active as possible. The It's Never 2 Late program uses technology to help residents learn, relax and interact with loved ones. The Better Together program connects seniors with young people and the larger community. The community's common areas are specially designed for safety and a sense of freedom.
A reviewer whose mother is a resident exclaims over the community's caring staff and excellent atmosphere. "All of the staff love working with the residents and are very friendly, helpful, respectful and kind," she says, and the community is "a beautiful, calm, clean, safe environment." She feels relieved that her mother is "in amazing hands."