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 Coeur D'Alene’s senior population continues to grow (29.36% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Coeur D'Alene, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by 5.26% 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 lower than the rest of the nation (3.16% in Coeur D'Alene 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 Coeur D'Alene. 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 Coeur D'Alene, 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:
Classy Retreat in Spokane, WA, provides a continuum of care for seniors that includes assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing care. Adult day care services are also available. Located conveniently along I-90 near Highway 2, the community is close to Spokane attractions, such as Riverfront Park, the John A. Fitch Arboretum and the Northwest Museum of Arts and Artifacts. Seniors can visit these sites on day trips with visitors. This RN-owned facility hires licensed caregivers, including nurses, to help seniors with the activities of daily living while encouraging residents to maintain their independence. Some staff members have advanced training in dementia and mental health care. Social, musical and recreational activities, as well as scheduled off-site trips, provide opportunities for residents to socialize and have fun.
Out of all the different homes that my loved one and I toured, this one was definitely the best. Since my dad moved in he seems to love the food and has made friends with the other residents, one reviewer wrote. Another visitor liked the orderly environment and stated, "The place was clean, tidy, and felt happy."
Colonial Court is a modern four-wing facility offering assisted living and memory care, with one wing dedicated to the care of residents affected by Alzheimers. A fully trained staff, including registered and licensed practical nurses, is available 24/7 to provide individualized care to ensure the physical, emotional and spiritual well-being of each resident. Daily activities are arranged, such as arts and crafts, and there are large common areas where residents can play games and socialize with their peers. Movies and sporting events are shown on a big screen, and there is a 125-gallon aquarium to keep residents entertained. Outdoor activities are held in the gardens with a courtyard, walking areas and beautiful views of the local landscape.
Reviewers praise Colonial Court for its helpful and accommodating staff. A relative of one resident writes, "They are very compassionate and very caring people We have been very pleased with the care of my father Sanitation wise, I have no complaints. They are clean. It is not necessarily a lockdown facility, but they are monitored, so if they go out the door, they are alerted right away.
As part of the Koelsch Communities, Creekside Inn Memory Care Community benefits from the groups extensive experience in senior housing and memory care. A professional team of dementia caregivers and registered nurses are specially trained to handle varying stages of memory loss, from mild to more advanced cases needing one-on-one interaction. Life enrichment activities, such as live entertainment, baking, exercises, pet therapy and intergenerational programs, help promote self-worth, develop friendships and preserve mental and physical health. With help from family members, the Koelsch Music program creates individualized playlists based on residents personal music history and preferences, bringing back happy memories and soothing the mind. Family involvement is also encouraged at regular events, as well as presentations from local health providers and specialists.
Families are assured that their loved ones are properly cared for, with one saying, "But to know that my dad is loved and cared for from the deepest part of the employees' hearts, helps me sleep at night. While the positive reviews are largely focused on the compassionate, knowledgeable staff, they also mention the bright, clean surroundings and engaging activities.
Guardian Angel Homes is situated off Interstate 90 in Post Falls, Idaho, conveniently located about a mile from downtown and alongside specialty clinics and other medical facilities, including Northwest Specialty Hospital and Northern Idaho Advanced Care Hospital. In this retirement community, four of the five two-story residential buildings are smaller homes that have ground-floor assisted living and memory care suites. The entire campus is completely fenced and equipped with state-of-the-art security systems, allowing memory care residents to safely wander around the landscaped grounds. Theres an on-site greenhouse for light gardening, and the wheelchair-accessible Guardian Angel Express van transports the residents during outings. The facility offers individualized care services, life enrichment activities and coordination of therapy and hospice services with professional providers, as well as monthly support groups for families. The facilitys website features the Family Connect online portal, keeping family members updated on their loved ones vitals, medications, insurance and other essential information.
Relatives love the genuine caring staff and supportive atmosphere of Guardian Angel Homes. A resident couples daughter shares, "Both parents [have been] in GAH [for] several years. [Staff provide] loving care for our loved one with Alzheimer's. We see them daily getting amazing, knowledgeable, tender care. Highly recommend.
Pacifica Senior Living Coeur dAlene is a thoughtfully designed community that provides different levels of care, from assisted living to various stages of memory care. Its Legacies memory care program offers a caring, supportive environment in a secured community with expansive grounds and comfortable private or shared accommodations. Caregivers are certified in Alzheimers and dementia care and provide around-the-clock personalized assistance and programs that meet residents unique cognitive, social and physical needs. Care plans are adjusted accordingly as cognitive conditions progress. The Music and Memory program helps to stimulate the mind, evoke memories and enhance cognitive function by encouraging residents to listen to personalized playlists. The facilitys location provides convenient access to health care services and leisure opportunities.
High ratings go to the facilitys compassionate, helpful staff and how they go above their duties. "Moms new to Pacifica and so far, so good. They will work with you if there's any problem. Nice that mom has her own room, says a satisfied family member. Reviewers also like the homelike atmosphere with spacious landscaped yard and comfortable sitting areas.
Located in Spokane, WA, Sunshine Health Facilities is nearby several attractions that may be of interest to seniors and their visitors, including the Jundt Art Museum, Mobius Science Center and the SkyRide with scenic views of the city. Dedicated staff members provide 24-hour care, and an in-house ARNP offers primary care as needed. A licensed nurse is also on hand at all times, and residents enjoy three chef-prepared meals that take special diets into account. Residents can receive specialized dementia care that meets Washington state standards. Focus is placed on keeping those with dementia engaged, without overwhelming them with distractions. Memory care residents can thrive in the community's comforting, friendly residence. Rotating games and other recreational activities keep everyone busy, and daily exercise classes help residents stay in shape.
One visitor praised Sunshine Health for its commitment to seniors. "Our family business has been working with seniors for over a decade and Sunshine Health Facilities has been a valuable resource for our clients and their families in the Spokane Valley." Another visitor said the community "feels so much more like home" for their mother.
The Renaissance at Coeur d'Alene is a family-owned memory care facility that strives to treat residents like family. To that end, it offers a personal assessment to every resident and their family members upon moving in, so they can plot the best course of care together. 24-hour security is provided, and residents are welcome to bring pets with them. All meals are prepared on-site, and staff members offer reminders for mealtimes when necessary. Activities include cooking classes, community excursions and jazz concerts, and residents have access to a wide range of amenities, including an on-site beauty salon, a garden and a patio.
Residents and loved ones are pleased with the family-like atmosphere of the campus and praise staff members for their kind demeanor. Loved ones say the property feels like a real home, saying it's "very clean and very well-kept, and it has small intimate spaces, rather than a large apartment or dorm type feel."
Wellspring Meadows Assisted Living is in private residential cul-de-sac off U.S. Route 95 in Hayden, Idaho, offering seniors a peaceful setting while keeping them close to shopping centers along the citys major highway and minutes away from neighboring Coeur dAlene. This community consists of two 7,000 sq. ft. single-level homes in a 2.2-acre campus, each one having its own landscaped grounds, covered porch, furnished patio and heated walkways. Its professional staff includes a full-time registered nurse and on-site activities director to support the residents health and well-being, and they are experienced and compassionate in dealing with individuals who have Alzheimer's and dementia. The facilitys fall and injury prevention management program enhances the residents safety, and wheelchair-accessible transportation is provided for outings and medical appointments. Wellspring Meadows Assisted Living also welcomes seniors who are Medicaid beneficiaries.
Relatives compliment the exceptional staff of Wellspring Meadows for their dedication and compassion toward the residents. A residents son says, "We are so happy with the care here. Our dad seems so much more content. The people caring for dad are wonderful. Each person has a different gift which provides an all-around great experience. And the food is awesome!