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 Columbus’ senior population continues to grow (10.63% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Columbus, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased 7.81% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 24%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (7.56% in Columbus 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 several hours researching senior living communities in Columbus. 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 Columbus, 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 Legacy Reserve at Old Town offers Columbus, Georgia and Phoenix City, Alabama residents individualized care and all-inclusive memory care services in a state-of-the-art environment, as well as independent living and assisted living. Residents of the Legacy community enjoy 24-hour access to highly trained medical professionals who provide individualized care services for memory loss and memory impairment. Memory care residences range in size from private studios to two-bedroom apartments. Services include fitness and wellness activities, and residents can access transportation for nearby leisure and social activities.
Residents and their families praise the memory care services they receive at Legacy Reserve at Old Town. A friend of a resident states, "The services that they give are just remarkable! The building is very beautiful, it's brand new, and the staff is wonderful." Another resident family member says, "They are very caring and very easy to get in touch with and communicate with."
Brookdale Columbus is a community in Columbus, GA, that specializes in memory care. Apartments feel like a private residence, with bathrooms and lots of windows, providing a safe location where residents with Alzheimer's and dementia live under the supervision of staff members. In addition to helping with laundry and housework, the staff offers companionship and assistance with a variety of daily activities, including eating, taking medicine and showering. A supportive dining experience includes meals that are appropriate for those with dementia, attentive service, and predictable seating arrangements that foster familiarity. A moderate daily routine of scheduled activities helps residents preserve talents and skills.
The community's staff is well-liked by the residents. One reviewer says, "It is always clean and has no odors. The staff is friendly and helpful. I love that they update social media with pictures to show what events they do. Staff does a great job making sure everything is taken care of."
Thrive emphasizes building meaningful relationships by fostering a community that allows older adults to thrive. The calendar is packed with stimulating activities including memory games, a walking club and theatrical outings. The highly qualified memory care team is certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education, providing 24/7 care as needed. The Green Island property exudes a Georgian charm combined with modern chic elements, with well-lit open spaces, high ceilings and outdoor courtyards. Residents can choose between four types of private apartments, where they can enjoy the use of community-wide Wi-Fi, a library, a fitness room with senior specialty equipment, an art room and gourmet dining.
Reviewers praise the knowledge and friendliness of the staff, with one observing, "I felt more of a spiritual component to their care. Their caring and love were unconditional." About the community, one reviewer writes, "It's nice and big, but everything is at ground level. Upkeep was excellent."
Oaks at Grove Park is a family-operated community that boasts a dedicated staff and diverse amenities. Memory care is administered in the Horizons wing, which is designed for easy navigation and to reduce anxiety among residents. Memory care residents help set up breakfast each morning to promote a feeling of accomplishment. They can engage in yoga or chair exercises as well as other activities meant to stimulate the mind. Life enrichment sessions cultivate cherished memories, and services include laundry and weekly housekeeping. Memory care programs are tailored to each resident's social and medical history, so that activities support and enhance their needs. Staff members are trained in memory care to ensure best practices.
Reviewers note the caring nature of the staff, the range of activities and quality of the food. One family member notes, "My mom is at Oaks at Grove Park, and so far it's been great. In the memory unit they got TVs, a big living room and a center atrium where they can walk around."
Brookside Glen rests in the quiet, woodsy outskirts of bustling Columbus, Georgia less than 10 minutes way from Jack Hughston Memorial Hospital and St. Francis Hospital. In addition to assistance with the activities of daily life, Brookside Glen provides specialized services that cater to the needs of Alzheimer's and dementia residents, including the Enlighten memory care focused therapy provided by Weston Group. The community features a fitness center and beauty parlor/barbershop along with chef-prepared meals and concierge services. Surrounded by trees on three sides and featuring a secure, fenced courtyard, Brookside Glen offers plenty of outdoor spaces for residents to relax or participate in outside activities. This community is staffed 24/7, with on-site therapy, housekeeping and scheduled transportation services available. On-site activities, entertainment and educational courses keep residents engaged.
Residents and their families appreciate the warm atmosphere and professional staff at Brookside Glen who make the move-in experience "very smooth and comforting." They praise the caregivers at Brookside Glen for being "compassionate, responsive and communicative."
Savannah Cottage, the memory care community within Savannah Grand of Columbus, supports residents with dementia and Alzheimer's. It offers intimate dining options and common areas that are clean and monitored. Savannah Cottage lets residents furnish their rooms the way they want, which allows for individuality and personal preference. It provides residents with a sense of normalcy through personalized,daily activities based on residents' interests, exercise classes and arts and crafts.
People are impressed with all the amenities Savannah Grand has to offer. One family member writes, "My father moved into Savannah Grand of Columbus 2 weeks ago. It's been great, and it's a very nice place. I like that they have their doctor on-site. They have some nurses there, and they are very friendly. They have a cable, phone and nice food. The facility is just awesome. They also have bingo activities, movies and other games to play."
The Landings of Columbus provides personalized memory care services to residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, offering a holistic approach. On-site physician services are available, as well as assistance with medication management, the activities of daily living, housekeeping and meal preparation. Amenities that create an enriching experience include a beauty salon, barbershop and private spa. Building and grounds maintenance services combined with security features keep residents comfortable and safe. Additionally, residents can take advantage of transportation to local amenities in Columbus, such as parks, gardens and shopping.
Family members praise the personalized care each resident receives, with one reviewer commenting on the care their father received, saying, "We are most impressed with how the medical staff has supported us with his medical and diet needs- he is blind and the level of care provided for him is beyond our expectations." Other reviewers commend the atmosphere of The Landings, with a friend of a resident remarking that "staff was very friendly atmosphere pleasant, and the facility and his quarters were clean."
The Harbor at Opelika is a dedicated memory care community. Residents receive three home-cooked meals daily and enjoy escorts to meals and activities as needed. The homelike setting encourages easy navigation and promotes comfort. The Purposeful Day program includes participation in a walking club, art lessons, group reminiscence, church services and gardening. The Simple C program allows residents to create customized stories of their lives using the community's multimedia library. This technology also serves as a wellness companion for residents, encouraging memory retention. The community creates a personalized schedule for each resident based on their interests and incorporates caregivers into the mix as well.
Residents and their loved ones underscore the intimate nature of this community, where everyone looks out for one another and staff exemplifies a commitment to quality care. One relative writes, "We have moved my father into The Harbor at Opelika. He seems very happy there. They have a lot of activities, and he is involved, and he is up and moving."
The Gardens at Calvary provides a caring and enriching environment for memory care patients through assisted living services and a schedule of daily activities. Memory care services are offered 24/7 by specially trained caregivers and include health services, such as medication management and physical therapy. Residents benefit from assisted living services at The Gardens, including weekly housekeeping, personal laundry services and scheduled transportation around the city of Columbus. Amenities, such as a beauty salon, a garden and patio, as well as meal preparation, ensure residents live comfortable lives. Residents at The Gardens enjoy a large selection of enriching social activities from religious services and community service projects to games, musical entertainment and gardening activities.
Residents praise the caring and attentive staff at The Gardens at Calvary, with one family member writing that the staff is "always friendly to me, and always loving and patient with the residents." Other reviewers also commend the clean atmosphere and amount of activities for residents, with another family member mentioning saying: "The Gardens at Calvary is a very nice community. They have lots of activities, good food, and the place is clean."