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 Concord’s senior population continues to grow (19.91% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Concord, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 61.04% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 3.2%, 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 (11.29% in Concord 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 Concord. 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 Concord, 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:
Atria Lake Norman is a memory care, assisted living and independent living community located in Mooresville, North Carolina, just 1 mile from Interstate 77 and the Winslow Bay Commons shopping mall. This community allows pets and offers studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, some of which have patios or balconies. The Life Guidance memory care program is designed to increase residents well-being by using a multifaceted approach that combines physical activity and social engagement with personalized care and thoughtfully designed living spaces. Memory care residents can spend each day participating in a variety of activities, such as bowling, happy hours and table games. Seniors can unwind in the courtyard, exercise in the fitness center and enjoy nature walks and movie nights.
Atria Lake Norman earns top marks for being in a convenient location and for having kind staff members. One reviewer writes, "I love everything about this facility!! Its sleek, close to almost EVERYTHING, which is a huge plus for me and the staff is AMAZING " so personable and friendly!
Brighton Gardens of Charlotte is conveniently located close to shopping malls and medical facilities. The professional caregiving staff is trained in working with seniors with memory impairment conditions, and they are always available to provide assistance or companionship as required. Each resident has a personal care plan that is updated during the monthly wellness checks conducted by the on-site nurse. The electronic health record system tracks residents' medication and care services. The memory care neighborhood is fully secured, and the residents have access to a spacious courtyard where they can safely relax and enjoy the outdoors. Activities offered in the unit include memory improvement games, arts and crafts, religious services, supervised outings and fitness classes. Three nutritious meals are served restaurant-style on a daily basis in the dining room.
Family members praise the professional staff and range of amenities, with one reviewer saying, "They have bridge, cooking, and daily activities. They serve three meals a day and they have snacks available. It is comfortable and everybody's very friendly. The staff is very informative and friendly. They have physical therapy and a beauty shop."
Brookdale Concord Parkway is situated in a quiet neighborhood and offers a comfortable place for seniors to live with elegant communal areas. The memory care neighborhood is secure, and all entry and exit doors are monitored for the safety of residents. Each resident has a personal care plan that is reviewed on a regular basis and updated as their individual care needs change. The professional caregiving staff is available 24/7, and they are trained in caring for seniors with memory impairment disorders. All the rooms in the community are fitted with an emergency call system, and the residents wear an emergency pendant with a tracking system. Activities in the memory care wing are personalized to the abilities of each resident and include pet therapy, arts and crafts, fitness classes, memory book reviews and religious services.
Family members praise the love and care shown by staff members in the memory care unit, with one reviewer saying, "You made such a beautiful home for my grandmother and your staff loved her as one of her own. I feel so blessed that we were able to find a home for her there."
Brookdale South Park provides individualized memory care services to its residents in a homelike atmosphere. A restaurant-style dining room provides residents with delicious and healthy cuisine suited to their dietary needs, and a landscaped walking path allows them to move about freely and safely. Residents are also allowed to decorate their room as they see fit to foster a living environment that feels like home. This provides them with a sense of familiarity that helps those in need of memory care feel as comfortable as possible. Methods of helping seniors navigate their daily lives, such as color-coding and organizing items, are taught and facilitated by on-call staff who are trained to help manage Alzheimer's and dementia care. Pets are allowed.
Brookdale South Park has been noted for its kind and attentive staff. One family member writes, "The caregiving team has been wonderful to my mom even though she can often be a challenge. They give lots of attention to the residents, treat them as we would want our loved ones to be treated, and are very good with communication to family."
Staffed 24/7, Charlotte Square provides a safe and secure home for residents diagnosed with Alzheimer's, complete with porches with wooden rocking chairs. On-site nursing staff and caregivers help residents with the ADLs, while the staff run memory care programs to assist with memory retention. Each apartment contains an emergency call button to ensure residents can get medical attention as soon as needed. For medical appointments, Charlotte Square staff can provide transportation. Recreational activities and socialization are encouraged. Additionally, seniors have access to an on-site beauty salon and barbershop where they can be pampered. A library provides reading material for those wanting to stretch their minds and support their memory care.
Residents enjoy the Charlotte Square community, with one reviewer noting, "My mom has lived at Charlotte Square for three years now and we could not be happier with her experience there. She has lots of activities, good meals and a friendly, helpful and caring staff. Can't say enough good things about it."
Situated in a quiet part of town that's close to amenities and local attractions, Concord Place looks after residents who need extensive care and support. The community's decor is designed to provide a positive sensory experience, while memory boxes on the residents' room doors contain photos and memorabilia to remind them of their families and life experiences. Pets are welcome too. The community also makes use of music and aromatherapy to stimulate the senses. A licensed nurse is on hand, day and night, to take care of pressing medical needs and all connecting doors have keypad access. Bingo, ice cream socials and devotional services contribute to the community's friendly environment, while exercise classes encourage independent living for as long as possible. There are also frequent community outings and events. Each apartment has its own mailbox, the kitchenettes have refrigerators and generous storage and closet space let residents keep personal possessions. Meals are prepared and can be taken in apartments or the shared dining room.
Reviews of the community refer to security and the dedication its staff applies to resident care. One reviewer mentioned that her mother feels "very safe and loves it," while another wrote of how the staff "work hard to develop relationships with the residents."
Located in a vibrant Charlotte metro neighborhood, Elmcroft of Harrisburg is a senior living community with convenient access to medical facilities and recreational destinations. It offers a variety of living options, including memory care services for those with cognitive conditions. Seniors can benefit from specialized professional care and the communitys signature programs, such as The Chronicles, designed to create a secure, nurturing environment. Care plans are developed using the Best Friends approach, which incorporates each residents life history, cultural background, current abilities and interests to ensure that wellness and social needs are adequately met. The caregivers are specially trained in communication techniques and best dementia care practices, enabling them to handle challenging behaviors and provide the right level of support. Living spaces are thoughtfully designed, with monitored common areas allowing as much freedom as possible while ensuring safe navigation and encouraging social interaction.
People observe that residents adjust well to the community, with its clean surroundings, positive environment and friendly staff leaving a good impression on reviewers. "They do a lot of activities with them. All the people there that I have talked to are happy being there, says a residents friend.
Elmcroft of Little Avenue is a senior living community located in a quiet residential neighborhood. To keep residents safe, each apartment is fitted with an emergency call system and all entry doors in the memory care community are secured. The specially trained memory care staff is available 24/7 to provide compassionate care and assistance as required. Occupational, physical and speech therapy services are offered on-site and a licensed health care director is always on hand to provide medical assistance and ensure a high standard of care. Activities offered include supervised day trips, arts and crafts, going through the resident's personal memory book, games and religious services. A chef prepares three meals a day, served in the dining room, and there's a private dining room for celebrations.
Visitors praise the caring staff and activities offered with one reviewer saying, "I was very impressed with Elmcroft of Little Avenue. It's small and very caring. The staff has definitely worked there for a long time and seems to care about the people that live there."
Legacy Heights Senior Living Community provides assisted living and memory care services in a comfortable, homelike environment where residents may engage in social activities to remain mentally stimulated and build close relationships. Seniors can enjoy the beautifully landscaped garden outside and have access to a full-service barber and beauty salon as well as fitness rooms to maintain optimal physical wellness. Other social activities include religious services, book clubs, and off-site activities to help them preserve their independence. For those in need of memory care, Legacy Heights' award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery Alzheimer's and Dementia Program provides residents with occupational therapy and recreational activities to get them the care they need to maintain their mental acuity.
Those who make their home at Legacy Heights regularly express how happy they are with the friendly demeanor of the staff. One family member writes, "The staff is patient and friendly. I was treated like family from the moment I walked in the door. Making a decision like this is difficult, but I felt confident with the staff and the support system in place."
Morningside of Concord provides a comfortable living space for seniors to engage in social activities that will keep them active and mentally stimulated. Tai chi classes and religious services enable residents to cultivate their spiritual wellbeing, while exercise courses, gardening classes, fitness rooms, arts and crafts events and a hair and beauty salon keep them physically healthy and socially flourishing. The food at Morningside has been created by a Food Network celebrity chef with a focus on fresh ingredients, and menu options have been created to accommodate the dietary needs of each resident. That way everyone can enjoy delicious cuisine according to their own individual needs. In addition to their assisted living services, a team of skilled medical professionals provides residents in need of memory care with the mental stimulation and medical assistance they need to continue to thrive.
"Morningside of Concord is a wonderful assisted living and memory care community that is truly a home away from home! A community that I would choose for my own family. The staff is always professional, friendly, compassionate and caring when it comes to providing for any and all needs to their residents!"
Preston House takes a unique approach to memory care by providing a tight-knit community feel for its 20 residents. Seniors are provided with a vibrant social life amid this close-knit community, with a restaurant-style dining space and regular social activities planned for them to enjoy. This includes games, dancing and music, as well as devotional services for seniors to cultivate a healthy mental, social and spiritual life. Cozy studio apartments give residents a comfortable yet manageable living space, and daily chores are managed by housekeeping and maintenance so that seniors are free to spend their time as they please.
Families of residents continually express their appreciation for the kind and compassionate demeanor of the staff, as well as for the community feel of Preston House. One family member writes, "While the decision to place a loved one in Assisted Living is a hard one, Preston House helped ease those fears. Their team is kind and helpful in anyway they can be."
Ranson Ridge offers seniors a cozy, homelike atmosphere with a high caregiver-to-resident ratio. A licensed nurse is always on-site, and the owner of the community is a registered nurse. The caregiving staff is available 24/7 to provide compassionate care and assistance as required. The memory care unit is secure, and residents have access to a sunny courtyard where they can relax and safely enjoy the outdoors. Medical options provided on-site include regular physician visits, flu clinics and rehab services. All meals are served buffet-style, giving the residents a wide variety of meal options. Snacks are provided throughout the day, and a private dining room can be booked for special occasions with family and friends. Activities in the memory care unit include ice cream socials, arts and crafts, fitness classes, group discussions and supervised outings.
Family members praise the professional staff and delicious food, with one reviewer saying, "My mother is in Ranson Ridge. They're excellent. We chose them because of their patient to staff ratio, the facilities themselves, the caring attitude, and the food. They cater to the resident's likes."
Summit Place at South Park offers a warm atmosphere with elegant communal spaces. The memory care unit is housed in a secure neighborhood, and residents have access to a spacious courtyard where they can safely walk along the paths or relax in the shaded seating areas. In-house medical services include doctors' visits, physical therapy and rehab. The professional caregiving staff is specially trained in caring for seniors with memory impairment disorders, and they are always on hand to provide compassionate assistance. The memory care unit uses the Bridge to Rediscovery program, which has been scientifically developed to improve cognitive skills through occupational therapy, personalized memory books, one-on-one educational activities and gentle fitness classes. Three chef-prepared meals are served restaurant-style in the all-day dining room that allows residents to eat at a time that suits them and their personal medication needs.
Family members praise the caring staff and friendly atmosphere, with one reviewer saying, "Everyone there seemed to enjoy working there, and they enjoyed working with the residents. I found that it is a nice, loving environment and very supportive. The staff is very patient with the patients who are living there."
Summit Place of Mooresville is a small senior living community with a high caregiver-to-resident ratio and a welcoming atmosphere. The memory care unit is a secure neighborhood with monitored entry doors. Physical, occupational and speech therapies are provided on-site, and all the therapists are trained in caring for seniors with memory impairment disorders. The highly trained caregiving staff is available 24/7 to offer compassionate care and assistance with the tasks of daily living. Residents have access to secure outdoor areas where they can take a walk or relax in the shaded seating areas. Supervised outings to restaurants and local attractions are organized on a regular basis. Three nutritious meals are served daily, and a private dining room is available for celebrations with family and friends. The community welcomes cats and dogs.
Family members praise the care and amenities available, with one reviewer saying of his mom, "They are able to give her full time 24/7 care that we could not physically provide. The facility is beautiful and she has her own room with familiar furniture and mementos from home. The staff truly cares about each resident."
Sunrise on Providence is located inside a beautiful Victorian-style mansion overlooking a peaceful lake. Each resident has an individual care plan that includes their personal likes and dislikes to ensure they receive care that is customized. Monthly wellness visits are conducted by the on-site licensed nurse to monitor the health of all residents. The memory care section of the building is secure, and the residents' suites are located next to the dining room and activities area for easy navigation. Each resident in the neighborhood has a designated Life Enrichment Manager who creates activities using the resident's personal preferences and ability levels. Team members are trained in the Validation Method to empathize with seniors and give them a sense of dignity and purpose. Therapeutic activities include music, fitness classes, arts and crafts and religious services.
Family members praise the fantastic staff in the memory care unit and the caring atmosphere, with one reviewer saying, "If you are looking to place a loved one in a clean, loving home with wonderful care choose this place. My mom went into the memory care unit a few months ago and the staff is wonderful."
The Charlotte assisted living and memory care offers a luxury experience, providing residents with a wide array of activities to keep them active and stimulated. An on-site beauty parlor pampers residents and recreational fitness rooms enable them to enjoy non-strenuous movement. An in-house restaurant prepares meals at a resident's request, so they may eat when they choose. Meals are prepared in consultation with a certified dietitian, so residents may be assured that their dietary needs are being met. Memory care services are provided through the Reflections program, an award-winning person-centered approach to Alzheimer's and dementia care that meets the individual's personal needs through comprehensive social, mental and clinical engagement. Those in need of memory care are given rooms with vivid color to stimulate their brain, open and easily accessible floor plans to facilitate movement, and doors and hallways designed to help those prone to wandering stay safe. Short-term respite care with a 24/7 nursing staff is also available.
Visitors are consistently taken by the luxurious amenities at The Charlotte. One family member observes, "My friend's parents recently moved in and they have nothing but great things to say about it. Food, events, care, etc. They say everything is top notch."
For those with dementia-related conditions, The Gardens at Taylor Glen is a safe and secure community with a homelike atmosphere. Licensed, certified nursing staff are available to residents 24/7. Staff members are available to help residents with activities of daily living, and occupational therapy and speech therapy can be provided. On-site medical, laboratory, and podiatry services are available by appointment. Activities and programs are designed to keep seniors engaged with daily life, interacting with staff and family and supporting cognition. Memory care residents can participate in exercise classes and daily walks, history lessons, simple games, arts and crafts, and social events. Baking clubs and trivia challenges are also offered to entertain residents.
Residents have noted their enjoyment of the facilities, with one saying, "It was a very nice high-end place. They have all kinds of activities for the residents. Their rooms are very nice. They have a nice dining facility."
The Laurels & The Haven in Highland Creek is situated in a peaceful neighborhood surrounded by parks, landscaped gardens and walking trails. The specially trained caregivers in the memory care unit are always on hand to provide compassionate care and assistance with personal care tasks. Each resident wears a pendant with GPS technology so the staff knows exactly where they are in case of a medical emergency or fall. The memory care unit is fully secured, but residents do have access to a peaceful courtyard garden. Physical, occupational and speech therapy services are offered on-site. The community runs the Bridge to Rediscovery care program, which ensures each resident receives individual attention and includes recreational and social activities designed to improve cognitive skills. Three meals are served in the dining room, and snacks are available throughout the day from the Bistro.
Family members praise the professional staff and medical options, with one reviewer saying, "My mother-in-law recently moved in and raves about the food and activities. She loves the staff and neighbors. The med distribution and doctors making housecalls have greatly reduced her stress. She calls every day saying she just had the best day."
Providing an intimate and safe environment, staff at The Parc at Sharon Amity specializes in providing care for residents diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease and related memory conditions. Their focus is ensuring residents have dignity and self-confidence in their lives, and residents are provided with extensive activities to support their memory, enjoy themselves and socialize with other residents. There's an on-site nursing staff and an on-call physician. Staff members assist residents with ADLs, and each resident has an individualized care plan. Dietary requirements are used to create residents' meal plans. The staff is specially trained in validation therapy and behavior management as part of Alzheimer's care. The Parc at Sharon Amity is an active supporter of the Alzheimer's Association and sponsors the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Senior Centers.
One reviewer noted, "EVERYONE that I came in contact with here were genuine, kind and friendly the staff and management here are all special. I do not know what I would have done the last year if it were not for this facility. Can not say enough good things about them and my family and I are grateful beyond words"
Located in east Charlotte, Willow Ridge Memory Care creates an at-home atmosphere with its relaxing common areas and scenic outdoor patio and garden. This living community's staff is friendly and facilitates cognitive activities and therapeutic routines as well as behavioral management programs for residents. A combination of structured and unstructured extracurricular activities lets the community's seniors maintain their mental well-being by participating in a variety of social and recreational options. In addition to these amenities, Willow Ridge Memory Care's simple structural layout helps residents to remain oriented and comfortable in their surroundings while keeping them safe and secure on the premises. Assistance with daily living activities is personalized to accommodate each resident while also maximizing their dignity and independence.
One relative writes, "The staff really are outstanding in every way. This is a clean community." The writer goes on to say, "My mom liked a lot of the activities that were offered for her and the staff was very helpful in keeping her involved."