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 Conway’s senior population continues to grow (10% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Conway, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 33% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 19%, 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 (14% in Conway 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 Conway. 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 Conway, 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:
Located in a peaceful, natural setting near Little Rock, AR, Woodland Heights provides specialist dementia care in its signature memory care neighborhood. Seniors can choose between private studios or semiprivate companion suites, each with a private bathroom and safety features. Familiar touches and personal memorabilia are incorporated into room decor to encourage memory recall and enhance feelings of comfort and security. Trained caregivers provide 24-hour supervision and assist residents with day-to-day activities and medication management. The Live Love Learn program supports seniors' holistic wellness needs and helps individuals live with purpose. Diverse daily activities include fitness classes, cognitively stimulating games, devotional worship, reminiscence therapy and social events. Plentiful on-site amenities, such as a swimming pool, game room, salon and chapel, provide further opportunities for life enjoyment.
Residents and their family members value the compassionate staff members and open lines of communication. One reviewer says, "I can't say enough about the wonderful Memory Care staff at Woodland Heights.. They keep me updated on her need for supplies or a favorite food. [Staff member] has always been there to help me through the many phases of this disease."
Located on 87 acres in a parklike setting, Parkway Village is a senior retirement living home offering memory care services to seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The Ginny and Bob Shell Alzheimer's Center available onsite recognizes residents' unique abilities and works to meet their needs with dignity and purpose. Licensed nurses are available round the clock to administer medication, monitor and meet healthcare needs and assist with daily living activities. An Alzheimer's special care unit provides enhanced memory care and a specialized program of activities, such as physical, speech and occupational therapy, to the memory care seniors. A family-support group addresses the needs of family members and answers questions to help alleviate concerns and offer encouragement. The community has facilities such as an emergency call system, smoke detectors and sprinklers, wander management systems and secure entrances and exits that enhance the safety of the residents. Seniors can also stroll and relax in the secure, beautifully landscaped outdoor courtyards and game rooms.
Friends and loved ones speak highly of Parkway Village. One reviewer says, "Parkway Village offers three levels of care. They have a swimming pool, which is nice. They accept pets. They are refurbishing all of their units when people move in and completely modernizing them. They were in the process of completely renovating their dining room and kitchen when I was there."
Avenir Memory Care at Little Rock offers memory care to seniors living with Alzheimer's, dementia and other conditions related to memory loss. On admission, the community hosts a round table discovery meeting with the new resident to assess their specific needs and place them at an effective level of care. Highly trained staff manage resident care plans, which can change to meet evolving circumstances. Residents reside in homelike, comfortable private rooms, each with a bathroom. A person-centered activity program encompasses the seven dimensions of wellness, and trained experts assist residents with behavioral therapy to help them reestablish old personal relationships and forge new ones. Three delicious meals are served daily, prepared with residents' nutritional needs and preferences in mind.
Relatives are grateful to the community for helping their loved ones live life and stay well. One family member writes, "We knew [my father] was at the best place for him... our minds were at ease that he was safe and well cared for. We were able to make more wonderful memories with him."
Crestview Senior Living offers memory care services in a safely structured neighborhood designed to cater to seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Residents receive 24-hour professional care from a team of caregivers, licensed nurses and physicians, enabling them to improve their cognitive abilities and remain as independent as possible. The community provides emergency call system bracelets and pendants, and residents can wander freely, spend quality individual time and socialize with others in enclosed outdoor and indoor areas. Living options include multiple apartment plans with private baths and wheelchair-accessible showers, and units receive regular linen and housekeeping services. The culinary team works with nutritionists to provide dementia-friendly menus at the restaurant-style Grand Hall. A full-time calendar of daily, intellectual, spiritual, physical and recreational activities helps to improve brain function, encouraging memory care residents to remain active and lead a meaningful lifestyle.
Visitors appreciate the community's thoughtful care team and luxurious atmosphere. One reviewer writes, "Crestview Senior Living was beautiful. The staff was good, [friendly] and accommodating... They had a beautiful dining room that had a huge fireplace in it, as well as a huge flat-screen television. "
StoneBridge Senior Living offers senior living with memory care services at Conway, AR, on a picturesque 18-acre land. A memory care program focusing on successful cognitive and emotional aging is available to residents requiring Alzheimer's and dementia care. Each resident is provided with personalized care that embraces therapy from various areas, including nutrition, spirituality, relaxation, creative expression and exercise. A professional team provides 24-hour daily medication, pain management and IV therapy. On-site X-ray and laboratory services are available. The community offers restaurant-style dining with well-balanced meals, snacks, beverages and special meal options. Local transportation for medical services and weekly shopping trips are available. Residents can relax and enjoy the beautiful landscape and comfortable gathering areas. The community has beauty and barber shop services.
Families speak highly of StoneBridge Senior Living. One reviewer says, "I chose StoneBridge of Conway for my mother. It's wonderful. I love them. She was private pay and she needed a memory care unit, so they worked with me... Also, my grandmother was placed in that facility as well, and they took excellent care of my grandmom. The facility in general is beautiful."
Brookdale Chenal Heights provides a range of memory care services designed to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. All memory care residents have access to 24/7 staffing, a secure memory care neighborhood and a sophisticated security system. The Claire Bridge memory care program provides a structured routine with six planned programs per day, and the B-Fit program focuses on physical activity, such as walking groups and dancing. The community offers a pet-friendly environment, with many animals available for companionship. Brookdale Chenal Heights offers a variety of services including assistance with bathing, dressing and eating. Residents also enjoy the benefits of an outdoor courtyard for fresh air and exercise, as well as daily activities and social events to help them stay engaged and active. It has personalized care plans, medication management and mobility assistance.
Family members are pleased with the decision to place a loved one at Brookdale Chenal. One writes, "The food is delicious, and the staff does such a beautiful job with the decorations and treating the residents and guests like royalty. The hot chocolate and live music in the lobby after dinner are an extra special treat. We are so glad that we found Brookdale for my father."
Wellington Woods is a 20-bed community that offers memory care services for seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementias. It has a team of caregivers, licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants who have specialized training in caring for residents with cognitive issues. Residents receive 24-hour assistance with daily activities, such as dressing, bathing and medication management. On-site home health care services include physical, speech and occupational therapies. The community has a medical director and residents have access to optometric, dental and podiatry care. An on-site chef prepares three daily meals with snacks. Cable television, Wi-Fi and phones are available. Families can use a private dining room for special occasions, such as anniversaries and birthdays. The community creates opportunities for residents to engage with other residents through various activities, such as games, exercises, family outreaches and religious services.
Visitors rave about the services in the community. One person notes, "Stopped by to take a tour and meet the manager. Beautiful place. Amazing amenities. Management is professional and caring!" Another one says, "Wellington Woods Memory Care facility is dedicated to giving their residents the best care possible. The facility is bright, clean and spacious. I highly recommend it to anyone needing this type care."
Fox Ridge Luxury Assisted Living is a senior living community in a calm, peaceful neighborhood. Its memory care unit is comprised of a team of trained caregivers dedicated to helping residents with Alzheimer's and memory loss impairments. They provide 24/7 supervision and assistance with daily activities, such as dressing, bathing and medication reminders. The memory care unit is locked for safety and provides a layout that supports easy navigation and minimal disorientation. The community allows pets, and the rooms have emergency call buttons and wheelchair-accessible showers. Additional community amenities include transportation services to medical appointments and a beauty and barber shop. The activities director creates individualized programs and activities for memory care residents, and residents have access to a library, a movie theatre and a game room.
Families appreciate the compassionate staff at Fox Ridge luxury assisted living. One person says, "Fox Ridge is clean. The people are knowledgeable and keep me updated on what's going on. I am very happy with them. My wife has been in their memory care for about a month already. "
Willow Grove of Maumelle provides a range of specialized services to meet the needs of those living with memory loss. Its caregivers diligently work with families and their loved ones to care for residents. Memory care services include a 24-hour licensed nurse, assistance with bathing, dressing, and grooming, as well as medication management. Willow Grove also provides a designated life enriching program that offers creative engagement activities designed to meet the individual needs of each resident. This includes physical and occupational therapy, as well as a variety of social, recreational and educational experiences. Additionally, Willow Grove of Maumelle offers a unique dining program that is tailored to meet the nutritional and dietary needs of those living with memory loss. The meals are prepared in-house by a trained chef and served in a safe and supportive environment.
Family members are happy with the care their loved one receives at the community. One reviewer says, "I can honestly say that they treat her better here than anywhere else she's been. The nurses and staff truly care for the residents and stay on top of their medical care."