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 Dalton’s senior population continues to grow (12% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Dalton, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 5% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 29%, 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 (8% in Dalton 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 Dalton. 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 Dalton, 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 Fountains in Calhoun is a memory care community 22 miles north of Dalton. The area has a charming small-town feel but is conveniently close to medical establishments including the 24-hour AdventHealth Gordon hospital. The community caters to seniors with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia. The memory care program combines a high level of caregiving with scheduled activities such as fitness classes, card clubs and outings to nearby attractions. Spacious and modern rooms are wheelchair accessible and are fitted with emergency response systems. Housekeeping and laundry services allow seniors to focus on wellness and relaxation in the company of other residents. Three balanced and nutritious meals are served daily and can be enjoyed in the shared dining room. Amenities are ideal for seniors who enjoy an outdoor lifestyle and include a community fishing pond and scenic walking paths.
Family members make special mention of the attentiveness of the staff. One relative says, "My mom moved into The Fountains at Calhoun. It seems to be very nice, well-kept, and clean. The staff members seem to be very caring. My mom gets three meals a day. There's somebody on staff around the clock, and that's what we were concerned about."
Morning Pointe of Calhoun is a senior living community specifically designed to cater to the needs of residents living with Alzheimer's and memory loss. Professional memory care assistants trained through the Best Friends Approach program are available 24/7 and provide care services emphasizing friendship, security and value. The Meaningful Day program organizes personalized activities based on interests, prior roles and careers, and cognitive abilities. The community has thoughtfully designed apartment layouts and room colors to improve the quality of life of memory care residents. Seniors can reduce anxiety, anger, distress and withdrawal from communication through the Cuddle Therapy program. Dining services include finger food menus to allow residents to continue to dine independently, brightly colored Fiesta dinnerware for those with vision challenges and scarves to make cleaning easy. Residents can also enjoy other activities, including pet therapy, music therapy and art classes.
Residents and their families speak highly of the services and staff in the community. One person says, "Morning Pointe was a nice place that seemed to have a pretty good activity program and nice dining room. The only thing that I saw going on the day I was there was bingo. The staff was good, friendly, and very informative, and when I asked questions, they responded. They seemed to be very knowledgeable."
The Canopy at Boynton Ridge is a memory care and assisted living community located in Ringgold, GA, approximately 20 miles north of Dalton. Its memory care neighborhood is designed to cultivate a warm, familiar atmosphere and has secure indoor and outdoor areas for residents to enjoy. Memory care residents can get pampered at the beauty salon, unwind in the courtyard and watch movies in the theater room. The memory care program is centered around respectfully addressing each resident's physical, mental and emotional needs. Residents in memory care are given opportunities to participate in therapeutic activities, such as exercise groups, brain-focused games and music therapies. They can spend time making crafts and attending scheduled celebrations. Residents can also attend concerts and off-site outings.
The Canopy at Boynton Ridge earns high marks for its well-appointed accommodations. One reviewer remarks, "It was very good. It has a room with an attached bathroom and a walk-in shower. He has his own refrigerator, he is two doors down from the nurses' station, and it has a nice view of the courtyard."
The Rosewood at Fort Oglethorpe is situated close to several shopping centers on the Battlefield Parkway in Fort Oglethorpe, GA. The Pathways Intentional Memory Care program is founded on fostering a positive environment through therapeutic interventions, such as music and pet therapy, to manage the symptoms associated with memory loss. The community's memory care team is specially trained in the latest technologies developed to preserve memory skills. Staff members use iN2L Person-Centered Engagement Technology, a simple software filled with applications that help residents communicate with loved ones virtually and interactive games that help them feel mentally engaged. Memory care residents can also form social connections by attending coffee socials and stay active by participating in exercise classes at the on-site Discovery Center.
Reviewers compliment The Rosewood for its thoughtful design. One remarks, "I really liked their memory care section. It was much larger They had a garden that the residents could plant anything they wanted to in the garden. I was able to walk through the dining room while they were eating and had seen how it was set up."
American House Shallowford is nestled in a quiet residential neighborhood and is conveniently close to a full-service community hospital. The community's controlled-access memory care unit with 24/7 staffing provides secure, maintenance-free living, chef-prepared daily meals, specialized life enrichment programs and personalized care, including 24-hour medical assistance, through every stage of dementia. Its skilled memory care team regularly consults with residents and their families to ensure awareness of individual needs and wants. Team members can assist with bathing, grooming, dressing and eating. They also schedule on-site physical, social, spiritual and recreational activities. Amenities and services in this pet-friendly, single-story community include scheduled personal transportation, courtyards, resident gardens, walking paths, a beauty salon, a barbershop, laundry services and a TV lounge.
Reviewers commend the kind, communicative staff and resident activity programs. One granddaughter of a resident writes, "I witness the staff treating my Grandmother with respect and care. They are also readily available for any discussion that needs to take place at any time. They have NUMEROUS indoor and out-and-about activities for the residents to participate in. This is a five-star facility."
American House Hamilton Place is a memory care community 26 miles northwest of Dalton, just across the Tennessee-Georgia border. Residents can quickly access medical care and are minutes away from the 24-hour Erlanger East Hospital. The community offers a warm and home-like environment where seniors can access compassionate care from staff trained in Alzheimer's disease and other neurological conditions. Living quarters are fitted with private bathrooms and are regularly maintained by housekeeping. Medication management is available, as is assistance with other activities of daily living, including bathing and grooming. Recreational and physical wellness programs are on offer, helping seniors with dementia maintain mentally stimulating lifestyles. Three nutritious meals are served daily in the community's shared dining room.
Reviewers speak very highly of the caregivers at this community and the range of activities on offer. One relative says, "The staff is very helpful and helps me do whatever needs to be done. My husband seems to like the food. He also seems to like the people. The size of the room is really nice and big. They have plenty of activities and the activity director has things for the memory care and assisted living."
Memory care residents at Thrive at Brow Wood receive a full spectrum of care from National Institute for Dementia Education certified staff. Even the chefs and housekeepers are required to receive this certification, meaning that nearly every point of contact memory care residents have will understand their unique needs and how to accommodate them. Seniors have access to around-the-clock care catered to their specific needs. For individuals not sure if this is the right community for them or for caregivers seeking a short reprieve, Thrive at Brow Wood offers a Staycation respite package during which seniors can give Thrive a trial run or just stay for a few short days or weeks while enjoying everything this community has to offer.
Residents and their families enjoy the professionalism at this facility. One resident says, "It is a comfort to know that our elderly loved one is receiving such a high level of personal care and attention from staff members who truly love their work and the people for whom they care. The administration definitely puts the needs of the residents first."
Lantern at Morning Pointe Alzheimer's Center of Excellence Chattanooga cares for seniors with Alzheimer's and other memory loss impairments. The Lamplight Program offers an expansive and secure environment for those in moderate to early stages of dementia. A team of professional staff members, including nurses, provide help with daily activities, such as dressing, personal hygiene and medication management. The campus layout and apartment colors are designed to optimize independence and inspire memories. The restaurant-style dining room provides nutritious daily meals and uses brightly colored menus to create an appealing mood and boost appetite. The community uses programs such as the Best Friends approach and meaningful day program to create social programs and activities for brain stimulation, make seniors feel safe, encourage purposeful living and slow down memory loss. Transportation services to medical appointments are available if needed.
Families appreciate the quality of care in the community. One relative says, "My mother was at The Lantern at Morning Pointe. It's a wonderful place that I would probably recommend. The staff members are wonderful, caring, and committed. She was in a single-person studio room. It's a brand new facility. They had a common room and a courtyard."
At The Terrace at Mountain Creek, residents can enjoy a warm, cozy environment that feels just like home. The memory care neighborhood in The Terrace at Mountain Creek features secure, enclosed environments inside and out so seniors can safely explore and socialize. Residents are encouraged to participate in interactive activities to stimulate the mind and jog the memory. Staff cares for each resident like family, regularly engaging personally while monitoring their health and assisting with daily tasks. With 24/7 support and regular housekeeping and cooking on site, residents can spend their time as they please. Staff can provide medication management and administration as needed.
Residents and their families love the attentive care provided. One reviewer says, "The Terrace at Mountain Creek is the Best we have ever had to deal with. We cannot say enough about how wonderful the entire staff treated the residents, or as they called them 'their family.' Everyone from the administrative staff, the head nurses, the nursing and medical assisting staff, to the kitchen staff were absolutely AMAZING!!!"
StoryPoint Chattanooga's memory care community is thoughtfully designed for those living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other forms of memory loss. The community offers secure surroundings with 24-hour care, ensuring that residents always have the support they need when they need it. The staff is trained to deal with the effects of memory impairments and offers support in all areas of living and wellness, helping residents make the most of every day. Memory care programs are individually tailored to each resident's needs, meeting them where they're at and ensuring a comfortable experience while promoting self-esteem, dignity and personal success. Pets are welcome at StoryPoint Chattanooga, and an on-site beauty salon and barbershop, a library and business center, a fitness center and a laundry center add to the convenience of living in this community.
Residents and their families frequently praise the staff in their reviews. One reviewer says, "The staff here is exceptional. They always take such good care of my uncle. [Their] patience and attention is unrivaled. The accommodations and grounds are beautiful, clean, and accessible. The administration is always easy to contact and highly receptive to questions and answers. We greatly appreciate everything the people and this facility have done for our family member."
Morning Pointe of Hixson offers personalized memory care services that are designed to meet the individual needs of each resident. The community's memory care program includes a variety of services that are designed to help improve the quality of life for those living with memory impairments. Licensed nurses are available around the clock to keep an eye on residents and ensure they are healthy and taking their medications as prescribed. The community also provides social engagement opportunities, including music and pet therapy, to help residents stay connected and build meaningful relationships. An outpatient clinic is offered on-site which provides residents with physical, occupational and speech therapy to help them maintain their independence for as long as possible. Other features include screened-in patios and courtyards, mobile diagnostic and mental health services, pharmacy services, transportation for medical appointments and more.
Family members are delighted with the staff's dedication. One writes, "I am so grateful for the staff at Morning Pointe of Hixson. They have been so kind to my mom and continually look out for her well-being, both mentally and physically. The rooms are large and cozy. The food is wonderful. The grounds are gorgeous and peaceful, making for nice walks with my mom."
Dominion Senior Living of Hixson provides memory care services to its residents. This includes creating a safe, secure and stimulating environment that encourages socialization and engagement. Its staff is well-trained, so each resident receives care that is specifically designed for them. This includes medication management, assistance with activities of daily living and recreation and activities that are designed to promote physical and mental well-being. It also has a team of dedicated social workers who provide counseling and support to help its residents and their families cope with the challenges of dementia. Whether it's managing memory loss, offering physical or occupational therapy or providing emotional and psychological support, Dominion Senior Living is dedicated to helping residents live their best lives.
The community's assistance is appreciated by the family members. One says, "We contacted Dominion Senior Living, and we were able to move my mom within two weeks. We absolutely love Dominion and are so grateful for the care and concern they have shown my mom. We are so grateful to God for opening this door for my sweet mom. Thanks to all of you!"
Memory care residents entering Dalton Place are assured of individual care plans that meet their specific needs. The community aims to provide a secure environment for memory care residents and assist in their daily routines. The individual care plans in the community are supplemented by a full-time registered nurse that provides clinical oversight and coordination. The nearby hospital, Hamilton Health Care System, ensures that residents can receive prompt medical attention in the case of medical emergencies. Residents engage in daily exercise classes and arts and crafts, ensuring they remain engaged and active. Bingo and live entertainment add to the fun in the community.
Residents of Dalton Place appreciate the empathetic approach to care offered by the staff. They also remark that the food in the community is great, with one resident saying, "I love Dalton Place because the people and staff are so nice and the food is great.
Located in Dalton, GA, Orchard Ridge Residences offers assisted living and memory care. Memory care includes a nurse on-site, and specially trained associates are available 24/7. These specialists take care of medication management and monitor residents' health regularly. Besides these services, the staff members aid residents with daily living needs and run programs to support memory improvements. The community strives to ensure that those suffering from Alzheimer's or other memory-related conditions receive support in order to continue living meaningful lifestyles for as long as possible. Residents can access many outdoor spaces and social activities as well. The community features comfortable living spaces with cable and Wi-Fi, and housekeeping and linen cleaning services are provided. Restaurant-style dining spaces and a beauty salon add to the quality of life in this community.
People have positive impressions of Orchard Ridge Residences. One reviewer writes, "I went to visit the building and it was spectacular! Everyone I talked to was so nice and welcoming. The place is kept so clean and the executive director told me about all the activities they can finally do. (they couldn't previously because of covid) They are taking all the precautions to make sure that everything is sanitized and they are trying to keep everyone healthy. I can't say enough about the staff and how genuine they were!"
Manor Lake Assisted Living, Memory Care & Independent Living is situated in the scenic small town of East Ellijay, surrounded by breathtaking mountainous terrain. The lodge-like homely interior of the secure memory care unit features an open floor plan, access to indoor and outdoor communal living spaces, and a restaurant style dining room with fire-lit ambience. Personal safety features include resident call pendants and in-room pull cord call systems. The community's bespoke Reflections Memory Care program is designed to enhance quality of life through custom assigned personal care assistance. Social activities and life skill experiences focused on nurturing independence, dignity and joy are also available. Reflections include the signature iN2L (It's Never Too Late!) technological platform for social communication as well as entertainment, cognitive gaming, physical exercise, therapy and devotional practice.
The community's congenial vibe and staff focus have appealed to resident families, with one enthusing, "From the moment we walked in, we knew this was the place for my mother-in-law AND my mother. We heard a group of residents singing in the dining room the first day we visited and that sealed the deal for us. and are excellent with the residents and fill their days with multiple activities that keep them engaged and happy."