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 Doylestown’s senior population continues to grow (15.37% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Doylestown, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 24.55% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 8.69%, 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 (4.22% in Doylestown 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 Doylestown. 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 Doylestown, 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:
Brookdale Northampton is an assisted living and memory care community replete with amenities that fit seniors varying lifestyle choices. This pet-friendly property has a secure courtyard, garden and comfortable living spaces that are closely monitored via a 24-hour security system. Memory care residents thrive through the Clare Bridge Daily Path program, which consists of routine structured activities held in small clustered groups. Activities range from fitness classes to recreational events and other purposeful exercises that encourage residents to use their existing abilities. Daily programming is supplemented by a well-planned nutritional program that features healthy, delicious choices served in easy-to-manage servings. The dining experience is enhanced by calming elements, such as scented hand towels, soothing music and consistent seating arrangements.
Visiting family members appreciate the community's thoughtful, attentive care. "My mother-in-law has been in the Brookdale Northampton Memory Care Unit The staff are very, very good," says one resident's son-in-law. "I have watched them interact with many challenging residents over a long time period and they really watch out for the residents."
Located just off Highway 276 and about 40 minutes north of Philadelphia, Commonwealth Senior Living at Willow Grove is just minutes away from the hospitals, parks and shopping centers of Willow Grove. This community offers its memory care residents a specially designed care program known as Sweet Memories. Caregivers learn about the habits, preferences and emotional needs of each memory care resident by interviewing family members, after which a personal care plan is developed based on the knowledge gathered in the interviews. The care team captures the daily life of each memory care resident in photos and shares them with family members. The campus comes with a wide variety of amenities, such as a full-service hair salon and barbershop, a media library, a dining room, a sunroom, and outdoor courtyards with lakeside walking paths.
Family members love the staff here. One son writes, "My mom has been here for over a year. She has been genuinely happy. The staff knows her by name and always seems to know where she is when I pop in. I have been there all hours of the day and have never seen any challenges."
Sunrise of North Wales offers residents assisted living accommodations and memory care services in a beautiful, tranquil community. Residents can maintain their independence and sense of adventure by exploring the scenic outdoors, local malls, entertainment venues and events. Enrichment life staff maintain a safe and calm environment for memory care residents and provide ongoing support for their individual needs. Movies, games and parties are scheduled regularly for residents to socialize. Restaurant-style dining is provided by a friendly culinary team that caters to all dietary needs. Residents can enjoy around-the-clock concierge services for help with tasks. There are personal and group fitness activities on the landscaped grounds for residents to stay fit and active. On-site beauty and barber services are also available for residents to indulge in self-care and style preservation.
Sunrise of North Wales is highly favored for its friendly staff and environment, as one reviewer states, "The staff is friendly and helpful, the community is always providing fun activities and the residents are welcoming to new members of the "family" -and the best part is that the food is over the top great!"
Elm Terrace Gardens is a senior living community devoted to providing compassionate and friendly care. The Aspire Memory Care program creates a secured and specialized neighborhood specifically and purposefully suited to residents living with memory diseases. Private and companion suites offer comfortable, personalized homes complete with safety features such as roll-in showers with safety bars and emergency pull cords. Additionally, memory boxes outside of each residence ensure familiar waypoints to assist residents in finding their homes, as well as sharing their stories with their neighbors. The staff is specially trained in memory care services and is on hand 24/7 to assist with personalized care specific to each resident and their daily needs. Daily schedules are designed to promote continued independence and compassionate management of symptoms, including peaceful moments of relaxation, engagement in familiar routines and enriching activities.
Residents and their families praise the community for its dedicated and compassionate staff. One family member says, "The staff is extremely pleasant, very helpful, they have a system where if she doesn't open her door in the morning by 10:00 am they come and knock on the door to make sure everything is ok."
Set on 130 serene, wooded acres, Foulkeways at Gwynedd offers a variety of amenities and activities to help seniors live life to the fullest. Residents receive a menu of activities daily that includes yoga, ceramics, book club, hiking, chorus and numerous other games, classes and programs. Some convenient on-site clinical services include psychiatric, audiology, dental, podiatry and optometry care. A pharmacy is also available on campus. In addition to highly trained staff providing seniors excellent personal care assistance, they also encourage social interaction and a sense of dignity and self-worth. This community offers specialized dementia care with memory loss programs for brain stimulation, including Saido Learning, Music & Memory and OMA techniques. Amenities include a fitness center, heated indoor pool, walking trails, putting green and a historic guest house.
The various spacious venues for residents to dine with excellent food are appreciated by visitors to this community. The staff and administrators are described as being approachable and kind. A resident's loved one states, "Our family, and most importantly my mother, couldnt be happier with her move to Foulkeways."
Life at Park Creek Place begins with an introduction to staff, who work alongside each person's family to create a comprehensive care plan. After that, residents can live comfortably with the help they need, benefitting from weekly housekeeping and laundry services, scheduled transportation and community outings, as well as on-site activity programs. Residents' apartments have heating and air conditioning, plenty of closet space and individual refrigerators, kitchenettes and mailboxes. Guest accommodation is available for an additional charge, depending on availability.
Family members are very happy with the way their loved ones are treated and the services provided. One son-in-law says, "My in-laws are at Park Creek Place, and it has been good. My father-in-law says the food is delicious. They've been very helpful in moving us in, and even with the COVID protocols it was simple."
Pine Run Retirement Community is a sprawling senior living community providing a full spectrum of care. For residents in need of specialized memory care needs, The Garden is a secured neighborhood explicitly designed for residents living with dementia and similar diseases, featuring private and companion apartments in an open environment to promote continued personal independence. The trained nursing staff is on hand at all times, and the community's complete health care services ensure each resident receives the specific, individualized care they require. The team is also adept at dealing with particular behaviors associated with memory diseases, such as increased confusion and agitation in the morning and evenings. Daily schedules and programs are personalized to each resident, including structured and engaging daily activities such as hobby classes and group games, as well as intimate music therapy, gardening and picture reminiscing.
Residents and their families praise The Garden for its caring, dedicated staff and its safe and nurturing environment. One family member says, "The nursing staff that takes care of Mom is exceptional. They are attentive and compassionate not only to Mom's needs but to our family as well."
Easily accessible from I-476 and I-276, Sunrise of Blue Bell is a senior residence with charming Victorian-style architecture, lush gardens and walking paths. The community's dedicated Reminiscence memory care neighborhood offers a relaxing ambiance through its carefully designed furniture, soft lighting and soothing elements. Seniors with cognitive challenges can stroll freely and safely in the large, secure outdoor spaces, indulge in their favorite hobbies in the activity areas or enjoy the company of visiting families in the comfortable living room. Individually assigned life enrichment managers ensure attentive, personalized care, and a licensed nurse makes monthly wellness visits as part of the community's comprehensive health care program. Residents participate in therapeutic recreational and learning activities, which families can virtually monitor through Sunrises family engagement app.
The community earns praise for its comprehensive services. "Beautiful neighborhoods, and a wonderful activities program," says one daughter. "Every time I come to visit I pick up a sheet at the front desk that lists all of the activities my mom can participate in. I'm impressed with how friendly the woman who runs things is. Mom is very happy!"
Senior living at The Solana Doylestown empowers residents to choose their preferred lifestyles while receiving the support and care they need. Sitting on 8 acres of well-maintained grounds, this retirement home offers a secure environment for seniors living with memory-related conditions. Rooms are bright and purposely designed to provide safety and comfort, and residents can bring in their favorite belongings to create a familiar ambiance. Through Heartfelt Connections, Solanas proven memory care program, seniors are treated with respect and dignity. The community also has a cognitive learning center and incorporates stimulating brain games and pet therapy in its wellness programs. A health and wellness navigation team provides assistance and support with medical needs, such as doctors appointments, wellness checks and coordination of post-acute care.
The community's staff earns families appreciation for its thoughtful care. A residents son writes, "My mother was a resident of Solana Doylestown It was very comforting as a caregiver to know that she was safe, cared for, loved and socially engaged all within wonderfully appointed surroundings. The entire staff showed a high level of care, concern and compassion.
Traditions of Lansdale is a pet-friendly community replete with amenities that make senior living comfortable, fun and engaging. It offers a variety of lifestyle options, with memory care available in a secure, senior-friendly neighborhood. Residents can safely mingle with peers and visiting families on the landscaped grounds or in the furnished courtyards outdoors; they can also relax indoors in the activity room or sitting room. The team uses a positive approach to care via the GEMS Brain Change Model, which focuses on addressing unique needs and encouraging individual skills. A memory care director oversees residents care plans, and services include on-site therapy, pharmacy services and physician visits. Seniors undergo functional assessments as well as fall and balance assessments as part of the communitys comprehensive wellness program. The calming, comforting ambiance of the dining room makes mealtime an enjoyable experience; in-room dining is also available for seniors with limiting conditions.
Family members express confidence that their loved ones are in good hands at Traditions of Lansdale. One daughter says, "My father has been a resident at [Lansdale] for over two years. The staff is remarkable and treats him with great care and kindness. It's so comforting to know he's treated with dignity and love."