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 Elizabethtown's senior population continues to grow (14% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Elizabethtown, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 38% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 26%, 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 (7.8% in Elizabethtown 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 Elizabethtown. 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 Elizabethtown, 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:
Featuring specially-designed neighborhoods for those with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, this community's engagement-focused philosophy believes that everyone has the capacity to learn and achieve success despite cognitive impairment. Residents are ensured a secure environment while receiving assistance with personal hygiene tasks, timely reminders and medication monitoring. Supported by a trained staff dedicated to helping those in need of memory care services, Vitality Living Elizabethtown offers an enhanced quality of life for its residents. Residents of the community can take advantage of a variety of amenities and services, such as personalized exercise routines and nutrition plans. Transport services, housekeeping and social, fitness, and recreational activities are available to seniors for convenience, stimulation and engagement. Outdoor activities like a meditation pond and walking paths are available, as are game rooms and theaters.
It was a smooth transition for families to move their loved ones into the community, and they have nothing but praise for the staff. One reviewer says, "It's very easy to transition to moving in here, and the staff is wonderful. We've been really pleased with what they've done."
The memory care neighborhood at Bluegrass Assisted Living at Elizabethtown offers three different levels of care, dependent on the individual needs of each resident. The community caregiving staff are available 24/7 and provide assistance with daily tasks like bathing, dressing, and medication management. Personal assistance when dining is available for residents who need it. All rooms are equipped with an emergency call system for immediate assistance at any hour of the day or night. The community maintains an active schedule of programming for residents, which includes arts and crafts activities, opportunities for physical exercise, and enrichment programs designed specifically for seniors living with Alzheimer's or dementia. Apartment amenities include air conditioning/heating, cable TV, and private bathrooms equipped with safety support bars.
Residents and their families praise the community's overall friendly atmosphere and opportunities for socializing. One family member writes, "The employees seem happy and are friendly. The place looked clean and just seemed cozy... Grandma seems happy and especially likes talking to other people at the meals."
At Willow Creek Senior Living, Alzheimer's and dementia patients live in the secure Gardens community where they receive specialized care and support. Staff members work with residents' families to create personalized care plans and learn about life histories, abilities, needs and preferences. Seniors receive help with daily living activities, housekeeping, laundry and medication and wear emergency pendants for added peace of mind. Caregivers offer frequent reminders, guidance, supervision and health and safety monitoring. Activities include exercise sessions, music therapy, pet visits, socials, puzzles, coloring, reminiscing, crafts and stories, and residents are encouraged to gather in indoor and outdoor common areas, including an enclosed courtyard. An on-site spa offers extra convenience. The dining program features chef-prepared meals with fresh ingredients and plenty of options to suit tastes and dietary needs.
According to reviewers, Willow Creek Senior Living is a community that feels like home. One reviewer, whose brother lives in the community, write, "The staff is knowledgeable, nice and helpful. Everyone is welcoming, and there are plenty of activities, including lunches out and social events. The food is good, with plenty of menu options."
RobinBrooke Senior Living offers seniors who need assistance in their everyday life. Memory care residents live in specialized studio units of either 340 or 410 square feet, with 24-hour care and emergency alert systems throughout the building. Seniors can call staff via bedsides, bathrooms and common areas; for medical emergencies, the community is located opposite an emergency care center and the Hardin County Ambulance Center. The community features several amenities to suit individual needs and interests, including a fitness center, baking and arts studio, beauty and barbershop and a wellness clinic. Nurses are on call to assist residents as needed while maintaining their sense of independence and capability. Seniors can take advantage of the community's walking paths or enjoy the tranquil rose garden, featuring a covered veranda. Three meals a day are prepared from scratch.
Visitors are impressed with the well-kept grounds and warm atmosphere at RobinBrooke Senior Living: "They were very friendly, very nice, and made my friend feel very comfortable. It was beautiful, like resort living ... It was very bright, lots of windows, big, wide hallways, so it was easy to get around."
Residents entering the memory care program at Bluegrass Assisted Living Bardstown can choose from two separate floor plans within the community, each featuring a spacious living area, accessible bath, kitchenette, fire safety features and an emergency call system. The community employs the Alzheimer Care Enrichment Philosophy for serving memory care residents, offering a wide array of activities and enrichment programs to maintain or improve each resident's quality of life. Caregivers receive progressive, tiered training in Alzheimer's and dementia care, and offer residents medication management, support with memory care programming, health care coordination and assistance with activities of daily living. Meals are served restaurant-style in the community dining hall area, and the activities schedule includes light physical exercise, games, dances and other social events, movie nights and spiritual services. The community also offers a range of physical and occupational therapies, as well as a housekeeping and laundry service.
Residents and their families appreciate the community's intimate, cozy atmosphere. One family member writes, "It's got a nice homey feel, so it feels like a home, and they have movie nights with popcorn."
Residents entering the memory care program at Windsor Gardens of Bardstown live in private studios, one-bedroom or two-bedroom private apartments with accessible design features and a 24-hour emergency notification system, all housed within a securely monitored environment. Staff members are specially trained to treat symptoms of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, and assist residents with highly individualized programming that targets each resident's strengths and interests to achieve their own health and wellness goals. Staff members are available to provide medication management services and assistance with activities of daily living, such as dressing, eating, bathing or walking. Meals are served restaurant-style in the community dining room, and the community maintains a full roster of social, physical and other resident-focused engagement activities. The community features an on-site barbershop, and provides laundry and housekeeping for residents.
Residents and families alike praise the community's cleanliness and social atmosphere. One reviewer writes, "This facility is environmentally clean, the staff is caring, and each and every person who lives at this facility appears secure and content. There are lots of activities and family members appear to visit often."
BeeHive Homes of Brandenburg provides memory care services for seniors in a small, secure residential community uniquely designed to provide a more personalized experience for memory care residents. A team of compassionate and friendly staff provides 24/7 help with daily activities such as dressing, medical reminders, mobility, toileting, bathing and general hygiene. A consulting nurse is available 24/7 for recommendations for additional medical services, if needed. Living options include private and shared apartments with cable TV, emergency control systems, and private ADA-approved bathrooms. The care home provides weekly laundry and housekeeping services. The dining room serves nutritious, special diets thrice daily to help boost brain health. Residents can meditate, socialize or participate in group activities in the beautifully landscaped, secure courtyard. The community encourages residents to lead an active and meaningful lifestyle through a full-time calendar of brain-stimulating and life-enrichment activities such as games, entertainment, outreaches, religious sessions and supervised outdoor trips.
Residents seem to enjoy the care services at BeeHive Homes of Brandenburg. One person says, "I went to Beehive Homes of Brandenburg. I thought it was excellent. I couldn't have been more pleased with the staff, the facility, the people, the atmosphere, the patients, and the cleanliness of the rooms. It was perfect in my mind. They had three meals a day and activities. It was just well run, well staffed, and very clean."
Peridot Senior Living is a dedicated memory care community that is also licensed to provide medical care like injections, nursing services and medication administration. The community employs a medical director, a staff nurse and medical technicians, and each resident has the opportunity to meet with the medical director on a weekly basis. Care staff also provide assistance with daily activities like bathing, grooming and mobility. Seniors living at Peridot can participate in a variety of social activities, including twice-a-day exercise programs, arts and crafts, and cooking. A side patio area provides a safe, secure place to enjoy the outdoors and serves as a location for regular picnics and cookouts. Handicap-accessible apartments are available, and every apartment is equipped with an emergency call system.
Residents and their family members express satisfaction with the medical care provided at Peridot. One family member notes, "The facility not only helped but was outstanding in their care of our mom. She went to three other facilities before she came here...The facility and their doctor worked with us to get my mom back to the best she could be. Our family is very grateful for all they do."
Cooper Trail Senior Living provides memory care according to the BFF Program and the Best Friends Approach. Specially trained staff members learn each resident's life story so that they can more easily engage and redirect seniors experiencing memory loss. They also abide by the Dementia Bill of Rights that promotes the dignity of each person and the right to live in a safe environment with proper care, interaction and advocacy. Caregivers learn how to communicate with residents in new ways. Verbal communication is always important, and residents are encouraged to make their own decisions and express their opinions as much as possible. Non-verbal communication is also critical, as hugs, smiles and cues help seniors navigate their day more successfully. Activities are built around these ideas, and residents gather for music, art, exercise, movies and stories that help them connect.
Reviewers constantly praise Cooper Trails Senior Living for their excellent staff. One says, "A cheerful, welcoming environment that is perfect for your loved one! These residents receive excellent care, food, and activities daily. Employees are caring, and always willing to go above and beyond to ensure the residents and their families have everything they need."
Windsor Gardens offers compassionate memory care in a homey Christian setting. Staff receive specialized training in dementia and Alzheimer's care that equips them to connect meaningfully with residents as they provide services. These caregivers are on-site around the clock to assist with tasks of daily life and medication management. The memory care neighborhood is fully secured with distinct features for resident orientation and boasts an indoor walking loop for residents to enjoy. Three daily meals are served in the restaurant-style dining room, and staff is available to help memory care residents with any dining needs. Enrichment activities are encouraged at Windsor Gardens; memory care seniors can take exercise classes, play card games with peers, participate in an art lesson or enjoy live musical performances. Other features of the community include religious services, a beauty salon, theater and landscaped gardens.
Families love the compassionate staff at Windsor Gardens. One reviewer says, "I love that I can have my parents live there and know they are being watched over! The staff is awesome, loving and caring! God bless them for the work they do with the elderly!"
Inspirations of Mount Washington specializes in providing quality memory care services. Its experienced team provides 24/7 care and support to residents in a safe and secure environment. Services include The Village Program Orientation, a comprehensive program designed to help individuals understand their memory loss and how to manage it. Other services include helping with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and grooming, as well as providing medication management and assistance with eating. The community also offers specialized programs and activities designed to promote socialization and wellness. The team is dedicated to creating a comfortable, secure and stimulating atmosphere for residents.
Family members like the facility's safe setting, atmosphere, and friendly staff. One writes, "My great-grandmother is a resident at the community. It's an absolutely beautiful community with a very friendly, caring, and safe atmosphere and environment. Every resident and staff member greets us with a smile, no matter how many times they have seen us during the day!"
Heritage Woods of Watseka in Kankakee, IL, provides a range of memory care services and amenities. This community places an emphasis on abilities rather than limitations and constantly seeks innovation through a range of philosophies. Care is tailored to each resident's needs. The caring and attentive staff is trained to recognize the unique needs of those with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other forms of memory loss. They also offer 24/7 assistance with bathing, dressing, medication management and other daily living tasks. Family and staff are invited to quarterly meetings to discuss service plans. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities, such as musical and physical therapy, book club, sewing circles, games, pet therapy, cognitive stimulation, spiritual services, outings and an outdoor garden. Transportation to medical appointments and shopping trips is provided.
Heritage Woods has been praised by reviewers for creating a warm and welcoming environment. One says, "Heritage Woods is not just a place to live; it is a home. The staff is wonderful, and the front office is run with care and professionalism. It is great to see how involved Heritage is with the community and bringing in activities to entertain the residents!"