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 Ellicott City's senior population continues to grow (12.7% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Ellicott City, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 46% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 31%, 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 (9% in Ellicott City 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 Ellicott City. 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 Ellicott City, 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:
Charter Senior Living of Woodholme Crossing employs staff trained in the needs of seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia and other conditions related to memory loss. Caregivers guide residents through daily enrichment and therapy sessions, encouraging them to stay physically, emotionally and mentally engaged. All residents have access to nursing care and attendant service for off-site medical trips, and an emergency call system with 24-hour response ensures a sense of well-being and security. Meals are served in a spacious private dining room, where menus designed to meet medical and cultural needs are always available. The community is surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds, including a secure courtyard and tended garden for residents to explore. Charter Senior Living is pet-friendly.
Residents and relatives describe a warm, devoted environment at Charter Senior Living of Woodholme Crossing. One visitor says, "I felt good vibes from the moment I stepped into the bright and cheery lobby... I am confident that my loved one will be given the best possible attention during his stay."
Elternhaus & The Chalet Assisted Living is a memory care and assisted living community with a warm, welcoming environment for seniors experiencing cognitive decline. Residents have private rooms in an intimate environment, located on a peaceful property in Western Howard County. The community provides 24-hour care that includes an on-site nurse, assistance with daily living tasks, three vegetarian meals per day and medication management. Specialized programming for memory care involves the Mind and Memory program, which focuses on cognitive stimulation, and the Reminiscence program that features the use of familiar objects and music to aid memory recall. The community aims to enrich social, physical and spiritual well-being through a variety of activities, such as exercise classes, arts and crafts, music therapy and group outings.
Residents and their families appreciate the compassionate, devoted staff. One family member writes, "They are all caring and loving caregivers... all of the caregivers will treat your family member as though they were their parent."
Located between Baltimore and Washington, DC, Brighton Gardens of Columbia focuses on resident well-being and engagement with exciting social events, fresh cuisine and exercise classes. A devoted memory care community provides a stimulating, secure and social atmosphere with the benefit of high-quality care. The Terrace Club is designed for those with mild to moderate memory loss, while Reminiscence serves seniors with more severe dementia and Alzheimer's. Brighton Gardens of Columbia is an Authorized Validation Organization, where caregivers use validation techniques to communicate empathetically with residents, reduce stress and increase happiness. Life Enrichment Managers foster deep bonds with residents by learning who they are at a personal level, and care is tailored to their personalities and unique needs. Residents have the choice of participating in one-on-one or group activities.
Residents and relatives are pleased with the devoted staff and carefully cultivated environment. One reviewer says, "Brighton Gardens's staff are very knowledgeable and always ready to help in any way. The place is cheerfully decorated, the food is very good and the activities seem suited to the abilities of the residents."
Lighthouse Senior Living in Ellicott City is a close-knit, pet-friendly community offering apartments on a single floor where seniors living with cognitive impairment can receive assistance with activities of daily living. Residents can expect three meals a day, access to an on-site salon and housekeeping services to facilitate their day-to-day lives, leaving them free to participate in the various activities offered. The memory care neighborhood, called The Village, is located in the heart of the community, where seniors receive specialized care and a comfortable, secure environment tailored to their needs. The staff takes the Positive Approach to Care (PAC), emphasizing what memory care residents are capable of rather than what they have lost and focusing on what can be done to improve their quality of life. Seniors are encouraged to engage in therapeutic activities like baking and gardening while minimizing medication.
Residents and their loved ones praise this community for its cleanliness and the willingness of the staff to meet seniors' needs. One reviewer writes, "It's a very beautiful and clean facility. The staff are very friendly and accommodating and the days are packed with activities."
Arbor Terrace Fulton provides memory care to seniors near Ellicott City, MD. The Evergreen memory care neighborhood promotes the well-being and comfort of residents in need of more advanced care, while the Bridges program centers holistic activities that promote cognition. The community's care director creates a personalized treatment plan for each resident, and caregivers manage and administrate medications under the supervision of a licensed nurse. On-site physical therapy and exercise groups help residents to stay active. Landscaped outdoor pathways lead residents to courtyards where they can relax, and the campus features a movie theater and beauty salon. Residents can gather to enjoy social activities such as educational art classes and happy hour. Chefs serve three fresh meals every day, and special diets are accommodated. The staff handles regular housekeeping for stress- and maintenance-free living. Transportation is provided.
Residents and relatives are grateful to the staff for their respect and consideration: "The place itself is immaculate and very nice, and the people are also very nice and accommodating. The care [my loved one] has received so far is very good, so we're very pleased."
Charter Senior Living of Columbia specializes in providing quality services and amenities to seniors living with memory loss. The community is designed for a familial atmosphere where professional, trained caregivers provide personalized care to each resident. A variety of activities, such as art classes and music therapy, keep seniors engaged and active. Additionally, residents can enjoy the fresh air in a secure outdoor space and take a stroll down the walking paths. Charter understands that Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia can be daunting, so specialized care is available to residents and family members alike. Its team of compassionate professionals is committed to creating a safe and secure environment with the latest technologies to monitor and track residents's health and well-being.
Family is grateful to Charter Senior Living of Columbia for their thoughtful care and immaculate grounds: "The wonderful staff at Charter have made this most challenging transition easier for our family. They are patient, kind, and attentive... The facility is clean, bright, and attractive."
Brightview Catonsville is a senior living community that offers memory care within its dedicated Wellspring Village neighborhood. Residents of Wellspring Village receive individualized care in a secured area that helps to slow memory loss and boost personal autonomy via patented programs such as Mind & Music. Throughout the day, residents can spend time in their own apartments or choose to socialize in common areas, a secured courtyard or the dining hall. Residents receive three chef-prepared meals daily, or families can opt to create a custom menu for a loved one. Meals are served in a family-style space, with assistance provided as needed. Snacks are available throughout the day, and trained caregivers are available to assist with the daily activities of living or provide subtle cues to help guide residents through the day.
Reviewers of Brightview Catonsville mention its elegant decor and kind staff. One writes, "Everything was fantastic, the staff were friendly and helpful and the facility was beautiful. The buildings and grounds are kept in great shape and seem very pleasant to live in."
Brightview Rolling Hills is a resort-like senior living community that offers memory care to seniors living with Alzheimer's, dementia or other conditions related to memory loss in Ellicott City. Its dedicated Wellspring Village is a secure, memory care-oriented neighborhood where residents reside in cozy, private apartments and have access to common areas such as an activity room and enclosed courtyard. Throughout the day, residents receive support from trained caregivers who assist with the daily activities of living and encourage residents to participate in daily programming, including music therapy and art. All residents receive three daily chef-prepared meals served in a restaurant-style setting, with meal assistance provided. Laundry and housekeeping are included, and residents can take advantage of the on-site barbershop and massage room.
Many reviewers comment on the warmth and friendliness of staff at Brightview Rolling Hills. One writes, "The building is beautiful, but it's truly the people that make it such a wonderful place. The care and well-being of the residents is the first priority of their professional staff."
Situated in a charming suburb of Washington, D.C., Brookdale Olney provides specialized care for seniors living with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss. Programming is tailored around every resident's cognitive abilities, with Crossings for seniors with early to moderate memory loss and Solace for those in more advanced stages. Both programs feature an around-the-clock team of experienced caregivers who help with the activities of daily life, including bathing, personal hygiene, dressing, mobility and medication management. The community ensures consistent caregiver assignments so seniors receive a higher level of personalized attention. Crossings hosts engaging outings to local museums, journaling, sharing stories and a wide range of classes and workshops, while Solace focuses on multisensory experiences such as music and aromatherapy.The Clare Bridge memory care neighborhood is fully secured, with keypad entry and doorbells to monitor who comes and goes.
Guests are impressed by the considerate care team and friendly atmosphere. One family member writes, "The staff are very professional, responsive and caring... [My father] is very happy and loves the attention he gets from the staff and other residents."
Ingleside at Rock Creek offers a person-centered memory care program. Each resident receives a customized care plan that considers needs, abilities, life history and interests. Caregivers provide assistance with daily living activities and medication, and programming centers on creativity, cognitive stimulation, physical movement and meaningful recreation. The community's music therapy program is especially vibrant, with singing, listening and dancing either individually or in a group setting. The community serves three meals per day with special accommodations for individual preferences and dietary needs. Snacks are available all day. Residents have access to the Center for Healthy Living's wellness center, physicians' offices, therapy programs and salon and spa. Since Ingleside at Rock Creek is a continuum of care community, seniors can be assured of skilled nursing and rehabilitation care in a familiar setting, should they need it.
Residents and their families appreciate the friendly staff and meaningful connections at Ingleside at Rock Creek. A reviewer whose grandmother lives in the community says that her loved one "constantly tells us how she enjoys interacting with other residents her age and how they keep activities planned for her that she enjoys." Staff members are genuinely caring, too.
Morningside House of Ellicott City is a care community providing dedicated support to those living with memory loss and related conditions. Its personalized programs create a comfortable and safe environment, while providing a range of stimulating activities and amenities. Daily routines are individualized to match the unique needs and temperaments of each resident. They receive attention from qualified caregivers who ensure that they dress, bathe, eat and take medications regularly. On-site physician services are provided. The residents can participate in activities which are adjusted to accommodate their abilities, such as artistic activities, group readings, exercise programs and supervised trips into the community. A secured courtyard is available for leisure time, and a library and beauty salon/barber shop are on-site. This community emphasizes support networks and frequently invites family members and loved ones to educational and recreational events.
Morningside House of Ellicott City is praised for its involved staff members and proactive care services. A resident's child says, "If she's not doing well, they either handle the situation if they're trained to do so, or they immediately call someone who can handle it."
Shangri-La Assisted Living is a senior community providing care and resources to those living with dementia or Alzheimer's. It fosters a supportive environment where these individuals have their needs met by trained caregivers who work through frustrating and challenging moments to ensure their daily needs are met. They get residents in and out of bed safely, help them to dress and remind them to bathe, eat and take medications regularly. This community uses the Montessori approach to dementia care, which incorporates techniques that encourage independence and establish routine, so residents are more comfortable each day and socialize more regularly. Shangri-La Assisted Living organizes a variety of activities that residents with unique cognitive capabilities can participate in, including arts and crafts and social events. The entire campus is secured to protect resident safety, but encourages freedom of movement and walking exercise.
Residents describe Shangri-La Assisted Living as a caring community with knowledgeable staff members that prioritizes the resident's comfort and safety. A resident's child says, "The caregivers are friendly, and the nurses and medicine staff are knowledgeable. In addition, the manager of Shangri-La works with the families of the residents to ensure the residents are comfortable."
Memory care residents at Atrium Village are welcomed to a warm atmosphere that embraces a complete wellness approach to health care. Residents and their loved ones can feel a peace of mind knowing that there are attentive staff available any time of day with low staff to resident ratios. The award-winning memory care program Embrace is designed with the resident's comprehensive wellness in mind. With programs like Snapshots that focus on the emotional health of both the resident and their loved ones, residents can rest assured that they are a part of a fully supportive ecosystem at Atrium Village. Residents can also enjoy the community activities that are offered year-round such as musical therapy, happy hours, holiday parties and a number of other outings and events. The community also provides access to virtual socializing technology so residents can stay connected with their loved ones even when they are unable to visit the community.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the warm and welcoming atmosphere of the community. One resident comments on their experience by saying, "Dad has really settled in nicely here, the community is bright, open and welcoming. The staff is friendly and dad is starting to take part in the activities and he enjoys joining the other residents in the dining room plus the food is good. There's a nice out door patio area with tables and chairs and Dad enjoys his walks around the community and that he still has his independence here."
Sunrise of Pikesville is a care campus for seniors living with dementia or Alzheimer's. Its staff members are highly trained and experienced at addressing the challenges associated with these conditions, and they help residents to live more comfortably and experience less daily frustration. This community uses the validation method to calm frustrated residents and redirect them with minimal conflict. Caregivers manage each resident's daily needs related to hygiene, clothing, medications, and meal times and hydration. Sunrise of Pikesville has a Reminiscence Program that houses residents with memory loss in a close-knit community, where they spend time with familiar neighbors and caregivers. They take part in activities designed to keep them physically active and social, do arts and crafts, attend live entertainment events and can spend leisure time in safe, secured areas.
Residents speak highly of the care provided by Sunrise of Pikesville. A resident's child says, "We visited other assisted living places, and Sunrise stood out as the best. The staff is professional, patient, caring, and friendly. The rooms are clean and well maintained. The food is great. The activities appealed to many different interests. The transportation was reliable."
Sunrise of Columbia is a senior community in a serene neighborhood southwest of Ellicott. Its compassionate staff is highly trained in meeting the unique needs of residents with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. To help residents navigate the premises easily and feel comfortable, the community designed its neighborhood with mindful and well-tested choices, such as a centralized layout, motion sensors and contrasting colors. Seniors receive respectful, personalized care and enjoy small-group passion-building activities tailored to their interests through the community's Sunrise Live with Purpose programming. Life Enrichment Managers take the time to learn about each resident and form a deep bond with them to make them feel at home.
Residents and their families are pleased with the community's helpful staff and friendly atmosphere. One reviewer wrote, "The best thing about Sunrise is its people. They are so kind and supportive. The go out of their way to help your loved one adjust and feel comfortable in the community."
Arden Courts of Pikesville is a memory care community whose layout, care services and range of stimulating activities were selected for their ability to enhance the lives of seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The facility's home-like environment creates a sense of familiarity while its walking paths allow residents to roam freely within its secure confines. Upon arrival, seniors undergo a wellness assessment which forms the foundation of their personalized care plan. Staff members specially trained in dementia care remain on-site 24/7 and licensed nurses are available around-the-clock. The care team performs safety checks every hour, monitors residents' vital signs and helps them with their medications. They also assist residents with activities of daily living such as bathing and dressing. Residents receive three meals a day, and the dining team offers accommodations for seniors with cultural and religious dietary restrictions. Arts and crafts, live entertainment and pet therapy are among the many activities available at this community.
Residents' families consistently praise the community's friendly staff members. In their review, a resident's relative says, "My dad is a resident at Arden Courts, and I cannot say enough nice things about the staff, management and level of care he receives there. The caregiving staff is terrific--they are kind and compassionate, and have endless patience, from my observations."
Woodholme Gardens is an assisted living and memory care community situated in a quiet, private wooded setting in Pikesville, MD. Seniors live in accessible apartments and receive discreet and personalized support with the activities of daily living. The DAYPULSE memory care program helps seniors stay active and independent by fostering a consistent routine that helps them sleep better, eat healthy and benefit from reduced anxiety and improved mood. Nutritious meals are served every day, and residents have the option of attending a variety of exercise classes and other activities including musical performances and crafts. A Creative Kitchen program combines cooking with reminiscence and social activities. Nurses and other healthcare professionals monitor the well-being of residents, and additional care services such as ambulation and continence care are provided where required.
Reviewers praise the facility for its cleanliness as well as the friendliness of the staff. One reviewer notes, "The place was very clean, well-kept, and well-maintained." Another reviewer speaks highly of the care team, "I was very pleased with them. The staff was very helpful and very pleasant."
Paradise Assisted Living & Memory Care incorporates the Montessori method, which has been proven to reduce agitation and wandering in individuals with dementia and other conditions which impact memory, as well as improve overall quality of life, self-esteem, and independence. This approach to care can reduce the need for medication. Staff is available 24/7 and can assist with activities of daily life, such as bathing and grooming. Residents can enjoy the community's sun room, fenced-in garden and activity room, as well as the services of a beauty salon. Residents can also participate in a variety of activities, including trips off-site. Rooms include laundry service and cable television, and transportation to off-site appointments is also available.
Reviewers praise the friendly staff and feel their loved ones are safe. One writes, "As difficult as it is to make the decision to place a loved one in a care situation, this was made easier by a staff that truly understands the needs of the resident and their family. I would recommend Paradise for memory care for families looking for a smaller environment for their loved ones."
Winter Growth is a nonprofit senior living community that offers memory care in a small residential-style setting to promote a family-like atmosphere for those with memory loss. Memory care residents live in studio apartments and have access to trained caregivers around the clock. Engaging activities are scheduled throughout the day to keep residents busy, such as dancing, crafting or lifelong learning programs. Nurses provide oversight, and wholesome meals are prepared on-site and served at a family-style dining table. Housekeeping and linens are provided to all memory care residents, and therapy services are also available on-site.
Reviews of Winter Growth Assisted Living & Memory Care are positive, with one family member stating, "It's a wonderful place. The staff is great. They're awesome. They're wonderful staff. They have three prepared meals per day. They have a chef onsite seven days per week. The structure of the building is wonderful. It has more than enough room for all the clients to roam on the memory side."
Country Gardens Assisted Living is a small home-like assisted living and memory care community situated on nine acres of farmland in Highland, MD. The secured home features indoor and outdoor common areas for relaxation and socialization. Included health care services range from medication management to assistance with daily living activities. Home-cooked meals are served in a family-style dining room. A wide variety of activities are offered for residents. Physical fitness opportunities include flexibility and balancing classes, walking club and dancing. For those interested in the arts, Country Gardens offers music programs, arts and crafts activities, a poetry group and a knitting club. Residents can also spend time journaling or trying their hand at creative writing. Cognitive abilities are strengthened through brain tease games, memory and word games and puzzles. For those activities not offered on site, transportation is available.
Family members appreciate the home-like atmosphere and loving caregivers. One says, "The owner is deeply invested in providing an atmosphere that is pastoral, warm and so home-like for the residents. Nothing bespeaks 'institutional' of this Country Gardens. I am immensely pleased with the patience and kindness extended to my dad."