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 Fargo’s senior population continues to grow (20.95% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Fargo, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by 21.1% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 10.1%, 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 (10.25% in Fargo vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered price information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of memory care in Fargo and 1 other city in North Dakota.
As of 2023, Fargo's monthly average price for memory care has risen 10.5% to $5,815, reflecting a similar 10.5% increase nationally from 2022. Prices are projected to rise another 8% to $6,273 in 2024. Memory care price data from Bismarck and Minnesota sister city Moorhead show virtually identical percentage movements over that 2-year period, as does that of South Dakota's Sioux Falls.
Statewide, though, North Dakota's memory care prices jumped from $3,641 in 2022 to $5,899 in 2023, a whopping 62% move. Monitoring volatility in prices is a key element of proper financial planning for long-term senior care.
Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
---|---|---|---|
Fargo | $5,267 | $5,815 | $6,273 |
U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
North Dakota | $3,641 | $5,899 | $6,510 |
Bismarck | $5,570 | $6,150 | $6,635 |
Moorhead, MN | $4,262 | $4,705 | $5,076 |
Sioux Falls, SD | $4,377 | $4,832 | $5,213 |
Memory care is intended for seniors who need major assistance with their daily lives due to cognitive impairment. Seniors who don't require such robust support can save a significant amount of money by choosing a different care type. Fargo's average reported monthly price for independent living is $2,873. In state capital Bismarck, assisted living averages $3,435 per month. Both figures are thousands of dollars lower than the monthly cost of memory care in Fargo, $5,815.
Care Type | Cost |
---|---|
Assisted Living | $3,435 |
Memory Care | $5,815 |
Independent Living | $2,873 |
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making memory care more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in North Dakota.
There are plenty of support options available for retirees in Fargo, ND. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the type of care they provide for easy reference.
For more information about resources throughout the state and in nearby cities, we recommend visiting the North Dakota state page on memorycare.com.
In Fargo, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Emergency Food Pantry - Fargo | 701-237-9337 | The Emergency Food Pantry supports individuals in Cass and Clay Counties, North Dakota, offering nutritious food, household essentials, and hygiene products to those facing crises like medical issues or unemployment. Seniors are among the beneficiaries, with visits allowed every other month, up to six times per year. Families may also access food stamps for additional support. |
Faith Food PANTRY - Fargo | 701-232-6844 | Food pantries in North Dakota offer shelf-stable and fresh food items to individuals facing food insecurity. Eligibility requirements and distribution frequency vary among local pantries. Community Action Agencies can assist in locating nearby resources for those in need. |
Fargo-Moorhead Salvation Army Food Shelf | 701-232-5565 | The Fargo-Moorhead Salvation Army Food Shelf provides shelf-stable essentials like bread, cereal, and pasta, with occasional fresh produce. Local residents can enjoy hot breakfast and lunch on weekdays. Breakfast is served from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m., and lunch is available between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. |
Cass County - Community Dining | 877-827-1916 | Local organizations in North Dakota coordinate weekly meal deliveries for homebound seniors through Meals on Wheels, addressing hunger and social isolation. Additionally, many senior centers in the state offer meal delivery services to older residents. |
In Fargo, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
North Dakota Assistive Financial Loan Program - Fargo | 800-895-4728 | North Dakota Assistive provides financial assistance through loans and grants, a specialized telephone program, and a reuse initiative for medical equipment. The Senior Safety Program offers access to safety devices such as grab bars and shower chairs for North Dakotans in need. |
North Dakota Healthcare Equipment Recycling Organization (HERO) | 701-212-1921 | Located in Fargo, this initiative offers donated durable medical equipment to individuals in need both locally and globally. Additionally, it operates a storefront where affordable medical supplies and equipment are available for purchase by anyone. |
In Fargo, elderly individuals find a community hub in senior centers, offering a range of recreational pursuits, events, and essential resources. These centers also provide health programs, dietary advice, and support for issues related to senior living.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Ed Clapp Park Senior Center | 701-298-3976 | The Ed Clapp Park Senior Center in Fargo, ND, offers games, fitness classes, and lunch for seniors. Foot care services are available on select days. Activities include pinochle and mah-jongg. Community meals are served weekdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Operated by Valley Senior Services, this center is one of four. For details, including hours of operation, seniors can call 701-298-3976. |
Trollwood Village Senior Center | 701-293-7909 | Trollwood Village Senior Center, part of Valley Senior Services, offers a variety of activities and services at 3105 Broadway in Fargo, ND. From fitness classes to games, seniors can enjoy a range of options. A dietitian-prepared community lunch is served Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with the option for pickup for those unable to stay. Reservations for community dining should be made in advance. |
Valley Senior Services | 877-827-1916 | Valley Senior Services in Fargo administers Older Americans Act programs, offering Meals on Wheels, senior ride services, and senior center programs for homebound seniors aged 60+. Resource specialists provide in-home support, long-term care options, care coordination, and caregiver resources. Assistance with Medicare Part D enrollments is also available for eligible seniors. |
In Fargo, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Memory Cafe of the Red River Valley | 701-404-6712 | Memory Café of the Red River Valley, located near Moorhead in Fargo, North Dakota, offers social and recreational activities for older adults and families impacted by dementia. The nonprofit organization hosts gatherings at various venues in the area and provides support groups for family caregivers. |
In the city of Fargo, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Fargo Social Security Office 58102 | 800-772-1213 | Social Security provides income for retirees and individuals unable to work due to disability. Funding is derived from payroll taxes on employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Upon retirement, monthly payments are disbursed based on past earnings. |
In Fargo, a variety of tax assistance options exist for seniors and people with disabilities. These encompass possible medical cost exemptions, property tax cuts, and other tax alleviation measures.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Homestead Property Tax Credit - Fargo | 701-241-5616 | The Homestead Property Tax Credit adjusts the taxable value of a homeowner's residence, with the credit amount determined by the individual's income. |
In Fargo, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Fargo Vet Center | 701-237-0942 | Fargo Vet Center provides free nonmedical support for local veterans facing mental health issues or seeking community connections. Appointments are offered during business hours to all current and former military personnel, regardless of VA health status. Services include individual and group counseling, available in-person or through telehealth. Educational groups for military families are also available to enhance communication and coping skills at home. |
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 Fargo, 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:
New Perspective Senior Living is located right across from the Cash Wise grocery store and Oak Ridge retail center in West Fargo and just minutes from Sanford Medical Center Fargo. The facilitys landscaped grounds and wrap-around porch provide a relaxing outdoor space for residents, while the pool, dance studio and fitness center with on-site physical and occupational therapy services support the residents holistic wellness. Other engaging amenities include a library, computer center, movie theater and billiards and game room to serve various interests. Residents living in the Bettys Harbor memory care neighborhood receive individualized care based on New Perspective's Four Pillars of Living Life on Purpose, which addresses the physical, cognitive, social/spiritual and nutritional aspects of well-being. Cognitive activities include the Music and Memory program which lets residents enjoy their personal favorite music.
A highly satisfied family member attests to the positive experience of a resident loved one in New Perspective and writes, As a daughter, I am grateful for this facility. I can tell he is so much happier and actually looks younger and has more spring in his step because he has new friends and something to do every day.
Touchmark at Harwood Groves is conveniently located in the River Drive neighborhood of Fargo and just minutes from Essentia Health Hospital and Stanford Southpointe Clinic. This park-like retirement community lies on a 14-acre campus and offers resort-style amenities, including a fitness club with an indoor heated lap pool, warm-water spa, medically based fitness programs and massage therapy services. The facility's Pembrook memory care neighborhood provides a supportive and stimulating environment through color-coded hallways for guided wayfinding and spacious apartments for comfort and safety. The high staffing ratio and Best Friends approach to care lets caregivers develop meaningful relationships with residents to effectively improve their quality of life. Engaging activities offered through the Full Life Wellness and Life Enrichment program include hobby groups, art classes, outdoor trips and the Touchmark Trekkers walking program.
Residents loved ones feel at ease and at home at Touchmark. As one reviewer shares, My mother has been a resident at Touchmark for a few years. It is a beautiful place and people feel both comfortable and welcome. I have eaten in the dining room a few times with her and the food is delicious as well!