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 Fayetteville’s senior population continues to grow (15.2% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Fayetteville, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by a staggering 127.4% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 18.1%, 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 (9.35% in Fayetteville 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 Fayetteville. 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 Fayetteville, 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:
Situated close to a wide variety of health care providers, Brookdale Pinehurst's community offers its residents charming Southern hospitality and a beautifully maintained building set amongst well-kept grounds. Residents who suffer from Alzheimer's and other issues related to dementia reside in a memory care section of the community that's devoted to keeping seniors safe and secure in a nurturing environment. The fully trained, compassionate staff provides person-centered care to seniors, 24 hours a day, throughout the varying stages of dementia. Residents engage in stimulating activities, such as brain games, music therapy, cooking classes and other planned activities that add structure and help seniors maintain their current skills. Brookdale Pinehurst's welcoming atmosphere features outings to local attractions and memory care dining programs that let residents choose delicious meal options from dementia-friendly menus.
Visitors to this community are impressed with the level of care provided, the kind staff and the wide variety of activities and on-site amenities available to residents. A reviewer who visited Brookdale Pinehurst wrote, " The place smelled very clean, and that's very nice. The residents looked happy. I think that's very important."
Eastover Gardens Special Care is a senior assisted living community that focuses specifically on providing services to residents with Alzheimer's and other memory care needs. This memory care community develops personalized treatment plans for each resident and cultivates a calm and healthy environment through strategies like redirection, structured routines, consistent schedules and encouraging outdoor time. In addition, Eastover Gardens Special Care prioritizes maintaining a high quality of life by setting realistic and relevant goals for residents, including staying ambulatory with the assistance of a licensed physical therapist. This community is designed to be safe and accessible for those with memory care needs and is equipped with magnetic door locks, a security system and fall prevention procedures.
Residents and their families praise the staff for their professionalism, friendliness, and strong knowledge base for memory care needs. Residents also express satisfaction with the community's ability to create plans to address their memory and other health issues.
Elmcroft of Southern Pines is a family-oriented assisted living and memory care community set in a beautiful, serene location convenient to shops and a vibrant downtown area. Four different memory care programs geared toward residents living with Alzheimer's and dementia help seniors remain healthy in body, mind and spirit. Every month, residents take part in Port of Call, a program that brings exciting locations to them by way of tasty menus from different countries and other cultural experiences, such as music and conversation. Restaurant-style dining at Elmcroft of Southern Pines incorporates healthy farm-to-table menus, some of which contain ingredients grown on-site in gardens tended by seniors. Daily activities are planned for socialization and stimulation, such as a walking club, sing-alongs, fitness programs and visiting musicians.
Visitors to Elmcroft of Southern Pines are impressed with the professional staff, the cleanliness of the community and the variety of activities available to residents. The grounds are well-kept, and one reviewer stated, "It was great. It was like being at a private retreat."
Fayetteville Manor is an exclusive dementia care community that provides a safe, stimulating living environment for seniors with memory disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. The secure building has homelike interiors, and all resident rooms have private bathrooms. Staff members include medication aides and certified nursing assistants. Round-the-clock caregivers provide companionship, incontinent care and assistance with bathing, dressing and medication. Resident social activities include holiday celebrations, birthday parties, luncheons, bingo, manicures and arts and crafts. Staff uses the community's accessible transportation bus to take residents to scheduled appointments and special outings. Fresh food is prepared daily on-site, and available meal and snack options cater to nutritional needs and personal tastes. Further shared amenities include a TV room and an outdoor area with a covered patio. Independent senior living apartments are also available at Fayetteville Manor for seniors over 55.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the responsive administrators, clean facilities and professional, kind caregivers at Fayetteville Manor. The son of one resident says, "My father has been at Fayetteville Manor for about 9 months now. We have [been] totally satisfied and pleased with his care by the professional, compassionate staff. The facility is clean and well taken care of."
Seniors living in the memory care community at Fox Hollow Senior Living receive individualized attention to provide them with a nurturing environment that's safe and responsive to their needs. Highly trained caregivers engage with residents via the community's award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery Alzheimer's and dementia care program, which helps seniors feel secure and comfortable. Residents are encouraged to take part in the many social and recreational activities and events available within the community. A barber shop and beauty salon are located on-site, and residents dine on chef-created meals that are healthy and delicious. Spacious, comfortable private and shared studio apartments provide residents with a warm, homelike living space.
Visitors to this community like that the facility is kept clean and has a homey feel. They mention that the meals are very good, and the activities for seniors are impressive. One family member says, "The staff is absolutely fabulous, friendly and very sweet."
Harmony at Hope Mills is a senior living community located in Fayetteville, NC, featuring a secured assisted living neighborhood for residents in need of specialized memory care. Residents live in private or companion studio apartments complete with easy-to-navigate floor plans, large bathrooms and comforting designs and color schemes. The specially trained staff is on hand 24/7 to assist with any need, including daily personal care and ongoing health monitoring by the staff nurse. An on-site chef prepares delicious and nutritious meals fresh each day, and hydration stations are located throughout the community. Following the Best Friends Approach, daily schedules and events and designed to enhance socialization within the neighborhood, offering walking groups and community fitness classes, as well as group music events and planned social hours. Additionally, residents receive ample one-on-one time with staff members for therapeutic calm and attention.
Residents and their families praise the community for its inviting atmosphere and compassionate, friendly staff. One family member says, "This is a wonderful facility with many caring staff members. They give the patients a great deal of respect and dignity."
Located less than 25 miles west of Fayetteville, NC, in the neighboring city of Raeford, Open Arms Retirement Center provides on-site assisted living services and specialized dementia care accommodations. Furnished private and shared rooms with bathrooms are available, and residents are welcome to decorate private living quarters with familiar items. In 2015, the community introduced a certified music and memory program designed to help residents with cognitive and mobility impairments thrive. A separate events calendar for memory care residents ensures all seniors in the community have the opportunity to participate in regular activities catered to their abilities. Popular on-site activities among residents include morning walks, manicures, pedicures, ice cream socials, devotional services, birthday parties and national holiday celebrations. Snacks and beverages are always accessible between scheduled meal times, during which residents enjoy creative dishes prepared using fresh ingredients and family-style flavor.
Reviewers praise the caring family atmosphere, beautiful gardens and helpful administrators. According to the daughters of one resident, Open Arms Retirement Center is "a beautiful and caring place. All the people that work there are great. It's always clean and it's a home for our Mother."
The Addison of Fayetteville offers a specialized care program that includes establishing daily rhythms and engaging in stimulating activities to provide more independence for residents with age and disease-related memory loss. The community also provides 24/7 nursing and monitoring services, as well as assistance with activities of daily living. Residents can either be placed in memory care, respite care or assisted living services, depending on their personal needs. The Addison has a variety of activities and amenities for residents to enjoy, such as laundry and housekeeping services, restaurant-style dining, arts and crafts and salon services.
Residents and families love the community at The Addison. One said, "My parents have resided here for over 2 years. I have never been anything but pleased. My parents have been well-treated by the staff, the food is excellent, and the facility has always been neat and clean on the assisted living side. I have recommended.Addison to many people."