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 Franklin’s senior population continues to grow (38.24% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Franklin, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 46.91% between 2014 and 2019, 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 (10.18% in Franklin 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 Franklin. 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 Franklin, 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:
For over 20 years, Barton House Memory Care has provided a home to seniors living with Alzheimer's disease and similar dementia conditions. The community uses residents' strengths to facilitate cognitive improvements and maintenance. Staff are on hand for residents 24/7 to help with daily living tasks, medication management and activities. Exercise classes help residents improve range of motion and energy. The secure courtyards and gardening club get seniors outside into the sun, helping them benefit from nature. Seniors can talk about their lives and pass on advice to young children as part of the intergenerational program. To further provide companionship and bring anxious seniors out of their shells, small pets are allowed within the community.
One former resident's family member writes, "I cannot say enough good things about Barton House. My dad received the most loving care for almost two years, and my family and I are beyond grateful. Staff is caring, compassionate, and they go above and beyond for their residents. I highly recommend them." Another writes, "We love Barton House. Highly recommend them."
Belmont Village Green Hills provides a safe and stimulating environment for seniors dealing with memory care issues such as dementia and Alzheimer's. The community's Whole Brain Fitness program focuses on brain health by engaging residents in mental and physical exercises. Small groups are formed based on participant's strengths and abilities and are lead by a specially trained team. The memory care neighborhood is a secure area, so residents can easily navigate their living spaces. Residents are provided with chef-prepared meals, medication management and daily wellness checks. The capable staff offer assistance with daily living activities such as housekeeping and laundry. Medical supervision and care is provided 24/7 by a licensed nurse.
People praise the caring staff and the pleasant atmosphere. One reviewer says, "It's extremely clean. The receptionist and all the people who work in the restaurant are very friendly. The two people who worked with us, Elizabeth and David, were extremely knowledgeable and answered all of our questions, and helped with the move. Everyone was wonderful."
Belvedere Commons of Franklin is a senior living community situated in a residential area in the east of Franklin. It is a short drive from a number of health care facilities, including Williamson Medical Center. The memory care neighborhood is designed with features that help seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia, such as calming colors and sensory cues to aid autonomy and independence. Caregivers provide compassionate support 24/7 with personal care, reminders and medication management. One-on-one and group activities are designed to encourage socialization and nourish body, mind and soul. Activities include aerobics, craft classes and fellowship hour. The community partners with therapy providers to give residents easy access to physical, occupational and speech therapy. Residents can enjoy restaurant-style dining with nutritious meals prepared three times a day.
Visitors appreciate the kind staff, with one reviewer saying, "The workers here are wonderful. They take great care and are always concerned for the well-being of the people who live at Belvedere Commons. They even refer to them as 'family.' I have heard this on many occasions, and it sure helps me when I can't be there."
Brighton Gardens of Brentwood is situated in the west of Brentwood, 11 miles south of Nashville. Residents can take advantage of the health care amenities nearby, including Williamson Medical Center, as well as the community's enclosed courtyards, flower gardens and beautiful walking paths. Residents with Alzheimer's and dementia each have a personalized care program tailored to their individual needs and interests. The program includes memory-focused activities and therapy techniques, including validation therapy. Activities include exercise classes, singing and themed socials. Residents are also encouraged to stay a part of the wider community through activities with the local schools and various volunteer projects. The chefs at Brighton Gardens use fresh ingredients to prepare home-cooked meals.
Visitors appreciate the compassionate staff, with one reviewer saying, "Our experience with Brighton Gardens of Brentwood was excellent. The staff was extremely friendly and helpful and willing to work with us. It's very bright and cheerful. It seemed to be a loving environment. They do outings, shopping, scenic drive, bingo and church services."
Brookdale Belle Meade nurtures a warm community spirit through engaging group activities and welcoming common areas. A porch, courtyard and garden are available for outdoor leisure, and indoors, residents are invited to gather for conversations around a fireplace in a cozy living room and work on projects together in an arts and crafts studio. Mentally stimulating programming is created by licensed professionals each day to help seniors remain engaged, and friendly staff members lead exercise classes and therapy sessions to improve and maintain residents' physical health. The campus is secured by a 24-hour electronic system to enhance personal safety, and seniors can use wireless internet to surf the web and send messages to family members. Caregivers attend training classes on memory care once a month, and they are on hand around the clock to provide assistance with personal needs.
Family members heartily approve of the friendly caregivers at Brookdale Belle Meade. One family shares, "We don't have to worry as she gets so much love from staff and management, it's like they have always been our friends." Another resident's relatives chime in, "Awesome community and staff here at Belle Meade. They have a beautiful facility and loving hearts."
Located in a pretty, residential area of southwest Nashville, Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland offers memory care and assisted living for seniors. Amenities are plentiful and include a coffee shop, snack shop, library, game room, therapy room and arts and crafts studio. A beautiful porch, courtyard, garden, and putting green allow residents to enjoy the outdoors. Circular pathways, personalized residence entryways and dementia-friendly menus help memory care residents feel comfortable navigating the grounds and interacting with staff. Using the evidence-based Clare Bridge Daily Path program, the community helps seniors maintain and expand their skills and abilities while strengthening cognitive health. Residents are encouraged to participate in enriching daily activities, such as working out in the fitness center. Skilled staff trained in the latest dementia care techniques are available 24/7 to provide individualized care.
Family members love the beautiful facilities, food options and caring staff. As one reviewer writes, "This is a great community. The staff are outstanding. The community is clean and the environment is nice inside and out. They had a nice variety of healthy meals that were very appealing. Another adds, "Beautiful facility and great dining options.
Located in Franklin, Tennessee, Canterfield of Franklin offers independent and assisted living along with memory care services. The trained caregivers are available 24/7 and design personalized care plans based on assessments of each resident. With on-site nurses, visiting physicians and rehabilitation services, residents can receive quality care without leaving the facility. The comfortable memory care studios create a home-like environment while offering easy access to the personalized dining room and activities center. In a secured memory care wing, residents can enjoy amenities such as a theater, fitness center, library and salon. When the weather is good, the beautiful courtyard offers a chance to get some fresh air and go for a walk.
Canterfield of Franklin stands out with its compassionate, caring staff. One relative writes, "Everyone--yes, EVERYONE--has gone out of their way to assist in any way. The staff at Canterfield has laughed with us, cried with us and made our parents feel comfortable in their new home. They have an incredible team. They really do care."
Charter Senior Living of Hermitage offers a serene setting for seniors in the south east of Hermitage. The local area boasts a number of medical facilities, including the TriStar Summit Medical Center. Residents can relax in the landscaped courtyard and patio area or get pampered in the full-service beauty salon. The memory care neighborhood is designed to evoke feelings of home and help residents feel calm and at ease. The highly trained staff provides 24/7 compassionate care and gives each resident an individual care plan that is tailored to their individual needs and interests. Care plans include enriching daily activities designed to stimulate body, mind and spirit. Residents also receive nutrition support and chef-prepared meals three times a day.The community is pet friendly and residents are encouraged to bring their furry friends.
Visitors particularly like the design of the community, with one reviewer saying, "They designed it like a circle with the dining area and TV in the middle with the rooms around it, so they're inches away from the people to watch them. They'd know if something might be wrong with somebody."
For seniors with an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis, Clarendale at Bellevue Place features a memory care program built around residents' physical and emotional well-being. Highly trained staff are on hand 24/7 to assist with daily activity programming that helps daily functioning and provides a sense of purpose. Residents have the use of an activities/craft room, and scheduled local transportation with an appointment escort is available if needed. Physical, speech and occupational therapy are offered. A secure outdoor courtyard gives residents the chance to get outside. Extras such as massages, personalized transportation, salon services and guest meals are also available.
People are impressed with the care at Clarendale at Bellevue Place. One reviewer writes, " The facilities are pristine and state-of-the-art. Everyone you come in contact with is warm, caring and professional. Fast forward three months, we couldn't be happier with our decision, and most importantly, my mother in law couldn't be happier with the decision, either! She is loving every minute! We couldn't recommend Clarendale enough to anybody looking a place where your loved ones will receive nothing but the absolute best care and quality of life!"
Located within 10 miles of Nashville, Elmcroft of Brentwood offers a memory care community for seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia. Specialist staff at Elmcroft get to know residents' personal histories, abilities and interests. This aids in establishing strong connections between seniors and caregivers. The low staff-to-patient ratio allows residents to have support whenever they need it, with caregivers on hand 24/7. Elmcroft encourages seniors to continue with the activities they previously enjoyed, including gardening, crafts, exercise and outings. The community features fully secured and monitored indoor and outdoor areas to ensure well-being and peace of mind. Families receive regular updates on how their loved ones are progressing.
People are impressed with the high level of care at Elmcroft of Brentwood. One reviewer writes, "I am so glad we were able to move my grandparents in at Elmcroft. I know they are safe, well cared for and happy with the staff. My grandfather is thrilled with the food, and they have set up the dining room so that residents get to know each other. The environment of the entire community is different than I would ever have expected. I can't recommend this facility enough."
Harmony at Brentwood is a retirement community offering independent living, assisted living and memory care services. Seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia enjoy the security of a separate memory care neighborhood that's designed to feel like home with comfortable community areas and well-appointed apartments. Each room features a large bathroom that's easy to navigate and a state-of-the-art emergency call system for peace of mind. The community's Best Friends Approach promotes physical, emotional and spiritual well-being by encouraging residents to connect with fellow seniors, staff and family. Caregivers are available to assist with daily tasks such as medication management, and a licensed nurse is on staff to monitor residents' basic health needs. Residents can participate in specially designed health and wellness programs each day, such as cooking demonstrations, art exploration, gentle exercises and group socials.
People regard Harmony at Brentwood as a "wonderful community" with staff who "really care about their residents." As the daughter of a current resident shares, the compassionate staff, well-planned activities and personalized care services make it "an ideal community for anyone needing just a little help maintaining their lifestyles or anyone needing 24-hour full-time assistance."
Nestled in the historic heart of Hermitage, Kempton of Hermitage offers a comfortable setting where seniors can enjoy an active retirement while receiving the care they need to thrive. Those with dementia and other cognitive impairments benefit from the community's secured memory care environment, where highly trained staff members deliver individualized support. The community is thoughtfully designed with spacious common areas and a variety of onsite amenities, including a salon and barbershop, a library and a restaurant-style dining room. Residents are treated to three chef-prepared meals each day and don't have to worry about chores, such as housekeeping, laundry or linen changes. The community's specially tailored memory care programming focuses on celebrating residents' individual successes and promoting overall well-being through daily activities, including morning exercises, afternoon walks, art workshops, bingo and movie nights.
What people love most about Kempton of Hermitage is the peace of mind they get knowing their loved ones are "safe, well cared for, and happy." As one reviewer shares, "It's a beautiful community, the food is excellent, and the staff are phenomenal. There are plenty of activities and opportunities to meet people and make friends."
Maristone of Franklin, located in Franklin, Tennessee, is an assisted living facility offering memory care services in a secure environment. Trained caregivers get to know each individual to provide personalized services, such as medication management and assistance with daily living activities. In addition to on-site caregivers, doctors, podiatrists and therapists are brought on-site for consultations and treatment. On a standard day, residents follow a routine that is both familiar and spontaneous. Every morning typically begins with a coffee social, succeeded by a personally tailored exercise class. The rest of the day's activities vary and can include brain games, movies and bingo. When residents are not engaged in an activity, they can spend time in the facility's library, salon or garden.
Residents enjoy the comfortable and clean atmosphere. One visitor writes, "Maristone of Franklin was good. Everything was fresher, clean, and a little more spacious. Their environment was very good. I liked the overall care, the enthusiasm, and caring attitude."
Maybelle Carter Living is a care facility located near the city of Franklin, Tennessee. Surrounded by gardens, flowers and trees, residents enjoy a picturesque, natural setting. Memory care residents enjoy their independence with apartments designed to admit sunlight and fresh air, while still receiving amenities such as housekeeping, meal preparation and apartment maintenance. Upon arrival, each resident is assessed and receives a personalized care plan which includes wellness activities and health services. A range of physical, cognitive and social programs are available, from fitness sessions to game nights. Health services include assistance with grooming, daily living activities and medication management. Hospice care is also available.
Reviewers praise Maybelle Carter Living for its compassionate staff and numerous amenities, with one relative writing: "Their staff is very thorough and consistent with what they do. Their food menu has a variety and looks good. They have a lot of different activities, more than she can participate in. They've been very helpful and very courteous."
Morning Pointe of Brentwood offers an exclusive memory care program known as The Lantern Meaningful Day, which includes individual programs to enhance the life quality of each resident. Residents can participate in creative and sensory activities, as well as therapy programs. Morning Pointe also offers a variety of amenities and activities for residents to enjoy, such as salon services, organized group activities, intergenerational programs with local schools and live entertainment. The community participates in a local farm-to-table program to ensure that residents receive the freshest and healthiest ingredients.
Residents and their families love the community at Morning Pointe. One says, "At Morning Pointe of Brentwood, the rooms are nice. The staff is incredible and friendly. They just make people comfortable. The facility is clean. It is a really great place. Im just glad my loved one is there. The food is good there. There are lots of activities."
Somerby Franklin, a senior living facility located in Franklin, Tennessee, provides a secure memory care community for residents who need cognitive assistance. With on-site licensed nurses and caregivers available 24/7, its residents are constantly supported and encouraged. Health services include assistance with daily living, escort services and nutrition and meal management. To support individual emotional needs and reduce anxiety, staff members meet with residents one on one to conduct assessments and decide on personalized care techniques. Such techniques may include family consultations, which engage cognitive abilities while strengthening family relationships. To stimulate the mind and senses, residents are encouraged to participate in activities such as exercise sessions and brain games. Respite care and therapeutic services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy, are also available.
The compassionate staff and quality environment make Somerby Franklin stand out. One relative writes, "It's beautiful, and they gave excellent care. They had lots of activities and made sure everyone was included and invited. It was the best of the best. The dining area was beautiful, and the bistro was excellent."
Located in a quiet neighborhood, The Hearth at Franklin offers a home to those living with Alzheimer's and other dementia conditions. The Mosher-Gardens Method used by the community takes a holistic approach toward residents' mental, physical, and emotional health, and it helps seniors live a structured life to reduce confusion. The method's Live More branch views residents as people, not as their disease. The Think More branch gets residents to use their cognitive abilities through intellectual discussions, word games and puzzles. The Move More branch uses mobility and exercise to improve physical health, particularly chair yoga, tai chi and walking.
A resident's friend praises the community, writing, "Great facility. Great staff. Great activities for everyone who is there. Everyone is well taken care of. I can't say enough good things about the place." Another writes, "The social environment is great, and mom has quickly made friends! The activities have a great variety. We highly recommend the Hearth at Franklin!"
The Lodge at Natchez Trace has 87 private rooms where seniors can live comfortably while receiving personalized attention and assistance. In addition to the community's assisted living, respite and hospice care services, a specialized memory care program is available, designed by professionals in the field. The round-the-clock staff creates a calming, family-style setting that lets residents spend time with their peers and participate in cognitive-based activities. Multiple therapies and sensory-rich programs, including pet visits, group outings and gardening, are used to reduce stress and maintain residents' emotional and physical wellness. Regular assessments are conducted by the Director of Nursing, which ensures that each of the individualized care plans is kept up to date. Meals are handmade daily by a trained culinary team. Special menus are created for holidays, and seniors can make special requests for favorites.
Loved ones can't say enough good things about the loving care The Lodge at Natchez Trace provides their family members. One reviewer relates, "Mom and Dad found an extended family at the Lodge. They quickly made several good friends and became part of a community that really cares for them."
The Village at Bellevue is in the Cross Timbers residential area of Nashvilles Bellevue neighborhood. Conveniently near the Interstate 40 and U.S. Route 70S junction, this pet-friendly senior community is just a block from One Bellevue Place and a short drive from Franklin. Its two-level building has an expansive backyard, and the secured outdoor space for memory care residents features two gazebos, several vintage-style lampposts and raised gardening areas. Restaurant-style meals are prepared based on rotating menus that are planned in cooperation with a certified dietitian and the Resident Food Council. The purpose-built memory care neighborhood has a higher staff ratio and dedicated on-site manager who is a certified dementia specialist, and nursing assistance is always available. Its Pathways to Discovery program benefits memory care residents with music and art therapy, life skill activities and other meaningful experiences.
Loved ones are deeply grateful to the compassionate people of The Village at Bellevue. A residents daughter shares, "My family visited him almost every other day and got to know most of the staff that took care of my dad. In all those years, I watched how respectful and caring they were up to his last days.
Traditions of Mill Creek is a large retirement plaza with a comfortable family atmosphere. It has a range of quality amenities, including a theater, a salon, a bistro and a cozy sitting room with a fireplace. Its Traditions memory care neighborhood is secured for the safety of wandering residents and designed with an open plan to promote engagement. Staff members are available around the clock to provide assistance with hygiene, medication and mobility, and individualized care plans integrate resident preferences into menus and activities in order to promote enthusiasm and socialization. Chefs prepare nutritious meals three times daily, and housekeeping and laundry services help reduce daily responsibility for residents.
Reviewers applaud the staff for their kind and involved nature. "The food is exceptional! Our chef & staff go out of their way to create amazing meals! The staff is so friendly and helpful," said one. "This is the most beautiful community with the most gracious and friendliest team that I have ever met. It's just like home," said another.