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 Gainesville’s senior population continues to grow (22.89% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Gainesville, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by a staggering 160% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 27.17%, 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 (9.22% in Gainesville 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 Gainesville. 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 Gainesville, 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:
Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill has three key values: family plus friends, a full life and peace of mind. The staff builds deep connections with residents to find out what matters in their lives. Social calendars for large or small groups and recreational activities are important in this community, and residents get encouragement to learn new or resume old hobbies and get to know other residents. Two neighborhoods in the community care for those with early-stage and developed Alzheimer's and dementia. The Dining with Dignity program ensures that all memory care residents have a personalized dining experience with the correct level of assistance. Staff members receive up-to-date training in all aspects of memory care so our residents have excellent all-round care and families are confident knowing their loved ones are safe.
The caring staff makes a positive impression on family members who appreciate the two-way communication. "I chose Arbor Terrace Hamilton Mill for my parents. In the meetings we had beforehand we got a real sense of care there that gave us peace of mind," says one reviewer. Another comments, "We were extremely impressed with how knowledgeable and understanding the staff was with patients with dementia."
Ashton Senior Living is conveniently situated near amenities such as retail stores and recreation areas such as Riverside Park. The facility itself provides a tranquil setting that allows peaceful walks in the lush gardens or relaxation in the cozy lounge areas. Interiors are tastefully decorated yet remain functional and comfortable. A grand piano sets the tone for sing-along evenings, and many games nights have been enjoyed in the games room. The in-house chef serves up three nutritious meals per day. While independence is encouraged, the staff is on-hand to assist residents when needed. Skilled staff can assist residents with everyday needs, such as bathing, toileting and grooming, and medication management is offered. The on-site salon ensures residents look and feel their best. Daily activities include group socials, such as art and crafts and games, as well as exercise programs and live entertainment.
Reviewers appreciate the location, good food and great care. A happy five-star reviewer said, "So thankful I chose Ashton for my mom. She receives individualized attention through the day from people who seem to truly care about her. I stop by weekly to check on her, and she is always content and comfortable."
BeeHive Homes of Gainesville provides personalized senior memory care services within a small, intimate community setting. Residents receive round-the-clock assistance with all aspects of daily living, and housekeeping and laundry services are performed by staff members daily. Three dietitian-approved meals and two snacks are served each day, with two-hour window serving times so residents can maintain their own personal eating schedules. Individual and group activities are offered each day and visiting family members are encouraged to stay with loved ones in their rooms. The on-site beauty salon opens weekly to help residents remain looking and feeling their best.
Family members recommend this community highly. One says, "My parents have been living at the Beehive of Gainesville for the past 9 months. The Beehive is an answer to prayer. We love it. Everyone has been so nice and accommodating. My parent's rooms were side by side. They allowed us to have a door cut into the wall between them so they could have a sitting room and a bedroom."
Up a beautiful tree-lined drive nestles the hillside community of Brookdale Buford. A personal care home offering Alzheimer's and dementia care for seniors, this community is designed to provide a calming living experience in a secure setting, gently steering its residents throughout their day. The memory care program is person-centered and delivered in a safe, secure environment and licensed nurses oversee each resident's personal service plan. The Clare Bridge, the community's brand of dementia care, provides residents with the structure of six planned daily programs. Programs may include a morning cognitive workout with discussions and games or physical activities from its B-Fit program. For residents in the early stages of dementia, Clare Bridge Crossings is available as a steppingstone between assisted living and memory care. Residents can enjoy art and dance classes, excursions to museums and journaling to explore life stories. Many outdoor areas are fully enclosed for safety, and trained staff members remain on-site 24 hours a day.
Friends and relatives appreciate they can keep in touch with their loved ones throughout their days. One states, "The events coordinator is fantastic. She texts pictures of outings and always gets back to me quickly."
Brookdale Lawrenceville emphasizes independent living to the greatest extent possible for all residents. The community provides a wide array of amenities, including an on-site ice cream parlor, 24-hour security, a chapel, a beauty salon and barbershop, arts and crafts studio and more. Memory care is cultivated with a person-centered approach, which uses research-based activities to support current skills. The memory care program also finds ways to reinforce existing cognitive skills among residents, and the community's caregivers are specially trained to work with seniors enduring memory loss.
Community reviews discuss the cleanliness of Brookdale Lawrenceville and the variety of activities available for residents to enjoy. One reviewer notes, "I like that Brookdale Lawrenceville is affordable, nice, and clean. My mom is picky, but she likes the food there. They have activities like trivia, sing-alongs, board games, and they have an in-house salon too."
Gardens of Gainesville offers a homelike and welcoming environment where seniors can feel safe and secure. The memory care unit is a secure neighborhood and all entry points are monitored 24/7. Residents have access to outdoor areas where they can safely enjoy a walk or relax on one of the beautiful patio areas. The highly trained caregiving staff is always available to assist with daily living tasks or to provide compassionate care and companionship when required. Regular wellness checks are performed by the on-site licensed nurse to ensure the health and wellbeing of residents. Each senior has a personal care plan that includes a list of their likes and dislikes so that all staff members can easily provide individualized care. Activities offered include arts and crafts, supervised outings, musical entertainment, cognitive games, exercise classes and religious services.
Family members praise the professional staff with one reviewer saying, "The caregivers are very friendly and they are kind to the residents. I noticed the first time I visited how calmly they talk to their residents. Mom is already playing games because of the encouragement of the caregivers. The food is wonderful, and the place is well laid out."
Conveniently located within walking or short driving distance from a variety of shopping and cultural destinations, Gardens of Shiloh Point offers overall care for residents who need assisted living or memory care. The full-service barbershop and beauty salon, restaurant-style dining and in-house recreational and social events lets those in assisted living and memory care apartments enjoy on-the-spot amenities. This community has Alzheimer's and dementia care programs to ensure residents with these conditions receive personalized care and activities that keep them engaged. Occupational therapy is offered to those who need it.
Family members love the caring staff members and the ethos that emphasizes high-quality assistance. One says, "My Mother has been at Gardens of Shiloh for a year and a half now. The staff is always friendly and most of the caregivers have been there for years." Comments on the excellent staff include this: "Ive felt top to bottom that this staff truly CARES about my mom and her quality of life."
The needs of all residents at Jackson Oaks Senior Living are met through activity programs, recreational and social events in-house and off-site and 24/7 nurse availability. Pets can stay with residents, with certain restrictions. Assisted living staff offer daily and discreet care as needed and help residents get to activities. Contentment is the goal for those in the memory community, and staff members receive up-to-date training in working with those who have memory loss. Medication reminders and assistance is available for all residents. This community is part of the White Glove Confident Clean Program to ensure that all parts of the buildings, whether communal, staff areas or resident living quarters, are thoroughly and regularly cleaned and sanitized.
The quality of the staff and their ability to deliver high-quality services is a key takeaway from many of the reviews. One says, "My parents are pleased the staff seems really good, attentive, and friendly. They do a great job. They enjoy Bingo, the devotion, and the church service."
Surrounded by trees, Magnolia Senior Living offers a memory care neighborhood environment that works to ensure each resident receives the individualized level of care they need for Alzheimer's or other memory conditions. Open communication with family principles is used so that families still remain connected to residents. The facility is staffed 24/7 and provides the modifications needed to ensure seniors are safe. Additionally, furnishings can be customized to help residents feel like they're at home. The memory care program gives residents the opportunity to do Active Reminiscing and enjoy memorabilia. The Live, Love, Learn program helps residents with their social, spiritual, physical, occupational, cognitive and emotional wellness. Meals and snacks are provided and can be taken in the shared dining room. Housekeeping, laundry, and trash removal are also completed each week. Staff are on hand to help with the activities of daily living.
One family member wrote, "It is very nice. The staff members are very helpful. They keep me abreast with things. My dad has a very nice room. The bathroom is wheelchair accessible. They have activities each week. They have entertainment. Various churches have visited the community and sang. It is worth the money."
Located in leafy surroundings, Manor Lake Assisted Living & Memory Care Gainesville takes a people-centered approach in providing memory care services so that residents feel supported in their journey. Reflections, a specially designed program by the community, involves individualized care plans that offer a balance of one-to-one and group activities. Each plan ensures the resident's care needs are considered including their life experience along with their social skills. The Art of Reflections portion of the memory care program gives the person an opportunity to interact with music, create art and tell stories. The community is staffed 24/7 and medication management is offered by licensed practitioners. Events that residents can participate in include, gardening, cornhole, religious services, workouts and wine nights. Meals are taken in the shared dining room and dietary requirements are handled.
One family member of a resident wrote, "The kindness and compassion of the staff here at Manor Lake is unsurpassed. Clean without the dreaded sanitized smell, coupled with good food, caring workers and the understanding that life sometimes hands us difficult choices. Their willingness to help the family feel comfortable was thoughtful beyond measure."
Oaks at Hampton places emphasis on building relationships between staff and residents, creating an environment of caring and trust. Social interaction is easy in the communal lounge and dining room, and recreational activities with visiting therapists let the community enjoy life to the fullest. Memory care residents take pleasure in revisiting times gone by with the help of visual and auditory aids. Call systems give residents access to team members at any hour, and assistance with daily living meets practical needs. The community enjoys the use of the on-site barbershop and beauty salon, and spiritual gatherings provide comfort for those who require it. To get into the pretty city of Cumming, which is just 10 minutes away, residents can use the community's vibrantly colored shuttle bus for shopping, eating out or socializing.
A family member states in a review, "My 93-year-old mother lived in the memory care unit for the last 5 months of her life. The administrators, nurse, and staff were exceptionally gentle, patient and caring." Another resident says, "This place has become our family."
Nestled among tall trees that create a tranquil, forest-like environment, Sunrise of John's Creek provides a peaceful abode for its residents. The extensive gardens house well-maintained walkways in a safe and secure facility. This allows memory care residents to enjoy autonomy within reach of trained staff. The staff also assists with daily needs such as grooming, continence management and bathing. There are a number of relaxation spots dotted along the property from seating areas in the garden and on patios to indoor rest areas such as lounges and reading nooks. A well-stocked library, equipped media and activity room and on-site salon ensure numerous needs are met. Residents have a chance to stay active with a variety of scheduled activities on- and off-site, and there is also an extensive social calendar that often includes loved ones. A skilled nurse visits residents to handle medical requirements.
Relatives are happy with the level of care their loved ones receive. A reviewer said, "Both of my parents lived their final days here in memory care. Great place!"
The Landings of Gainesville is a community providing seniors with high-quality senior living and memory care located in a peaceful area of Northeast Georgia, with rolling hills and beautiful scenery. Housekeeping and laundry services are available, as are Wi-Fi and cable. Physical and mental health is a priority at the Landings of Gainesville, with various activities including lectures, games, Wii Sports and book clubs. Health and fitness activities include yoga and a fitness room, while arts and crafts activities are regularly scheduled. Other amenities include a barbershop and resident transportation. Residents have access to health care services with 24-hour nurses and psychiatric care.
People are pleased with the services their loved ones receive at the community, as an online reviewer writes, "My dad stayed there, and they absolutely do treat you like family. The staff actually cried when he left but then again you couldn't help fall in love with him. I would recommend this facility if you want your loved ones truly taken care of."
The Memory Center Atlanta focuses on enhancing the quality of life for residents living with Alzheimers and dementia by providing an interactive and engaging environment. Designed much like a small town, the environment promotes socialization and confidence in residents as they go about each day. Residential suites are located in one of four individual neighborhoods leading to a town center. The town center boasts a movie theater, cafe, general store, library, salon and tavern. Residential suites are pet-friendly, with direct access to secure walking paths and the gardens. The center's therapeutic Memories and Motion program provides dance, sensory, art, intergenerational and animal therapy as well as gardening activities delivered in a positive success-oriented environment. Residents have full medical oversight with alternative levels of care available to meet their individual needs. There is a medical director on-site weekly and licensed nursing supervision 24/7.
Relatives and friends of residents point out that the community has a small-town feel. Residents appreciate their freedom, the many activities to engage in and delicious food. One wrote, "Everything about The Memory Center is fantastic, beautiful and designed for residents with memory impairment. Only the care is what I really look at.. and it is top shelf."
A quiet day at the lake is a likely mantra of The Phoenix at Lake Lanier. The picturesque environment provides ample opportunities for residents to take a languid stroll along the lake or enjoy one of the many outdoor group activities, such as scouting expeditions and Tai Chi/Qi Gong. The community has its own recreation areas, such as a fully kitted media room for movie nights, plenty of seating areas and a welcoming hearth, where residents enjoy hot cocoa on a winter's day. A chef serves up three nutritious meals per day and can provide meals to suit dietary restrictions. Cocktail hour, arts and crafts and worship opportunities are offered. Skilled staff assists residents with medication, continence management, and personal care and grooming services. The community offers a memory care program that includes a hydration program, active and purposeful interactions and family events.
Reviewers compliment the lakeside setting and excellent care. A happy five-star reviewer said, "This place is first class all the way. If you care about how your parents are treated and the quality of their environment then you should definitely give this facility a look. Good food, quality facility and caring staff."
Pines Senior Living is a local family-owned senior memory care services provider. Residents adhere to a consistent daily routine that includes trained staff member administration of medications, oxygen and incontinence care protocols in addition to helping with all aspects of daily living. The state-of-the-art community boasts a secure outdoor relaxation area, a beauty salon, restaurant-style dining and a movie room. Seniors can live independently or with like-minded residents in shared rooms that are equipped with ADA-approved bathrooms, kitchenettes and emergency call buttons. Pines Senior Living is a locked facility with staff members that ensure that no one comes in or goes out of the community unless they are accompanied by a community employee.
Family members say that their loved ones were happy living in this community. One states, "My MeMaw lived there for the last few years of her life. It was always nice to visit for supper. For a little bit they had some construction going on but it ended up looking really pretty. MeMaw was always smelling good and her room was clean.
The Retreat at Burford is a luxury senior living community with state-of-the-art facilities and amenities. The memory care neighborhood specializes in assisting seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. The unit is designed to replicate a comfortable homelike setting where residents are surrounded by familiar memorabilia and furnishings. Keypad access is required to exit and enter the memory care unit for the safety of residents. All staff members are Certified Dementia Practitioners and they are required to attend additional training on a regular basis to provide the best care to residents. Family member support groups are held on a monthly basis to help loved ones cope with the stresses and demands of dealing with a loved one with cognitive impairment. The staff work with residents to find purpose in every day through activities such as fitness classes, gardening, and arts and crafts.
Visitors praise the excellent staff and friendly atmosphere with one reviewer saying, "The Retreat at Buford is a warm and welcoming community, where the care exceeds all expectations. When you walk through the door, you immediately feel a sense of calm and relief knowing that you or your loved one truly are in the right place."
The Waterford at Oakwood is conveniently located close to multiple interstates, shopping centers and medical facilities. The memory care unit is located in a secure building and all doors have keypad access for the safety of residents. Activities are tailored to the specific needs and cognitive abilities of each individual, and one-on-one activities offered include exercising, creative arts and crafts, musical memories and brain stimulation games. The residents have access to a small courtyard where they can safely walk around or just relax and enjoy the sunshine. The caregiving staff is available 24/7 to assist with personal care tasks and medication management or just to provide companionship when required. All of the staff in the memory care section are continually trained in the latest techniques for working with seniors with cognitive impairments.
Family members praise the professional staff and activities offered with one reviewer saying, "The staff is wonderful and very attentive to the residents and the management team is always available and responsive. There is an abundance and array of activities for everyone, even for those who just want to watch the action."
Life at Towne Club Windermere is intentionally designed to create a resort-style living experience in Cumming, Georgia from the chef-prepared restaurant-style dining to the secure courtyard and farm-to-fork garden. Its individualized wellness programs are expertly designed to give residents with Alzheimer's and dementia new experiences. Taking a holistic approach to wellness, memory care programs are built on the philosophy that joy aids healing. Towne Club Windermere residents enjoy access to physical and occupational therapies. Residents can also work out in the state-of-the-art fitness center or go outside to the secured gardens to learn and participate in gardening.
People love Towne Club Windermere for its personalized care and kind staff. One writes, "The staff is well trained and empathetic to not only my mother and her needs but to how we feel. This is a difficult journey, but the care and quality of life they have provided to my mother has made a huge difference."
The Villas at Canterfield is an elegant senior living community that provides a continuum of care so residents can age in place without the worries of moving. The memory care unit is in a secure neighborhood with keypad access. Residents have access to spacious outdoor areas where they can safely walk or enjoy the sunshine while under the supervision of the caregiving staff. Each senior has an individualized activity program that uses cognitive games, pet therapy, music therapy and exercise to help stimulate the brain to slow the memory loss process. An on-site licensed nurse monitors the health and wellness of all residents on a regular basis. The dedicated caregiving staff is always on hand to provide assistance or companionship are required. Three healthy meals are served in the dining room on a daily basis, and special diets are accommodated.
Family members praise the compassionate staff and delicious food with one reviewer saying, "My mother is already adapting very well and receives very loving care by their staff. She has said the staff treats her like she is a queen. They have good meals with snacks in between meals and plenty of activities to entertain them."