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 Germantown's senior population continues to grow (11% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Germantown, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 29% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 25%, 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 (5% in Germantown 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 Germantown. 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 Germantown, 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:
Tribute at Black Hill is situated in a quiet residential area of Germantown, MD, near Seneca Creek State Park and Interstate 270. Its Revere Memory Care program is designed to help residents with memory loss live active, engaged lives by implementing personalized care plans and providing opportunities to participate in artistic, cognitive and exercise activities. The community's memory care neighborhood includes a secure outdoor garden where residents can enjoy the fresh air and roomy common areas where they can socialize with loved ones. Residents in memory care can receive help with transportation scheduling and medication monitoring. They also have access to an on-duty nurse, mobile doctors and an on-site physical therapist.
Families give Tribute at Black Hill top marks for having pleasant accommodations and scheduling many recreational activities. "My loved one has a nice room with an overlooking view," remarks a resident's family member. "She's very active, has gained weight and participates in activities. They offer things like bingo, bowling, ring toss, sing along, etc."
Memory Care residents at Sunrise at Montgomery Village receive one of two levels of care. The Terrace Club Neighborhood community is tailored to seniors with early to moderate memory loss, and the Reminiscence Neighborhood is designed for advanced Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia and offers a greater level of security and support. The Sunrise Live With Purpose program helps Memory Care residents engage in meaningful activities such as music and gardening. Seniors receive around-the-clock care from trained staff to meet their needs. With Sunrise CareConnect, all of residents' care, progress notes and medication protocols can be tracked remotely and shared between the community and physicians.
Residents and their families enjoy the attentive staff and quality living services at this location. One reviewer writes, "This community has an absolutely amazing staff to care for happy residents. Amazing activities, fabulous food and nurturing nurses, what more can you ask for!"
Ingleside at King Farm offers memory care and assisted living less than 3 miles from Adventist HealthCare Shady Grove Medical Center in Rockville, MD. Residents with memory loss reside in an intimate residential neighborhood and can receive a continuum of on-site support as their needs and abilities change. They have access to several community-wide amenities, such as the wellness center, spa and salon, at the Center for Healthy Living. Staff members help memory care residents spark past memories and form new ones by engaging them with individual and group music therapy sessions that center around instrument play, singing and movement. Art and pet therapies and recreational programs are also available for residents in memory care.
Reviewers are impressed that Ingleside at King Farm's staff members provide excellent care and plan top-notch activities. One remarks, "My parents received great care and treatment here from a dedicated, professional staff.. It is a big place and getting oriented can take some time, but the quality of care and availability of activities was first-rate."
Brightview Fallsgrove in Rockville has the oldest tree in the city within its conservation area, a testament to the care provided by the senior living community. Memory care residents live in the secured Wellspring Village and receive 24/7 assistance with the daily activities of life from dedicated and trained staff members. Residents have their own apartments with safety features such as an emergency call system to ensure they remain safe while retaining a semblance of independence. Residents are encouraged to take part in personalized activities based on their interests as well as the patented Mind & Music program, which utilizes music to help create positive experiences. Throughout the day, residents can socialize in secured indoor and outdoor common areas. Restaurant-style dining also provides the opportunity to socialize.
Many reviewers mention how positive the staff at Brightview Fallsgrove in Rockville is, with one family member saying: "The staff is always welcoming and cheery and kind and loving. Our mom/grandmother has been so well cared for that she is always smiling and happy."
Asbury Methodist Village is a continuing care community that offers memory care in the Kindley Assisted Living neighborhood. Memory care residents are supported by the Reflections program, which focuses on identifying specific needs and providing companion care, along with assistance with activities of daily living. The program aims to create connections while supporting the unique needs of memory care residents, which is why they obtained designation as a National Memory Screening Provider. Daily Reflection activities include massages, aromatherapy, sensory activities, banking and gardening. Nursing professionals are available 24/7, and all residents have a private apartment with an emergency call pendant system. Weekly housekeeping and linens are included, along with meals and a free on-campus shuttle. While programming is available daily within Kindley Assisted Living, memory care residents also have opportunities for supervised access to the amenities within the wider Asbury Methodist Village, such as the pool or walking trails.
Many reviewers mention the sprawling grounds and caring staff that make up Asbury Methodist Village. One reviewer writes, "This community has both history, and an obvious sense of caring and support. The grounds are large, plenty adequate to walk dogs or just enjoy a stroll yourself. They have dedicated staff for looking after the residents, and meal options so the residents don't have to cook."
The Estates at Laytonsville provides individualized care from trained medical staff who specialize in memory loss. Assisted living residents have constant access to staff who can assist with their everyday needs, and memory care residents are attended to by 24-hour staff. Individualized activities and one-on-one care plans ensure the elimination of daily concerns for residents. The small size of this community allows for the formation of close relationships and makes social outings easier to manage. Nutritious, chef-prepared meals are created with seasonal themes in mind, and residents can make special requests at any time. Transportation to scheduled appointments and on-call doctors cover everything medical related, and the full schedule of social activities helps provide a full quality of life for all.
Family members are extremely pleased with the care at this facility. One reviewer writes, "Laytonsville Estates has been a wonderful experience for the past 3 years. The staff is well trained and the compassion and love they show to the residents is outstanding. I can always depend on them to take exceptional care of my loved ones."
The Seneca offers quality memory care by Certified Dementia Practitioners who focus on empathetic engagement for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. Caregivers, called Nayas, offer one-on-one assistance with daily life around the clock. The Nayas cook, clean and perform daily tasks alongside the memory care residents to foster a sense of accomplishment and connection. The Seneca's 360 Well program ensures that the whole person is cared for and takes a holistic approach to physical, mental, social and spiritual wellness. The upscale apartments include tall windows, kitchenettes and private bathrooms with walk-in showers. Restaurant-style dining is offered all day in the formal dining room. Other features of the community include a secure landscaped Serenity Garden, spa, fitness center and salon.
Families love the staff at The Seneca. "The Seneca Rockville is a wonderful facility," writes one reviewer. "The building itself is modern, beautiful, bright, and clean, with so many amenities. But more importantly, the staff is amazing. They took such good care of my father, and I really felt like he was a person to them, not just a client."
Sunrise of Silver Spring provides two levels of care for memory care residents. The first, called Terrace Club, is designed for those experiencing early to moderate forms of memory loss. Reminiscence is for residents with more advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Memory care is tailored to the individual and is based on up-to-date research. This community is an Authorized Validation Organization, which means it uses communication and empathy techniques when dealing with residents. The therapy reduces anxiety and stress. Many staff members are trained in the Alzheimer's Association's essentiALZ program, which encourages person-centered care. The Sunrise with a Purpose program provides residents with activities intended to elicit joy and purpose with the aim of helping them find meaning in life.
Residents comment on the quality of individual care provided by staff. "My father-in-law has only lived at this community for a short time and so far we are very happy with it," one family member remarks. "The staff are very good and seem to have a personal interest in him."
Located on 120 picturesque acres in Silver Spring, MD, Riderwood Senior Living is the largest continuing-care community for seniors in the United States. Memory care, assisted living, long-term nursing care and rehabilitation services are available to seniors who want to live an engaging, purposeful life in a secure environment. The community's on-site medical center is staffed by licensed geriatricians who are experts in meeting the unique health care needs of older adults. Riderwood is secured day and night by a team of professionals trained in emergency first response. Memory care residents have access to 24-hour support from general staff and a licensed nurse. They receive meal service in the dining room and assistance with daily living activities. Residents can also enjoy a range of specialized programming and activities to keep them cognitively stimulated.
Residents praise this community, with one writing, "I have lived at Riderwood for over 16 years, having moved in when I was 68 years old. I love this place! I have a two-bedroom patio apartment. I have lots of friends to socialize with and I love going to any one of the 8 dine-in venues on campus."
Nestled in the Heart of DC, Ingleside at Rock Creek is a continuing care community that offers memory care to seniors who require constant attention and aid with the daily activities of life. Trained staff members offer companion care services daily to keep residents engaged by utilizing a whole-person approach. The Levine Music therapy program uses group and individual music therapy sessions to help bring back positive memories and stimulate cognitive retention by having residents play simple instruments or sing. All memory care residents receive three chef-prepared meals, and snacks are always available. Art therapy and recreational activities are always available to memory care residents, and they are also encouraged to integrate socially with others in the Ingleside community to encourage independence and community.
Many reviewers comment on the great care and accommodations at the Ingleside at Rock Creek. They also note the many activities. One reviewer writes, "The therapists, nurses, aids, social worker, dietitian, and staff were all helpful. The food was surprisingly both healthy and very tasteful."
Arden Courts of Kensington is a stand-alone memory care community with a layout specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors experiencing symptoms of Alzheimer's or dementia. The community has four buildings, each of which allows seniors to experience easy movement and independence while remaining in a secure environment. The community's grounds include landscaped courtyards and paved walkways. Staff members provide 24/7 care, including hourly safety checks, and licensed nurses are always available. Seniors are also linked to outside rehabilitation and physical therapy services, and staff assists in arranging additional medical care as needed. Structured programming is provided every day, and seniors are allowed choices about how to spend the majority of their time. Care services include assistance with bathing, grooming and other basic daily activities.
Residents and family members praise the knowledge level and warmth of the staff. One relative writes, "I highly recommend Arden Courts of Kensington for the care of loved ones with dementia. We've been deeply appreciative of the professionalism and caring nature of their staff. They really know how to best take care of people with dementia which is a specialized field."
Nestled in a lush neighborhood, Brookdale Potomac provides maintenance-free retirement for a variety of lifestyles. Through the Clare Bridge memory care program, the 24/7, trained staff fosters friendly and personalized relationships with residents to ensure calmness and comfort. Each day is planned according to a gentle structure of customized activities, which may include morning cognitive workouts, gardening and walking groups that stimulate mind and body. Seniors experiencing later stages of dementia can also join the Solace program to access a wider range of therapies and additional support with daily tasks. The community offers plenty of opportunities for seniors to stay active and social, with happy hours, evening movies and crafting classes among the recreational options available. Additionally, seniors can unwind alone or with friends at the fireside library and greenhouse. Restaurant-style dining is dementia friendly and incorporates resident feedback.
Residents and family members appreciate the customized amenities and dedicated memory care staff. The daughter of two residents writes, "The staff on Clare Bridge truly care about residents. [.] Residents are encouraged to engage in wellness, arts, music, cooking and seasonal events. I'm impressed with the creative activities planned often around particular interests of each resident."
Grand Oaks is situated 22 miles northwest of Germantown, MD, just across the border between Maryland and the District of Columbia. The community is in the same neighborhood as the 24-hour Sibley Memorial Hospital, offering residents easy access to urgent medical care. The community offers a wide selection of accommodations, including climate control, kitchen facilities and 24/7 security. Memory care is highly tailored to the individual's needs and can include help with daily activities such as bathing and dressing as well as medication management. Special activities are offered to stimulate cognitive functioning. Residents can enjoy several amenities, such as a computer room, a party space and a TV room. Nutritious meals are served daily and can be enjoyed in the shared dining room or in the comfort of a resident's room.
Family members praise this community for its friendly atmosphere, the high level of care and the quality of food. A reviewer says, "I visited my great aunt yesterday and had lunch with her. I had never been and was VERY impressed! Everyone was so friendly, the residents were all smiling and the food was excellent. It put my mind at ease seeing how well they care for residents. You can tell they like what they do."
Brighton Gardens of Friendship Heights is an upscale senior living community that offers two levels of memory care in its Terrace Club and Reminiscence Neighborhoods. The Terrace Neighborhood is suitable for those experiencing the early stages of memory loss, while the Reminiscence Neighborhood is a wise choice for those with advanced memory loss or Alzheimer's. All memory care residents have access to licensed nurses and trained caregivers who are available 24/7 to assist with daily living activities. In addition to the Reminiscence program, Brighton Gardens utilizes the Validation Method to encourage open communication and empathy between residents and the staff that cares for them. Restaurant-style meals, as well as snacks, are available daily.
Reviews of Brighton Gardens have positive things to say about the staff and the great living environment of the community. One family member says, "It has been a great place for my mother during the last two years. It is a place of dignity. The staff is professional and attentive."
Sunrise of Rockville offers two levels of memory care: Terrace Club and the Reminiscence Program. Terrace Club, with its condensed neighborhood layout, is ideal for seniors in the early stages of dementia or Alzheimer's. Residents of Terrace Club receive support with tasks of daily living, participate in small group programming and engage in memory support activities. The Reminiscence Program provides caring support for seniors in moderate to advanced stages of memory loss. Caregivers in the Reminiscence Program offer empathetic one-on-one assistance to residents with grooming, mobility, incontinence and medication management. Staff help seniors engage with evidence-based programming designed to maintain memories and skills. A variety of activities are offered, including art classes, music therapy, fitness classes and gardening, with the hope of adding purpose and meaning to residents' days. Housekeeping, meals, laundry and maintenance are included. Sunrise of Rockville is a pet-friendly community.
Families praise the care their loved ones receive from the phenomenal staff at Sunrise of Rockville. One reviewer says, "I'm happy with his care there. Now that he's there, there's some excellent staff. He's in memory care, Reminiscence unit, and they are extremely understanding and helpful. It's very comfortable."
Brookdale Olney senior care administrators visit with incoming residents to ensure they're placed into the right program. During intake, residents work with staff to create a customized care plan. This community allows residents to have guests stay the night and is pet-friendly, so residents can feel at home. Brookdale Olney implements the Optimum Life Plan, which focuses on helping residents lead a life of purpose and meaning where emotional health is prioritized, social and spiritual needs are met, and physical health is improved through proper nutrition, medical care and exercise. Brookdale has a variety of signature programs, like B-Fit, The Ageless Spirit, My Life Story, Brain Fit, Resident Technology, and Optimum Life Health Talks. Residents receive help with activities of daily living, housekeeping, laundry and more.
The son of a resident is assured by the caring staff and says, "My father has been there for a few years now, and it was a very good decision for us. The staff is very professional, responsive, and caring. I know my Dad is in good hands. He is very happy as well and loves the attention he gets from the staff and other residents."
The Residences at Thomas Circle includes a Memory Care lifestyle option that provides individualized care plans for residents suffering from Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. In partnership with the George Washington Medical Faculty Associates, the community offers memory care residents and their families on-site visits from the GWMFA staff 5 days per week, plus weekly memory care clinics. Skilled nurses and licensed staff are available 24/7 for emergency monitoring, assistance with daily living activities and medication management. Meals are provided within the communal dining room or privately in residents' apartments. The community maintains a rotating schedule of physical, mental, cognitive and spiritual activities, including light exercise workshops, live musical entertainment, arts and crafts classes, brain games and movie nights. Laundry and housekeeping services are available on-site. Both the indoor environment and the outdoor courtyard are fully secure.
Residents and their families mention the friendly ambiance and full activity schedule. One family member writes, "There are so [many] activities, like movies and concerts in-house and out every night, and talks several times a week. The place is casual and not too fussy."
Offering an urban solution for senior living in downtown Rockville, Brightview West End offers a dedicated memory care neighborhood and resort-like amenities such as a pub, a movie theater and a beauty salon. Wellspring Village, the memory care neighborhood, offers residents private apartments while including access to shared social areas where they are encouraged to take part in scheduled activities. The Mind & Music program is of particular note, which works to naturally calm the anxiety associated with dementia. Trained staff members assist with the daily activities of living and offer cues throughout the day to help improve the quality of life for residents.
Reviewers comment on the staff and great food at Brightview West End. One says, "All of the staff was very welcoming, very open, very knowledgeable about how things operate. They have very good things about everything. I have spoken to a number of people who have eaten there, and they all enjoyed it very much."
Residents with Alzheimer's and dementia can receive crucial support at Five Star Senior Living community. Memory care residents are supported through the Bridge to Rediscovery program, a Montessori-based approach in which the residents' environment and activities are designed based on their passions. The program helps residents with memory issues perform at their highest possible levels. The staff takes time to learn each resident's life history, which enables them to develop strategies to best improve residents' emotional and physical well-being. Meals are served family style to encourage socialization. Residents are encouraged to interact with one another throughout the day, which can enhance brain function, and they always receive 24/7 care from professionals.
Residents and their families appreciate the professional staff at Five Star Senior Living. One resident's family member says, "[They're] awesome. They have a great staff and resident Director that really takes an interest in their clients. One of the staff I knew is wonderful and always has a smile on her face."
Arbor Place Dementia Care was designed by a geriatric psychiatrist specifically for seniors with memory care needs. The building and grounds are fully-secured, so residents can safely enjoy the outdoors as they walk along the landscaped path or practice their swing on the putting green. The private rooms are monitored via non-intrusive closed circuit television and all rooms are equipped with an emergency pull cord. Caregiver support is available around the clock, and a high staff to resident ratio ensures that everyone receives personalized assistance with tasks of daily living, medication management, verbal cueing and mobility. Most medical care occurs on-site, as physicians, podiatrists, therapists and laboratory services make regular visits to the community. Meals, housekeeping and laundry are included in the monthly cost. Residents can stay physically and socially engaged by taking advantage of the many activities offered on-site.
Families love the individualized care at Arbor Place. One reviewer says, "I am very happy with the quality of care provided by the excellent staff. The ratio of caregivers to residents is unsurpassed and there is a genuine effort to provide individualized care to each resident. The staff communicates well with families and provides updates and occasional photos in between visits."