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 Gilbert’s senior population continues to grow (24.35% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Gilbert, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 12.36% between 2013 and 2018, showing that Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (8.76% in Gilbert 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.
Note: Memory care is typically provided in communities licensed as assisted living facilities, and in general, costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative cost data is available for this type of care, so we estimated memory care rates by adding 25% to assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
In Gilbert, memory care residents pay $4,969 per month for services, which is consistent with the state median of $5,000 and several hundred dollars lower than the national rate of $5,625.
Those seeking more competitively priced care may consider Yuma, where rates are over $200 lower at $4,750. In Tucson, care costs exceed Gilbert’s median at $5,063, and in Sierra Vista, memory care facilities charge $5,188. Prescott Valley is among the costliest Arizona cities for residential dementia services, with fees coming in at $5,625.
In Gilbert, senior care costs vary widely, depending on whether services are provided in the individual’s home or a residential setting and the level of care required. Memory care is moderately priced at $4,969, and assisted living, which provides residential services for those without dementia, costs $3,975. Older adults who live at home may access adult day health care for $2,167 or home-based services, including basic in-home care and specialized home health care, for $5,958. Nursing home rates are higher, averaging $6,418 for semiprivate accommodations.
Note: Data for Gilbert was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Phoenix, was used instead.
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 assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Gilbert.
Seniors and families in Gilbert have access to a variety of dementia-friendly social and recreational programs, including support groups, educational workshops and early-stage engagement activities. The following table features agencies that serve those with Alzheimer’s, as well as options counselors and financial and legal specialists, helping them make informed decisions regarding long-term care.
resource | contact | description | location |
---|---|---|---|
Alzheimer’s Association Desert Southwest Chapter | 602-528-0545 | The Desert Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association oversees in-person and virtual support groups where participants can share challenges and strategies for managing dementia symptoms. The chapter provides early-stage engagement activities, educational workshops and care consultations, and it partners with the MedicAlert Foundation to offer membership plans with around-the-clock wandering support. It also has a free 24/7 helpline where callers can speak with master’s-level industry experts for help with finding services and resources in the community. | Phoenix, AZ |
Banner Alzheimer’s Institute | 602-839-6900 | Through Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, a nonprofit organization in the Gilbert region, older adults with dementia can participate in a range of enriching programs, including memory cafes, Virtual Passport to Music and Art in Mind at Mesa Art Center. The organization also provides opportunities to participate in clinical trials, and it has classes that cover strategies for managing dementia and understanding the disease’s progression. | Phoenix, AZ |
Area Agency on Aging, Region One | 888-264-2258 | The Area Agency on Aging serves those aged 60 and over through advocacy services, information and referrals and direct services. It has health insurance options counselors who provide free information and answer questions regarding Medicare and qualifying for Medicaid, which may help older adults identify options for paying for residential dementia services. | Phoenix, AZ |
Maricopa County Veterans Resources | 602-506-3011 | The Veterans Resources portal helps qualifying individuals connect with veteran-specific benefits that may help them cover memory care expenses, including Aid and Attendance and veterans’ and survivors’ pensions. It can also help veterans access mental, vision and health services; emergency financial assistance and VA health care. | Phoenix, AZ |
Community Legal Services | 800-255-9031 | Community Legal Services is a regional nonprofit organization staffed with licensed professionals who help older adults access public benefits, including Medicaid and Supplemental Security Income, which may help cover memory care expenses. It can also help families navigate issues related to dementia, including resolving consumer debt problems, managing assets and assigning guardianship. | Phoenix, AZ |
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 Gilbert, 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:
American Orchards has a scenic location along the Consolidated Canal in northern Gilbert and is just less than 2 miles from downtown. The facilitys enriching environment is characterized by a thoughtful blending of nature and architecture with its range of amenities. There are indoor and outdoor water features and fireplaces, as well as wraparound porches, orchard areas, therapeutic raised garden beds and a covered outdoor dining area with a barbecue station. The interiors are enhanced by local artwork, fish tanks and life story windows. Through the Pathways of Promise Dementia and Alzheimers Care Program, memory care residents are provided individualized care with a focus on their cognitive, physical, social and spiritual well-being. The Needs-Centric Home Model groups residents together according to their type of dementia, and the Soul Purpose program offers enriching activities.
People highly recommend American Orchards for its compassionate staff and impressive amenities. One family member writes, "American Orchards provides excellent, quality care. All of the employees are friendly, helpful and show genuine concern for my moms well-being Caregivers look in on my mom and take time to visit and talk with her, watch TV with her in her room, make her feel loved."
Conveniently located near parks, shops and restaurants, Eternal Spring of Gilbert is a senior living community offering assisted living and memory care. Memory boxes help remind residents of important moments from their pasts while providing caregivers with additional insight into their likes and dislikes, letting staff build more meaningful connections with residents. The community's award-winning Spark lifestyle program is designed to encourage residents to use their abilities and historical knowledge to engage in the community's activities, further helping seniors facing the challenges of dementia to stay connected with their surroundings and experience purpose every day. In addition to assistance with bathing and dressing, residents can receive help with medications, mobility and dining.
As a newly constructed facility, Eternal Spring of Gilbert attracts visitors with its meticulously manicured grounds and modern aesthetic. From the well-appointed accommodations to the elegant dining room, residents and their family members experience a sense of peace and serenity that perfectly complements the attentive care residents receive.
Legacy Retirement Residence of Mesa is located next to Alta Mesa Park just a few steps from The Shoppes at Legacy House and the Falcon View Shopping Center in the Alta Mesa neighborhood. The facilitys Personal Touch Culture is characterized by compassionate care and meaningful connections between the staff and residents. Community amenities include a family gathering area, library, dining hall and private dining room. A large multipurpose space is used for various special events and group activities, such as exercise classes, religious services, musical programs and happy hour Fridays featuring live music. Memory care residents at Legacy Retirement live in The Cottage, which has its own activity rooms, family-style kitchen and dining areas as well as secure outdoor spaces for walking, sitting and gardening.
Rave reviews on Legacy Retirement Residence of Mesa highlight the staffs genuine compassion. A family member states, "They actually do far more than what they claim. I saw the caregivers doing many small acts of kindness that showed that they really cared about their charges. These were not something that could ever be stated in a job description but obviously came from the heart.
LivGenerations Agritopia is an assisted living community in Phoenix, Arizona, that strives to elevate the retirement years with resort-style amenities and services. Alla Vita Memory Care is on-site to deliver compassionate care to residents with various forms of dementia. Residents of this planned neighborhood spend their days attending tea parties in the Silk Tassel tea room and learning to paint in the Mosaic art studio. To relax, they can schedule a massage in the Orchid spa, and to improve balance and core strength, they can take exercise classes at the Liv Fit fitness center. Resident apartments are available in roomy studio, one- and two-bedroom configurations, and regular household maintenance services help seniors lead stress-free, rewarding lives.
One relative of a resident is impressed by the community's amenities and activities, noting that her grandmother "has lots of things to keep herself occupied" thanks to the "art classes, card games, jigsaw puzzles, exercise classes" and the "musicians [who] do performances every Friday." Another relative praises the chef-prepared food: "We eat there quite often, and the meals are quite nice."
Mariposa Point of Gilbert provides an individualized senior living experience that serves the mind, body and spirit. Care is focused on the seven dimensions of wellness and personalized to meet the unique needs of each resident. Through the facility's concierge medical program, seniors see doctors and specialists in the comfort of their own residence. The thoughtfully designed, pet-friendly community features premier amenities, including an Internet lounge, cozy living rooms, hair salon, putting green and walking trails. Each apartment is equipped with a state-of-the-art emergency call system. Residents are treated to a complete dining experience, with three daily meals and snacks served throughout the day. The facility offers a vibrant schedule of activities developed with residents' interests in mind, including art lessons, exercise classes, educational lectures, live entertainment and community outings.
Mariposa Point of Gilbert is known for its exciting programming and amenities, and its holistic approach to care. The loved one of a current resident comments, "From the moment we walked in, we knew we were in a place with caring leadership. The staff has been amazing." Another happy reviewer shares, "The staff have a genuine passion for providing care and service, making this place feel like family and home."
This luxurious assisted living and memory care community in Gilbert, Arizona, offers resort-style amenities and scenic views of Morrison Ranch Lake. Lush gardens with winding footpaths provide residents with safe, serene outdoor spaces to explore. Inside, the facility has features designed specifically for persons with dementia, including unique hallways and doors to help residents find their rooms more easily without needing to recall room numbers. Specially trained staff deliver personalized, round-the-clock assisted living and memory care. Whether residents crave fresh pastries, oven-baked pizza and drinks or restaurant-style fine dining, Quail Parks trademarked Signature Anytime Dining service offers options to suit every taste. Activities abound, from movie nights in the on-site theater to yoga classes. For wellness, a state-of-the-art gym with personal fitness trainers is available, as well as physical therapy. In addition, the community is pet-friendly, so seniors may not have to leave their furry friends behind.
Quail Park at Morrison Ranch receives high marks from reviewers for its "incredible and made to order" food and luxurious atmosphere. One family member writes, "my mother lives here and it is like living at a resort! " Another compares it to "being on a cruise ship. The place is gorgeous!
Savanna House is situated in Gilbert, Arizona, about a block from Highland Plaza Shopping Center and minutes from Banner Gateway Medical Center. Some of its state-of-the-art amenities include a movie theater, beauty salon and multiple lounges and courtyards for relaxing and socializing. The INSPIRATIONS Memory Care neighborhood has several signature programs to keep its residents cognitively, emotionally, physically and socially engaged. These programs celebrate each residents individuality, and they include the Life Story Display, Tune Into Me personalized jukebox, From Our Generation to Yours intergenerational programming and Never Stop Exploring community activities. Residents are offered multisensory stimulation through music, art and pet therapy, and there are family education and support groups to keep their loved ones positively involved in their journey.
Residents feel comfortable in Savanna House. One client says, "It's like a family They are very friendly, from the executive director down to the head nurse. They don't stay in their offices. They mingle with the people who come in and the people living there The rooms are very clean, neat, and nice sized.
The Citadel Senior Living Community is less than 2 miles from Banner Gateway and Banner Baywood Medical Centers and is just minutes from downtown Mesa. Its resort-style campus features a swimming pool, a hot tub, a therapeutic whirlpool bath, a fitness room and manicured gardens with walking paths. Residents enjoy restaurant-style dining and can spend leisure time in the activity room, arts and crafts center, library or billiards room. The communitys well-rounded range of activities includes live entertainment, ice cream socials, church services and excursions. There is on-site banking and a convenience store, as well as a salon and barbershop for easy access to additional services. The Citadels memory care residents are accommodated in the Memory Lane neighborhood, which features an extensive memory hallway gallery, a music room and a secure landscaped courtyard.
People who gave The Citadel high marks praise the facilitys impressive amenities and helpful staff. A former resident's relative shares, "Both of my grandparents were here for many years and they were treated with love and respect."
At The Plaza Assisted Living of Scottsdale, compassionate caregivers provide seniors with 24-hour dementia care in a homelike atmosphere that promotes socialization while creating a sense of familiarity. Care services are tailored to the individual's needs and may include hygiene assistance and meal preparation as well as housekeeping and laundry services. Residents can have their prescriptions delivered to their home and meet with visiting dentists and physicians. Whether in the community living room or on the outdoor covered patio, residents have a variety of peaceful settings to relax and socialize with their neighbors. In addition to social stimulation activities, music and pet therapy are available.
Many residents and family members have mentioned the facility's owners by name when giving praise to The Plaza's attentive service. One online reviewer said, "I highly recommend Plaza Assisted Living. Jean and her caregivers are professional and caring. There is a positive feeling when you enter the home. Each resident receives personalized attention in a warm home setting!"
Visions Assisted Living of Mesa offers seniors a safe and secure environment that feels just like home. Its mission is to offer a range of assisted living and memory care levels to respond to the needs of seniors in a single location. The facility is staffed 24 hours a day, and its modest size helps staff deliver focused attention and personalized care to each resident. Life engagement programs are designed around a philosophy of social, psychological, spiritual and physical well-being. Specialized activities including gentle exercises, art lessons and games are offered based on residents' interests and abilities to support cognitive, sensory, creative and physical skills. Each residence features a walk-in shower and emergency call system for added security. Residents can enjoy amenities such as family-style meals, scheduled transportation, housekeeping and linen services.
People love the intimate, home-like setting, including the daughter of a resident who shares, "Every one of the staff has been so incredibly caring and helpful right from the moment we walked in the door to tour, to when we brought my father there to live. The assisted living facility is very bright, airy, clean and has a small home-like environment which eased his transition."