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 Grand Junction's senior population continues to grow (25.78% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Grand Junction, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 17% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 12.69%, 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 (9.21% in Grand Junction vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent more than a dozen hours researching senior living communities in Grand Junction. 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 Grand Junction, 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:
The Commons of Hilltop is located less than 2 miles from St. Mary's Medical Center and the Village Fair Plaza. Dedicated caregivers are trained to care for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's disease, redirecting problem behaviors and reassuring anxious residents. Staff provide personal assistance with daily routines, including incontinence management. They can help residents with braces and support garments, in addition to monitoring oxygen usage. The activities calendar offers programming that promotes both cognitive and physical health, while also encouraging socialization. Apartments range from 325 to 690 square feet and feature full kitchens and bright living rooms with large windows, as well as walk-in closets on select floor plans.
The community has friendly staff and plenty of amenities for residents to enjoy. A relative of a resident writes, "My experience with The Commons goes back to 2013. The staff treats all of the residents with tremendous love, respect and compassion. The entire staff is always very helpful when you have problems or questions with your loved one. "
The Lodge at Grand Junction cares for seniors with dementia through its Autumn Colors Memory Care program, which takes a holistic approach to care and wellness. A team of caregivers led by a memory care director address any issues and assist residents with activities of daily living including personal hygiene, eating and taking medications. This community encourages socialization by organizing group activities and gives its occupants access to community spaces as well as outdoor courtyards and walkways. WanderGuard bracelets keep seniors secure via electronic security checkpoints placed throughout the campus. An on-site wellness clinic also assesses residents to keep them healthy and inform nutritional decisions when meals are prepared for them.
Reviews commend The Lodge at Grand Junction for its professional staff members and the quality of care. One says, "Every employee has been top notch. We watch our mom devour the lovely meals, which are delicious. Our entire family even had lunch together with her in the dining room. What a delight! It's always a pleasure to visit and to witness the great care that our mother is receiving."
Aspen Ridge Alzheimer's Special Care Center is a care community exclusively dedicated to providing services to individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory loss-related illnesses. Prior to admission, seniors undergo a thorough assessment and receive an individualized care plan to ensure that Aspen Ridge meets their unique needs. Residents receive care from trained staff, who encourage their independence in a safe, welcoming environment. They are provided with three nutritious meals per day and healthy snacks are available at all times. Residents can spend time in their private rooms, or they are welcome to join their peers in the large living room for activities and events.
Residents' family members feel their loved ones are safe and cared for at Aspen Ridge. "The residents here are engaged and happy! Their needs are met by trained staff who are able to take the time to meet every need emotionally, physically, and spiritually," one reviewer writes.
The Vineyards Memory Care is a multifaceted community serving seniors who have dementia and other assisted living needs. Its caregivers are attentive 24/7 and specially trained in techniques that help to soothe frustrated memory care residents, and they also assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing or grooming. This community does medication management for residents and oversees their feeding and nutrition to keep them consistently nourished. A multitude of activities is available to participate in, including gardening, supervised cooking, arts and crafts and spiritual time. The Vineyards Memory Care offers a variety of secure spaces for residents to use, including an outdoor area with a garden and a deluxe-size dining room where they can share meals with visiting loved ones. Management takes care of housekeeping, laundry and grounds maintenance needs.
Residents of The Vineyards Memory Care speak very highly of the caregivers in this community. One says, "Kind, caring staff that gives personal attention to the residents. Highly recommended."
Cappella of Grand Junction is a pet-friendly, senior community located just blocks from St. Mary's Medical Center. Its caregivers undergo specialized memory care training to ensure each senior is treated with dignity, respect and appropriate care. They're available around the clock to assist with everything from hygiene to medication management. The community uses innovative memory care techniques, such as its Rhythms Memory Care program, to promote individuality as well as physical, spiritual and mental well-being. Its all-inclusive pricing model includes housekeeping, laundry, chef-planned meals, cable, Wi-Fi, utilities and daily activities. Scheduled transportation and concierge services are also available. Additionally, residents can enjoy numerous common areas, including the enclosed courtyard, therapeutic spa and fitness center.
Residents enjoy the community's well-appointed amenities and friendly and caring staff. One family member notes, "They're very caring, well-trained. The rooms are apartment-like, roomy, and there are public areas for sitting, reading, sharing, music and arts. The food is well-done, well proportioned, healthy, and not boring."
The Willows Assisted Living & Memory Care is a senior community specializing in dementia that offers a stress-free environment and continuous care for its residents. Caregivers aid residents with activities of daily living, which involve routine activities such as getting dressed, eating or brushing their teeth, and nurses are on-premises 24/7 in case any residents need medical attention. Each room is fully furnished and has window views of nature, which helps to prevent residents from experiencing sundowning. Housekeepers clean everyone's room each week so seniors don't have to worry about housekeeping or laundry. The Willows Assisted Living & Memory Care also offers structured activities and community events that those with memory conditions can enjoy. A nutritionist plans chef-prepared meals that fit each person's dietary needs and personal preferences.
The Willows Assisted Living & Memory Care assists residents with all activities of daily living, keeps them engaged with a host of activities and opportunities to socialize and provides personalized dining experiences curated by certified nutritionists. Its residents live in private studios with furniture designed for comfort and relaxation.
Located in a residential area, Western Slope Memory Care provides assistance with everyday tasks, such as bathing, grooming and medication management, in a secure, comfortable and modern community. The Vigil monitoring system enhances resident safety and wellbeing. Trained memory care specialists are available 24/7 and use customized care plans and the Western Slope Memory Care Moment Program to support residents to lead an enjoyable life with respect and dignity. Diverse daily activities take a holistic approach to enrichment, with activities to meet physical, intellectual, emotional and social needs. Seniors can relax in the secure courtyard and garden and socialize over nutritious meals in the dining room, in communal spaces and during group activities.
Residents and family members especially like the caring and friendly staff. One says, "This is a great new Memory Care facility in Grand Junction Colorado. They have a wonderful and friendly staff that cares and caters to your loved ones."
The care staff at The Fountains of Hilltop have extensive experience helping residents with cognitive impairments and engaging with their families. The community focuses on programs that encourage greater socialization while also applying various therapies that stimulate the mind while ensuring the living environment is as home-like as possible. All living accommodation options include weekly housekeeping and daily trash collections, in addition to a linen laundry service and dry cleaning pickup and delivery. Residents are assured of quality meals, served three times daily and prepared by the community's chefs. Snacks are also available during the day. The on-site barbershop and beauty salon helps residents to look and feel their best and the movie room's wired hearing loop ensures those with telecoil hearing aids can enjoy films without a struggle. Residents' pets are also welcome.
Family members praise the care programs tailored for their relatives and the range of facilities on site. One noted "My father-in-law is considerably more social than in the house by himself. We're very satisfied with the care plan. They're taking really good care of him. They have a barber/beauty shop, physical therapies, a workout room, and various gaming opportunities."
Comfort Care Homes is located within a sedate residential area with lots of parkland, and the community strives to be as homelike as possible. This includes allowing residents to have pets, use the smoker-friendly area in the outdoor lounge and savor home-cooked family-style meals served in the compact dining room. There are weekly outings and a variety of engaging activities during the day, such as music, games and religious services. There's also a beauty salon/barbershop so residents can always look their best. Staff members help dress and groom the residents, ensure they are bathed frequently and safely and get exercise that's appropriate to their abilities.
The families of residents frequently refer to the friendliness of the community's staff, the clean rooms and the attractive grounds surrounding the facility. One family member writes, "I really feel like my Dad is being taken care of by family at Comfort Care. The staff is always very friendly and helpful. The rooms and grounds are well kept."