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 Green Valley’s senior population continues to grow (19.41% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Green Valley, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased by 12.06% between 2014 and 2019, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (7.3% in Green Valley 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 Green Valley. 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 Green Valley, 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:
Located at the foot of the Santa Rita Mountains, Arroyo Gardens offers a warm and inviting setting where seniors are encouraged to feel at home. Its Casa Bonita memory care community is specifically designed for seniors facing Alzheimers and other dementia-related issues. It uses a combination of aroma, art, and music therapy to provide sensory and stimulating activities. The communitys trained caretakers and licensed nursing staff are available 24/7 to assist with everything from medication management to activities of daily living such as grooming, hygiene and dressing. Additionally, its professional care team handles specialty services, including dialysis treatment, bladder and bowel retraining and diabetes management. Scheduled transportation and restaurant-style dining are also included. On-site amenities include a theater, fitness center, exercise pool and landscaped grounds with gardens and patios.
Residents rave about the communitys beautiful grounds and attentive staff. One reviewer stated that Arroyo Gardens is "Absolutely beautiful It is kept up so nicely and all the employees are so friendly. Everyone makes sure you feel at home and are taken care (of).
Built near the Santana Catalina Mountains foothills, Atria Campana del Rio provides memory care, assisted living and independent living services. The luxurious Spanish-style community hosts two charming courtyards with walking paths for residents to roam the landscaped grounds and an on-site dog park. Staff members in the Life Guidance neighborhoods are expertly trained using Atria's innovative Alzheimer's and dementia care program. The wellness center offers regular checkups, and massage and physical therapists are available on-site. Seniors can relax in the salon and spa for a day of styling, manicures and pedicures or visit the pub or outdoor dining area. The library, games room, fitness center and heated pool are some of the carefully designed spaces where residents can participate in classes and group activities. The restaurant-style dining room serves professionally prepared meals three times a day.
Residents and their loved ones commend the staff for being attentive, professional and kind. One resident says, "The staff and residents are all very friendly! The staff is exceptionally accommodating and helpful consistently. I've made some great friends while being here. The activities and food are great, varied and enjoyed by myself and my colleagues."
Located in the Catalina Foothills of Tucson, Brookdale Santa Catalina offers a secure, yet welcoming community. Its Clare Bridge memory care program is specifically designed for seniors facing Alzheimers and other dementia-related issues. This program focuses on celebrating every moment in an effort to improve the quality of life for each senior and to allow them to maintain as much independence as possible. Caregivers and health care professionals are on-site 24/7 to assist with medication management, housekeeping, laundry, grooming, hygiene and additional activities of daily living. Seniors are encouraged to participate in guided activities that best meet their interests and abilities. On-site amenities include a general store, fitness center, theater, therapy room and clinic. Meals are served daily in the deluxe dining room, and scheduled transportation is available.
Residents and their family members are happy with the communitys amenities and caring staff. One reviewer commented, "The caring staff made sure my mother felt immediately at home she was so busy with her new life. The activities, the food, staff and facilities are wonderful.
Brookdale Tanque Verde is a senior community dedicated exclusively to memory care. Residents find comfort in the home-like setting and are encouraged to decorate their private spaces with personal mementos to create a calm, familiar environment. Shadow boxes are placed near apartment entrances and filled with items that highlight occupants life stories, achievements and past memories. These serve as navigational cues and allow the care team to build a deeper connection with residents. The communitys exclusive dementia program, Clare Bridge, provides two levels of care for varying stages of memory conditions. Crossings is designed for seniors with early-stage dementia and offers activities that help build self-esteem and minimize depression. Solace caters to those with advanced-stage conditions and involves a higher level of care and programming, such as multisensory experiences and therapy.
Families are thankful for the compassionate care and feel confident with residents safety. "Everyone on the staff team is all sweet and they have both men and women. My loved one feels very safe here. The facility itself is secured and you would have to be let in and out by ringing a doorbell and having someone do that for you, writes one.
Canyon Valley Memory Care Residence is located between Green Valley Recreation Desert Hills Center and Interstate 19 in Green Valley, Arizona. This community has its own executive chef, who serves residents tasty, freshly made food and can accommodate some dietary considerations. The staff uses the Spark lifestyle approach to celebrate residents historical knowledge while also encouraging them to gain new abilities and foster a sense of meaning. Seniors are given biography boards or memory boxes that describe their unique personal history as a way to cultivate an appreciation of the past and present. They can also enjoy participating in an array of fun, purpose-filled activities, such as ice cream socials, morning exercises and music therapy.
Canyon Valley earns high marks for having helpful staff members and tidy apartments. "The staff works in harmony with one another. All staff members will answer any of your questions and or concerns you may have. The rooms are clean and you can decorate them any way you wish to, states one family member.
Copper Canyon is a memory care community providing person-centered care in a warm, welcoming and secure environment. The Memory Care Life Enrichment Program is a modified Montessori-style approach to wellness, delivered by a certified life enrichment director. The program fosters memories and experiences of residents by offering sensory and virtual reality therapy, music therapy and aromatherapy. Residents are encouraged to partake in group activities and cultivate relationships by using validation techniques that promote positive feedback. Personalized life skills stations are available, designed to mimic real-life scenarios from each resident's history. Stations can include miniature kitchens, faux engines and mailboxes. Gourmet food is available 24/7 and follows the MIND diet which stimulates brain health. Residents can appreciate nature in the well-tended enclosed gardens or stroll the many walking paths.
Loved ones commend the medical staff for being attentive and housekeeping for their high standards. One says, "Copper Canyon provides 24 hour security, which is a must for my wife. The medical staff is on the ball, housekeeping is great and the food is good enough that I frequently eat there. They have lots of activities."
Foothills Place is a senior living community nestled in the southern foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains. Personalized plans are developed by trained caregivers who are certified in the Alzheimers Association CARES EssentiALZ program. Caregivers assist with the coordination of daily living activities, doctor appointments and restorative programs and are responsive to exit-seeking behavior and emergency situations. A full-time licensed nurse is available 24 hours a day. The memory care community is designed to create a sense of freedom and belonging through homelike decor, beautiful, secure courtyards and communal spaces. Each residents door displays a memory box containing personal photos, newspaper clippings and objects that reflect precious memories. Residents can enjoy music and aromatherapy to bring positive sounds and scents to the neighborhood. Meals are specially prepared to fit the dietary requirements of residents with snacks and drinks offered throughout the day. Community amenities include an activity room, outings, lounges and a hair salon.
Loved ones appreciate the warm and welcoming staff and how they relate to the residents. One says of her mother, "Living far from Tucson, I am truly comforted by knowing the care my mother receives is offered in sincere willingness and expertise."
Mountain View Retirement Village is a retirement community that offers memory care, independent living and assisted living programs, all of which promote independence, instill dignity and spark meaning in residents' lives. Located 10 miles north of central Tucson in the relatively small community of Casas Adobes, residents are able to stay far away enough from big-city life to relax without sacrificing access to the nearby Orange Grove Medical Plaza, home to oncologists, primary care providers, surgeons, cardiologists and radiologists. This community takes extensive precautions to prevent wandering while still giving residents a strong sense of self-direction, including an expansive, well-landscaped courtyard with around-the-clock security. Caregivers help residents maintain their current interests and skills, incorporating them into daily activities in meaningful, engaging ways. Mountain View Retirement Village even maintains its own in-house television network, featuring current events and notable personal achievements.
Visitors remark that residents seem to be thoroughly satisfied and genuinely happy. A friend of a current resident says, "My friend couldn't tell me enough times about how amazing it was there, activities were great, food was amazing, and care was perfect. Best community in town hands down. Will definitely choose Mountain View Retirement when my time comes to retire."
Pacifica Senior Living Tucson offers memory care and is located close to Tucson Medical Center and Fort Lowell Park in Tucson, Arizona. This community has a homelike, cottage-style layout designed to help residents befriend each other and receive more individualized attention from staff members, many of whom are specially trained to integrate nursing assistance with behavioral management. The Legacies memory care programs goal is to enhance residents quality of life by engaging in activities developed to promote socialization and improve coordination. Seniors can spend their time participating in therapeutic exercises, making crafts and attending scheduled outings. They can also enjoy meals made fresh by on-site chefs and served restaurant-style in the dining room.
Reviewers give Pacifica Senior Living Tucson plenty of praise for having an innovative, cottage-oriented design, well-kept grounds and kind staff members. One writes, "It is a premier memory care community offering a unique cottage-style living concept. The grounds are impeccably manicured, the cottages are very clean and staff knowledgeable and friendly. Beautiful community!
PARK Senior Villas Houghton is located on a hill and offers magnificent views of the surrounding mountains. Residents live in separate homes that each house 10 seniors in private bedrooms. Seniors with memory care disorders are grouped in homes with residents who have similar cognitive and physical abilities. These dedicated memory care homes have a high caregiver-to-resident ratio that ensures that all residents receive personalized care and assistance. The perimeter of the community is secured allowing residents the freedom to walk around the landscaped gardens, go to the communal activity rooms or visit friends in other units. Activities offered by the community include gentle fitness classes, arts and crafts, musical entertainment, social events and pet therapy. There is a full-service salon on-site to keep residents looking their best at all times. The community is pet-friendly.
Family members praise excellent care and amenities with one saying, "My father is in The Villas. The care is individualized, the food is homemade, the place is immaculately clean, and the people care about the patients they take care of. They have a large room with a bathroom, a very large kitchen, and living area."
PARK Senior Villas La Cañada has dedicated homes for residents with cognitive impairment disorders and each of these villas houses a maximum of 10 residents. The perimeter of the property is secured allowing seniors the freedom to safely explore the landscaped gardens or go to another villa to visit a friend. A team of dementia-certified caregiving staff is always on hand to provide care and assistance with the tasks of daily living. Staff members are trained to compassionately deal with difficult behaviors. Communal amenities offered on-site include a full-service salon, arts and crafts room and a supervised gym. Three chef-prepared meals are served family-style in each villa to encourage socialization between residents and staff members. Activities are personalized to the interests of each resident as well as their physical and cognitive abilities. Activities offered include pet therapy and music therapy.
Family members praise the exceptional staff with one saying, "We feel so blessed to have him in such a wonderful place where the people care about him like family. I really can't say enough good things about the Villas, we're so glad dad is surrounded by people who care for him so much!"
Prestige Assisted Living at Green Valley offers memory care, assisted living, respite and hospice care in the lovely surroundings of Green Valley, just minutes from scenic Madera Canyon. The community offers spacious floor plans, and grounds that encourage outdoor exploration, with a butterfly garden, patio garden, enclosed courtyard and walking paths. A variety of indoor commons spaces encourage socializing, and a full schedule of activities keep residents active and engaged. Memory care is provided through the signature Expressions program, which uses innovative care techniques to care for residents with Alzheimers and other dementia-related conditions. Daily activities are turned into meaningful and memorable events and residents are encouraged to express themselves through the arts, learning, physical movement and spirituality. Skilled staff trained in the latest memory care techniques is available 24/7.
Visitors give praise for the kind staff and excellent care. One says, "All patients are provided with excellent care and love in a safe, clean, and comfortable environment. The entire staff was incredibly caring and attentive. Another family member notes how, "The staff are kind, calm, and respectful.
Sierra Del Sol Assisted Living is located just blocks from the Saguaro National Park East. It offers a homelike setting with comfortable common areas that include a beauty salon, TV lounge, library and computer center, as well as an enclosed courtyard with a gazebo, gardens and walking paths. Trained personnel are on-site 24/7 to assist with activities of daily living such as grooming, housekeeping and laundry. Personalized care plans are tailored to meet the unique needs of residents struggling with memory loss and dementia-related illnesses. The communitys Gentlecare program for memory loss allows seniors to maintain as much independence as possible with dignity and compassion. It helps seniors celebrate moments rather than forcing them to conform to a strict schedule. Transportation services are available, and the kitchen is open 24/7.
Residents are pleased with the level of care the community provides. One family member stated, "The property is lovely, and every single staff member I have come into contact with in the last two weeks is gracious, kind and friendly.
Sunrise at River Road is a homelike community specially designed for people who need memory care services. With a central location and a beautiful view of the mountains surrounding Tucson, Sunrise at River Road focuses on providing holistic senior care based on the most advanced theories of aging. Compassionate and attentive staff members are available 24/7, and monthly checkups are scheduled with nurses. Regular visits from physicians, podiatrists and physical and speech therapists are also organized. Yoga, gardening, cooking, book clubs, pet-therapy, movies and music are but a few of the many activities available. Seniors with more advanced cognitive impairments are assisted during these activities so that they can also feel included and benefit from them. Three daily meals are served based on personal taste and aiming to recreate the pleasure of home-cooked food. Pets are also welcome.
One family described Sunrise at River Road as excellent while another said it has "a relaxing atmosphere" with very nice decor. Someone else wrote, "The food is very good, I liked the dogs they have on-site, and I liked the entertainment they do." They added they would greatly recommend it.
In addition to its independent living and assisted living communities, The Forum at Tucson provides memory care services to older adults diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Centered in northwest Tucson just a mile south of the Rillito River, the community is located in the corner of the Tucson Medical Plaza, making medical trips convenient. The community offers speech-language therapy to residents on campus, helping residents with dementia overcome disease-related neurological problems. Residents are welcome to tend their own gardens outdoors at this community. To keep memory care members away from danger, The Forum at Tucson employs security measures like keypad door entries and on-site security professionals. Meals are always crafted in-house by the community's dining staff, creating good-tasting meals that still meet residents' dietary restrictions. The community also regularly holds support groups for residents.
People compliment the community's numerous activity options, helping residents stay engaged. One shares, "The Forum at Tucson was lovely. They offer just about everything you could want; you could get anything done right there. They have so many activities like playing cards, they have a fitness room, you can go swimming, and they can take you shopping."
The Fountains at La Cholla provides independent living, assisted living and memory care services, helping seniors lead better lives throughout their golden years. Its campus is based in Casas Adobes, just north of Phoenix, minutes away from the Rillito River and Orange Grove Medical Plaza. The community's dining hall offers delicious, nutritious meals thrice daily, including Gourmet Bites, bite-sized foods that accommodate chewing and digestion problems among residents with neurological diseases. People who love learning may enroll in Watermark University, a local educational program that offers brief courses led by family members, local experts and residents. To reduce symptoms of depression, sundowning and agitation, The Fountains at La Cholla's Expressive Arts program provides music and art therapy courses. The entire community is decorated with memorabilia that reminds residents of their favorite times and interests, helping stimulate residents' minds.
Relatives love the kind, understanding caregivers here. One says, "My mom used to live at The Fountains at La Cholla. Its a great place that always smelled nice. They had good food and nice people. My mom had a beautiful private room.The staff seemed to like their jobs, were very nice, and interacted with the residents all of the time."
The Hacienda at the River is located on East River Road in Tucson, Arizona. The senior community has services for memory care, respite care, assisted living and short-term care. Those receiving memory care services enjoy private studio apartments, family-style meals and a personal pantry program. The memory care employees are Certified Dementia Practitioners via the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. All residents can feel comfortable knowing they'll receive assistance, if needed, with daily needs such as medications and bathing. Those living at The Hacienda at the River can spend time across the community's 7.5-acres, enjoying gardens, acupuncture treatment, Virtual Reality games and the stables.
From the food to the facilities, loved ones speak highly of The Hacienda at the River. A reviewer stated, "We experienced great care and caring professionals when my Mother in Law was at Hacienda at the River. The staff was so attentive to her and the facilities were clean and beautiful. The food was outstanding and they made the most difficult time for our family so much easier to handle. I would recommend this facility to anyone needing care.
The Villas at Green Valley provides seniors with high-quality care in the peaceful, scenic community of Green Valley, Arizona. Surrounded by forested mountains and a vibrant downtown scene, The Villas gives seniors the opportunity to explore their surroundings and recharge in nature whenever they feel the need to take a break. Each trained specialist at this facility works hard to ensure that residents receive the care and attention that they need to thrive. The building is laid out in a way that helps memory care patients become more familiar with their environment. In addition, residents at The Villas at Green Valley have access to an open kitchen, medication management, 24-hour visits from friends and family members and a caring, close-knit community that helps foster a sense of family and belonging.
Residents at The Villas at Green Valley love this facility for its skilled and dedicated staff that puts the needs of seniors first. As one resident notes, seniors are "in such good hands with [the] staff, and it's such a wonderful place to spend [their] twilight years. We greatly appreciate everything [The Villas] and [the] excellent team of caregivers do!
Tucson Place at Ventana Canyon offers memory care in a quiet setting in Ventana Canyon, 15 miles northeast of Tucson. Ensuring residents feel safe and comfortable is top priority at Tucson Place, which is why a qualified care team is available 24/7. The staff assists with tasks of daily living such as dressing and grooming, as well as medication management and ongoing monitoring. The memory care program offers an array of activities, designed to stimulate mind, body and soul. Some of the daily activities include tai chi, pub trivia and walking clubs. There is a full-service dining room where residents can enjoy three nutritious meals a day, as well as a private dining room for special events with loved ones.
Visitors particularly like the luxurious ambiance and the great care staff, with one reviewer saying, "Brookdale Ventana Canyon was upscale and very nice. The staff was very nice. We saw a studio apartment and it was quite nice. It was a fairly good size. They seemed to have a nurse available and they did have a doctor that comes to the facility, so that was nice. It was very good."
Life at Woodland Palms Memory Care is designed with convenience and comfort in mind. It is in close proximity to a number of great health care facilities in eastern Tucson, including Tucson ER & Hospital. All memory care staff undergo dementia-specific training and are qualified to create personalized care plans that are suited to each individual's needs and preferences. The community offers an inclusive living environment with all seniors living together to encourage social interaction. A great range of activities is offered to provide physical, cognitive and social stimulation, including a music program, designed to stimulate the brain and give a sense of purpose to residents. The culinary team prepares nutritious meals made from scratch and served in a dining area which encourages connections and interaction in a comfortable and safe environment. The community features secured entry to ensure resident safety.
Visitors praise the helpful staff and the great community environment, with one reviewer saying, "This community has a good feel. It is bright and colorful. The residents are happy and all interacting with each other. Staff is attentive and helpful. I liked the fact it was so comfortable. The price is the best I've seen!"