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 Gresham’s senior population continues to grow (13% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Gresham, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 14% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 8%, 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 (8.69% in Gresham 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 Gresham. 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 Gresham, 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 in Gresham, Oregon, Bonaventure of Gresham offers unique memory care treatment and activities for residents. Upon admittance, residents are placed in communities with other residents who have similar needs. Staff members host activities and therapy sessions designed to promote cognition and entertainment, such as reminiscing therapy, aromatherapy, animal therapy and art therapy. Loved ones are invited to attend monthly education and support groups to help support their family member's transition to memory care. In addition to specially designed memory care units, the community offers several exciting amenities. Residents can dine with friends and family members, enjoy the activity center or visit the library.
Family members appreciate the staff and many amenities the community offers. One loved one shares, "?There are game rooms, a theater, a hobby room and flexible dining options with a great food variety! But by far, what makes this place special is the group of people who manage the facility and the many employees from the dining room wait staff to the front desk receptionists, from the housekeeping staff to the executive offices, who really seem committed to making life enjoyable for the residents who call Bonaventure home!"
Farmington Square Gresham offers transitional memory care for residents experiencing a variety of memory loss issues. The community is located in Gresham, Oregon, only a few miles east from Portland. At Farmington Square Gresham, residents live in a community of peers with similar healthcare needs and receive specialized support based on the level of memory care they need. Caregiving staff is available 24 hours a day to assist residents with day-to-day needs. In addition, residents live in private, single-story cottages with several amenities, such as housekeeping, on-site dining and community transportation. Staff members host a full calendar of life-enhancing activities, including events for family members and guests.
Residents and loved ones speak highly about the staff and the comfort of the community. One relative says, "The decision to move my mom into assisted living was a hard one, and the process has been, well, stressful. We chose Farmington Square because they really went above and beyond to make the transition as easy as possible, and they have been so accommodating to us. My mom has had nothing but good things to say about the staff, and I really feel she is being taken care of."
Powell Valley Assisted Living provides four levels of care for residents in their memory care program, each designed to meet the needs of seniors who are experiencing different levels of memory loss. Staff meet with residents and their families prior to move-in and regularly thereafter to understand individual needs and goals, with registered nurses overseeing all care coordination. Health services staff are on-site 24/7 and receive training through a program endorsed by the Alzheimer's Association. Residents participate in a "Be the Best" program that offers multi-sensory experiences and exercise opportunities. They have access to a landscaped courtyard with walking paths and meals are served in a home-like setting. Transportation is provided for medical appointments, as well as for regularly scheduled shopping trips.
Family members ?praised the attentiveness of the staff and the availability of activities. One daughter of a resident remarks, "The staff has always been very kind to me and my mom. I enjoy spending time with my mom here. My mom is more active now than she has been in years at home by herself. I attribute this to Powell Valley. They know what they are doing."
Sitting on a lush 12-acre campus in a residential neighborhood, Cherrywood Village is next to Adventist Medical Center and 15 minutes from Providence Portland Medical Center. This community's memory care program takes a person-centric approach to support seniors with dementia, helping them maintain individuality and make free choices. Residents live in a dedicated neighborhood featuring an emergency call system and 24-hour security. Daily housekeeping and linen and laundry services are available. For each resident, the highly-trained staff works closely with their family to create an individualized care plan, which can include safety checks, personal escorts, medication management and help with activities of daily living. Residents can participate in recreational activities, scenic drives and monthly family events, and scheduled transportation is available for offsite personal appointments. Amenities include an 18-hole putting golf course, swimming pool, fitness center and art studio.
Family members rave about the beautiful environment and dedicated caregivers. A resident's daughter-in-law writes, "It is great. I love it. There's always something going on. It was just a wonderful and caring place. The memory care area feels light and bright. They're really good about calling and scheduling reviews of the care plan."
The Cottages Senior Living Portland provides award-winning memory care for seniors living with Alzheimer's and related forms of dementia. There are several levels of care available to address seniors at every stage of memory loss, and care services are individually tailored so that every resident's unique needs are met. Experienced, specially trained caregivers support seniors 24/7. These dedicated professionals help with the activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming and eating, and they offer customized memory therapy to help strengthen seniors' cognitive abilities. Along with caregivers, licensed nurses are available to monitor medical conditions 16 hours a day, and additional support is provided for difficult behaviors. Seniors enjoy an engaging dementia-specific activities program, full-service beauty salon and barbershop. They savor three fresh-cooked meals with family-style service, and they can safely explore the community's scenic courtyards and walking paths.
Loved ones value the staff and activities. "Staff here is so caring and helpful, kept us informed about everything, from his doc," says one reviewer. "They would do a call every month or so to keep us informed. They have lots of different activities for the residents to keep them busy."
St. Andrews Memory Care offers person-centered care for seniors experiencing memory loss. The community's secure environment is specially designed to provide independence, stimulation and engagement. Staff members monitor residents 24 hours a day, offer help with personal care activities and medication and give plenty of guidance. Daily activities provide opportunities for fun and socialization. The calendar is filled with games, crafts and current events. Pet visits, exercise classes, gardening, live entertainment and community outings are also popular. The Oculus Virtual Reality Program adds another layer of connection and sensory stimulation. Common areas in St. Andrews' century-old building include comfortable seating areas, a chapel and an enclosed courtyard. Three family-style meals per day are served in the community's cozy dining room, and each resident benefits from a personalized dining plan adjusted to individual needs and abilities. Snacks are available as well.
Residents and their families are excited about the caring staff and many activities at St. Andrews Memory Care. One reviewer observes how staff members were "painting nails, decorating for Easter, going outside with residents and also sitting down with residents and just reassuring them that it's ok and that they are safe." She is pleased that her mother has so much enrichment.
Miramont Pointe provides memory care to seniors in Clackamas, Oregon. The Montessori Lifestyle program offers personalized care that is designed to improve cognitive function. Residents build connections with life enrichment programs such as musical therapy, fitness programs and educational activities. Residents can engage in art classes or visit the onsite library. Caregivers are available 24/7 to help residents with grooming and medication management. Each resident's room has basic utilities including cable television and laundry or housekeeping services. Rooms also have an emergency call system that allows staff to respond quickly. Complimentary Wi-Fi is offered in the community's relaxing common areas. Chefs prepare three healthy meals each day and staff offers accompanied transportation to scheduled medical appointments or community social outings.
Visitors appreciate the views of the building and how knowledgeable the staff is. One reviewer says, "The rooms were nice. The facility was very nice. It looked like they had more in the way of activities and facilities. The staff was very helpful. I liked best the layout, the upkeep, and the grounds."
Sunnyside Meadows Memory Care provides a compassionate and secure home for residents in Happy Valley. Staffed 24/7 by care specialists and medical experts, this community specifically caters to individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's. Staff members are available to assist with personal care, medication management and emergencies. Residents can enjoy private rooms situated in separate neighborhoods for a sense of community. Each room features hardwood floors, ceiling heaters in the bathroom and beautiful natural light. There are daily activities such as cooking and art classes, book clubs, walking clubs and social hours and regular events like nondenominational worship. Residents can also rely on transport services, housekeeping and linen services to support their personal and medical needs.
Residents and loved ones praise the staff as well as the comfort of the facility. One daughter says, "I have been so happy with the care my dad gets at Sunnyside. The main areas are nice and bright and his room is just right for him. The staff have always taken good care of him and I have no concerns about him being there. I love that there are so many outings and activities available for the residents. I also get to see pictures of the activities they do. He has always been treated with respect."
Pacific Gardens Alzheimer's Special Care Center is a community devoted to seniors with memory care needs. The fully-secured building and grounds offer seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's safety while maintaining their sense of dignity and freedom. The staff, who are specifically trained in Alzheimer's care, assist with all aspects of daily life and encourage independence in tasks residents are able to manage on their own. The culinary team serves meals and snacks six times a day in the communal dining rooms, and the staff take these opportunities to engage residents in meaningful conversation as they dine. Resident rooms are outfitted with phones, television and an emergency monitoring system. Furnished rooms and weekly housekeeping are included. The professional staff recognize that meaningful engagement is vital for seniors, and they plan supervised outings and regular social events on-site.
Families of residents praise the care the staff provides. One reviewer states "For the month that mom has been at Pacific Gardens Alzheimer's Special Care Center, the staff has been very helpful. They're very good to her, to me, and to my family. Her room is very nice and a very good size."
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley provides memory care residents with freedom and choices, all while being cared for by professionally trained staff around the clock. The Reflections area of the community is dedicated to the specialized care of dementia and Alzheimer's patients and offers secure suites and an enclosed courtyard. The community employs licensed nurses full-time who are able to care for health needs, along with tasks of daily living such as bath and dressing. Culinary experts prepare meals three times a day in a restaurant style dining room and food is available 24 hours a day in the bistro. Housekeeping and laundry services are provided for those in the memory care unit. The building has a salon, library, fitness center, general store and planned social events for all residents to enjoy.
Residents and their families are pleased with the caring staff at the community. One reviewer states "We're really happy with MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Happy Valley. It's really good. The facility is beautiful and clean. The staff is amazing. They are efficient, friendly, and quick to help my father-in-law's family members and him whenever needed. They provide every piece of information."
Tabor Crest Residential Care is a senior living provider in Portland, Oregon. It's close to medical facilities and hospitals where residents can get quick specialized health care services. This community has an individualized memory care program designed to support residents with dementia. Caring staff is available 24/7 and treat residents with the highest level of professionalism, kindness and respect. Dining options include customized and made-from-scratch meals with local ingredients, and snacks are available between meals. Carefully designed outdoor areas create a charming, home-like environment. Memory care units ensure residents' safety with enclosed courtyards and indoor walking paths.
Residents and their families speak highly of Tabor Crest Residential Care's staff and the level of services provided. One person says, "The staff members are super friendly and our loved one seems well taken care of. Based on the experience we have had so far with Tabor Crest, we would recommend them to other families."
Monterey Court Memory Care is located on the outskirts of Portland and provides care to seniors from several nearby counties. The Monterey Court staff, including skilled RN, RCC and ED medical professionals, are selected for their compassionate approach to patient care. Residents needing specialized treatment can easily access several of Oregon's best hospitals. Memory care residents benefit from the community's award-winning SPARK program that strengthens cognitive skills and maintains patients' purpose and dignity. Initial assessments for new residents let Monterey Court tailor a treatment and activity schedule for every memory care resident, including on-site events and travel to local community amenities and landmarks. The dedicated staff is on call 24/7 for residents' needs. Memory care residents can also participate in the Resident Council to have a voice in the community and its operation.
Residents and their families find Monterey Court's welcoming and care exemplary. One reviewer notes, "We've been in other places, and this one by far is superior. The staff and the care they provided was amazing. They took the ball and went with it, and helped us navigate a situation we had no prior experience with. We were so happy here."
Brookdale Troutdale is situated on a sprawling campus in a quiet residential neighborhood. This pet-friendly community boasts numerous amenities, including an emergency call system, concierge service and scheduled transportation options. Memory care is delivered through the Clare Bridge and Solace programs, the latter for more advanced memory care conditions. The Clare Bridge Daily Path has six programs daily to keep residents engaged. Activities include art classes, brain games, current events discussions and group fitness. Shared spaces are outfitted with an added layer of security to give residents plenty of room to roam within a secure setting. The Solace program includes all the Clare Bridge options plus additional care services, such as grooming assistance and various therapies, to support residents with advanced memory care conditions.
Community reviews focus on the wide range of amenities and services offered to residents as well as the different activities scheduled daily. One family member writes, "The experience has been a good one at Brookdale Troutdale. The rooms are nice. The staff seems to be very helpful. It is good. It seems to be a warm and welcoming community."
Firwood Gardens is a memory care community in Portland, Oregon. Staff is trained to work with conditions such as Alzheimer's or dementia, and each resident is assessed carefully to ensure the care they receive meets their specific needs. Residents receive assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing and medication management. Additionally, a registered nurse can address minor health concerns. Living quarters have been designed with residents' comfort in mind, and seniors can choose from a range of layouts with kitchenettes and private bathrooms. Activities are designed around the individual's interests and hobbies to ensure they have a stimulating, leisurely life. The common area features a number of amenities, including a television room, garden, patio and beauty salon, that allow seniors to unwind in the company of fellow residents.
Reviewers speak highly of the quality of care at Firwood Gardens. One family member says, "My mother is a resident in the memory care facility, and the staff is amazing. They provide great care for all the residents and are friendly."
Revere Court of Portland is a memory care community in a charming suburban setting outside the Portland metropolitan area. A dedicated team of caregivers is trained to work with seniors who have Alzheimer's and other forms of age-related dementia. Its life enrichment team schedules activities that reflect resident interests. These experiences, ranging from cooking and gardening to puzzles and games, help seniors benefit from a socially and mentally stimulating way of life while also enhancing their cognitive function. The premises are fitted with handrails for residents with mobility issues, and a wandering prevention system is in place to ensure their safety. Help can be provided with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and eating, and an emergency response system allows residents to receive immediate assistance when needed. Three nutritious meals and snacks are served daily.
Reviewers are complimentary about the staff and scheduled activities at Revere Court of Portland. One relative says, "I've been to visit quite a few times since my mother has moved in and the staff have been very nice and welcoming. She is participating in the crafts as well as other activities."
Mountain Park Memory Care is a community dedicated to providing the highest-quality care to residents with memory impairment. It provides an individualized care approach, embracing each resident's psychological, physical, spiritual and social well-being. The community encourages residents to participate in activities and life engagement programs to improve their sensory, cognitive, motor and creative skills. These programs are designed around each resident's interests, history and preferences. Staff is available 24/7 to offer personalized care and assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing, toileting, eating and medication management. Transportation to medical appointments, religious services and social visits is available. Residents can access secured walking paths, landscaped courtyard and an activity room to socialize or enjoy solitude. Daily meals are provided, and modified meals and snacks may be available based on a resident's specific needs. Registered nurses are available overnight.
Family members love the individualized care and support their loved ones receive at Mountain Park Memory Care. They appreciate the engaging activities provided to the residents, plus the caring staff and nurses available 24/7.
Russellville Park's memory care community is designed around the Opal program, which focuses on holistic living through seven pillars of care. The first pillar is physical, and it is met through the PrimeFit program that offers individual and group exercise sessions. Then comes the social pillar with social events and outings. The experiential pillar is all about fun activities and events, while the emotional and spiritual pillar concentrates on life stories and spirituality. The creative and artistic pillar allows residents to participate in drawing, flower arranging and other crafts to express themselves, and the therapeutic pillar encourages participation in daily tasks that provide a sense of purpose. Finally, the sensory pillar allows seniors to connect to their community through their five senses. The memory care community at Russellville Park is fully secure and provides care according to each resident's needs.
A reviewer whose mother lives in Russellville Park's memory care community is thrilled with the caring staff. She notes that staff members "have gone beyond the call to introduce our shy mother to fellow residents, invite her to participate in activities, and have taken time out of their busy schedule for a short conversation and brightening her day."
Touchmark at Fairway Village is a memory care community in the charming city of Vancouver, Washington. Staff is highly trained in caring for seniors with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, and the premises are monitored around the clock to ensure residents' safety. Additionally, there is a rehabilitation program available for seniors who have conditions affecting their mobility or coordination. Residents can select living quarters from a wide variety of layouts ranging from compact studios to detached cottages. These have been designed to provide a homelike environment, featuring walk-in closets, gas fireplaces, vaulted ceilings and modern appliances. The amenities provide residents with a resort-like campus where they can unwind and enjoy a stimulating way of life. Seniors can enjoy features such as a heated pool, fitness center and restaurant-style dining room.
Reviewers speak highly of the sign-up process and living conditions at Touchmark at Fairway Village. One family member writes, "My mother-in-law hasn't moved in yet, but we've decided to put her in Touchmark at Fairway Village. They were very accessible with the questions that we had. The place was very clean."
Cherry Park Plaza is a senior community that takes a team approach to memory care that includes the comfort of scheduled rhythm as well as impromptu moments that promote alertness and engagement. Residents in memory care are included in as many activities with other seniors in assisted and independent living as possible, such as weekly outings and daily meals. Cherry Park Plaza steers away from outdated dementia care practices, opting for a hospitality model to care that accounts for each individual's needs and interests. The 24-hour emergency response system is designed to give residents and their families peace of mind.
Reviews mention the quality food, the great activities and the engagement with memory care residents. The son of one of the residents at Cherry Park Plaza writes, "The overall care and concern from all the workers has been excellent.The management has always been respectful and responsive to any concerns that we have encountered."
Tabor Crest Memory Care, located between Gresham and East Portland, is dedicated to providing a friendly, safe and nurturing environment for seniors with dementia. The staff members are professional, consistent and friendly and have specialized dementia training to meet each resident's unique needs. The community offers flexible care plan options tailored to each senior's interests and preferences. Residents are encouraged to engage in activities developed around their specific abilities, interests and lifelong patterns to promote sensory, physical and cognitive skills. Family members and caregivers can also benefit from the dementia support groups the community provides, plus other similar resources. The apartment spaces are specifically designed to care for seniors with memory disorders. Customized dining options are available.
People appreciate Tabor Crest Memory Care for its clean environment and caring staff who deliver individualized care and support. One reviewer writes, "The staff members are super friendly and our loved one seems well taken care of. Based on the experience we have had so far with Tabor Crest we would recommend them to other families."