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 Hagerstown's senior population continues to grow (13.23% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Hagerstown, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased by 6.97% between 2014 and 2019. The number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 11.93%. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (3.23% in Hagerstown 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 Hagerstown. 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 Hagerstown, 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:
Minutes away from Meritus Medical Center, Brookdale Hagerstown rests on the edge of Hagerstown, Maryland, a city of about 44,000 residents surrounded by woods and farms. While the 24/7 staff provides assistance with activities of daily living, they also focus on behavioral intervention to help memory care residents overcome obstacles through the Clare Bridge program, a calendar of purpose-driven activities tailored to different stages of memory loss. Each day, residents meet for arts and crafts, morning exercise classes, socials, music programs and reminiscing with friends. In the dining room, residents with dietary restrictions can enjoy low-sodium and reduced-cholesterol meals.
To residents and loved ones, this community's welcoming atmosphere stands out. One writes, "[My mother was] welcomed with open arms, embraced by the wonderful staff, and is very happy and at home in your lovely community. She talks about how good the meals are and appreciates the care taken by the housekeeping and nursing staff."
Seaton Hagerstown is a spacious community boasting chef-prepared meals, cozy suites and a busy activities calendar. Memory care programming centers on inclusivity, low stress and cognitive engagement. Staff members direct residents towards specific activities each day that build on their cognitive skills and help them to celebrate small milestones. Meals are carefully curated according to each resident's tastes and served in a quiet environment to reduce stimulation. Activity options include guest lectures and discussions, live music performances and health and wellness sessions.
Residents and their loved ones cite memory care program efficacy in reviews and the diversity of activities provided. One writes, "We were really impressed with the staff, the programs and the common areas at Hagerstown. They had a pretty robust calendar of activities. They had a lot of good outdoor courtyard spaces. We were very pleased with their memory care."
Somerford House & Place offers a comforting and stimulating environment for seniors dealing with cognitive decline. The facility's nurses apply the award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery program developed by Five Star to help those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia get the most from life. The program involves various recreational and occupational therapies. The social and leisure aspects of the facility include an on-site beauty parlor so residents don't need to travel to unfamiliar and daunting locations beyond their home and an activity center where they can participate in fun games and converse with other residents. Somerford House & Place focuses on the neurological benefits of good nutrition. Meals are freshly prepared by the chef and served restaurant-style three times daily. Care is taken to ensure meals satisfy the individual's tastes in addition to their dietary requirements.
Somerford House's homey atmosphere comes in for a lot of praise in reviews. The child of one resident said, "It doesn't feel medical. I've tasted the food and it's good. The staff is very conscientious. You don't get a sense that anybody is actually working, they just all help each other to help the residents."
Somerford House and Place Frederick is a memory care community dedicated to providing a safe, encouraging environment. Residents live according to schedules designed for their needs while receiving help from caregivers who are available 24/7. This community uses the Bridge to Rediscovery program by Five Star to combine cognitively enriching activities with physical exercise to delay further decline. Each resident's care is individualized, including the meals they're served each day. Residents can experience a sense of freedom by being able to explore a range of indoor community spaces and an outdoor enclosed courtyard, all of which are secured for their safety. Music, pet and aromatherapy programs, social events and other activities provide opportunities for residents to interact on a daily basis. All maintenance, housekeeping and laundry needs are handled by management.
Residents remark on the skill of caregivers at Somerford House and Place Frederick. A relative says, "Memory care at Somerford is exceptional. It's a small community with a very organized and caring staff. Our loved one is suffering with dementia and has been quite the handful. She's now benefiting from the training and experience of these professionals."
Residents in Homewood at Williamsport are surrounded by 28 acres of carefully tended grounds with lush grass and mature trees. The Medicare-certified skilled nursing center operates 24/7, applying an integrated approach to memory care using the Canterbury Rehabilitation Program, which focuses on speech, occupational and physical therapies. Memory care residents dealing with physical restrictions can benefit from Functional Pathways, a virtual program designed to improve flexibility, range of motion and balance.The community center includes a convenience store and a chapel to provide spiritual comfort.
Families love the community's wealth of things to do and the staff's thoughtfulness. One family member says, "My mother is extremely happy at Homewood of Williamsport. It's clean, and the staff is kind, caring and attentive. There are lots of one-on-one and group activities, as well as a gym, pool and hair salon."
The Leland of Laurel Run offers specialized memory care services near Hagerstown, Maryland. The memory care residence at The Leland offers a therapeutic, homelike setting that allows residents to maintain as much independence as possible. Individual care plans are developed for each resident by a team of trained staff. Daily routines and patterns help ease confusion, while stimulating activities such as educational groups support social and cognitive well-being. A calendar of activities designed specifically for those with memory loss includes physical exercise, memory games and reminiscence activities. Restaurant-style dining, comfortable common rooms and weekly community outings are available, as well as physical and occupational therapy.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the caring staff and activities available at The Leland of Laurel Run. One reviewer says, "My husband moved into The Leland of Laurel Run, and it is excellent. They have all kinds of things and games going on. They try to get the residents involved."
Convenient to Hagerstown, MD, with quick access to Interstates 80 and 71, Quincy Village is situated in a peaceful area, with the Blue Ridge Mountains and surrounding fruit orchards providing beautiful, natural scenery. Offering specialized memory care to residents living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory impairment, the staff at Quincy Village provides skilled nursing support, personalized care services and therapy in a calm, safe environment. The team focuses on nurturing each resident's physical, mental and emotional health through the utilization of customized care plans. The community provides seniors with enriching programs and activities, ranging from crafts to life skills, in addition to weekly musical therapy sessions.
Visitors to Quincy Village are impressed with the community's proximity to the nearby scenic town with its many recreational opportunities as well as the overall cleanliness and attentive staff. A resident's family member is very happy with the attention given to her loved one, stating, "The care is unparalleled. It was very relieving to know we did not have to worry about how she was being treated and taken care of. Very reassuring."
Fahrney-Keedy Senior Living Community provides memory care to seniors in a safe and secure setting. The Bowman Center is the community's specialized wing dedicated to caring for residents with Alzheimer's or dementia. Each private suite has a full bath, television and sitting area. In the common living room area, seniors can relax and converse with their friends. The spacious atrium gives the building plenty of natural light, and there are multiple fireplaces located throughout the community. Seniors receive three nutritious meals per day in a private dining area. Caring staff are available to assist residents with activities of daily living, including medication management. Laundry and transportation services are provided.
Residents and their family members appreciate the welcoming environment at Fahrney-Keedy Senior Living Community. One reviewer writes, "What I like about it is that it's big, but it's not too big. The nursing staff has a good ratio with nurses and the residents there. They're very accommodating and personable."
Providence Place Senior Living of Chambersburg, located in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, features two levels of support in its memory care program. In the Connections Club, seniors in early stages of memory loss may receive more structure, support and reminders than residents in assisted living. For residents with more acute memory issues, the Connections neighborhood provides a secure, homelike environment for daily physical and mind-stimulating activities. In both programs, residents may participate in one-on-one or group exercises, Never 2 Late digital cognitive activities, crafting groups and skill-building activities such as cooking classes. The staff, including nurses and therapists, receive training on recognizing residents' changing needs.
For residents' loved ones, this community's wholesome atmosphere and adaptable staff stand out. One writes, "It is a positive, friendly environment for residents, driven by the dedication of hardworking staff. We saw staff engaging with and encouraging residents."
Located in Martinsburg, West Virginia, a city of about 20,000 residents half an hour south of Hagerstown, Maryland, Harmony at Martinsburg's memory care program centers around the Best Friends approach. This philosophy encourages strong relationships between residents, staff and loved ones through a robust calendar of cognitive and physical activities. Every day, neighbors meet for memory games, sing-alongs, light exercise and crafts. These activities are part of individualized care plans that may also include medication management, monitoring from licensed nurses and help maintaining structured daily routines. Though residents are welcome to meet in the bistro for snacks and drinks, the chef-led culinary team serves three meals per day that often feature fresh, local ingredients.
Reviewers praise the staff's intimate, specialized approach to care. One writes, "The staff are all dementia-trained and all activities are designed to offer a more hands-on, Best Friends approach. The community is beautiful and clean. Mom is more social now and in a safe environment."
Located just minutes away from the historic downtown area, Tranquility at Fredericktowne offers a warm, supportive environment for seniors living with cognitive issues. The thoughtfully designed neighborhood features nostalgic artwork that invokes memories and senior-friendly furniture that encourage engagement. Round-the-clock caregivers are specially trained to build strong relationships with residents, providing individualized, attentive care. Basic care services include medication administration, mobility support, meal assistance and incontinence care. Calming elements, such as lavender-scented towels and aromatherapy diffusers, help enhance moods, and regular physical exercises, such as walking and stretching, help improve flexibility and mobility. The Creative Kitchen program provides stimulating dining experiences through the use of vibrant dinnerware and wonderful aroma and tastes. Meal assistance is available for those with limiting conditions.
Family members appreciate the regular updates they receive from the communicative staff. A resident's daughter shares, "They are fantastic. My loved one has settled in nicely and made friends here. The overall care from the staff to the meals is amazing. They keep us updated on our loved one, they send us emails or call us when things change."
Paramount Senior Living Chambersburg is a senior community in Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, featuring memory care services. Residents live in a supervised environment while receiving direct personal care for any tasks they have trouble with, or don't remember to do, such as bathing or getting dressed. They also monitor resident medications and can help them with eating as needed. This community is surrounded by greenery and provides some open yet secured environments where residents can relax and socialize safely. Paramount Senior Living Chambersburg delivers tailored programming for residents with dementia, so they can participate in fun social activities without being frustrated by difficulty. This is also a skilled nursing facility that can accommodate a variety of health conditions alongside dementia. A private dining room is available for family or guest visits. Beauty and barber services are offered on-site.
Residents describe passionate and knowledgeable caregivers at Paramount Senior Living Chambersburg. A relative says, "I could never have asked for or given my grandmother any better care. The staff are the most compassionate people I've had the pleasure of knowing. They took great care of my grandma until she took her last breath on August 16th, 2019."
Situated in a charming country setting, the memory care program at Mangolias at Chambersburg fosters a sense of belonging, ensuring the emotional, spiritual and social wellness of each resident. Daily programming focuses on maintaining and enhancing existing skills and abilities through verbal and nonverbal communication experiences. Outdoor gardening and relaxation in secure landscaped courtyards keeps residents invigorated, and they can participate in social, religious and recreational activities. Elegant, cozy activity areas, such as the movie theater and games room, offer opportunities for social connection. Residents enjoy three nutritious meals daily. Basic accommodations include weekly housekeeping and personal care assistance, with private transportation, scheduling and therapy services available as enhanced services.
Residents and family members appreciate the intimate atmosphere and wide-ranging activities. One family member writes, "They get to know each resident intimately. They have many activities for their residents and families. My mom moved in the beginning of April and loves it there. It is very 'homey,' and the interaction between the staff and residents, and other residents great."
Celebration Villa of Shippensburg is a Pennsylvania-based memory care community for seniors who need daily assistance. Its person-centered approach incorporates personal care, life enrichment activities, nutrition and recreation to help its residents with memory loss live more fulfilling lives. This community uses a Familiar Routine and Life Story program to make sure that activities and accommodations match each resident's personality. The campus has many areas where residents can spend time alone or socialize, and security measures along with anti-wandering technologies keep them secure at all times. Residents receive three daily home-cooked meals adjusted for their nutritional needs. A rotating schedule of holiday celebrations, social events and community activities enables residents to participate in secular and spiritual activities.
Residents appreciate the passionate caregivers at Celebration Villa at Shippensburg. A resident's grandchild says, "My grandma lives here, and my grandpa did until his passing this past autumn. The staff seems to really care for the residents and go above and beyond to make sure they are comfortable and part of a vibrant community. I know my grandma loves it here!"
At Cross Keys Village's Brookside community, residents who struggle with memory issues find a home specially designed for their needs and abilities. The community's environment is both secure and comfortable, filled with cozy furnishings, carefully controlled stimulation, easy-to-navigate halls and rooms and lighting designed to mimic sleep cycles for comfort and relaxation. Residents find peace in their private rooms but are also encouraged to gather in common areas like the recreation room or the gated courtyard. The staff at Brookside is specially trained to provide programming that focuses on residents' minds, bodies and spirits through brain fitness activities, exercise programs and artistic and spiritual endeavors. The philosophy at Brookside advocates a "join them where they are" approach that meets residents in their current mental reality rather than trying to force them back into the "real world."
The family member of a resident at Cross Keys Village remarks that the community is "run by a very dedicated group of people who always have patience when it comes to helping people who need it." Staff members are friendly and helpful, and the community is "clean, well kept and orderly."
Commonwealth Senior Living of Hagerstown provides high-quality memory care services in Hagerstown, Maryland. The Sweet Memories program at Commonwealth Senior Living is designed to meet the needs of those with memory loss, focusing on each individual resident. Each member of the care staff is certified in the Virtual Dementia Tour, giving them a personal, thorough understanding of what it means to live with memory loss. Staff members obtain each resident's life history through interviews with the individual and loved ones. An individualized care plan is then developed for each resident. Regularly scheduled activities stimulate the mind and body, and customized socialization programs fit the cognitive, social and mental abilities of residents to maximize engagement. Commonwealth offers secure outdoor spaces and encourages involvement from loved ones with monthly support groups and an open-door policy. Staff members are available 24/7 for safety.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the caring staff and activities at Commonwealth Senior Living. One reviewer says, "[Commonwealth Senior Living] is the nicest we have encountered for my loved one, their [community] really works with providing such a good experience with the residents," adding that they play "bingo [and] musical instruments, [have] movie nights, singing and the staff are so nice."