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 Hendersonville’s senior population continues to grow (20% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Hendersonville, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 140% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 18.6%, 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 (11.7% in Hendersonville 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 Hendersonville. 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 Hendersonville, 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:
Belvedere Commons of Franklin is an assisted living facility that also provides memory care and respite in a large community in east Franklin, Tennessee. It's only 1 mile from Williamson Medical Center, which has a 24/7 emergency department, and only minutes away from Interstate 65 to access Nashville. Residents with cognitive issues are cared for in the memory care neighborhood, which is designed to look and feel like home, including sensory cues and aspects of each individual's hobbies, which provides a sense of familiarity. The Village Program provides highly personalized activities and entertainment based on the life story, achievements, preferences and current interests of the community. Memory care residents can choose from private studio apartments and 1-bedroom companion suites, and both have private bathrooms equipped with safety and accessibility features.
A registered nurse who visits facilities all over the county says, "Belvedere Commons is the most caring and family oriented of all I visit. I would place my parents at Belvedere Commons when they need long term care. Family members consistently give praise to the caregivers and say that their loved ones are happy living here.
Canterfield of Franklin is a large, upscale senior community that provides a continuum of care in one location just 4 miles north along the highway from historic Franklin, Tennessee. Residents receive various services and live in communities that are appropriate for their needs, from independent living and assisted living villas to memory care studio apartments. Nurses are on duty 24/7 to assess the health of residents and create personalized care plans, and the wellness director coordinates with external health care providers, such as physicians and therapists, in an effort to rehabilitate and maintain the physical and cognitive function of residents. Canterfield of Franklin has a theater, a well-stocked library, multiple luxurious dining and lounging areas as well as the Country Kitchen for restaurant-style dining and quick snacks.
A visitor to Canterfield of Franklin is appreciative of the guide who showed her the craft room and other amenities of the facility, and says, "It's very nice. It looked more like a grand hotel, and it's a place where I'd like to live.
Carrick Glen Senior Living provides various levels of care, from independent living to memory care, in a large facility in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. It's located approximately 15 miles east of Nashville and under a mile from Interstate 40. Memory care residents live in a separate neighborhood that's an open plan and includes an interior courtyard with a walking loop as well as other research-based features to help people with dementia. Caregivers receive specialized training related to memory care and are available 24/7 to provide personal care and medication management, and there's a nurse practitioner on staff for resident health assessments. Carrick Glen coordinates with nearby providers concerning health care and therapy, and the facility uses the Senior Living Ministries program to offer religious services to faith-based residents.
The husband of a Carrick Glen resident is impressed by the activities and trips outside of the community, and also praises the accommodations and staff by saying, "The apartment has wonderful amenities, the food is good, and she likes it. They have very friendly, eligible, and caring staff members.
Clarendale at Bellevue Place is a senior community in Nashville that offers a continuum of care for the peace of mind of seniors and their families. Residents in the memory care program can take advantage of the arts and activities room, a variety of therapies and scheduled transportation to various local destinations. They also have access to the Health and Wellness Navigation Program, which coordinates both internal and external resources to ensure residents are maximizing their health. This can involve anything from in-house wellness checks by a physician to specific nutritional meals. Clarendale at Bellevue Place has a convenient location near the junction of Interstate 40 and Route 705. The facility has beautifully manicured exteriors and luxurious, spacious interiors that provide a resort-like atmosphere.
Reviewers highly praised Clarendale at Bellevue Place's personal care staff and administrative support. Some reviewers also mentioned the comfort they have knowing their loved ones can stay when their care needs change. One reviewer wrote that the facility had, "Outstanding attention to detail and renter needs."
Clarendale at Indian Lake offers seniors village-style living in a quiet residential neighborhood in Hendersonville. In addition to independent and assisted living options, the campus provides a pet-friendly memory care community. Residents with memory impairments participate in the Heartfelt Connections program delivered by a highly trained staff that integrates life-affirming enrichment activities. The focus is on prolonging daily functioning using the comprehensive HealthyLife Services program, which promotes physical and emotional well-being and utilizes the eight dimensions of wellness. Memory care residents live in studio suites and share gracious common areas, including designated rooms for crafts, massage and movies as well as a wellness center and a full-service salon. Relaxing time outdoors is easy thanks to secure walking areas and a dedicated courtyard. Residents enjoy three delicious meals a day served in the elegant dining room that features an attached outdoor patio with sitting areas.
A caring, professional staff that goes above and beyond for residents, the excellent dining program and a robust calendar of daily activities are a few highlights of this senior living community. One residents relative writes, "Wow! Beautiful place and gracious and kind staff. She lives like royalty, and I can't say enough good things!
Creekside at Three Rivers provides comprehensive assisted living and memory care to seniors in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Residents receive individualized care from the 24-hour nursing staff, and care plans are periodically updated to address changing needs. Social and cognitive well-being is enhanced by engaging on-site amenities, including the fitness room and restaurant-style dining room. Residents with Alzheimer's or dementia live in one of three memory care facilities, which provide seniors with a robust slate of memory-boosting activities, including light exercise, cognitive games and social events. The social calendar for assisted living residents includes pet therapy, group outings and visits from guest speakers. Most residents live in studio, one- or two-bedroom apartments in the assisted living facility, but seniors looking for a more intimate environment may prefer the Creekside Villas' luxurious individual homes equipped with the latest in technology-care integration.
Relatives of residents often compliment Creekside's "very helpful and knowledgeable" staff. Reviewers with firsthand experience of the community's memory care appreciate the range of activities. One reviewer, whose father has Alzheimer's, recounted a recent visit to Creekside " "they had a live band come in the main lobby, so we wheeled him down there, and he enjoyed it."
This Frontier community offers assisted living and an empowering approach to memory care in the Montessori-inspired Spark program. This award-winning lifestyle is supported by a caring staff that fosters the natural spark within each resident, learning their abilities and preferences and encouraging maximum self-expression. Each resident has a role to play in the community, which helps to create a purposeful life and a sense of contribution. Developed in partnership with the Center for Applied Research in Dementia, Jubilee Hills Goodlettsvilles specially designed memory care neighborhood promotes social engagement, physical activity and the learning of new skills while also providing ample opportunities for rest. Biography boards and memory boxes celebrate the rich life history of seniors in this nurturing environment that lovingly embraces who they are today. Residents have a good deal of input in community activities and are invited to offer input at weekly resident committee meetings and discussion forums.
This facility's idyllic location in the Tennessee hills and the beautiful interiors create a "WOW! factor" that impresses families. One woman whose mother lives here says, "We are very happy with her care, the staff and administration. The food is wonderful Lots of fun activities and outings to keep them busy and happy!"
Main Street Senior Living offers residents all the perks of a large, modern facility but in a smaller, more intimate package. With only 58 residents, this facility offers studio, one-bedroom and deluxe one-bedroom suites with plenty of room for hosting guests. Main Street's memory care program centers on the high-tech It's Never 2 Late (iN2L) system. Using simple touch-screen technology, memory care residents can access over 4,000 programs and apps designed to stimulate cognition and promote social engagement. In addition to the iN2L program, memory care residents have access to a wide range of in-person activities, such as wildlife viewing, karaoke and happy hours. Residents can gather for activities or relax after a freshly prepared meal in the comfortable fireplace lounge. Strolling is also a popular activity and residents can stretch their legs on the lengthy, covered porch or front lawn.
The staff at Main Street have earned a strong reputation for going the extra mile for residents, according to this reviewer, "The staff was great and very helpful in showing me around the facility. We also discussed several things and they told me about getting help with the government which I didnt know about."
Conveniently situated close to the main thoroughfare that connects Hendersonville to Nashville, this facility offers residents a tranquil retreat with its cottage-style accommodations. Meticulous attention is given to the landscaping and decor, so residents can enjoy their retirement in a pleasant atmosphere with cozy furnishings. The assisted living program is specialized for those in need of memory care services, and it focuses on nurturing a small, close-knit community through what the facility calls the Oasis Approach. Their mission is to provide a personalized experience based on individual needs rather than assigning common categorical levels of care. This includes planning activities that each resident can participate in comfortably and at their own pace. Staff also maintain close connections with residents' family members and loved ones, whom they consider partners in their commitment to caring for the seniors in their community.
The fact that Maple Cottage is family-owned and operated impresses many reviewers. This commenter describes the owners as, "Very sincere and kind people who have a true heart for serving seniors and their families."
McKendree Village offers seniors a faith-affirming community with multiple chapel services weekly and a full-time chaplain on staff. This modern, 17-floor tower provides a range of senior living services, including an on-site medical center for any emergency medical needs. The memory care neighborhood at McKendree Village falls under the assisted living wing and adds additional security and continuity features to help memory care residents feel safe and confident. Many of the apartments in this community overlook the historic town of Hermitage, a suburb of Nashville. With seven acres of landscaped grounds, residents can take morning strolls on the paved walking paths or enjoy the mild Tennessee climate on either of the two covered patios. Residents of faith can also participate in the Center of Excellence in Older Adult Ministries, which brings clergy and laity together to support faith-based initiatives at McKendree Village.
This facility offers extensive facilities at an affordable price, writes this reviewer, "They have everything on-site. They have a doctor's office, a movie theater, a game room, two swimming pools, two workout areas, a barbershop, and a beauty shop They have a studio, a studio deluxe, a 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom available. The pricing is very reasonable."
The Lodge at Natchez Trace is an assisted living facility in a tree-lined area on the edge of a residential neighborhood roughly 12 miles southwest of Nashville, Tennessee, and just blocks away from Highway 100. The Country House is a secure neighborhood of the Lodge for seniors with dementia, in which they receive a comprehensive set of services, including skilled nursing, physical therapy and psychiatric care. Activities provided in the Country House are based on consistency and dependability, which helps build trust between caregivers and the community and may help alleviate some behavioral issues. The Lodge also offers a somewhat unique blend of assisted living and memory care, known as The Bridge Program, which gives residents the added freedom of assisted living during daytime and the added security of memory care at night.
The adult child of a resident is very happy with The Lodge staff, and says, "Amy, their memory care director, stayed until I got there to make sure dad and I were welcomed and for dad to feel comfortable. They're also impressed with the administrator who helped begin the process for financial assistance from Veterans Affairs.
The Waterford in Smyrna is a conveniently located senior community that's near an abundance of shopping and restaurants as well as quality medical facilities, including TriStar StoneCrest Medical Center. This family-oriented community offers a memory care program that includes innovative physical and mental activities designed to maintain a high quality of life for residents with cognitive impairments. Their Lakeside Memory Community provides enhanced security and service for those with more advanced conditions. Every senior at The Waterford in Smyrna has access to chef-inspired meals, educational activities and local transportation on a wheelchair accessible bus and minivan. When the weather permits, residents can relax or take a quiet stroll on the immaculately manicured grounds. The Waterford in Smyrna is a locally owned and operated community that's been operating for more than 10 years.
People who write reviews for The Waterford in Smyrna love the spacious apartments and the availability of the courteous staff. The daughter of one of the residents wrote, "My mom is there and doing well considering that she was at home before. The staff is friendly and she seems much better. It is the stability that she needs."