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 Hilton Head Island’s senior population continues to grow (16% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Hilton Head Island, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 43% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 30%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (12% in Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island. 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 Hilton Head Island, 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 Pines at Bluffton Assisted Living & Memory Care employs the Reflections program for residents in memory care. The program features person-centered care and sunny, lively home spaces with personal mementos, furnishings and memory boxes. The community offers a full-time licensed nurse and a team of care partners. Caregivers provide 24/7 care, 24-hour security, clinical oversight and care coordination. Services include transportation, on-site rehabilitation, laundry, three meals daily, social events and medication management. Amenities include an activity center, community room, library, game room and fitness center. Residents can relax on screened porches and get their hair done at the on-site beauty and barbershop. Individual apartments feature their own memory boxes, HVAC units, fire detection devices and emergency response systems.
Residents and relatives have high praise for the devoted care team. One writes, "The staff that I encountered back in memory care was wonderful. They were very dedicated [and] trying to support them and help them through their day."
Pines at Hilton Head is a senior living community with a designated memory care unit designed to provide security and comfort to its residents. Their Reflections memory care program provides person-centered care from nurses and a 24/7 team of caregivers, who are equipped to manage medications and provide assistance with activities of daily living. Physical therapists help residents maintain their strength and functionality at the community wellness center. Seniors can treat themselves at the spa, recline on screened-in porches, engage with friends in the game room or read in the library and media room. Each resident's room includes Wi-Fi, cable television and a memory box filled with items to help seniors feel comfortable. Chefs prepare three meals daily, and concierge, housekeeping and laundry services are provided. This community is pet-friendly.
Residents and their families are pleased with the professional care team and well-kept grounds. One says, "[The] staff was very knowledgeable and thorough, and they answered all our questions. It was very clean, they had a lot of activities, and we were very pleased with it."
Benton House at Bluffton is a luxury senior living community that provides memory care within the dedicated, secure Beacon neighborhood. Memory care residents benefit from an open floor plan that enables them to navigate easily from their private rooms to community spaces. Three chef-prepared meals are served daily, and a family-style dining area and meal assistance is available. An enclosed outdoor courtyard allows seniors to safely stroll outdoors, garden and relax on park benches. Trained staff members are available around the clock to assist with the daily activities of living and encourage residents to take part in a full roster of activities, with offerings such as exercise, crafts and other life-enriching programs in a stable everyday schedule.
Reviewers are grateful for the caring staff and nice accommodations at Benton House of Bluffton. One family member writes, "I will be forever grateful to the staff at Benton House... [My loved one] received loving and compassionate care. She loved the caregivers and always felt safe and comfortable."
Memory care residents of Canterfield of Bluffton can enjoy a country club environment where the community is centered on physical, mental and spiritual well-being. The community offers 24-hour access to nurses and caregivers, as well as carefully designed programs to aid in cultivating a structured daily life and ensuring a safe and secure stay. Seniors can choose from multiple floorplans for their lodging, all of which are equipped with accessibility features. The community is focused on providing an active and healthy lifestyle for residents, overseen by its full-time Director of Activities. Residents are encouraged to participate in themed activities such as weekly happy hours, petting zoos and casino nights. For those who prefer a more peaceful setting, seniors can take a stroll through the secured outdoor courtyard.
Residents and relatives were impressed by the luxurious living spaces and high-quality dining at Canterfield of Bluffton. One reviewer writes, "[My loved one's] room was beautiful, it was brand new, very clean and very bright. The food was excellent and very accommodating."
Oaks at Beaufort is a faith-based assisted living and memory care community for seniors who need additional support as they age, with a personalized care plan for each resident that meets individual needs and preferences. Their memory care neighborhood, called Horizons, is secured to grant freedom of movement and designed to invoke a sense of home. The Horizons neighborhood prioritizes convenience for seniors living with memory loss, with easily accessible bedrooms, common areas and gardens. Residents receive three balanced meals and two snacks daily, have access to 24-hour staff and can benefit from complementary housekeeping services. The staff facilitates daily activities for residents while also monitoring their overall health and well-being.
Residents and relatives are grateful to the attentive, considerate team at Oaks at Beaufort. One reviewer writes, "[The staff has] done anything possible to make [my mom] feel welcome and comfortable, as they've done for me as well. Totally professional and incredibly warm and caring."
The caregivers and associates at Bloom at Belfair work with each memory care resident's family on the Habits of a Lifetime' assessment for customized care plans and much more. For example, caregivers can better help residents when they know their life stories and preferences. Experts helped design the community's memory care program. It features memory boxes, indoor infinity walking paths, natural light, outdoor spaces, a circle of care and building designs geared toward the safety of people with memory care needs. The monthly rent is all-inclusive with chef-prepared meals, 24-hour support staff, assistance with the activities of daily living and transportation, among other things. The community offers various therapy services and numerous opportunities for recreation and socialization. Services include functional assessments, diabetic care, emergency response programs and exercise classes. Amenities include a library, specialized bird feeder and secured outdoor courtyard.
Residents and relatives speak well of the staff. One writes, "Bloom is a very good place for people who need this kind of care. The workers are very kind and helpful, to visitors as well as residents. Some residents can be difficult at times, but I've not seen anyone mistreated in any way."
Memory care residents at Vineyard Bluffton Assisted Living & Memory Care receive support throughout the day and have the opportunity to participate in customized programming and activities. The community focuses on three core factors: care, connection and community. Care encompasses such things as bright spaces, 24/7 on-site staff, pull cords for emergencies, on-site physical, occupational, and speech therapy, coordination of doctor appointments, and assistance with medication management plus the activities of daily living. Connection includes telehealth services, smart technologies such as motion sensors, and various transportation services. Community encompasses the courtyard design geared toward socialization, activities such as art and music, and the on-site spa and salon. The community also features a library, art studio, movie theater, lounge, restaurant-style dining and interactive kitchen.
Residents and relatives praise the community. One writes, "They are as good of a place as any place you could have. Overall it has been a positive experience and it is worth a look for other families - it has worked out well in our situation."
The Oaks at Habersham memory care neighborhood is uniquely designed for those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. An individual care plan is tailored to each individual's unique needs by professional staff within a secure community. Here, residents experience comprehensive care as they are offered assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing and medication management. There is an on-site rehabilitation room with physical, speech and occupational therapy to help these individuals reach their highest level of independence. Weekly housekeeping services are provided, safety checks are conducted daily, transportation is arranged locally and a memory care courtyard is also available for fresh air and social interaction. Several indoor amenities are available to residents including an indoor sunroom, a beauty salon/barbershop, a multi-purpose activity room and a club room with a community kitchen, fireplace, and large television.
With the support of staff, family members are pleased to see their loved ones have settled into the community. One says, "I have no complaints about this community. Everything is working out very well for my mother since her move to this community. She is doing very well, and she is enjoying her time here. The staff is good, and very helpful."
Sprenger Health Care Bluffton offers specialty programs such as on-site memory care and a memory care secured unit. All staff members undergo memory care training, and the facility has memory and music certification. Caregivers use the Delay the Disease exercise curriculum that aims to help memory care residents enjoy life more, move better and speak better. On-site therapy programs for physical, occupational and speech needs are available as well. The community features a secured courtyard, community room, beauty salon and barber shop, putting green and game room, among other things. Residents can participate in activities such as art classes, bingo, card games, community outings, ice cream socials, live music and movies. Nutritious meals are available in the dining room, and residents or family members can schedule transportation. All units include housekeeping, laundry and linen services, Wi-Fi and cable.
Residents, friends and relatives praise the setting. One writes, "Beautiful setting and everything is well-taken care of. Friendly reception and welcome feeling. I was impressed by how nicely it was taken care of and the apartment my friend had was accommodating for his needs."
Residents entering memory care at The Retreat at Lady's Island live in a home-like setting under the community's Memory Care Neighborhood program. It incorporates active reminiscing, memorabilia, and home furnishings to create a familiar feeling for seniors. Caregivers strive to give each senior purpose and urge as much physical, cognitive, emotional, and social fulfillment as possible. All residents receive individualized care plans. Amenities and services include occupational and speech therapy, in-house physical therapy, emergency call systems, medication management, and assistance with the activities of daily living. Residents have indoor and outdoor dining options, and the community offers multiple activities and common areas. Staff members perform daily wellness checks, and recreational and social opportunities include armchair exercise, walking club, drumstick exercise, bingo, and meditation. Transportation for group activities and doctors appointments is available.
Residents and relatives speak highly of the staff. One writes, "My wife is treated like family. Honestly, this place exceeded my wildest expectations. Don't think I've ever been associated with or have known an organization with so many pleasant and competent people who genuinely love their work."