The Best Memory Care Facilities in Huntsville, AL
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 Huntsville’s senior population continues to grow (9.41% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Huntsville, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 83.5% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 1.9%, 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 (7.96% in Huntsville vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
The Best Memory Care Facilities in Huntsville, AL
Table of Contents
How To Pay for Memory Care in Huntsville, AL
Note: Memory care is typically provided in communities licensed as assisted living facilities, and in general, costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative cost data is available for this type of care, so we estimated memory care rates by adding 25% to assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
In Huntsville, memory care facilities charge $4,181 per month for services, making the city a relatively affordable option for this level of care. By comparison, memory care costs statewide are estimated at $4,379 and nationally, seniors pay $5,625.
Memory Care in Huntsville vs Nearby Cities
In Decatur, memory care costs come in at around $4,299, which exceeds Huntsville’s median of $4,181, while in Montgomery, rates are consistent with the state median at $4,375. Seniors in Birmingham pay $5,035 for services, and in Florence, monthly care costs come in at $5,188.
Memory Care vs Other Types of Care in Huntsville, AL
Older adults in Huntsville have several affordable senior care options available. The cheapest option, adult day health care, costs $1,138 per month and may be suitable for those in the early stages of dementia. Home-based care, including basic in-home care and skilled home health care, are costlier at $4,004 per month. Those seeking residential dementia services pay $4,181 for memory care, and seniors who require residential care but don’t have memory impairments pay $3,345 for standard assisted living services. Nursing homes provide the highest level of care and are the costliest, with seniors in semiprivate rooms paying $6,844 per month.
- In-Home Care: $4,004
- Home Health Care: $4,004
- Adult Day Health Care: $1,138
- Assisted Living: $3,345
- Memory Care: $4,181
- Nursing Home (Semiprivate room): $6,844
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Huntsville, AL
Other Ways To Pay for Memory Care in Huntsville, AL
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Huntsville.
Free and Low-Cost Memory Care Resources for Seniors in Huntsville, AL
Older adults and families affected by Alzheimer’s in Huntsville get one-on-one support and guidance from various resources in the community. The following table highlights government programs and local and statewide nonprofit organizations with options counselors, information and referral specialists and financial and legal advisers who help families navigate the system.
| resource | contact | description | location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alzheimer’s Association Alabama Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alabama Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association serves seniors and families affected by dementia in the Huntsville region. The office oversees in-person and virtual support groups and has a comprehensive online database of local service providers that offer options counseling, financial and legal advice and health care services for those with Alzheimer's. The Alzheimer’s Association also has a 24/7 free helpline that provides callers with information and referrals for community resources. | Birmingham, AL |
| Area Agency on Aging | 256-830-0818 | The local Area Agency on Aging serves Huntsville residents aged 60 and over through advocacy, information and referrals. Its specialists help seniors and families identify their needs and connect with resources in the community, such as durable medical equipment loan closets, financial assistance and prescription drug assistance. It also has options counselors who help individuals research local long-term care communities. | Huntsville, AL |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 877-425-2243 | The statewide long-term care ombudsman program helps older adults in residential memory care facilities access the services and benefits they’re entitled to. Families can contact the ombudsman for personalized assistance with locating dementia facilities, understanding intake and discharge procedures and identifying ways to pay for services. The ombudsman can also mediate disagreements regarding a loved one’s long-term care and investigate concerns regarding substandard care. | Montgomery, AL |
| Madison County Veterans Service Office | 256-532-1662 | The county’s Veterans Service Office is headquartered in Huntsville and provides in-person and over-the-phone support for area veterans and their families. At the local office, individuals can obtain screening services to help them determine whether they qualify for Aid and Attendance, disability compensation or pension benefits, which can help cover memory care costs. | Huntsville, AL |
| Medicare and Insurance Counseling | 800-243-5463 | SHIP provides free, unbiased health insurance options counseling to seniors, helping them understand their Medicare benefits, private Medicare options and what to do if a claim is denied. SHIP counselors can also screen seniors for Medicaid eligibility, which can help pay for medical and long-term care services that aren't covered by Medicare. | Montgomery, AL |
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Huntsville, AL
How Memory Care Facilities Can Help
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.
Our Selection Process
To choose the best memory care facilities in Huntsville, 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:
- Spent over 11 hours researching memory care facilities in Huntsville
- Read more than 40 reviews written by residents and their loved ones
- Interviewed 3 representatives from local communities
Reviews of the 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Huntsville, AL
Brookdale Hampton Cove
- Resident Capacity:N/A
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Memory Care
- Base Pricing:$3,350 for memory care
Located in a peaceful mountain valley neighborhood, Brookdale Hampton Cove is a senior living community dedicated to serving the special care needs of those with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. The facility is designed to provide a homelike atmosphere with a bright, cheery sun room for relaxation, family room for socialization, outdoor areas for gardening activities and a fully equipped kitchen for supervised cooking. Brookdales Optimum Life approach integrates the various dimensions of wellness into planned activities. The community also implements the Clare Bridge Daily Path program, which focuses on the specific needs of its memory care residents. It includes a mental workout, physical activities, life skills and person-centered life enrichment routine. These structured activities and other services are administered by well-trained staff and dedicated dementia care specialists who provide an individualized approach for each resident.
Relatives expressed appreciation for the care their loved ones get at Hampton Cove, putting in positive comments about the caring staff, clean surroundings, good food and activities. "The staff members were very friendly, and the clients seemed to be very happy with where they were staying which is what matters the most," shared one reviewer.
- Reviews:3.8 out of 5 stars; 36 reviews
- Phone:(256) 248-9939
- Address:6379 Highway 431 S., Hampton Cove, AL 35763
- Web:brookdale.com/hampton-cover
HarborChase of Huntsville
- Resident Capacity:N/A
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$4,056 for assisted living, $4,675 for memory care
HarborChase of Huntsville is a stately looking independent living and memory care facility brimming with Southern charm. Residents enjoy magnificent views of Waltons Mountain and are minutes away from two area hospitals, including Crestwood Medical Center. The ambitious life-enrichment program provides over 21 daily activities to choose from, including exercise classes, board games, milkshake and coffee socials and outings to community events. Both assisted living and memory care residents enjoy elegant restaurant-style dining and are served chef-prepared meals from a menu that changes daily and seasonally. The community provides two levels of memory care. The Sound offers a supportive environment for high-functioning seniors experiencing mild memory impairments. Those with more progressed Alzheimers and other forms of dementia reside in a secured unit supervised by an RN. Residents participate in a program that offers a full spectrum of memory care activities. Dogs and cats are welcome at HarborChase.
The accommodating, friendly staff puts family members at ease, and the spacious rooms are also appealing. One daughter shared, My family LOVES HarborChase! My mother has been a resident for six years, beginning with a recovery stay from a fall. She says it's the BEST decision she has ever made!
- Reviews:4.3 out of 5 stars; 43 reviews
- Phone:(256) 937-1018
- Address:4801 Whitesport Cir. SW., Huntsville, AL 35801
- Web:harborchase.com/huntsville
Redstone Village
- Resident Capacity:350
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Detached Homes
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:$4,700 for assisted living, $5,402 for memory care
Redstone Village is a Life Care CCRC located on Farley Mountain in Southeast Huntsville. In addition to inspiring views, the full-service Life Plan retirement community provides independent and assisted living, licensed skilled nursing and a state-of-the-art memory support neighborhood called Grandview Gardens. Residents live in three connected neighborhoods with a secured outdoor courtyard. Each of the 48 private one-bedroom suites features a full bath and automated security and monitoring systems for resident safety. Communal areas include a family-style dining room, a beauty/barber shop, a soda shop and an authentic general store stocked with familiar memorabilia. Theres even a 1950s car. Grandview Gardens utilizes the Masterful Moments holistic wellness program, which lets residents shape the communitys personality through individual preferences and open communication. This whole-person approach to memory care includes activities, outings and social events designed to provide physical, intellectual and spiritual fulfillment.
Relatives praise the high level of communication they enjoy with the memory care staff. One woman shared, My first encounter with the staff was overwhelmingly great. Over the months that my relative has been there, the staff has always been friendly, outgoing and helpful They make sure I know this is a team effort.
- Reviews:4 out of 5 stars; 50 reviews
- Phone:(800) 724-5535
- Address:12000 Turnmeyer Dr., Huntsville, AL 35803
- Web:redstonevillage.org
Regency Retirement Village of Huntsville
- Resident Capacity:95
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:$2,620 for independent living, $4,250 for assisted living, $3,000-$3,400 for a memory care companion suite, $4,400 for 1-bedroom memory care, $4,000 for memory care studio
Regency Retirement Community of Huntsville is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community dedicated to creating a homelike atmosphere within a secure senior living setting. This is accomplished by encouraging residents to bring furniture from home to personalize their rooms and permitting unlimited visiting hours at any time of day. Seniors can choose between studio, one- or two-bedroom apartments to fit their individual needs, and transportation is provided for appointments and other errands. Skilled nursing and occupational, speech and physical therapies are also available to those recovering from injury or illness. Chef-prepared meals are served in the dining room or in a senior's room during illness. Regency follows the Pathways program to develop individualized care plans for those in need of memory care, which uses pet, music and other therapies to stimulate brain activity.
Relatives and visitors comment positively about the rooms. "I liked their apartments. They were clean, they had a bigger refrigerator, and they had separate kitchen, living and dining areas. They had an exercise room and an outdoor pool," writes one reviewer.
- Reviews:3.8 out of 5 stars; 67 reviews
- Phone:(256) 852-0033
- Address:2004 Max Luther Dr., Huntsville, AL 35810
- Web:N/A
Thrive at Jones Farm
- Resident Capacity:93
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Private Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$3,525 for assisted living, $6,200 for memory care
Located in Jones Valley just off Carl T. Jones Drive in southern Huntsville, Thrive at Jones Farm offers the best of the best in Assisted Living and Memory Care. At Thrive, boredom has been banished and replaced with opportunities to learn, places to explore, and new friends to meet - not only friends in your neighbors, but great friends with the team dedicated to making your experience world class! If needs arise in the years to come, know that all of the team members are NIDE (National Institute for Dementia Education) certified, which is a mouthful to say, but simply means that they are all are prepared and qualified to interact with your loved one as a unique human being, not a case study. Thrive at Jones Farm is proud to offer a one-of-a-kind experience featuring a cozy bistro, entertaining theater, library and art room, and the most stunning patio overlooking the propertys outdoor trails. As for your own suite, all rooms feature open spaces and windows to allow in lots of light! Thrive partners all of these amenities with learning and laughter. Come visit us! When it comes to great senior living, we didnt follow the blueprint � we wrote the book.
Residents and loved ones praise the staff members for their attitude and demeanor, saying Whenever I saw my father-in-law, the first thing he would talk about is how nice the people were that took care of him. Residents also enjoy the food and services the property provides, with one stating, Living here, I dont have a care in the world!
- Reviews:3.5 out of 5 stars; 45 reviews
- Phone:(256) 429-3008
- Address:2238 Cecil Ashburn Dr. SE, Huntsville, AL 38502
- Web:thrivesl.com/jonesfarm
