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 Independence’s senior population continues to grow (11% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Independence, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 11% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 19%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4.37% in Independence 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 Independence. 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 Independence, 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 Parkway Senior Living is an upscale senior living community that offers independent living, assisted living and memory care to Blue Springs seniors. Memory care residents receive three meals daily designed to nurture their senses, along with feeding assistance if necessary. Caregivers are available around the clock to assist with the daily activities of living or to support them in activities such as bingo or art classes. Concierge and transportation services are available to make doctors' appointments simpler, and an on-site salon enables all memory care residents to look their best.
Residents and family members are happy at The Parkway Senior Living, with one reviewer describing the staff as "very helpful and very caring." The reviewer says, "It's secure, well taken care of and smells good." Another reviewer echoes these thoughts, describing employees as "very friendly and very helpful," adding that they are "pleased with the facility."
Anthology of The Plaza is dedicated to helping those with dementia, Alzheimer's or other forms of memory loss lead vibrant lives in a safe and engaging place. The community's Virtue Memory Care Neighborhood furnishes each resident's room with familiar artwork, personal pictures and mementos to make them feel at home. A team of certified caregivers is trained to assist seniors with taking medications and handling daily living tasks, such as dressing, bathing and grooming. For peace of mind, the neighborhood is protected by various security measures and smart devices to prevent seniors from wandering. Staff encourages residents to improve their cognitive abilities and physical well-being by participating in stimulating activities through the community's innovative Fit Mind and iN2L programs. At Anthology of The Plaza, the in-house chefs prepare and serve delicious meals tailored to meet the seniors' dietary needs.
Family members are impressed with the beautiful building, welcoming atmosphere, attentive staff and numerous activities. The sister of one resident writes, "A review of the monthly activities calendar was enough to assure me that my brother would be fully occupied with an abundance of mind-stretching and body-strengthening exercises designed to meet each resident's needs."
Cross Creek at Lee's Summit provides a memory care plan that's inclusive of accommodations, housekeeping and laundry services, meals and utilities, on top of supportive care services and vibrant activities programming. The living spaces feature security cameras, controlled exit door access, audible alarms and space sensors, keeping the whole property safe and secure. The memory care neighborhood's distinct color-coded design enhances familiarity, and seniors can easily navigate their way via digital memory boxes installed outside their rooms. With alert boxes strategically located in residents' personal spaces, prompt assistance is readily available to address urgent concerns. The team is composed of licensed nurses, a recreation therapist, dietitians and other care specialists, and with a high nurse-to-resident ratio, family members can have peace of mind knowing that loved ones receive attentive, well-rounded care.
Visiting family members are grateful to see improvements in loved ones' conditions. "My dad has been there," says a resident's daughter. "He has gained weight from their wonderful meals, interacts with others and dances when they play music. They take great care of him, he is safe, which gives me peace. Highly recommend Cross Creek. Thank you for all you do!"
St. Anthony's is located immediately adjacent to the Research Medical Center Brookside Campus in Kansas City's historic Brookside neighborhood. Its memory care community is expertly designed for the dignity and comfort of its residents. Private apartments feature oversized bathrooms, and a non-intrusive wander monitoring system helps ensure safety within the gated premises. Licensed nurses and caregivers are available 24/7 to provide compassionate care. The attentive staff also provides medication management service and personal care with bathing, mobility and dining. Life Enrichment programs, life skills stations and resident-centered activities foster an engaging experience. Residents receive ongoing assessments of their cognitive well-being, with formal assessments at least every six months. They can also enjoy three chef-prepared, dietician-approved meals with family-style dining every day.
Loved ones praise St. Andrew's for its cleanliness, spacious layout, responsive staff and family-oriented atmosphere. One relative comments, "It's as if our folks have moved into a vibrant village full of caring, warm and competent people who are simply devoted to the place they have built, to every person there, and to every task at hand, large or small."
The Oxford Grand at Shoal Creek is an assisted living and memory care community. Its memory care houses are designed to help residents safely navigate their home environment, laid out in a circle with suites that open to a large community room with inviting chairs, a cozy fireplace and a kitchen area where residents can cook recreationally with support from team members. Staff members are trained to recognize the needs of patients with Alzheimer's and are available 24/7 to assist with the daily activities of living and to minimize residents' anxiety and maximize their participation in scheduled activities such as art classes or music therapy.
Most reviewers have nothing but kind words for The Oxford Grand at Shoal Creek, with one reviewer describing it as "very clean and aesthetically beautiful" while noting the staff is "very caring and thoughtful." Another reviewer states, "Oxford Grand has a welcoming, homelike atmosphere," adding, "The food is excellent, and the staff treats each resident with care and respect."
Cedarhurst of Blue Springs is a welcoming, homelike senior living community, with experienced 24/7 caregivers who provide assistance as needed, gently redirect any difficult behaviors and provide reminders. Taking a personalized approach to memory care, staff members get to know the life history and personal preferences of each resident. Daily sensory opportunities promote a sense of happiness and calm, and the activities director schedules activities based on the interests and abilities of residents, including arts and crafts, movement classes, reminiscence talks, supervised outings and religious services. Physical, occupational and speech therapy services are available on-site. Transportation services are provided to medical appointments and shops.
Family members are impressed by the caring staff members, with one reviewer saying, "My grandma has been at this facility for about a year now, and I can't express how much gratitude I have for the staff there. They are constantly keeping me updated on my grandma, especially with everything going on. Everyone is extremely nice "
Benton House of Blue Springs is an assisted living community whose Beacon neighborhood serves those who need 24/7 memory care. The neighborhood creates routines for residents through scheduled dining, relaxation and fitness, while providing an event schedule and continual access to caregivers to assist with the activities of daily living. The memory care area features an enclosed courtyard so residents can safely walk or garden in their free time. The Beacon neighborhood is keypad-protected, and residents are given an emergency response pendant to enhance safety. Additionally, each neighborhood only features 14 apartments to create a homelike environment residents can navigate independently.
Reviews of the Benton House of Blue Springs are positive, with one reviewer describing it as " very well maintained, and the building was very nice." Another reviewer had a similar comment, noting, "The people and apartment sizes were really nice.
Senior Star at Wexford Place provides compassionate care for residents with dementia in Kansas City, Missouri. Creative memory aid programs use music and a multi-sensory environment to reduce anxiety, and a BrainFitness machine features fun, interactive games that improve cognitive health. A trained, friendly staff helps residents with eating, bathing and taking medications, and residents can take advantage of physical wellness programs such as Zumba and exercise machines. Senior Star also features a backyard specifically designed for residents with dementia to help them feel as though they're still at home. Residents may garden, barbecue, hang clothes on a line and meditate on a bench in the memory support backyard.
Residents praise the staff and the warm, friendly atmosphere of Senior Star. A relative says, "I cannot say enough good things about Wexford Place! I searched a lot of retirement communities before choosing Wexford for my Mom. It has such a community and family environment!"
Memory care residents at The Gardens at Barry Road receive individualized, outcome-based care in Kansas City. At the outset of residency, the individual and their family members meet with staff to develop a personalized care plan that's assessed and updated as the resident's needs change. This community uses Teepa Snow's approach to Alzheimer's and dementia care, which is a research-based program that encourages companionship and communication. With caregivers available 24/7 and the option of companion suites, daily social engagement is possible. The community focuses on keeping memory care residents socially and physically active through activities that include pet therapy, musical performances and scenic drives. Secure, walking paths through the landscaped property allow for safe outdoor access. Residents are supervised by licensed nurses. The staff provides medication management and personal assistance as needed.
Residents and family members appreciate the compassionate staff, cleanliness and available activities at the Gardens at Barry Road. One reviewer says, "The Gardens at Barry Road staff have been very polite and caring to my parents. I have found it necessary to call with questions frequently, and the staff are always happy to help."
Anthology of Burlington Creek is an elegant, upscale assisted living and memory care community that specializes in providing personalized assistance to each of its residents. Memory care neighborhood caregivers are trained in the Alzheimer's Association CARES EssentiaALZ program. They are taught to engage with residents and their families throughout the day to help improve their quality of life. All memory care residents receive three carefully prepared gourmet meals every day, and there are bistros and pubs on-site that residents can visit with family members if desired. Staff escorts are provided to keep seniors safe when they leave the secured memory care unit to participate in community events. In addition, all residents have a personal alert system and receive monthly wellness visits from a registered nurse.
Reviewers speak positively of Anthology of Burlington Creek's staff and environment, with one reviewer saying, "It was very, very clean, the staff was interacting with the people all the time, and the residents were happy. They had an outside garden where they had barbecues too. The place was beautiful."
Managed by Tutera, Tiffany Springs Senior Living provides a luxury retirement lifestyle, offering four types of care under one thoughtfully designed campus. The Courtyard Community is dedicated to seniors living with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss. Drawing from the latest research, residents here experience familiar routines that involve a combination of social interactions, creative outlets and outdoor therapy. There are over 40 floor plans, offering choice and flexibility. Each apartment features upscale details, such as granite countertops and large windows, and is equipped with high-end appliances. The luxury theme extends to the facility's amenities, which include a salon, spa, pool, healing gardens and dog park, giving residents and their pets a range of leisure activities to choose from. There is also a courtyard, fitness center and several venues to enjoy fresh, healthy meals.
Reviewers are pleased with the facility's amenities and activities, with one resident writing, "Everyone on staff treats you with respect The building is so new, clean and fresh, and well staffed that a visiting family member commented that it was like a Cruise Ship experience. The activities and exercise classes are memorable as well."
The secured, 16-bed memory care cottage at Madison Senior Living provides seniors personalized care in an intimate setting. Residents live in cozy open-layout studio apartments that include a private bath and spacious closet, as well as handrails, walk-in showers and other safety features. Compassionate caregivers trained in caring for seniors with dementia assist with daily living skills such as bathing and grooming, while life enrichment coordinators work with residents on a daily basis, learning their personal care and activity preferences. Seniors also have access to restaurant-style dining all day long, with a range of healthy menu choices and both dine-in and take-home options to accommodate daily mood changes.
Family members commend the memory care cottage for its clean, well-designed apartments and the compassionate staff that provides personalized care to seniors with dementia. One recent visitor comments that The Madison Senior Living is "a beautiful community with the latest technology. The residents are well cared for and the staff is usually engaged with them in a fun activity."
Addington Place of Shoal Creek is 16 miles northeast of Kansas City in a tranquil residential area. A specialized memory care program features care programs tailored to the needs and preferences of each resident and includes 24/7 assistance with daily tasks such as personal care and medication management, as well as activities and events designed to slow cognitive decline. The welcoming, pet-friendly community features warm communal areas and a spa. Outside, residents can enjoy an enclosed courtyard and walking trails. Activities include book club, Bible study and dancing. Three chef-prepared meals are served per day in the dining room.
Family members praise the kind staff and clean community, with one reviewer saying, "The room is great. It has a place for their bed right next to the bathroom. It's new and clean, the staff is mostly wonderful, and they really care about the elderly. There's a courtyard so they can go outside, and there are all kinds of activities."
With its award-winning reputation for senior care, Benton House of Tiffany Springs offers memory care, assisted living and an adult day program. The Beacon neighborhood is specially designed for seniors living with Alzheimer's or other forms of memory loss, with features that include keypad protection and access to the enclosed courtyard. Apartments come equipped with thermostats, kitchenettes and emergency response features. A bright communal dining room and country kitchen promote family-style living, and beautifully landscaped grounds add natural beauty. Residents can take part in daily fitness options, volunteer programs, spiritual services, seminars and lectures, weekly happy hours and regular family events.
Reviewers offer frequent praise for the staff at Benton House. One family member writes, "They are awesome. The staff is wonderful. The executive director is top-notch. I can't say enough good things about them and how they've helped our family." Reviewers also mention the excellent food and beautifully designed building and grounds.
McCrite Plaza at Briarcliff is a thriving retirement community providing personalized care for seniors in a comfy and secure atmosphere. Staff in the memory care neighborhood help residents build their confidence and remain independent by assisting with bathing, dressing, managing medications and completing other daily tasks. Skilled nursing services are available for those who require close monitoring, injections, wound care and physical therapy. McCrite Plaza has an outdoor garden area, sunroom and quiet spaces for memory-impaired seniors to sit and relax. In the open-air kitchen, the community's culinary team uses fresh ingredients to prepare delicious restaurant-style meals daily, or residents can have meals delivered to their room. Activities include card games and watching movies at the in-house theater.
Family members and residents praise the community's welcoming, cozy atmosphere and attentive care. One reviewer writes, "This place is amazing. I cannot believe how beautiful it is. What really makes this facility is the caring staff members who make you feel like you're truly at home."
The award-winning Benton House of Staley Hills offers assisted living and memory care on a campus nestled in a small, historic Missouri town. This caring community supports seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia, including separate, exclusive neighborhoods of 14 units each featuring keypad-protected units with large floor plans situated in a relaxed and open environment that includes an enclosed courtyard. Using a routine-based methodology, living activities such as dining, exercise and relaxing are scheduled at the same time daily, and a dedicated team of professionals provides individualized, high-quality, 24/7 care. The event staff organizes fun and familiar leisure programs to keep residents engaged and connected.
Family members appreciate the support. One writes, "This was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. Placing my loved one in a memory care facility was truly heartbreaking for me. I had visited numerous facilities in the area but upon visiting Benton House and meeting all management members, I was met with such a warm and friendly greeting. They took time to explain in length all I needed and what to expect."
Sitting in a central location of historic Overland Park, Morningside Place utilizes innovative programs, such as Never 2 Late and Better Together, to educate memory care residents in the use of technology, stimulate their focus and help them connect more frequently with loved ones. Health and wellness are reviewed every 90 days to ensure that care suits their individual needs and preferences. The center is close to area hospitals and partners with many health care professionals, allowing quick access to specialists and services. Common areas inside the building are designed for accessibility, and a circular walking path provides fresh air among the garden flowers. A silent alarm system and front desk concierge ensure resident safety.
Reviewers compliment the personalized care, with one relative saying, "My mother has been a resident here for two years. As her dementia has progressed and physical abilities have declined, her plans of care have also changed, and her needs are well met. The staff is genuinely kind and patient with her. She tells me she feels safe here and doesn't want to live anyplace else."
Sunrise of Leawood provides award-winning memory care in a convenient setting, offering residents easy access to medical support at local hospitals. Its Reminiscence neighborhood is purposefully designed for seniors living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, so it features a secure, easy-to-navigate layout with stimulating spaces just for memory care residents. Soft-lit reflection rooms feature soothing music, so seniors can relax, while activity spaces help residents connect over cognitive programming, puzzles, crafts and art projects. Caregivers receive Alzheimer's Association-approved training, and they're available around the clock to assist residents with bathing, grooming, mobility, continence and medication in accordance with individualized care plans. Therapeutic activities are personalized for residents' preferences and abilities, with options including recreational programs, exercise classes, outings, multisensory experiences, classes and visits from children and pets. Fresh, chef-prepared meals and snacks are included as is transportation to off-site appointments and outings.
Visitors like the inviting ambiance. "It is an incredibly warm and homey feeling atmosphere, everyone is very friendly at this community," says one reviewer. "They have activities like field trips, groups for everything, bridge, a work out class, guest musicians that come into the community and more for the residents to do to stay active."
Mission Chateau by Tutera offers country club-style senior living with its spacious high-end apartments and other luxurious amenities. This pet-friendly retirement community benefits residents with concierge services and inclusive access to its landscaped gardens, gym and yoga studio, heated pool and jacuzzi and salon and spa. Mission Chateau's Courtyard memory care neighborhood has a dedicated team of compassionate staff members, including a health and wellness director, life enrichment director, 24-hour licensed nurses and certified nursing and medication assistants. For the well-being of memory care residents, they're offered wholesome meals based on therapeutic diets, They are also encouraged to stay physically, cognitively and socially active through gentle movement and other interest-based activities, engaging interactions and creative outlets such as art and music. The Courtyard also has its own secured gardens for therapeutic outdoor enjoyment.
Reviewers appreciate Mission Chateau's ambiance and food. One reviewer writes, "The facility itself was very light, bright, up-to-date, and clean. It's almost like a country club. It is so nice. Their food service thing looked pretty awesome ."
Brookdale Shawnee Kansas provides personalized memory care in a lively environment filled with activity. The community is purposefully designed for those living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, so seniors receive around-the-clock support tailored to their physical, mental and emotional abilities. Whether they need help with bathing, dressing and grooming, or more extensive assistance with walking, socializing and dining, highly trained staff is ready to help. Clare Bridge, for those with early-to-moderate dementia, features a gentle structure with six engaging programs each day. Through activities such as music and art programs, walking, dancing, outings and brain games, residents exercise their current skills and feel a sense of accomplishment. Solace, for those with late-stage dementia, features additional time for daily activities, extra support when needed, and more sensory-based programs, including aromatherapy and music. Nutritious, dementia-friendly meals are crafted around dietary needs.
Loved ones praise the team and ambiance. "The staff is wonderful, making sure they are checked on and assisted as needed. Meal reminders, nice dining rooms, activities throughout the day, hairdresser and musicians who come to entertain," says one reviewer. "I can tell they care for the residents by the way they interact with them."