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 Irving’s senior population continues to grow (20.72% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Irving, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 83.5% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 10.3%, 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 (8.6% in Irving 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 Irving. 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 Irving, 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:
Auberge at Valley Ranch is a senior living community located in the quiet and friendly development of Valley Ranch, Irving. Bordered by the Sam Houston Trail Park on one side and North Lake to the other, Valley Ranch is a beautiful location conveniently close to city amenities. The community is staffed around the clock by compassionate caregivers, many of whom are fluent in both Spanish and English. The Spark memory care program supports seniors living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, encouraging residents to do what they are able and celebrating their knowledge and abilities. Spark helps build confidence and promote well-being and self-esteem among residents. Reminders, cues and assistance are offered on a personalized basis to help seniors live their lives to the fullest. Pets are welcome and can provide a sense of home and familiarity to residents. Meal service is provided.
Auberge at Valley Ranch is often praised for its friendly atmosphere, both for residents and their pets. Reviewers say "they have cats, fish, and guinea pigs and they'll be getting some more birds here soon." They also say that the food is good and the staff is caring, supportive and compassionate.
Avalon Memory Care is a senior living community located in a beautiful setting near the Cottonwood Valley Golf Course in Las Colinas. Seniors reside in peaceful surroundings and receive care in an intimate, personalized environment. Staff is on-site 24 hours a day to care for residents, ensuring that they are safe and have a good quality of life. Services include continence care and help with grooming, feeding, toileting, bathing and mobility. Caregivers monitor residents to identify changes in cognitive or physical abilities and communicate with family members and physicians to ensure that each resident's needs are always being met. Three home-cooked meals are served per day along with nutritious snacks and drinks. Trained staff members oversee a packed calendar of activities, including gardening, creative pursuits, reminiscing games, Bible studies and exercise classes, helping seniors express their creative, physical and spiritual sides in a supportive and carefully curated space.
Residents praise the community for its devoted staff and family-oriented environment, highlighting that "the caretakers take good care of the patients" and "they have limited residents and each is treated a part of a large family".
Belmont Village Turtle Creek offers assisted living and memory care for seniors age 55 and older in Dallas. It is located within walking distance of Turtle Creek Park, featuring serene walking trails, as well as other local amenities. Dedicated caregivers led residents through low-impact workout programs, such as chair yoga and tai chi. Memory care residents are encouraged to set and track personal goals and participate in activities that stimulate and build confidence, including a quilting club and cooking classes. Medical services include incontinence care and sliding scale insulin therapy, as well as various types of rehabilitation therapies. Residents are allowed to keep cats and dogs in private rooms. Equipped with WanderGuard, the community accepts seniors with behavioral issues and the staff is specially trained to de-escalate exit-seeking behaviors.
One reviewer wrote, "My mother has been at the Belmont just over 4 years It is so comforting knowing my mother is in a place where the employees seem proud and happy to work. It is also nice [to] hear old show tunes in the Great Room and all the residents are there singing and dancing along.
Crystal Creek at Preston Hollow is a memory care and assisted living community offering comprehensive, around-the-clock care in a secure community, purposefully designed to reduce the anxiety experienced by seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Its memory care program applies the latest research in dementia treatment techniques, and a licensed nurse is always on-site alongside the community's 24-hour caregivers. A full activities calendar includes a variety of social, educational and recreational programs, as well as fitness classes such as yoga and tai chi. In the gracious restaurant-style dining room, residents are served nutritious, chef-prepared meals approved by the community's dietitian. Spacious lounge areas and outdoor terraces encourage seniors to socialize, while the fireside library provides a comfortable retreat when they desire a bit of quiet time.
Residents and visitors have been especially impressed by the clean, well-appointed living spaces. One online reviewer said, "It is the fanciest one Ive been to and toured, ever. It has a lot of amenities to encourage family visitors. A lot of the common areas are so inviting It is just real nice."
Located near downtown Colleyville, Ellery Arbor Memory Care offers a secure, yet vibrant, community for residents facing memory loss issues. Its unique Main Street common area includes a movie theater, beauty shop, music room, sweet shop and relaxation space gives residents a sense of independence and familiarity. The secure outdoor courtyard with well-landscaped grounds and walking paths provides additional space for residents to stroll and enjoy their day. Daily activities, such as music therapy, crafts and games are specially designed to promote socialization. Nursing staff and caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with mobility, incontinence care, medication management and activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming and dressing. Staff can also arrange appointments with visiting doctors. Three meals are served daily in the dining room and snacks are available throughout the day.
Residents boast about the quality of care they receive daily. One reviewer stated, "This is a fabulous facility designed for those with memory loss. The entire staff is very caring, professional and they truly believe in providing quality care for each resident. I would highly recommend placing a loved one at Ellery Arbor.
Elmcroft of Bedford is a senior living community located on the outskirts of the city of Bedford. Seniors can benefit from its proximity to the shops at Glade Parks and the beautiful scenery of Stormie Jones Park and Bedford Bays Ranch Lake. Elmcroft's memory care services include a specialized program called Chronicles that is used alongside a Best Friends approach to create individualized care programs centered on each resident's heritage, life history and interests. Seniors are encouraged to retain independence whenever possible and supported in performing the activities of daily living. A staff nurse, visiting physical therapists and other specialists work alongside the main caregivers to maintain a high standard of care. Residents have the opportunity to participate in a range of activities, including excursions, religious services, educational lectures and discussions, physical activity and crafts.
Residents praise the food and atmosphere at Elmcroft of Bedford, saying "it is very nice, welcoming, warm, inviting, and we're very happy with it." They also say that "It's small, secure, and has a homey feel." The friendly and accommodating staff is also spoken of highly.
Heartis Seniors Living is an upscale assisted living, independent living, and memory care community situated in downtown Bedford, Texas, a short mile from Highway 121. The luxury community offers residents plenty of activities from lounging in the soothing saltwater pool to enjoying gourmet food in the dining restaurant to having a drink during happy hour with friends at the bistro. Memory care residents receive additional aid around the clock to help them remain as independent as possible while supporting individual cognitive needs via the Montessori-styled Spark program. The Spark program aims to create an all-inclusive residence by offering residents social roles within their abilities and skill-focused programs and the Lifelong Learning University activities to exemplify strengths.
Reviewers speak highly of Heartis MidCities with one relative stating, "we have been thrilled with services and care at Heartis adding that "the corporate attitude here is about giving the residents a satisfying quality of life. Another person noted that her mom "has enjoyed meaningful activities that matched her personality and talents and gave her purpose.
Iris Memory Care of Turtle Creek is conveniently located near access to public transportation and Downtown Dallas. Dedicated caregivers lead residents through recreational activities that stimulate the mind and encourage social interaction, such as gardening in the secure courtyard or taking art and cooking classes. To help seniors cope with behavioral issues, the community provides soothing and stimulating spaces based using Snoezelen Therapy. Pet therapy is available, and residents are allowed to keep pets, including birds and fish. Residents can receive assistance with medication management in addition to providing pet care services. To help seniors wind down at the end of a busy day, the community often hosts a trivia or wine tasting night. The community features covered porches and a communal kitchen, along with a full-service beauty salon and game room.
Reviewers are happy with the way their loved ones are treated. One wrote, "My mother has been a resident at Iris for over two years. The staff at Iris treat her with respect and love They're really good at gently encouraging her to do things that are outside of her comfort zone. I have total peace of mind I know that she is truly being taken care of."
MacArthur Hills Senior Living is a senior living community located near the beautiful Hackberry Creek in Irving, TX. Seniors can reap the benefits of living in pleasant surroundings without being too far from the shops and medical facilities of Las Colinas. MacArthur Hill Senior Living provides assisted living, memory care and independent living services for those aged 62 and over. Caregivers are available 24 hours a day to support seniors with the activities of daily living. Trained medication care managers supervise medication services, and the care staff includes nurses who offer additional assistance when required. The property has a dedicated concierge who is happy to attend to the general needs of residents and their visitors. The property is luxurious and well-equipped, with its own dedicated beauty salon, laundry and dry cleaning service, high-speed Wi-Fi, a TV lounge, a games room and a swimming pool.
Seniors praise MacArthur Hills Senior Living for the quality of the amenities and how well maintained it is, noting that "the rooms were really nice, spacious and very well equipped" and adding "it's an excellent facility."
Located in Dallas, Monticello West is conveniently located near Katy Trail and Highland Park. Dedicated caregivers are specially trained to help seniors with chronic conditions, including Parkinsons disease and dementia. A licensed nurse is available 24/7 to assist residents with administering medication and managing diabetes using sliding scale insulin therapy. Seniors can also receive assistance with acts of daily living, including incontinence care. Residents are encouraged to participate in low-impact exercises such as tai chi workouts, and recreational activities, including book club meetings and art classes. Residents are allowed to keep pets and can enjoy the enclosed courtyard. Living accommodations vary by size and include safety and security features.
One reviewer wrote, "Monticello West takes really good care of my mom Mom is healthy and happy, she has plenty of friends, and there is always something fun and interesting for her to do. Another relative wrote, "The caregivers are so sweet and quickly learned his likes/dislikes. He especially enjoys the meals and ice cream socials."
Oxford Glen Memory Care at Carrollton is a dementia care community located close to Addison Airport in Irving. This convenient location makes it easy for loved ones to visit residents. Oxford Glen Memory Care works with families to learn about the life of the senior prior to the onset of Alzheimer's disease and to create an individualized care plan based on a strong connection with the resident. Seniors are monitored and cared for to ensure they are always safe and happy and have a good quality of life. Modern care technologies promote good communication between staff, residents and their loved ones. The SimpleC Companion helps seniors keep track of mealtimes, behavioral interventions and daily activities, and the carefully curated environment stimulates positive memories and encourages residents to keep to healthy routines. Meal service is provided, and residents can make use of housekeeping services, on-site hair stylists and transportation services.
Oxford Glen Memory Care at Carrollton is highly rated for the compassionate care it offers, with reviewers saying "I have had a wonderful experience with the day-to-day care staff," and explaining that the staff works hard to make all residents feel welcome.
Parsons House Preston Hollow provides a continuum of care to all residents that includes memory care so that seniors can age in place. Within the luxury senior living community is the memory care neighborhood named The Gardens. The Gardens is a secured area that features a common area, landscaped gardens and outdoor patio space that is easily accessible from residents rooms. Seniors in The Gardens are carefully monitored based on their individual cognitive abilities via an egress and delayed ingress system, and they are served three meals a day in a community dining area. Activities suited to residents' abilities are provided to help them remain engaged in life.
One visitor noted that "the front desk was welcoming and the nursing and activities staff were positive and encouraging to their residents. Another reviewer spoke highly of Parsons House Preston Hollow calling it "a really special place and adding that "the community feels like a bed and breakfast and the residents can pretty much get anything they need.
River Oaks is a memory care and assisted living community that features rustic decor and 24/7 support for residents who want to remain independent but require help throughout the day. Rooms are equipped with security alarms and residents have the freedom to wander during the day into common areas to socialize with other residents. Cognitive checks are performed quarterly to assess levels of dementia or Alzheimer's progression so that a personalized care plan can be crafted. Memory care residents are also offered the Gold Leaf Dining experience, which includes chef-prepared meals and aromatherapy 30 minutes before all meals to help stimulate appetite and remind residents of dining routines.
Reviewers are satisfied with the care offered by River Oaks Assisted Living and Memory care calling it a "neat and professional facility. Another family member visiting her grandmother stated, "I was pleased, looked like a nice place and the staff seemed friendly.
Sunrise on Hillcrest provides assisted living, memory care and respite services in a comfortable, home-like setting. Its dynamic Reminiscence Memory Care Program highlights residents' abilities and strengths and features memory-focused activities. The community's Life Enrichment Manager is trained in Validation Therapy, a unique form of therapy that involves connecting with memory care residents through empathy and providing dignified care. Residents live in a Reminiscence Neighborhood with comfortable, secured indoor and outdoor areas, frequent visits from local schools and daycare centers and a resident cat or dog to foster a homey environment. The community also has Sunrise Signature Dining, a restaurant-style dining experience that residents and families can enjoy together. Some dishes that are offered include oven-fried chicken with macaroni and cheese and coleslaw, apple crisp and buttermilk pancakes. Pureed diet options are also available as needed.
Several reviewers recommend this community for its welcoming environment and caring staff, including one who said, "My mother has been at Sunrise for over 3 years. The staff has become an extension of our family with the love they show to my mother. If you are looking for an Assisted Living for a loved one look no further!"
Situated in the Northern Dallas suburb of Farmers Branch, The Avenues of Park Forest is an assisted living and memory care community known for its Passion Program. As part of the program, the staff works hard to provide passionate cleanliness, service, and care. The program includes the individualized Passion Pathway, which is designed to help identify and meet the needs of individual residents. Those in need of memory care reside in The Cottage, a specialized memory care community where staff per resident ratios are high, and residents are encouraged to bond with staff by allowing caregivers to remain with the same residents throughout their stay.
A friend of a resident remarked that the Avenues of Park Forest is "very friendly, clean, courteous, and professional. A family member of a resident stated the "facility is attractive and clean and noted that she appreciated "the thoughtful communication from the management.
The Preston of the Park Cities is a luxury senior living community that provides tailored services and a full continuum of care in a comfortable, resort-like environment. It offers three levels of care, including assisted living; The Bridge, which is well-suited for those with slight cognitive impairment; and memory care, which is for those who need full memory services. The community's memory program focuses on creating meaningful ways for residents to engage with their environment. Its Expressive Arts program teaches ways to use music and art as alternative forms of communication, and its Life Histories program celebrates past occupations and hobbies. Physical wellness is addressed through traditional fitness classes, such as chair yoga, and the community partners with Watermark University to offer classes designed for those with memory care needs.
Many family members mention the positive experiences their loved ones have enjoyed at this community. One reviewer said, "The Preston was our hands down selection and we have never regretted our decision. The transition for our mother was initially challenging but with the help of the lovely staff at The Preston, our mother is flourishing."
Tradition is more than just a moniker for The Tradition at Lovers Lane. It promotes family heritage and a lifestyle befitting the residents who form part of the community. As part of its memory care service, the staff is trained to take care of patients with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Residents also enjoy high-level safety thanks to cutting-edge technology such as surveillance cameras, an emergency response system and key control systems with biometric access. A country kitchen serves up three delicious gourmet meals per day. Residents enjoy pamper treatments at the on-site salon and a multi-sensory room offers the opportunity to stimulate cognitive function. Staff assist with on-site health screenings and flu shots, and daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming and incontinence care. Residents enjoy various activities and fitness programs to keep them active and encourage social interactions. The on-site strolling garden is also an opportunity for residents to get their daily exercise and unwind.
Residents enjoy the care and attention given at The Tradition at Lovers Lane. One relative writes, "This retirement community is very well run, has excellent staff, lovely apartments, attentive maintenance, very good food and a lovely atmosphere in all the common areas."
As a dedicated skilled nursing community, Villages on MacArthur provides first-rate clinical care to seniors in need of high levels of support. Customizable care plans are overseen by an on-staff physician and around-the-clock nurses. A senior wellness program incorporates exercise classes, religious services and community outings to promote mental and physical well-being. State-of-the-art rehabilitation equipment is available, including an innovative anti-gravity treadmill and a therapy spa. Residents can pamper themselves in the on-site salon or relax in a warmly decorated common area complete with a fireplace and baby grand piano. Other amenities include a bistro and a spacious enclosed courtyard complete with a patio and sitting area.
Residents enjoy being able to retain their independence with customizable care plans. "My father enjoys the food & especially the daily soups. He is comfortable in his private room & he's content playing on his computer, watching TV & reading his daily newspaper. The majority of the staff are good."
Walnut Place is a senior living community offering memory care and assisted living services in Irving, TX. Ideally situated next to the stunning Harry S Moss Park and with the health care available at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas, plus shopping opportunities at NorthPark Center, Walnut Place offers seniors picturesque surroundings, convenience, and peace of mind. Staff is available 24 hours a day to provide support with the activities of daily living. The safe and secure memory care community uses Heartfelt CONNECTIONS, a specialized person-centered dementia care program that ensures each resident receives care tailored to their individual needs. Pets are welcome on the property, and residents can take advantage of a variety of services including an on-site beauty/barber shop, social nights, sensory games, aromatherapy, baking sessions and a gardening club. Nutritious meals are served three times a day in a community dining room.
Walnut Place is highly regarded because of the lavish facilities and caring staff. One family member writes, "Everyone there (from top to bottom) took really good care of [my mom]. We called my mom daily and she was always upbeat and said how nice everyone treated her. I would highly recommend this place to anyone."