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 Kenner's senior population continues to grow (10.2% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Kenner, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased by 6% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 33%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4% in Kenner 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 Kenner. 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 Kenner, 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:
Laketown Village provides comprehensive memory care for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia in the Greater New Orleans area. The community's skilled 24/7 staff includes a licensed nurse and trained caregivers who utilize the physician-inspired Connections program to ensure seniors with cognitive impairment feel supported. Daily activities are specially designed for those with memory loss to keep them physically active as well as socially and mentally engaged. These include conversation cards, music classes and morning stretches. Caregivers help residents with all activities of daily living and medication management, and the community has an enclosed courtyard to provide seniors with safe outdoor access. Private rooms are well-lit and spacious, and residents are welcome to have small pets.
Residents rave about the community and its staff. One family member says, "We have been so impressed with Laketown Village... This community is perfect for what our loved ones need. The people there from top to bottom are wonderful, and the nurses are wonderful. We would recommend this community to other families based on the experience we have had so far."
The caregivers at Sunrise of Metairie tailor care to seniors' level of memory loss. For those in the early to moderate stages, the Terrace Club offers structured daily routines and small group activities to maintain existing abilities. Advanced memory care is provided in the Reminiscence Neighborhood, including more comprehensive monitoring and one-on-one cognitive therapies. In both options, residents can participate in no-fail gardening, music therapy and painting. Certified caregivers use the Validation Method during these activities to affirm residents' realities and promote a sense of calm. The community also encourages independence with easy-to-navigate common areas and secured courtyards, where seniors can safely explore their living spaces under supervision.
In reviews, residents and visitors praise the community's highly trained caregivers, who make an effort to create a fun, social atmosphere. One visitor says, "The staff is professional and personable. From events to daily activities, Sunrise makes sure each person is treated with hospitality and a smile when I visit. I'm always impressed with its atmosphere."
SummerHouse Vista Shores offers memory care through the SHINE program, which promotes residents' strengths and encourages independence. Daily schedules emphasize familiar routines to reduce anxiety, including consistent meal times and no-fail brain games. Seniors can also join enriching social programs such as live musical performances, arts and crafts and dementia-friendly exercise lessons. These activities are informed by seniors' My Story books, which detail their life histories and preferences to foster personalized care. For health and wellness, highly trained caregivers can provide insulin management, wound care and physical or speech therapy. Staff members frequently communicate with residents' families to keep them up to date and adjust care services as needed, and residents can use scheduled transportation for off-site appointments.
Visitors are impressed with the community's extensive amenities and welcoming common areas. One reviewer comments, "The staff was very helpful
The single-story SummerHouse Ashton Manor retirement community sits alongside the Mississippi River approximately 17 miles west of New Orleans. In addition to assisted living, the community cares for seniors with Alzheimer's or other dementia with its signature memory care program SHINE. The all-encompassing focus on memory care features specially trained personnel, a secure environment, activities designed to stimulate the senses, as well as opportunities to relax. Residents in memory care have access to their own secure outdoor spaces, including a covered porch, landscaped courtyard with a walking path and raised garden beds. The SHINE program also extends to the dining experience by offering residents more support during meal times, as well as providing nutritious choices.
A visitor who's particularly impressed with the community's location, as well as its staff and the accommodations in memory care, says, "It's in a nice area and kind of reminded me of a resort. The staff was very informative, and they answered the questions I asked exactly how I wanted them to be answered. I was impressed with them."
Memory care at Brookdale Mandeville follows the Clare Bridge and Solace programs. Clare Bridge is for people struggling with mild to moderate memory loss, and it focuses on activities that lets residents maintain as much cognitive and physical function as possible. Six planned programs are offered each day. These may include B-Fit exercise sessions, brain games, crafts and music, and they give seniors a sense of structure along with opportunities for fun and socialization. Caregivers assist residents with their daily living activities and medications, and create a secure, warm environment to reduce agitation and confusion. The Solace program is for people with more advanced dementia. It focuses on sensory experiences like aromatherapy and music and allows more time for personal care and relaxation. The community's dining program offers easy-to-eat menu selections designed for nutrition and flavor.
Reviewers are pleased with the family atmosphere at Brookdale Mandeville. "We love the people at Brookdale," one reviewer says. "They are very friendly and warm. They brought in a lot of wonderful musical entertainment...They would take the residents on rides every Friday." The reviewer remarks that this community is family-like and loving.
The Peristyle at Beau West offers expert memory care provided by specially trained caregivers. The community is divided into two comfortable neighborhoods: the Pontchartrain and the Fontainebleau where seniors can enjoy a sense of security, familiarity and community. Each neighborhood has its own living room, dining room and garden for a homelike feel. Residents receive personalized care plans based on the level of help they need, and these plans can easily adjust for changing situations. Dining is extra special in this community, as residents can request special meals according to their tastes and dietary needs. They have abundant opportunities for activity as well, as the daily calendar is filled with life-enrichment programming like crafts, games and musical performances. Fitness sessions, group outings and ice cream socials are also popular.
Residents and their families are pleased with the comfortable atmosphere and caring staff at The Peristyle at Beau West. A reviewer explains, "The staff could not have been any better. They're very professional, caring and kind. The community is beautiful. It's sunny, spacious and very nicely decorated. It has beautiful common areas and a very nice courtyard."
The Suites at Algiers Point offers assisted living and memory care services to seniors in the greater New Orleans area. Its trained staff is available 24/7 to provide necessary care to residents. This includes help with the activities of daily living, medication management, laundry and housekeeping services for convenience. Individual care plans are tailored to each resident and are centered around the community's Restorative and Relaxation Therapy program (R&R) that addresses the emotional and physical challenges these seniors and their families face. Regular social and educational events keep seniors engaged, and a fitness program ensures a healthy, active lifestyle. Three meals per day are served in the communal dining room, and individual preferences and dietary needs are catered to.
Glowing reviews of The Suites and its team are plentiful. One family member says, "My loved one was a resident at The Suites at Algiers Point. The entire staff were excellent. We, as guests, were always welcomed as part of a family. The facility is beautiful. The rooms are nice and spacious."