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 Kokomo's senior population continues to grow (2.9% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Kokomo, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 17% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 23%, 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 (6% in Kokomo 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 Kokomo. 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 Kokomo, 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:
Bloom at Kokomo provides memory care to residents of Kokomo, IN. The staff provides 24/7 assistance with daily living activities such as grooming, continence care and ambulation. The Habits of a Lifetime assessment helps staff determine the unique needs of each resident, and caregivers are equipped to provide medication and nutritional management that includes mealtime assistance. Caregivers also provide regular safety checks and escort services. The community's special memory care program provides engaging activities that match residents's individual interests, including baking, fishing and painting. Exercise groups encourage physical activity, from tennis and balloon volleyball to dance classes that encourage residents to socialize. The Five Star Dining program provides three chef-prepared meals each day. Staff takes care of transportation, as well as housekeeping and laundry.
Family members praise the community for a warm atmosphere and a devoted staff. One writes, "It's a beautiful facility that makes the patients feel welcomed. It makes them feel like they're at home. The staff are very kind and compassionate, and they take very good care of the residents."
Waterford Place Health Campus provides comprehensive memory care services for its residents, including programs, amenities and special resources designed to make life easier for those with dementia. One such program is the BFF Program, which aims to foster an emotional connection between residents and caregivers. This program encourages caregivers to learn from their patients' stories, communicate in ways that work best for them and use activities to build relationships. To stimulate and engage its residents, the community offers a variety of signature programs. Vitality provides regular opportunities for physical activity. As part of the Inspirational Services program, residents can attend Bible studies, meditations and worship services. Courses in art, music and performing arts are available in the Lifelong Learning program, while cognitive pursuits are offered three times a week in the Keeping It Sharp program.
Many family members are impressed by the size of the rooms and the interaction between staff and residents. One reviewer writes, "The room sizes are pretty good. They do a good job keeping the residents engaged. The food seems pretty good. They have a few different outdoor spaces for the residents to use."
Copper Trace Family-first Senior Living is nestled in a peaceful residential neighborhood of Westfield, IN, approximately 35 miles south of Kokomo. The community's memory care program, Cherished Memories, is designed to help residents cultivate a feeling of belonging by celebrating their accomplishments and emphasizing their individuality. Each memory care resident receives a personalized care plan coordinated with the help of their loved ones, personal physician and care team that takes into account their unique needs and preferences. Residents in memory care can enjoy access to on-site salon services and participate in recreational activities held in a dedicated activity room. They can also spend time relaxing outside in the secure courtyard or unwinding indoors in the cozy family room.
Reviewers speak highly of the well-kept, welcoming community. One says, "Copper Trace was very clean, and the staff was very attentive. Everybody was very friendly, and all the residents seemed to be very well taken care of. All the memory care rooms [were] nice and spacious."
Wellbrooke of Westfield is a memory care and assisted living community located right next to Grand Park, home of the Indiana Colts Training Camp in Westfield, IN. By following the Best Friends Approach to memory care, staff members here can provide clinical care while also offering emotional support, much like a best friend would. The Daily Rhythms memory care program is another approach that uses protocols supported by several Alzheimer's advocacy groups to organize activities that promote a sense of comfort and familiarity. Memory care residents can engage their minds by playing charades and memory matching games and socialize with others by attending happy hours and reminiscing beside the fire. They can also communicate with loved ones by sharing messages and photos using the LifeShare technology connected to their television screens.
Wellbrooke of Westfield receives rave reviews for being a well-designed community with a hotel-like ambiance and kind caregivers. One reviewer writes, "Beautiful facility, it feels and give an appearance of being at a mountain lodge resort! The staff is very friendly and caring. Always great activities your loved one should never be bored!"
Sunrise on Old Meridian is a memory care community for residents near Kokomo, IN. Caregivers provide personalized 24/7 daily living care, which is adjusted based on each resident's current needs. Residents in the Terrace club may receive help with grooming, while residents in the Reminiscence neighborhood are supported with mobility and continence care. On-site nurses help with health concerns and coordinate treatment with local doctors or therapists. The Sunrise Live With Purpose program provides one on one activities where residents can build meaningful connections and engage with their interests. Residents can garden in the community's secure outdoor courtyards or enjoy music and art therapy. Chefs serve three fresh meals each day in restaurant style dining rooms. Transportation to medical appointments is provided and the staff helps with housekeeping and laundry.
Visitors say the community provides entertaining amenities and the caregivers are helpful. One reviewer writes, "Sunrise on Old Meridian was a very beautiful facility. They had very nice amenities. The residents seemed very friendly. The staff member was very good, very friendly, informative, and pretty much answered our questions."
Harbour Manor & The Lodge offers memory care. Its 24-hour care system with specially trained staff who promote choice, participation and appreciation for accomplishments, helps ensure that each resident is accorded the same attention. Each individual receives medication administration and management and assistance with activities of daily living as part of their personalized care plan. The team at Harbour Manor & The Lodge Memory Care and family members work together to ensure that the plan equips the staff with an understanding of the details of each resident's history and life experiences. Seniors reside in suites equipped with flat-screen televisions for entertainment, and they can enjoy the fresh air in the secure outdoor courtyard. Housekeeping and laundry services provide convenience. Three family-style meals are served daily along with snacks throughout the day, so seniors never go hungry. Physical activity and emotional and cognitive stimulation are promoted in the community through daily scheduled activities.
It's common for residents' family members to comment on the community's cleanliness, the quality of food and the compassionate staff. One says, "The food is good, the building is clean, and the staff are very friendly! I highly recommend this place to anyone who wants their loved ones to be taken care of in a safe, warm, and happy place!"
Rose Senior Living Carmel offers Heartfelt Connections. A Memory Care Program for seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other cognitive issues. The program is grounded in the belief that what the person still has is more important than what has been lost. In addition, the care team utilizes reminiscence tools to help residents' family members document and store specific details about an individual's life, aiding in creating personalized health care plans. Skilled caregivers provide timely assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, while housekeeping services provide convenience and peace of mind. The community offers inviting outdoor spaces and an on-site salon. Dedicated caregivers lead personalized exercise sessions while a wide range of social and recreational activities, including arts and crafts and music, help provide mental stimulation.
It gives family members peace of mind that their loved ones' individual needs are being met. One reviewer says, "I am very pleased with Rose Senior Living. The staff gives very good personal attention, and they adjust their approach based on the individual residents."
Bickford of Carmel employs individualized service plans for residents of the community's memory care program to ensure each senior's needs are being met. A registered nurse reviews these plans every 90 days to make any necessary changes and regularly monitors residents for any changes in their health. Caregivers provide assistance with daily activities like bathing, dressing and mobility; staff in the memory care neighborhood also receive regular training on advanced dementia care. Unique features of memory care programming include lifesong documents, which capture residents' stories and allow caregivers to better incorporate each senior's history into their care, and lifesong baskets, which are collections of items that represent each resident's hobbies and interests. The community also offers dementia support groups for family members.
Residents and their family members appreciate the staff and activities at Bickford of Carmel. One family member notes, "I'd give them high marks across the board! The staff here is friendly, professional, and every one of them has some training in dealing with memory/Alzheimer's care The facility itself is clean and well kept, and they've got all sorts of activities for the residents. It's a very nice place."
Residents at Heritage Woods of Noblesville are cared for based on their abilities rather than their limitations. Since the loss of memories can be frustrating, staff work diligently to develop creative solutions that incorporate the individual's life story. Social clubs including the sewing circle, book club and men's group are designed to support mental engagement. Registered nurses provide nursing supervision and support and service plan meetings with family members are held every quarter. Seniors are served three meals daily in the spacious dining room. On-site beauty and barber services are available. The country store provides a cheerful atmosphere and a sense of community, and transportation services are available to help seniors stay engaged with loved ones. An exercise room is available to help seniors stay physically active while an activity room provides interactive entertainment. Seniors also have access to pet therapy and spiritual services for further cognitive engagement.
Visitors to the community were pleased to see residents fully engaged with staff. One says, "I went to tour Heritage Woods of Noblesville. In the memory care unit, there appeared to be a little more interaction with the patients. They were not just sitting in a chair, taking a nap, or anything."
Magnolia Springs at Bridgewater features Heartfelt Connections - A Memory Care Program for residents diagnosed with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. Using tools that foster reminiscence of past experiences, such as important life and family events and career highlights, the team builds on individual physical and mental capabilities to create a care plan tailored to meet resident needs and enhance quality of life. Seniors enjoy 24/7 support and security, three daily chef-prepared meals, a secure outdoor courtyard and ready access to family through videos, pictures and messages. The community also features a health club, theater and salon and spa.
Residents appreciate the caring and responsive staff. Others report that they "like being able to have [their] dog." Family members note their loved ones seem more relaxed around others, and they enjoy the art, musical, and other mentally stimulating activities.
The certified professionals with Wellbrooke of Carmel's memory care neighborhood conduct an initial assessment of new residents to ensure they receive the appropriate level of care. Seniors have opportunities to engage in specially tailored activities designed to enhance their quality of life. Through the Daily Rhythms program, residents can participate in physical fitness, worship services and Bible study, lifelong learning courses and monthly outings to explore the surrounding community. Family members and friends are encouraged to stay connected, and one way to accomplish that is to share photos and messages that are streamed through residents' televisions. The memory care neighborhood offers a selection of housing options that range from studio to two-bedroom, private and semiprivate suites. Residents also receive nutritionally balanced meals prepared by trained chefs.
Family members report that their loved ones enjoyed the "many activities and wonderful food." Residents appreciate the modern apartment features, especially the en-suite bathrooms. Reviewers also comment positively on the caring and attentive staff.
The Prairie Lakes Health Campus' memory care neighborhood features trained professionals dedicated to enhancing residents' quality of life. After conducting an initial evaluation of each new resident's physical, emotional and mental capabilities, the medical team designs program options that range from spiritual connections to physical fitness. Residents also receive assistance with personal care, hygiene and medication management. They can stay connected with loved ones and friends on a daily basis through photos and messages streamed through their in-room televisions. Families are encouraged to visit and participate in community events.
Family members of residents comment positively about the menu quality and options. They also appreciate the attentiveness and patience of staff while managing individuals living with dementia. The community's cleanliness and homey atmosphere is a frequent subject of reviews.
The Stratford is located in Carmel, approximately 40 miles south of Kokomo. The community's Reflections at the Stratford is the specialized memory care area managed by a team of certified dementia practitioners. The staff conducts a thorough evaluation prior to an individual's residency in order to create a customized care plan. They provide 24/7 supervision and care, medication management and wellness classes and programs. The certified team is trained to recognize changing symptoms and alter care plans to accommodate those needs. Reflections' social and dining programs are designed to encourage family members to visit often. Other amenities include a professional hair salon, a secured outdoor courtyard and personal transportation.
Residents appreciate the "clean, well-appointed and spacious apartments." They also offer positive comments on the care and activities available to stimulate varying memory and interest levels. Reviewers enjoy participation in the musical, recreational and leisure activities as well as the weekly shopping trips for groceries and personal items.
Less than an hour northeast of Kokomo, Wellbrooke of Wabash provides its memory care residents with a wide range of programs designed to meet the individual's emotional, physical and mental capabilities and needs. The specially trained professionals conduct an initial assessment to determine the appropriate level of care. Residents may engage with others through lifelong learning opportunities that include art and gardening activities, and they can participate in physical movement routines three times a week or regular inspirational services. The memory care neighborhood is designed to offer its residents a feeling of comfort and security, and its team encourages communication with family members. The community provides 24/7 support and security, allowing residents the opportunity to visit with others or enjoy their private time in their individual rooms.
Reviewers compliment the community's dietary services for their quality selections. They also report that specific nutritional guidelines, such as food allergies and personal preferences, are followed. One resident says, "The services here are A+, from the aides to dietary section."
Approximately 15 miles southwest of Kokomo, Blair Ridge Health Campus in Peru offers its residents a wide variety of care, living and activity options. New residents complete an initial assessment to familiarize the staff with the individual's personal history and determine the most appropriate level of care. Seniors in the memory care neighborhood benefit from the Best Friends Approach to Dementia Care, in which staff creates a welcoming and secure environment that supports the individual with compassion and empathy. They may participate in a variety of activities, such as preparing a favorite recipe, story sharing, exercising and enjoying music and art.
Residents and their families generally offer positive comments regarding meal menu options and the accommodations the chef and kitchen staff are willing to make for individual requests. One reviewer remarks, "The people [are] so kind, and the nursing staff [is] wonderful."