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 Lafayette’s senior population continues to grow (13.34% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Lafayette, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased by 32.9% between 2014 and 2019. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (5.71% in Lafayette 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 more than a dozen hours researching senior living communities in Lafayette. 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 Lafayette, 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:
Aster Place, which opened in 2015, is an upscale retirement community located minutes from three major hospitals. The community helps seniors with mild to moderate dementia thrive in a residential setting. Staff in its memory care neighborhood respect each resident's individual abilities and privacy needs when providing daily living support services. All caregivers hold NCCDP certifications, and every client-facing staff member undergoes in-house dementia care training. The neighborhood has electronically controlled exit doors to protect those prone to wandering. Scheduled daily activities include gentle yoga, classic movie evenings and choir practice. All residents may benefit from standardized programs, such as THRIVE Wellness and Culinary Experience programs, as Aster Place is owned and operated by American Senior Communities, which manages over 90 communities in Indiana.
Residents' families often comment on the community's courteous staff, cleanliness and convenient location. One writes, "The staff is very friendly and willing to help with anything. Aster Place is easily located and beautifully decorated." Another explains, "Now [my mother] has a more active social life and is well cared for. I feel welcomed by all when I come to visit."
Specifically designed to support the needs of seniors living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, BeeHive Homes of Lafayette offers an intimate, homelike environment where seniors receive 24-hour professional care. Residents enjoy access to open common areas, a fully-secured outdoor courtyard and the privacy of individual rooms. Each residence features a cozy sitting area, a personal bathroom and safety alarms for peace of mind. Daily housekeeping, personal laundry services and dietitian-approved meals provide a relaxing, maintenance-free living experience. Activities are offered each day that give residents the opportunity to exercise their bodies and minds, including stretching, games, craft projects and pet therapy. The community also plans regular social outings and hosts weekly on-site live entertainment. Staff members are specially trained in memory care and work with each resident to develop a personalized care plan that suits their needs.
People regard BeeHive Homes of Lafayette as "a great loving place" where seniors can enjoy a social atmosphere and true sense of community. As one reviewer shares, "The residents get all of their needs taken care of 24/7 and there are so many social gatherings for the residents to meet the family. Another great thing is that the owner always does something special, it can be snow cones for the residents or throwing a party but there is always something special."
Bickford of Lafayette is a 33-bed memory care community where seniors with dementia can benefit from familiar surroundings and personalized daily support. Its residents can enjoy homestyle meals prepared in-house and freshly baked bread every day. The community's life-enrichment program provides residents with regular opportunities to participate in themed days, family gatherings, and local volunteer organizations. Activities are tailored to individual creative skills, intellectual interests and physical well-being. All staff are specially trained to care for seniors with dementia-related behavioral disorders. Pets are welcome in the community, and the team is pleased to assist with their care. Balloon volleyball, manicures, music therapy and outings to local shopping malls are among scheduled group activities. Amenities include denominational and non-denominational spiritual support services, transportation and accompaniment to scheduled local appointments.
Many residents choose the community as it welcomes their beloved pets. Their relatives appreciate the beautiful interiors, friendly staff and management's transparent communications. One resident's son says, "The food is very appetizing. My dad eats it even though he can be picky."
Conveniently located right next to Lafayette, Indiana, Creasy Springs Health Campus is just minutes away from hospitals, restaurants and shops. It provides a complete continuum of care that includes memory care, independent living and assisted living. The community's memory care team is a licensed provider of the Best Friend approach to Alzheimers and dementia care. The caregivers learn the life stories of each memory care resident and tailor their verbal and non-verbal communications based on what they have learned. The memory care team also uses activities to connect with the residents, acting as their best friends during music, games, fitness classes and movies. All residents enjoy three delicious meals every day prepared by a chef on staff. Occasionally, chefs of local restaurants are invited to create special menus for the community.
Family members love this community. One relative writes, "My sister moved into Creasy Springs Health Campus. They've all been helpful and very accommodating. Her room is bright and cheery, and she likes it. She likes the place. From the care that she's receiving, I'd rate the community a 5. The staff has always been good.
Located in West Lafayette, University Place is a senior living community offering a wide range of care and living options. Residents in need of specialized memory care live in a secured environment equipped with safety doors and elevators, all-day monitoring and an always-active emergency response system designed to meet the challenges of memory loss. Led by nurses, the staff is on hand 24/7 to assist with everyday tasks and provide compassionate, individual help for each resident. Daily activities are designed to provide structured engagement and therapeutic relaxation. These activities include daily fitness and exercise groups, ample time for socialization, gardening and book clubs. Comfortable lounge rooms feature inviting seating areas, fireplaces and a soothing atmosphere. The community's secured grounds are complete with walking paths and pleasing landscaping.
The community is consistently commended by residents and their families for its friendly, engaging staff and its devotion to expert care. One family member says, "The staff and the administration are amazing and are very professional. I always look forward to a visit and feel the same warm welcomes when I arrive."
Located on an 83-acre campus in Frankfort, Wesley Manor is a nonprofit, faith-based retirement community affiliated with the United Methodist Church. It has two 25-bed Medicaid and Medicare-certified memory care neighborhoods where seniors with different stages of dementia can benefit from specialized daily activity programs. Each homelike neighborhood features carpeted floors, indoor walking paths, an outdoor courtyard, secured entrances and roof windows that let in plenty of natural light. Residents can display memorabilia in specially designed memory cases located outside of each private room. On-staff nurses administer any physician-prescribed medications and an on-site Alzheimer's support group helps residents and their loved ones cope with the emotional impact of a dementia diagnosis. Campus amenities for residents and their guests include a bowling alley, indoor swimming pool, gift shop and beauty salon.
Reviewers frequently praise the campus amenities and friendly staff. One says, "In every situation and care level, my parents were treated with dignity and respect. I couldn't have been happier with all the team members and support staff at Wesley Manor." A resident also describes, "Great staff and good place to live."