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 Lansing’s senior population continues to grow (22.95% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Lansing, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased by 5.3% between 2013 and 2018. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 5.9%. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (7.77% in Lansing 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 Lansing. 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 Lansing, 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:
Addington Place of Dewitt is a senior living community nestled in a wooded area close to Lansing. It offers residents assisted living and memory care and has received some of the highest honors awarded to senior living communities in Michigan. Accommodations include companion and private rooms, all featuring private baths and step-in showers. The community's award-winning care team provides individualized care, with its memory care unit including specially trained caregivers who take a personal approach with each resident. It also has a team of physical and occupational therapy experts that works in conjunction with residents to achieve goals, such as increased mobility and strengthened muscles, for greater independence in performing the activities of daily living. It additionally has a range of programs and activities and offers seniors access to many amenities, including a beauty salon and a private spa.
A resident's grandson appreciates the many activities and amenities offered by the community. He said, ''Addington Place of DeWitt is in a class of its own They are always doing events. My Grandpa has a better social life than I do. I love visiting and talking to the other residents and staff. I love the family dinners.''
Bickford of Okemos is a premier senior living community offering luxury amenities in elegant surroundings. In the memory care neighborhood, the caregiving staff is available 24/7 to provide assistance as required and check on the health of residents. All of the staff are trained in working with seniors living with memory impairment disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. Residents all wear a monitoring device that tracks their location in case of a fall or medical emergency. The community is secure for the safety of residents and they have access to a landscaped courtyard with walking paths and shaded seating areas. Three delicious meals are served on a daily basis in the Bread Basket Scratch Kitchen Restaurant, and a private dining area can be booked for celebrating special occasions with family and friends. The community welcomes cats and small dogs.
Visitors praise the cozy memory care unit and the personalized activities with one reviewer saying, "The memory care seemed to be small and in an intimate setting. It seemed to be personalized because they had few people there. They apparently had activities and it was personalized and compatible with what the patients had experienced in the past."
As a senior living community, Bickford of West Lansing is driven by its commitment to do whatever it takes to make residents happy. It strives to constantly provide the appropriate level of care based on individual needs and health situation, including a comprehensive dementia program for those with cognitive conditions. Residents benefit from the communitys innovative memory care programs supervised by a team of highly trained caregivers. Personalized care and daily leisure activities are based on seniors hobbies, interests and historical information gathered through its Lifesong program. Residents can choose to socialize and participate in Moments of Happiness group activities or engage in one-on-one activities with their companion caregivers. Bickford encourages involvement from everyone in the community through support groups, where members can ask questions and get advice on dementia-related issues. Families are assured of their loved ones safety with the communitys secure building, strategically located pull cords and real-time resident monitoring system.
Reviewers are impressed with the hotel-like setting and good food. Families express assurance that their loved ones receive quality care, and one writes, "When I visit, I am updated on what's been going on with her and I feel reassured. I can sleep at night."
Brookdale Meridian is a memory care community in the picturesque suburb of Haslett. The property is surrounded by wildlife reserves, state parks and natural landmarks such as Lake Lansing, offering ample opportunity for engaging in outdoor activities. Conveniently, it is within a half-hour drive of Lansing's downtown core and the Capital Region International Airport, making it easily accessible for visitors and loved ones. The community features spacious studio apartments fitted with cable televisions and Wi-Fi access. Caregivers are trained to manage degenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease and dementia, providing any necessary assistance with laundry, transportation and meal preparation. Skilled nurses are available throughout the day to monitor health issues and provide essential medical care, with additional availability outside of business hours. At Brookdale Meridian, seniors can thrive and enjoy an active lifestyle thanks to many amenities and conveniences, including a fitness center, landscaped gardens and a well-stocked library.
Reviewers make positive mention of the quality of care and attentive staff. One family member reports, "The staff at Brookdale Meridian are wonderful. They are always available to answer my questions and go the extra mile to make my parents feel like it is their home."
Burcham Hills is a Life Plan Community that offers a continuum of care on a beautiful, 38-acre site. The retirement community's four memory care neighborhoods, designed with the needs of those with Alzheimer's and dementia in mind, provide a familiar and comfortable environment where memory-care residents can live with dignity while receiving any needed support with daily living tasks and medication management. The community implements Heartfelt CONNECTIONS, a memory care program that promotes physical and emotional well-being and quality of life. Residents can maintain and improve physical skills and strength at the on-site gym, take part in planned life enrichment and recreational activities and choose books from the library, while gardens, paved walking paths, patios and a putting green beckon seniors to spend time outdoors. Scheduled weekly transportation makes it easy and convenient to handle local errands and attend medical appointments.
Reviewers describe the staff as being "friendly and very helpful." One person says that her father "has a lovely room that housekeeping staff keep very clean." She also says, "The meals are excellent and my father raves about the food all the time. We appreciate the care he gets there for various medical needs."
Situated adjacent to the Lewton Park, Grandhaven Living Center is part of the wider Grandhaven Manor Communities that offer independent living, assisted living and memory care communities. The memory care community is situated in its own secured neighborhood with the goal of creating small homelike residences for residents. Dedicated staff work within each neighborhood so that close relationships can be formed between memory care residents and caregivers in turn elevating the level of care and comfort each resident receives. Residents live in a secure building with secured outdoor patios so that they can safely enjoy the outdoors at their leisure. Safe interior walking areas and community rooms are scattered throughout the neighborhood and residents are invited to take part in activities that are designed to strengthen cognitive abilities and reduce memory loss.
People are pleased with the level of care provided at Grandhaven Living Center with one reviewer noting, "Everyone is so friendly and the community has the best parties. Another reviewer stated, "This is a great community and the staff is very helpful and they are like family.
Gunnisonville Meadows provides a safe, secure and easy-to-navigate environment where residents affected by dementia or Alzheimers can remain independent for as long as possible. Its team of caregivers and certified nursing assistants evaluate each resident to assess the level of support required and put together a customized care plan, which is continually revised as needed. Residents are encouraged to take part in a life enrichment program, designed to promote physical, mental and emotional well-being. Daily activities may include chair Zumba, stretch classes, games, arts and crafts, music sessions and movie nights. Seniors can spend plenty of time outdoors on the beautiful grounds, which feature gardens and a courtyard area.
Online reviews recommend Gunnisonville Meadows for its inviting atmosphere, the well-kept grounds and its caring staff. One relative writes, "The facility is attractive, homey and well-kept and residents have many activities they can engage in. The staff treated mom like family and they became like part of the family to us I highly recommend Gunnisonville Meadows for your loved ones!
Independence Village of Grand Ledge is a dedicated memory care facility located in a lovely residential area where seniors can enjoy peace and quiet while living just minutes from local shops and restaurants. There is 24-hour licensed support for health care, wellness and dining, as residents make themselves at home in spacious apartments with state-of-the-art safety features. Family-style dining offers residents a fantastic array of healthy and delicious food with the chance to socialize and catch up with family and friends. A wide range of activities encourages seniors to stay active and engaged in their community, including physical fitness classes, game nights and holiday celebrations. Church services, Bible studies and other spiritual wellness programs are offered, while complimentary transportation allows residents to spend a fun day in town.
Residents and their families are impressed with the clean facilities and kind staff. "The apartments are very nice and well-maintained. The meals are very good with several choices and served in a beautiful dining room. Common areas are welcoming. This is a really lovely facility- very pleasant for residents and visitors. Most importantly, the staff- absolutely everyone we have encountered- has been kind and efficient," one family member said.
Located in a residential neighborhood just a few minutes from Interstate 496 and Hawk Island Park, Medilodge of Capital Area offers a continuum of care to residents that incorporates both assisted living and memory care. The memory care unit is housed in a separate secure unit for the safety of residents who receive individualized care and support with daily tasks such as grooming and dressing. Both a doctor and dentist work on-site to ensure residents receive immediate health care when necessary and to reduce the stress of leaving the community for outside physician visits. Medilodge offers three gourmet meals per day which memory care residents receive in their own dining room. On a normal day, residents can be found enjoying the outdoor courtyard with manicured gardens, relaxing with family in the resident lounge or taking part in daily activities such as bingo, cards or pet therapy.
People leave mostly positive reviews for Medilodge of Capital Area with one reviewer calling it a "beautiful facility and describing staff as "caring and supportive. Another family member wrote, "You feel welcome the second you step foot in the door and that they would "recommend to anyone and everyone.
Located in the heart of Holt, Michigan, Prestige Way is an assisted living community that provides memory care services. It has an on-site nurse to help with injection administration in addition to a visiting nurse and an on-call doctor to assist with more urgent medical needs. The visiting podiatrists ensure seniors are fit enough to enjoy a nice walk with their pet or go on a jaunt to grab some takeout with visiting family. Prestige Way is a secure community with specially trained staff that knows how to de-escalate challenging behavioral episodes. Staff members provide curated activities for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia that keep their minds active. During times when seniors become anxious, they are free to wander around the community to help them feel more comfortable.
Some like the number of activities that allow memory care residents to feel included and form great bonds. Family members appreciate the cozy atmosphere as well as the compassion from the staff who take the time to get to know their loved ones.
Robinwood Landing Alzheimer's Special Care Center is a trusted memory care community in a quiet residential area of Lansing. Memory care residents receive assistance and care in a beautifully modern facility with spacious living quarters and common areas for social gatherings. The community offers compassionate caring service for those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementia-related illnesses, from bathing, dressing and dining to medication management. Furnished linens and routine housekeeping make for an easy, enjoyable lifestyle with cable TV and fireplaces in the living rooms. Residents have three delicious meals a day along with snacks, while a regular schedule of social events allows seniors to connect with their neighbors, friends and family. Gorgeous landscaping in the courtyard with wide walking paths gives residents the chance to take in some fresh air in addition to supervised outings to local spots.
Residents and their families at Robinwood Landing Alzheimer's Special Care Center are pleased with the attention to detail and personalized care. "My grandpa and grandma both lived here and the staff is AMAZING! My grandma recently passed but they took such good care of her and she absolutely loved this facility, one family member said.
Rosewood Adult Foster Care offers a high ratio of staff-to-residents in a caring, homelike environment. The small size of the community allows staff and residents to become friends, and the staff truly understand the needs of each resident. Caregivers are available 24/7 to assist the residents, and they are all trained in working with seniors living with memory impairment disorders. Regular in-house visits are offered by a local physician and physical, occupational and speech therapy services are available on-site. Residents can safely walk through the secured courtyard, or relax in the shade on the outdoor patio. Activities offered by the community include daily hairstyling and makeup application, musical entertainment, holiday celebrations, card games and arts and crafts. Three home-cooked meals are served in the dining room on a daily basis and special diets are accommodated.
Family members are impressed by the staff who seem to truly care about each resident, with one reviewer saying, "I'd give Rosewood 100 stars if I was able Rosewood is truly amazing. Such compassionate care - with an emphasis on compassionate. I trust them. They have been a godsend."
Sensations Memory Care Residence provides short- and long-term accommodations for seniors 60 and older in the Charlotte area. It's a family-owned community with over 75 years of working exclusively with seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. The staff is expert at helping individuals with extensive needs, especially during times of confusion and disorientation. For seniors who want to participate, there is a calendar packed with daily activities designed to entertain residents and keep them active and engaged. In addition to licensed staff and proximity to at least four major hospitals, Sensations has on-call and visiting medical professionals, including dentists and speech therapists. When residents feel like pampering themselves or want to look good for a special date, they can make an appointment with the on-site beautician.
Family and friends love the complete, compassionate care that the staff provides, and they enjoy the food. One writes, "The staff is great and it is always clean and smells nice. The food is all home cooked meals. I have had lunch with my family member several times and it has always tasted good!"
A Trilogy senior living community, The Willows at East Lansing offers multiple levels of care in a safe, homelike atmosphere. Armed with a clinical understanding of Alzheimers and other forms of dementia, its team of experts provides specialized memory care services designed to meet the needs not only of its residents, but their families as well. Innovative programs are in place to promote seniors' overall well-being and allow them to live in comfort and with dignity. The Best Friends approach promotes emotional connection, while the Daily Rhythms program helps maintain a healthy routine for residents through regularly scheduled tasks and activities. Family involvement is encouraged through the Family Forum support group, and regular updates and shared information are available via the communitys LifeShare program. Care plans are supported by nutritious dining options, which feature chef-prepared meals, scheduled themed celebrations and monthly family gatherings.
Families love how the staff treats residents with respect and patience, and one says, "Excellent care of my mother, even when she has been very difficult. Clean, well-maintained facility. Friendly and caring staff. Reviewers appreciate that nurses regularly check on residents at the on-site health clinic, and therapists demonstrate a cheerful attitude.
Located off state route 59 just a few blocks away from the Kroger shopping plaza, Vista Springs Astounding Joy is an all-inclusive independent living, assisted living, and memory care community. Each resident is treated to the Full of Life experience carefully crafted by Vista Springs to provide residents with entertainment, assistance, and healthcare. Memory care community residents live in private rooms and access to the patented Rediscovery Program to target the individual challenges of dementia and/or Alzheimers that each resident faces. The goal is to work with the person instead of focusing on fighting against the disease. A 24/7 security system is in place to keep residents safe and they are free to visit the on-site salon, dining hall and library with proper assistance.
Reviews of Vista Springs Astounding Joy are positive with one family member stating, "The caregivers are fantastic, and "Everyone there is attentive and friendly. Another reviewer echoed these thoughts adding, "The residence is kept very clean and the residents have many fun activities to make their stay a happy experience.
Vista Springs Majestic Bliss is a bright and cheerful assisted living and memory care community in the heart of Lansing, MI, very close to local restaurants, theaters and shops. Residents receive personalized care catered to their needs, including medication management and physical therapy. Every apartment has its own full-sized stove and refrigerator so seniors who like to cook can continue doing so. The spacious apartments boast private bathrooms and a 24-hour security system for peace of mind. The community is pet-friendly and visitors are welcome to spend time with their loved ones. Residents can not only enjoy concierge service but also restaurant and VIP dining with fresh, modern cuisine. The cafe/pub are popular hangout spots, as well as the Imprés Salon & Spa, library and outdoor patio. Residents can spend their days outside in the courtyard or inside by the fireplace.
Residents and families appreciate the range of activities and amenities at Vista Springs Majestic Bliss. "They have a baby grand piano in the main area, and sometimes people would get to singing. When you walk in to the right, there is a little meet and greet place for the people that live there," one family member said.
Vista Springs Timber Ridge Village is located in a quiet residential area of East Lansing, MI, just minutes from Timber Ridge Golf Club and beautiful Park Lake. The memory care community offers a tight-knit neighborhood with personalized assistance for physical therapy, clinical services and medication management. There is a 24-hour security system so residents and their families can feel safe and well taken care of in spacious, modern living areas. The pet-friendly community provides concierge service and beauty services with the on-site Imprés Salon. Animal therapy is popular with residents, as well as the variety of live entertainment and guest speakers. The community has sunrooms, outdoor decks and fireplaces for a relaxing and welcoming environment, while restaurant and bar dining allows seniors to socialize with their neighbors and loved ones. Residents also appreciate organized weekly outings.
Residents and families at Vista Springs Timber Ridge Village acknowledge the safe and secure environment, made better by the considerate staff who go above and beyond. "The facilities are clean, comfortable, and inviting. The staff is friendly, caring, and professional; they provide excellent care. The food is the best of any facility my father has resided in," one family member said.