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 Lexington's senior population continues to grow (22.92% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Lexington, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by 15.79% between 2014 and 2019. The number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 21.85%. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (8.03% in Lexington 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 Lexington. 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 Lexington, 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:
Wellmore of Lexington offers independent living, assisted living and memory care, with a focus on wellness and quality of life. This community provides individualized care for seniors experiencing dementia and employs the Reflections Memory Care program, engaging residents in a variety of activities to help keep their minds active. Numerous indoor common areas are available for seniors to enjoy as well as beautifully landscaped outdoor courtyards. A therapy pool provides an opportunity for seniors to participate in water-based activities and programs. For optimal safety and peace of mind, the grounds are secured 24/7, and licensed nurses are available around the clock to assist residents with medical care and daily living. The dining experience in this community features chef-prepared, dietitian-approved homestyle meals.
Residents and their families praise the amenities, the dining and the highly trained staff. The daughter of resident says, "Beautiful community and amazing team members! I couldn't be happier about having my mom live here. The food's great, the activities are constant and she absolutely loves the indoor pool! I would highly recommend Wellmore to anyone."
Carolina Gardens at Lexington offers assisted living and memory care with an emphasis on safety, comfort and life enrichment. The beautifully landscaped walking paths and courtyards give residents and their families a place to enjoy the outdoors. Nursing and care staff are available 24/7 to assist residents with all aspects of daily living, and dentists, podiatrists, physical therapists and other health professionals make frequent visits. This community uses Along the Journey, a dementia care program that emphasizes high-quality, individualized care to achieve the greatest possible quality of life for residents. The team at Carolina Gardens receives specialized, dementia-specific training and develops a care plan for each resident based on individual needs, abilities and preferences. This community incorporates a daily routine and provides a variety of activities to encourage engagement and social interaction.
Residents and their families speak highly of the caring, attentive staff as well as the excellent dining. One reviewer comments, "The entire staff has been extremely helpful and supportive since we first walked in the door. I truly feel 'peace of mind' knowing that my parents are well taken care of by the staff. Both of my parents have enjoyed the variety of meals prepared in the dining room."
Oakleaf Village of Lexington is an assisted living and memory care community where seniors can live independently while receiving personalized support designed around their needs. A care team is available 24/7 to offer assistance with ambulation, medication administration and the activities of daily living. Residents can take advantage of transportation to doctor's appointments, a laundry and housekeeping service, and restaurant-style dining with a regularly updated menu of chef-prepared meals. The community also offers a monthly calendar of scheduled activities and events, giving residents of all abilities and levels of mobility something to look forward to such as crafts, puzzle groups, worship, chair yoga, beauty treatments, coffee mornings and musical entertainment.
Family members speak highly of the staff and the quality of care they provide, saying they treat the residents "like they are their family." The quality of the accommodation is also praised, with loved ones saying that it "feels and looks like a four star hotel on the inside."
Harbison Shores is an assisted living community that enables seniors with memory care needs to live together in a safe and stimulating environment managed by skilled caregivers who work directly with each resident. Those with dementia and related conditions receive support throughout the day with meals, personal hygiene routines and daily medication. Harbison Shores allows each person living there to decorate their apartment with furniture and other personal items. Residents can use an on-site barber shop and beauty salon, enjoy outdoor spaces including a garden and patio area or watch television in an open media room. Dining services are resort-style and meals are adjusted to each resident's tastes and health conditions. This community's 24/7 security services keep residents protected and prevent wandering.
Several residents and their families have good impressions of Harbor Shores. One person writes, "My father has moved into Harbison Shores. It's like a home away from home. He's well adapted. He's in the memory care unit. The staff is wonderful, professional, and caring."
Rapha Residential Care offers assisted living and memory care in a quiet, small-town setting. Situated on 9 acres of peaceful countryside, this community is designed to feel like home. Short-term and long-term care are available, and an experienced team of professionals assists residents with their daily life activities, with the goal of maintaining dignity, encouraging independence and enhancing quality of life. Residents have access to on-site health services, such as lab work, X-rays, EKGs and podiatry. The culinary team creates healthy meals each day and is able to accommodate dietary restrictions. Inside the building, there are sitting areas and an activity room, and outdoors, gardens, walking paths and gazebos offer opportunities for residents to enjoy nature.
Residents and their families praise the kind, compassionate staff at Rapha Residential Care as well as the activities offered and the cleanliness of the building. One reviewer remarks: "The facility is terrific and the staff really cares about the people they work with. They have a physician that comes once a month. The rooms are very nice, clean, and comfortable, but not fancy. The residents have lots of activities."
HarborChase of Columbia is situated in a quiet community that promotes a peaceful memory care environment. Community programming is administered through The Cove, which offers a wide variety of activities for residents including customized care programs that incorporate puzzle building, yoga and other group fitness options. Cognitive stimulation is encouraged through group discussions and creative arts activities. The community emphasizes familiar surroundings and easily navigated areas to create a comfortable environment for residents. The community also encourages family members to participate in on-site events and activities to maintain strong connections with seniors.
Reviews of this community mention the ideal location and the quality of programming. Amenities and activities are also common points of note. One reviewer says, "We like HarborChase of Columbia. It was clean. It was safe for Alzheimer's patients. We were all very happy that all the.[residents].were happy there. The staff that was there at HarborChase was wonderful."
Generations of Irmo is a pet-friendly, pond-front community with mountain lodge-inspired interior spaces that include a majestic lounge with soaring ceilings, a grand piano, a stone fireplace and wall-mounted stag heads. With 24-hour staffing, secured entrances and a gated courtyard, this locally owned community's 15-bed memory care unit provides seniors experiencing dementia-related conditions with safe outdoor and indoor living environments, daily home-cooked meals and scheduled mind-stimulating activities. Its in-house memory care team uses volunteered insights and communications from each resident's trusted relatives and friends to provide person-centered around-the-clock support, including assistance with mood regulation and medication management. The community's cinema gallery is open 24/7 for residents and their guests to use for private movie viewings. Free on-site parking is available, and the community sits on 10 acres of tranquil wooded grounds.
"We talked to the residents, and they said [the community] has very good food service," remarked a visiting couple. A resident's daughter commended the staff and said, "I feel so blessed to have my mother cared for by such an extraordinary group of people They go out of their way to reassure her and make sure she is happy."
The Harmony Collection at Columbia offers independent living, assisted living and memory care, with a focus on meaningful connection and authentic relationships. This community uses the "Best Friends" approach to dementia care, which encourages interaction and a sense of camaraderie among residents. Highly trained caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with medical needs as well as daily living, and a state-of-the-art emergency call system is in place to ensure that residents have access to acute care if required. Daily activities range from ice cream socials and crafts to exercise classes and movie screenings. Residents can gather to enjoy healthy meals made from fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
Residents and their families appreciate the attentive staff, the variety of activities offered and the cleanliness of the building. One reviewer comments, "The accommodations are impeccably clean, comfortable and well-maintained, and the staff has proved both caring and reliable. There are plenty of activities to enjoy, and the folks there are always looking for new ways to keep the days interesting."
The Blake at Woodcreek Farms is a memory care and assisted living community located in the small town of Elgin in central South Carolina. Memory care residents benefit from customized care plans that coordinate amenities, wellness interventions and non-invasive monitoring to support a holistic approach to their care. Organized and informal opportunities for residents to socialize are planned daily to keep memory care residents engaged. The Blake has a tastefully modern exterior with large windows showcasing the surrounding woodlands and a secure landscaped courtyard. The community offers restaurant-style, chef-prepared dining and 24/7 nursing care. Short-term respite care and in-house physical or occupational therapy are also available.
Family members appreciate the enjoyable activities at The Blake at Woodcreek Farms and mention the cleanliness of this community. One says, "The staff is nice and attentive to the needs of the residents. They offer a good variety of meals that are appealing.We would recommend this community for the care.of a loved one."
Seniors in Wildewood Downs Reflections memory care neighborhood enjoy person-centered care that encourages an active, independent lifestyle in a luxury residential environment. Caretakers specialize in meeting the unique needs of Alzheimer's and dementia residents, providing 24/7 medication management, bathing, dressing and mobility assistance as required. Common areas are designed to be spacious and easily maneuverable, allowing residents to move freely. Dieticians and chefs develop personalized meal plans that meet the nutritional needs of each senior, and the community offers a wide range of wellness programs and activities that keep residents engaged physically, emotionally and mentally, helping them to use their memories and cognitive skills. The pet-friendly campus includes a gym, hair salon, and pool, and transportation is provided to off-site doctor visits and outings.
Reviewers commend the professional, caring staff and the attractive community. One family member comments, "Wildewood Downs is the best retirement community in the area! Their staff is always friendly, professional, and goes above and beyond to make this tough transition easier. I appreciate all of the smiles and the community is absolutely gorgeous!"
Mill Creek Manor Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living and memory care in a welcoming, family-oriented environment. The highly trained staff creates individualized care plans for residents experiencing dementia and assists them with daily living activities as well as medication management. This community also uses personal emergency response system pendants to ensure residents receive prompt medical care when necessary. Housekeeping and laundry services are provided, and beauty and barbering services are available on-site. A licensed nutritionist oversees the dining program to support the health and wellness of residents. Programs and activities are planned regularly, and residents' families are invited to participate. The recreation and multipurpose rooms are cozy indoor gathering areas, while the outdoor gardens, walking paths and patios provide peaceful spaces to enjoy the outdoors.
Residents and their families praise the kind, caring staff and the wide variety of activities and amenities. One reviewer writes, "A beautiful place to call home for my mom! I can't say enough great things about this community. The care, activities, and staff are all amazing. Highly recommend!"
Colonial Gardens Alzheimer's Special Care Center provides memory care in a serene setting located near Columbia's Riverfront Park. Residents can stroll through the community's enclosed pathways and gardens to safely enjoy the outdoors. The community's Memory Care Life Enrichment Program employs music therapy, aromatherapy and life skills stations. Personal care services include health monitoring, medication management and assistance with bathing and grooming. Residents can enjoy daily social opportunities in both large group and small group settings. These opportunities include physical activities, such as armchair yoga and strength training, or social opportunities, such as gardening and crafts. The sensory spa's stimulating services can help relieve residents' tension and agitation. This community also offers around-the-clock dining, with chef-prepared, gourmet menu options that cater to a variety of dietary preferences.
People love Colonial Gardens Alzheimer's Special Care Center's caring and friendly staff, which one reviewer describes as "extremely knowledgable." A resident's wife adds, "We're very happy with everything. They're very caring and very friendly. We don't have any complaints. His room is a nice size. He seems to really like the food."
Lakeside Place Senior Living is a locally owned and managed community serving the Lexington area. The team provides a nurturing and stimulating environment through a blend of personalized care plans, vibrant programming, and a secure memory care wing. Lakeside Place's memory care program enriches the lives of seniors dealing with the challenges of Alzheimer's and other cognitive conditions. An activities director creates monthly calendars filled with physical exercises, creative classes, devotional services and birthday celebrations. Vibrant living is supported by healthy, flavorful dining options, and the director of food services ensures that everyday menus incorporate residents' taste preferences and dietary requirements.
Residents and families describe Lakeside Place as ideal for loved ones with memory issues. They commend the care, respect and love shown by the staff. One says, "This place is awesome and the staff is wonderful. My father-in-law is well taken care of here. I feel like family when I walk in the place. I am grateful to have found you guys."
Westminster Memory Care at Lexington supports residents through the Cognitive Lifestyle approach, accommodating residents in two identical, single-level neighborhoods that support smooth transitions to a higher level of care. This community is about 10 miles from Lexington Medical Center's main campus and a conveniently short drive from Columbia. All private suites have their own bathrooms, and purposefully designed features include indoor aviaries, virtual aquariums, natural skylights and smart lighting for a calming environment. Each resident's plan of care is individualized and assessed every 90 days to ensure its accuracy as the client's needs change. Registered nurses and certified nursing assistants are present 24/7 and specially trained in dementia care to provide person-centered assistance. Westminster Lexington's wellness programming offers regular activities, such as iN2L, Wii and courtyard games, pet therapy, gardening, music entertainment and Saturday soirees.
A resident's daughter praises all staff members at Westminster Memory Care of Lexington for making a difference in the residents' lives. She writes, "Wonderful people on every level. I saw a smile on my Mama's face for the first time in a long time. So very thankful we found you. Highly recommend."