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 Little Rock’s senior population continues to grow (6.76% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Little Rock, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 42.29% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 13.7%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (9.38% in Little Rock vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered price information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of Memory Care in Little Rock and 5 other cities in Arkansas.
The impact of inflation on memory care costs in Little Rock is undeniable. From 2022 to 2023, memory care expenses in the city escalated by around 10.5%, a rate that mirrors the national average. 2024 projections suggest a continued inflationary trend, with an estimated average cost of $5,385 in Arkansas and $5,808 in Little Rock. Compared to the neighboring cities of Bentonville, Jonesboro and Fort Smith, the figures underscore the importance of financial planning, especially considering all three experienced a similar rise of roughly 10.5%.
Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
---|---|---|---|
Little Rock | $4,877 | $5,384 | $5,808 |
U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
Arkansas | $4,922 | $5,056 | $5,385 |
Bentonville | $4,572 | $5,048 | $5,446 |
Jonesboro | $4,529 | $5,000 | $5,394 |
Fort Smith | $7,142 | $7,885 | $8,506 |
In Little Rock, the cost of different care types exhibit clear distinctions. Assisted living is priced at $4,220, presenting a moderate option. Memory care, at $5,384, commands a higher cost due to the specialized care provided for individuals with cognitive needs. Conversely, independent living comes in at $2,713, offering a more budget-friendly alternative. The cost variations are influenced by the services provided, level of care and amenities offered by each.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making memory care more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Arkansas.
There are plenty of support options available for retirees in Little Rock, AR. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the type of care they provide for easy reference.
For more information about resources throughout the state and in nearby cities, we recommend visiting the Arkansas state page on memorycare.com.
In Little Rock, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Little Rock | 501-396-9952 | Arkansas Local Food Network connects local farmers with families in need through our food pantry. We offer a variety of locally grown produce for purchase online and in-person. Our goal is to make nutritious food accessible to all, so we provide discounted prices for SNAP recipients. Families can join our organization for free, expanding their access to fresh and healthy options. Order online from Sunday to Wednesday and pick up on Saturdays for ultimate convenience. |
Little Rock Compassion Center Food Bank | 501-296-9114 | The Little Rock Compassion Center in Little Rock, AR provides food assistance to those in need. Emergency groceries are available every Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m. Hot meals are served daily for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Through this program, nearly 200,000 meals are provided each year to individuals facing food insecurity. |
In Little Rock, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Home Equipment Loan Program (HELP) - Little Rock 1 | 501-568-5313 | Goodwill Industries of Arkansas provides a convenient service for residents in need of medical equipment. Their retail stores across the state offer easy access to necessary equipment, especially for seniors. To avail of this service, simply visit a local store and complete a HELP request, specifying the required item. If available, the item can be taken home immediately. |
Arkansas Increasing Capabilities Access Network (iCAN) - Little Rock | 800-828-2799 | CAN is committed to improving the quality of life for seniors and residents in Arkansas. Our AT Reuse program provides affordable or no-cost assistive technology solutions. We collect and distribute pre-owned medical equipment to individuals in need. |
In Little Rock, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Houseaboutit Community and Economic Development Agency - Little Rock | 844-502-9837 | Houseaboutit Community and Economic Development Agency, founded in 2007, is a nonprofit organization with 501(c)(3) status. Our goal is to support seniors in attaining financial stability through a range of initiatives. We offer personal finance education, practical assistance, and individual consultations. Our committed team assists seniors in uncovering potential public benefits and provides guidance throughout the application process via our Benefit Enrollment Centers. |
Section 504 Home Repair Program - Little Rock | 501-301-3200 | The Section 504 Home Repair Program is open to rural Arkansas homeowners. It grants up to $10,000 to individuals aged 62 and above. The funds are intended to address health and safety hazards in the home, creating a safe living space. |
In Little Rock, there are several organizations offering cost-effective or free legal aid to senior citizens. They provide advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills, and power of attorney. Some also champion the rights of the elderly in long-term care establishments.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Arkansas Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program - Little Rock | 501-372-5300 | If families have concerns about the well-being of their loved ones in a memory care facility in Little Rock, they can file a complaint with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman. The Ombudsman will investigate and work towards a resolution involving all parties. They also assist families in finding local long-term care communities, providing access to inspection records and guidance on care financing options for seniors and their families. |
Center for Arkansas Legal Services - Little Rock | 800-950-5817 | The Center for Arkansas Legal Services is a nonprofit organization that offers assistance to seniors in 44 counties across Arkansas, including Little Rock. Our team of legal experts provides support in various civil legal matters, including family law, consumer debt problems, evictions, estate planning, powers of attorney, and denied government benefit applications. Visit our website for helpful legal information and self-help resources. |
In Little Rock, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
LifeQuest of Arkansas | 501-225-6073 | LifeQuest of Arkansas has been supporting older adults in the greater Little Rock region since 1981. Our organization helps seniors find purpose and fulfillment in their golden years through free college-style classes. With four terms per year, our diverse range of courses, from finance to literature, cater to various interests. Join us at LifeQuest for a journey of lifelong learning and personal growth. |
AARP Mountain Home Chapter | 866-554-5379 | Mountain Home's AARP Chapter provides a variety of services and activities designed for adults aged 50 and above. The center offers informative workshops on finances, taxes, health, and technology. Additionally, the nonprofit organization arranges recreational events like seasonal gatherings, movie screenings, and support groups, promoting social connections among seniors in Mountain Home. |
Alzheimer's Association Arkansas Chapter - Little Rock | 800-272-3900 | The Little Rock chapter of the Alzheimer's Association provides a wide range of programs and services to assist seniors with dementia and their caregivers, especially those who are unpaid. With the help of volunteers, the organization offers respite care for family caregivers, along with ongoing education and advocacy initiatives. |
In Little Rock, there are establishments ready to assist seniors with limited income facing challenges with home upkeep expenses, such as energy and utility bills. Emergency financial support might be available for individuals threatened with utility disconnection due to outstanding payments.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Arkansas Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Little Rock | 501-682-0744 | The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program in Arkansas offers assistance to low-income seniors in covering their home heating and cooling costs. Qualified individuals can receive ongoing benefits or crisis aid to avoid energy or fuel supply disconnection. |
In Little Rock, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs - Little Rock | 501-683-2382 | The Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs is committed to providing veterans and their eligible dependents with convenient access to various benefits at the county, state, and federal levels. These benefits encompass vital healthcare services, improved pension programs, and respectful burial honors. Our veteran service officers are ready to offer valuable support to those applying for VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound programs. These pension programs can assist in covering assisted living expenses. |
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 Little Rock, 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:
Avenir Memory Care at Little Rock is situated in the ranch area of West Little Rock and provides specialized memory care in a home-like setting. Residents are grouped based on cognitive ability as functional needs change, and highly qualified dementia and Alzheimer's professionals are available to assist with daily tasks 24/7. Memory care services include a round table meeting with the family to ensure personalized care and attention to detail. Active life engagement programs with resident-centered activities are provided, incorporating the seven dimensions of wellness for quality of life and enjoyment according to individual abilities. Meaningful activities include fitness classes, yoga, art sessions, off-site outings, gardening, therapeutic visits with miniature ponies and games to enhance cognitive function, such as crosswords and puzzles. Three chef-prepared meals are provided daily and intentional decor throughout each neighborhood allows residents to settle comfortably.
Family members commend the professional staff, saying they feel comfortable knowing their loved ones are in safe hands. One wife said, "The staff is very warm, very caring, they get to know the individual personally, and try to interact with him."
Brookdale Chenal Heights is a senior living community in Little Rock, Arkansas, that offers homey apartments and person-centered memory care services. Residents can enjoy landscaped outdoor spaces, including a gardening area and a secure outdoor courtyard to ensure safety, and indoor community spaces include the on-site salon and the community library. The community offers six scheduled activities a day ranging from fitness classes to paint n' sip socials. A 24-hour security system ensures security, and qualified staff on-site provide assistance with daily activities at any time. Memory care residents take part in the Clare Bridge program, which delivers person-centric care that takes into account seniors' personal preferences.
Residents enjoy the communal spirit and the quality of the amenities provided. One family member writes, "The staff truly treats their residents like family. They are extremely kind to residents as well as families and go out of their way to accommodate your needs and wishes. The food is exceptional."
A relaxing environment awaits seniors at Elmcroft of Maumelle, a single-story community located in a serene residential area. Elderly adults faced with the challenges of Alzheimer's and other cognitive issues can find solace in the nurturing memory care neighborhood. Easy-to-navigate indoor and outdoor spaces are closely monitored, with regular security checks in place to keep residents safe and address wandering behaviors. The community employs a high staff-to-resident ratio,, and caregivers are specially trained to manage unique traits related to memory loss, including communication problems and isolation. Elmcroft's Chronicles program provides structured guided activities that support wellness and provide a safe level of independence. There are several activities that residents can choose from, such as music, crafts and gardening, designed around individual hobbies and past experiences. Families are regularly updated about loved ones' personal progress.
Family members routinely praise the quality of care at Elmcroft of Maumelle. A husband writes, "They're quite concerned about my wife and they're treating her very well. She has Alzheimer's and she needs specific care. My wife has no memory and so I wanted somebody that understood that and I felt like Elmcroft was better at that job."
Encore at West Little Rock is a long-term care facility with memory care. There are five signature programs all residents can enjoy at Encore: group cooking classes to foster community and maintain skills, technology classes that help improve residents' mental elasticity as they learn how to use new tech, game days to reduce depression and stimulate fine motor function and cognitive ability, special technology connection programs to keep residents in touch with each other and their families, and unique offerings such as pet therapy to boost mental health, encourage physical movement, improve verbal and social skills, and much more. Residents of the memory care community, called The Retreat, have access to all these therapies as well as ones specialized just for them. The Retreat focuses on daily routines and familiar surroundings for its residents, specially designed to reduce agitation from negative input and distractions. Encore also develops unique plans for memory care residents who require more individualized attention.
One online reviewer said, "Wonderful place for your family. Great team of workers providing excellent care."
Set in a wooded area of Little Rock lies Fox Ridge Luxury Senior Living. Highly trained dementia and Alzheimer's staff provide daily assistance to memory care residents and aid with meals, dressing, bathing and other daily tasks. Fox Ridge offers enriching activities which stimulate the mind, body and spirit, including games to enhance cognition, fitness classes and physical therapy sessions, arts and crafts, walking club, yoga, bingo, religious services and gardening. Refreshments on the patio are provided frequently, with three chef-prepared meals served daily in the dining room. There is also a private dining area for special occasions. The memory care staff works closely with family members to develop individual plans that reduce confusion and stress. The safety of residents is managed with emergency response systems, shower safety features and secure buildings.
Residents compliment the staff and amenities as well as the meals. One family member comments, "I'm very pleased with the care and the staff out there. The community is very friendly; the whole place is very clean. Really good place."
The specially trained dementia and Alzheimer's disease caregivers at Memory Care of Little Rock at Good Shepherd maximize resident independence, functionality and social engagement while minimizing senior frailty, falls and dehydration. They work closely with physicians and memory decline specialists to create routine-based care plans that diminish each senior's aggressive behaviors and incorporate speech, physical and occupational therapy as needed. Each resident's customized care plan matches them with other community members who have similar functional abilities to increase overall social engagement levels. Each day, residents participate in exercise, faith-based activities, reminiscing and sensory stimulation activities. Personal time is also included in each resident's routine, and brain fitness and art and music therapy are scheduled regularly.
Family members are pleased, saying "They get to know each resident and strive to enrich days with meaningful activities; encouraging socialization and friendship. Knowledgeable in dementia, the trained staff helped my family understand and navigate this heartbreaking disease. I love that family is encouraged to participate in festive events such as holiday luncheons and birthday parties."
Ginny and Bob Shell Alzheimer's Center at Parkway Village provides comfort to individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia and memory loss issues. The trained caregivers assist the residents with living a healthy lifestyle with a myriad of physical and wellness activities to stimulate their brains. Activities customized as per the individual abilities of residents help them with memory and skill retention and helps them live a purposeful and dignified life. The staff shares the health progress of residents with their families through a monthly family support group. Licensed nurses monitor the health of residents regularly and administer medications as per prescription. The community provides secured entrances and exits, a security alarm system, fire sprinklers, smoke detectors and an emergency call system for the safety of residents. Residents can savor chef-prepared nutritious and delicious meals that adhere to specific dietary requirements.
Residents and families love the plentiful amenities at the community. One writes, "My parents have been in Parkway Village since April. They have a swimming pool, pool tables, exercise room, beauty shop, and small convenience store inside. They provide an on-site physician, three meals a day, and shuttle service. The staff is very friendly."