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 Lubbock’s senior population continues to grow (11.24% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Lubbock, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by an astounding 166% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 18.84%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly higher than the rest of the nation (7.71% in Lubbock 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 Lubbock. 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 Lubbock, 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:
Carillon is Lubbocks only LifeCare community, offering a full continuum of health care on a large, inviting campus. The property gives seniors over 30 different residence options, including one- to three-bedroom apartments and freestanding cottages and villas. Carillon is also the first memory care community in the state of Texas to receive designation as an Im Still Here Center of Excellence. This transformational approach uses evidence-based training programs for residents living with Alzheimers disease or dementia to create an engaging environment that promotes an increased quality of life and a decreased need for antipsychotic medications. Caregivers are specially trained in communication methods that calm residents and help manage anxiety and aggression, lessening the need for pharmacological intervention. Residents and their families reconnect through music, art, film and poetry. A specially designed neighborhood with therapeutic gardens and plentiful opportunities to participate in activities that focus on residents intact capabilities provide residents with ways to grow and flourish.
The clean, well-maintained facility and friendly caregivers receive high praise from family members. "My aunt has lived at Carillon for many years and loves her apartment. We are truly blessed that she lives in such an amazing place, says one woman.
Managed by 12 Oaks Senior Living, Legacy Ranch offers a person-centered model of memory care in a homelike residential setting. The signature Symphony of Life program orchestrates the entire community to accommodate residents needs and builds upon their strengths, helping them achieve their fullest potential every day. Caregivers work closely with families to forge relationships of trust with residents to help them stay connected to their life stories. Custom-tailored service plans incorporate individual interests and abilities with activities, such as creative art expression, musical entertainment, fitness classes and local outings. The property provides a beautifully landscaped outdoor area with covered verandas and a courtyard in the center of the community. Indoors, residents gather in several comfortable TV lounges, a fireside library, an activity room and a beauty salon and barber shop. Residents live in private studios or shared companion suites and dine on a diverse menu of healthy meals served restaurant-style.
Family members appreciate the clean, well-maintained facility and friendly, accommodating staff. One son shares, "My mother was a resident for about three years. She was always treated with respect and love. We were always satisfied with her care and never had to worry.
New Haven Assisted Living and Memory Care of San Angelo has a quiet residential location near San Angelo Community Medical Center, San Angelo Regional Airport and the Loop 306 interchange in San Angelo, Texas. Each of the facilitys two houses accommodates 16 residents and features a simplified layout where all suites open up directly to a common area. This keeps residents oriented and connected with neighbors and gives them easy access to community amenities. Residents can watch TV in the living area, socialize during mealtimes in the dining room and relax outdoors while sitting on the patio. Activities include book clubs, crafting, bingo, movies and live music as well as physical exercises, outings and spiritual activities. The facilitys memory care program keeps residents cognitively active through aromatherapy, the Music and Memory program and other stimulating activities.
Family members praise the exceptional staff of New Haven of San Angelo. A residents daughter says, "They are always very friendly, caring and ready to assist with any needs I observe them moving and going at all times, making sure the residents are comfortable and safe. My Mothers room is beautiful and seems more like an upscale hotel room.
At Orchard Park of Permian Basin, residents can relax and socialize in the communitys well-stocked library or work on projects in the dedicated arts and crafts area. This facilitys impressive amenities continue outside, with a courtyard featuring comfortable patio furniture and an outdoor fireplace set into a dramatic, red stone hearth. Memory care residents can choose 320-square-foot studios and 325-square-foot companion suites, including en-suite bathrooms. Orchard Park offers a research-based memory care program with a focus on fitness, social connections, consistent routines and a sense of security. Residents in this neighborhood use the Wander Guard system to ensure safety and have access to specially trained memory care staff 24/7. Nutrition is a top priority at Orchard Park, and residents can choose from a wide array of choices thanks to the daily alternate menu. The culinary staff happily accommodates any special dietary requirements as needed.
This facility takes extra care to ensure that all of its activities are meaningful. One reviewer writes, "The activity calendars were packed with things to do for both the memory and the assisted living. They had service dogs come in and exercise classes. What I liked is the calendar explained what that particular activity was trying to develop or encourage."
Wisteria Place is a retirement community that provides seniors in the early stages of memory loss with convenient access to a wide array of health care services in a safe, secure environment. Residents' private apartments are adjacent to a spacious courtyard just steps away from the facility's brain fitness center. The event calendar includes specialized activities designed to engage the senses and support groups for family members. Between art classes, cooking demonstrations, card games and group excursions, seniors of all preferences can find a personally rewarding activity to stay busy. In addition to personal care assistance, Wisteria Place offers specialized therapy services, such as speech-language therapy and electrical stimulation for swallowing dysfunction.
The community receives consistent praise for its well-maintained accommodations. One online reviewer said, "The staff is really friendly and professional. My mom is in a suite, and it is really nice. She likes the food How the staff is concerned about my mother stands out to me."