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 Macon’s senior population continues to grow (13.66% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Macon, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 4.92% between 2014 and 2019, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (0.89% in Macon 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 Macon. 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 Macon, 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:
Alexander IV Senior Living is an assisted living and memory care community providing personalized care services to residents. Its Generations memory care program uses methods such as intergenerational programming, connecting residents with the larger community and acclimating individuals with food and music from their pasts. Assisted living services are available for residents needing help with various daily activities, such as hygiene, eating or mobility. Residents at Alexander IV Senior Living enjoy chef-prepared meals as well as activities that include cooking demonstrations and recipe exchanges. Seniors have a choice of multiple floorplans at this community and can create personal care plans to accommodate their unique needs.
The Optional Life program at Alexander IV Senior Living enables residents to plan activities and engage with their friends and family members. Units come equipped with private bathrooms and kitchenettes, and residents can enjoy community social spaces and an activity room.
Alexander IV Senior Living is located in the historic building of a former elementary school in Macon, GA. Its GENERATIONS memory care program focuses on providing secure living space, highly trained 24-hour care staff, assistance with daily activities and various therapies for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's. Residents can take part in the community's Vibrant Life program, which allows them to create a daily schedule based on their own interests, preferences, routines and abilities. In the private dining room, three homestyle meals are prepared by culinary chefs each day from a variety of flavorful menu options. Gardening, billiard games, exercise classes and social outings are some of the activities available to keep residents busy throughout the day. Weekly housekeeping and laundry services ensure rooms are kept clean and tidy.
Alexander IV Senior Living is a welcoming community that strives to provide residents with personalized and supportive care programs, so they can live their lives with vibrancy and dignity. Its modern amenities and services are designed to meet the unique needs and lifestyles of seniors.
Conveniently located in Central Georgia near several interesting landmarks, Antebellum Grove Senior Living offers a homelike environment for those seeking assisted living and memory care options. Seniors experiencing Alzheimers or dementia benefit from The Retreat memory care, a comprehensive program that combines professional care, a safe environment and thoughtful wellness programs. The robust events calendar features a variety of fun activities that are rotated monthly to sustain residents interest and excitement. The culinary team ensures that residents are getting the necessary nutrients needed to enhance physical and mental health by using the best ingredients and customizing meals according to dietary needs. Services also include on-site therapy and podiatry, as well as transportation to medical appointments. Adding to Antebellum Groves modern health system is an in-house pharmacy and medication management program.
Family members like that the staff treats loved ones like families. A residents wife sees writes, "My husband is in The Retreat memory care unit and we have been beyond pleased with the staff, the care given and the facility itself. If you are looking for a safe, engaging, loving environment where they will treat your loved one with dignity and respect, THIS is your place.
Located about a mile from Atrium Health Hospital, Antebellum Senior Living is minutes away from local amenities in Macon, including the Cherokee Shopping Center and the Town & Country Shopping Center. This pet-friendly community has a variety of programs that focus on mental and physical wellness while simultaneously encouraging social connection. Activities are based on residents personal preferences and designed to spark inspiration and self-expression. The community chef and kitchen staff prepare healthy meals three times a day and can use family recipes to spark fond memories. Various types of medical care are also available on-site, such as rehabilitation therapy and podiatry. Family or friends are welcome to stay in the community guest room so they can spend more time with their loved one.
Reviewers like the community dining experience and the activities. "Antebellum on Arlington Place is a very pleasant place. My mom likes it and is really doing well there," reports one daughter. "They're doing therapy with her, and their meals are excellent. Mom loves the activities, like musical groups, storytellers, and field trips to things that are going on in Macon.
Carlyle Place, Navicent Health is located in the quiet, welcoming community of Macon, about 10 miles away from the city center. A dementia-certified, compassionate staff works around the clock to assist seniors with the activities of daily living, such as eating, bathing, dressing and managing medications. The staff helps develop personalized care plans for each resident, ensuring each one receives medical and mental support that respects individual needs and preferences. Living areas are specifically designed for residents to move around with ease; the center also features a 24/7 emergency call system, and transportation for events and medical appointments is available. Three delicious meals are served every day in a family-style dining room, and seniors have access to an on-site beauty salon. Residents can enjoy the outdoors by spending time in the communitys garden courtyards and develop fulfilling relationships with their neighbors through a variety of social and recreational programs, including activities that promote family participation.
Residents appreciate the communitys lively environment. "The Carlyle Place facility is exceptional quality The entire venue is immaculate and all of the staff are friendly and smiling," one visitor writes. "There are great activities for the residents to be involved in like swimming, water aerobics, arts and crafts, live music in the living room, and a full-service cafe.
Cherry Blossom Health Care Center is located in Macon, GA, just minutes away from retail shops, churches, health care services and other local conveniences. Along with treating respiratory, cardiac, renal and diabetic conditions, its 24-hour skilled nursing staff provides specialized care for seniors with Alzheimers and dementia. For residents coping with neurological conditions, orthopedic injuries or degenerative conditions, the center offers rehabilitative therapy to help them perform daily activities such as walking, speaking and swallowing. Seniors are encouraged to bring their favorite belongings from home to personalize their private or shared room. Nutritious meals and snacks are served throughout the day. Games, cookouts, birthday parties and walks in the courtyard are some of the activities that keep residents engaged. Other services available include an on-site beauty salon/barbershop, pharmacy and housekeeping.
Residents are cared for by supportive staff at Cherry Blossom. A family member of a resident expressed, "My dad was a patient there for a month, he went there for rehabilitation. He is doing a whole lot better. Thank you so much. The staff was very polite & extremely supportive about his health. Thanks a million."
Fountain Blue Rehab and Nursing is a senior living community conveniently situated in the country setting of Macon, Ga. It offers rehabilitation, medically complex and short or long-term care units, as well as private and semiprivate rooms. Nurses and doctors are available to assist those with cancer, respiratory diseases, disabilities and Alzheimer's or other cognitive impairments. Through a wide range of different therapies, seniors and disabled adults regain their strength, mobility and daily self-care skills. The community's hospice and respite services provide care for residents following a surgery, fall or accident. Group and individual activities such as games, exercises and walks in the private courtyard keep residents busy. The center's services also include housekeeping, laundry, free Wi-Fi, private parking and a beauty salon/barber shop.
People love the newly renovated spaces and friendly staff. One reviewer remarks, "New renovated state of the art facility. staff are excellent and friendly. Food is really gooood. Therapy seven days a week with PT, OT and Speech. Thanks"
The Harbor at Harmony Crossing provides a secure community for residents living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The staff oversees mind-stimulating activities regularly to enhance the well-being and comfort levels of seniors. Residents receive assistance with all aspects of daily living, including bathing and dressing, and gourmet-quality meals are served daily in the communal dining room. Religious services are held on-site regularly, and a theater and landscaped outdoor areas give residents a chance to enjoy entertainment and natural beauty as often as possible. Small pets are welcome to live with their owners in their memory care-specific one-bedroom apartments.
Family members recommend this community highly. One says, "My husband's mother has lived at the Harbor at Harmony Crossing for a year and she loves this place. She tells us often that she can not imagine living anywhere else. That gives us great peace of mind and heart."
Madison Heights at The Prado is in the northwest of Macon in a leafy green suburb. It is conveniently located near a number of health care facilities, including the Coliseum Northside Hospital. It is a specialized memory care community that focuses on giving seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia as much personalized care and assistance as needed while promoting dignity and respect. The community has a beautiful courtyard and garden for enjoying nature, as well as a variety of indoor communal areas for relaxing. Residents receive 24/7 care by trained professionals, which includes medication administration and management. There are various brain fitness and memory enhancement programs, designed to slow down cognitive decline. There is also a range of activities that are tailored to residents' individual interests and skills. The culinary team prepares three meals per day for residents to enjoy.
Family members appreciate the attentive care, with one reviewer saying, "We actually got to know how they do all of the activities to enhance brain stimuli for the residents. They cater to residents with Dementia or Alzheimers and have a very structured environment that has a secure door that residents cannot wander."
Southern Heritage provides a healthy and safe environment that helps assisted living and memory care residents maintain an independent lifestyle as much as possible. The community's full-time staff provides around-the-clock assistance with daily living activities such as laundry, hygiene and housekeeping. A personalized plan is developed for each senior, and caregivers are dedicated to supporting memory care residents with structured daily routines that encourage physical activity, cognitive sharpness and social interaction with their peers. Three home-cooked meals, as well as snacks, are served daily in the dining room. Activities include exercise, arts and crafts, bingo, dancing, painting, birthday parties and holiday celebrations. The community is located near churches, parks and shopping malls, and residents enjoy outings to restaurants and local fairs. Private and semi-private rooms are available and are equipped with 24/7 emergency medical alert systems for quick caregiver response.
The community receives praise for its quality of care. One daughter of a resident writes, "My Momma has dementia/Alzheimer's and has ben a resident for several years at Southern Heritage. I never worry about the care provided to my Momma. This has definitely given me peace of mind knowing that her care is top-notch!"
St. Francis Assisted Living Community is a senior memory care services provider in the heart of Macon, Georgia. Residents receive 24/7 assistance with all daily living activities, including bathing, dressing and eating. Housekeeping, maintenance, laundry and linen services are also performed for seniors by the community staff members. Freshly prepared meals are served each day, with customized dietary plans available for all residents. Group activities are scheduled each month to encourage memory care residents to remain as mentally and physically active as possible. A beauty parlor is available on-site, and the community has numerous emergency call systems in place for resident use. Small pets are welcome to live with their owners in their private or shared accommodations.
Visitors praise this community's efforts, with one saying, "The staff is wonderful. Small community. Lorna is a godsend. Being a small facility, the staff can give more attention to the residents." Another reviewer adds that the community is "nice and quiet" and describes the staff as "very warm and welcoming."
Summer's Landing of Warner Robins is a senior living community that offers a warm and caring environment. The memory care unit is specially designed for seniors who have cognitive impairment disorders; the layout features a number of amenities to help calm residents, such as a saltwater aquarium with tropical fish, an aviary filled with canaries, and a well-designed memory garden. All staff members are trained in the Teepa Snow method of caregiving, which focuses on nurturing the abilities and interests of residents. Caregivers are encouraged to spend time with residents and learn about their hobbies and histories to provide truly personalized care and assistance. Daily activities are tailored to each individual and may include time at activity stations, musical entertainment, pet therapy, gardening and cooking. Family members are encouraged to take part in social activities with residents.
Family members are impressed by the community's staff. "Summer's Landing has been such a blessing to my mom and our family. The accommodations are excellent, she enjoys the activities that are offered-she stays busy!" writes one daughter. "My calls are always answered from the staff and they go above and beyond on making sure Mom is satisfied and doing well."
Summerhill Senior Community is a residential community with memory care, assisted living and skilled nursing services. The community strives to maximize quality of life while respecting residents' dignity and independence. Caregivers are always available to help residents with activities of daily living, such as bathing, medications and mobility. All staff in the memory care neighborhood are specially trained in caring for residents with dementia, and specialized activities encourage cognitive stimulation. Quarterly care plan meetings include residents and families, and Summerhill coordinates on-site visits from dentists, physicians and therapists. The communal dining room serves three daily meals along with snacks, and staff help and encourage residents during meals. Amenities include cable television, an on-site beautician and Wi-Fi access. A secure outdoor courtyard and walking trails let residents spend time outdoors safely.
Families appreciate the knowledgeable staff. "I like the fact that they try to keep the same people on the hall along with the girls that help the nurses. My dad has memory issues and this seems to help with that," one son says. "I would recommend this faculty to anyone who was looking for a place for their family members."
At The Canopy at Warner Robbins, seniors can feel the welcoming environment through the Hearts Welcome program. The stress-free move-in process creates a sense of comfort for new residents, with a welcoming committee guiding them through the initial experience. For individuals living with cognitive conditions, the memory care neighborhood serves as a safe haven, with its homelike setting and secure living spaces. Residents are assured of attentive care from an around-the-clock clinical staff, and urgent issues are promptly addressed through the 24-hour emergency response system. The Canopys Heartful Care program responds to individual needs, and family involvement is encouraged through educational programs and support groups. The communitys Artful Dining program serves seniors healthy, appetizing meals in a stimulating setting and in the company of good friends.
Visitors find the whole team to be professional and caring, with one saying, "The Canopy is full of people who care immensely for their residents. From the director of nursing to the marketing team, all the way to the Executive Director, I have nothing but great things to say. The facility is a must-see. It truly is a unique and fun atmosphere.
The Phoenix at Lake Joy is a premium senior living community that offers luxury accommodation and state-of-the-art care technology. The memory care neighborhood provides a comfortable home-like setting that is located in a secure section of the community. A team of caregiving staff is available 24/7 to offer compassionate assistance and support to residents. The staff members are trained in managing the highs and lows of all levels and forms of dementia. The Live, Love, Learn program focuses on the six dimensions of wellness, and seniors are encouraged to take part in daily activities that promote spiritual, mental and physical strength. A familiar environment is created through memorabilia, home furnishings and active reminiscing. This environment helps to reduce confusion and assists in creating purpose and joy in each day for the residents. Complimentary scheduled transport is provided to medical appointments.
Family members praise the wonderful staff and activities with one saying, "My mother has been a memory care resident for nearly three years. She is well-loved and cared for at The Phoenix at Lake Joy. She loves all the activities and the staff. My sister and I consider the staff part of our extended family."
Watercrest Senior Living aims to promote wellness through the community design and in its programs and activities. Five specialty programs offering activities such as cooking, music and art are available to memory care residents. Another program focuses on reminiscing on memories, while animal lovers can enjoy pet therapy. A computer platform designed by dementia care experts helps reduce anxiety while providing purpose-driven content to engage residents. Staff members use a monitoring system to adapt residents' individual wellness plans as needed in order to improve their functioning and health. Communal spaces encourage residents to interact with one another and participate in organized activities.
Visitors are frequently impressed with this luxury community. Residents enjoy their own personal chef who provides nutritious and healthy meals, while the aromatherapy, immersive therapy and relaxation rooms aim to promote a holistic lifestyle.