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 Manassas’ senior population continues to grow (32.16% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Manassas, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 39.58% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 17.1%, 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 (4.77% in Manassas 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 Manassas. 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 Manassas, 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:
Located in Manassas, VA, Arbor Terrace Sudley Manor is a pet-friendly senior living community that delivers assisted living and memory care services. Residents enjoy full lives, developing meaningful relationships and participating in a range of planned activities while receiving as-needed assistance from a team of caring professionals. The Evergreen neighborhood is a safe and peaceful living space for those with memory issues. Specially trained staff members work with family members to develop customized care plans based on each resident's preferences, abilities and background. Seniors benefit from the Dining With Dignity program, which serves nutritious, appealing foods in an easy-to-eat format. The daily routine includes engaging activities, from exercise programs and outings to calming sensory groups.
Family members are impressed by the caring staff, appealing rooms and good food. One writes, "When I visit there it is like a very large family. The workers are nice and the residents are happy. The food is really great. I could not have chosen a better place for Mom."
Arden Courts of Annandale is a homelike community focused exclusively on memory care. Experienced nurses and caregivers are specially trained to help residents living with Alzheimers and other dementias. Available 24 hours a day, they create customized care plans designed around individual routines, needs and interests, with hourly safety checks, assistance with personal hygiene and grooming, mobility, blood pressure monitoring and medication management. Structured activities occur every day, with staff checking behaviors and offering reassurance. Three meals and snacks are included, with special preparation and personal choices accommodated. The campus itself is designed for comfort and safety; it includes four self-contained houses with shared living and dining spaces. All houses share common areas like an activity and craft studio, salon, wellness center and a secured backyard with 12 exits leading to unique paths, so residents can explore safely.
Loved ones appreciate the dedicated team and activities. "We immediately knew that we made the right move," one relative says. "Management and staff were very professional, friendly and caring. He loved to roam around inside and outside of the facility. There were lots of activities that kept him engaged. I recommend Arden Courts of Annandale unconditionally!"
At Arden Courts of Fair Oaks, memory care is all they do. The community is exclusively for seniors living with Alzheimers and other dementias, with staff getting to know each residents personal story, needs and preferences to provide personalized care around the clock. The campus is laid out for easy navigation and comfort. Four self-contained houses feature their own living, dining, kitchen, bath and laundry spaces. Within the homes, residents have their own private or shared bedrooms with half-baths; they can decorate with all of their personal belongings. Visual cues like color-coded signs and symbols help residents stay oriented; with 12 exits leading to unique exploration paths, they can safely explore while remaining securely within the community. Therapeutic activities occur every day, with options tailored around personal interests. The houses share a craft studio, salon, wellness center and landscaped walking paths.
Loved ones praise the compassionate staff. One says, "She is surrounded by busy, friendly, fun, people who are genuinely interested in her. She is clean and cared for. She loves the staff who attend to her. Arden Courts has lifted a huge burden off of her family. she truly seems settled and content."
Brightview Woodburn is a memory care and assisted living community located on a 7-acre estate surrounded by trees. As a Brightview community, it uses the SPICE philosophy with spiritually, physically, intellectually, culturally and emotionally stimulating activities. Gardening, movie sessions, art classes and jewelry making are specially designed for seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer's. Residents can relax in the courtyard and gardens or stroll along the paved walkways. Inside, the apartments have large windows that let light. Licensed nurses, physical therapists and professional trainers are on staff to assist residents with their health and physical wellness. A team of compassionate personnel check in on seniors throughout the day and give them medicine when needed. The in-house culinary team prepares a nutritious menu and the café and pub are open for coffee and snacks. Several Mass services are televised throughout the week, and residents can attend Shabbat on Fridays.
Relatives appreciate how accommodating, professional the staff is. One says, "Since Mom's arrival, Brightview has exceeded all of our expectations. Staff check on her several times a day to insure she is doing well and delivers her medications twice a day as needed. Nurses are available at a moments notice and all her medical needs are communicated to me swiftly."
Seniors looking for a peaceful life with the assistance they need find the care and amenities they seek at Brookdale Lake Ridge. Located in Woodbridge, VA, 25 miles south of Washington, D.C., this community provides assisted living and memory care services in a luxurious setting with landscaped grounds, gardens and an enclosed courtyard. Memory care residents live in a secure, easy-to-navigate area painted in soothing hues. Highly trained staff members, available 24/7, get to know each senior and develop care plans based on individual needs and interests. The community uses Clare Bridge dementia care, implementing six programs daily that stimulate the mind, exercise the body and encourage socialization. Games, dance classes, aromatherapy, music and excursions to museums are some activities seniors can enjoy. The structured routine ensures residents feel secure while helping them maintain abilities.
Reviewers note the attractive accommodations, attentive staff and varied amenities. One writes, "The staff seemed very attentive and knew everybody by name. The studio rooms were very roomy, had nice windows and seemed to be very bright. They had on-site physical therapy and activities throughout the day. Theres a beauty shop and barbershop at the facility."
HarborChase of Prince William Commons is an upscale senior living community that is located in a quiet residential area. The Cove memory care program offers a safe and secure environment in a separate building that has been designed to be easy to navigate for seniors with cognitive disorders. The program focuses on mental, physical and social wellness and provides a wide range of activities, including brain games, low-intensity dance lessons, trivia and art therapy. Family members are encouraged to join support groups in the community and to take part in activities and events with their loved ones to create happy memories together. A team of certified caregiving staff is always on hand to provide compassionate care and assistance at any time. Each resident has a personalized care plan that includes details of their life history, interests and hobbies.
Family members appreciate the personalized care provided by the excellent caregiving staff with one saying, "They care about each person that comes in there. They really get to know them and what they like, that way they make sure that they can keep up with their day-to-day routine and what they like to do."
Harmony at Chantilly is situated in close proximity to five hospitals and a large park as well as shopping and dining areas. Its memory care section features homelike, spacious apartments with warm finishes and easy-to-navigate bathrooms. The community is designed to accommodate changes in residents' abilities and includes similar comfort in apartments between care levels. Its high caregiver-to-resident ratio ensures seniors receive constant support as well as all the comforts of home in a secure environment. The community encourages connections between residents, staff and family members, promoting physical and emotional health. Harmony at Chantilly's life enrichment director also creates a calendar filled with opportunities to enhance residents' well-being and quality of life. Amenities are similar to those offered in fine resorts and include a fitness center, restaurant-style dining, a bistro, a full-service salon and landscaped grounds for games and activities.
A resident's daughter appreciates the care her family members receive, saying, "The place is nice, the food is good, the staff are wonderful, caring people."
Harmony at Spring Hill is a family-oriented community providing memory care services in a homelike environment with activities to keep residents mentally engaged. The community uses the Best Friends approach to memory care, with staff members designated as friends who work to build high levels of trust and respect with each resident. Activity options for memory care residents include aromatherapy sessions, Daily Chronicle discussions and creative arts. Residents also have the option to participate in various forms of physical fitness, including chair exercises, balloon volleyball and walks around the community. There is an on-site hydration station and chef-prepared meals to create dining experiences that appeal to memory care residents' senses.
Residents and their loved ones praise Harmony at Spring Hill for the delicious meals, spacious living quarters and experienced staff, many of whom are well-versed in memory care specifically. One writes, "We have visited Harmony at Spring Hill and my father is in there now. We are very happy with Harmony at Spring Hill. His apartment is beautiful."
Heritage Village Assisted Living and Memory Care is a senior living community located in Gainesville, VA. The Heartfelt Connections Memory Care Program creates individualized care plans for each resident, focusing on enhancing residents' daily lives through compassionate caregivers and personal care. Residents live in familiar, easy-to-navigate apartments that include emergency response systems and private bathrooms with safety equipment. Licensed nurses are on hand 24/7, overseeing routine wellness checks and ongoing health treatments. An on-site chef creates delicious and healthy meals tailored to residents' specific health and palate needs, and all meals are served in a comfortable, family-style dining room to enhance socialization and provide a familiar routine. The community features a movie theater and cozy library in addition to its many lounge areas, such as an enclosed terrace for safe relaxing in the sun and viewing the pleasing landscapes.
Residents praise the community for its caring, compassionate staff and commend the inviting, homelike environment. One resident says, "As soon as you walk in the door, you feel the warmth and friendliness of the staff as they greet you. The beauty of the facility is breathtaking and the seasonal decor makes you feel right at home."
Hunters Woods at Trails Edge is a premium senior living community located in a tranquil wooded area. The Life Stories memory care unit is housed in a secure section of the community that offers easy access to safe courtyards where residents can relax and enjoy the outdoors. The program supports calming and positive experiences to reduce the occurrence of difficult behaviors that are associated with cognitive impairment disorders. Staff members focus on the seniors remaining skills and abilities and all of the activities offered are designed to help residents to retain or enhance current skills. A team of certified caregivers is always on hand to comfort, support and assist residents. Family members are encouraged to join the Life Stories support groups to help them cope with and understand changes in their loved ones. Residents have supervised access to community amenities.
Family members appreciate the food, caring staff and resort-style amenities with one saying, "Hunters Woods is a great value due to the upscale amenities, delicious meals, engaging activities and a team above all others who feel like family! Mom loves the art studio and couldnt stop talking about the filet and lobster dinner."
Located in Gainesville, VA, just an hour from the hustle and bustle of the nation's capital, Legacy Ridge is a senior living community that focuses exclusively on memory care. In this safe yet welcoming atmosphere, residents live in private or shared state-of-the-art accommodations with a spa, a fitness center, a beauty salon and activity rooms on-site. The 24/7 staff members use a person-centered approach, creating care plans based on resident input and catering to their grooming and scheduling preferences. Utilizing the Montessori method, caregivers incorporate activities that enhance cognition, life skills, safe movement and socialization. Singing, drawing, painting, dancing and sensory activities may be included in the planned activities. Physical, occupational and speech therapists help seniors maintain and improve their skills, and the community coordinates with a variety of health care providers to help keep residents physically and psychologically healthy. In addition to a traditional memory care setting, female-only memory care is available for those who feel more comfortable surrounded by other women.
Family members appreciate the comprehensive approach to memory care, with emphasis on safety and person-centered care. Staff members go out of their way to help residents participate in fun activities, and the chefs present special menu items on holidays and other occasions.
Nestled in a quiet wooded setting not far from I-95 and Sentara Northern Virginia Medical Center, Potomac Place is a cozy and comfortable assisted living and memory care community in Woodbridge, Virginia. Those with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia reside in the Rose Memory Care Center, a safe, secure space within the larger community. Here, seniors benefit from the Reflections memory care program, which implements person-centered therapeutic approaches. Carefully selected and trained staff members devise individualized care plans that engage residents, highlight resident abilities and build positive relationships through sensory stimulation, reminiscence, and art, music and pet therapies. A wellness program helps residents maintain optimal physical and emotional health, and speech, physical and occupational therapies are available on-site. The community's enclosed courtyard keeps seniors connected with nature.
Family members are impressed with the caring staff, tasty food and plentiful amenities. "Potomac Place is absolutely beautiful. The staff is very attentive and knowledgeable as to what they're doing," says one daughter of a resident. "The dining room is beautiful and they have a wide variety of meals, so they do a good job there too. They have something going on all the time like bingo, movies, and people who come in to sing."
With a convenient location within the INOVA Hospital campus, Sunrise at Fair Oaks offers both assisted living and memory care, which is provided within a secure Reminiscence neighborhood. Staffed by an experienced team with Alzheimers Association-approved training, residents living with memory loss can rely on 24-hour support with grooming, personal hygiene, mobility, continence and medication management. Life enrichment managers are paired with every resident to offer consistent support tailored around their unique needs and preferences, including numerous activities and programs to keep them engaged. Every day, residents can try multisensory experiences, exercise classes, group programming and outings to Fairfax attractions. The neighborhood itself is designed for easy navigation and social interaction, with spacious common areas, a media room and sunroom, a 24-hour bistro, a cafe and even soft-lit reflection rooms with soothing music for seniors to enjoy club meetings and activities.
Loved ones like the quality meals and compassionate staff. "I have had several meals there and food is great. I'm amazed," says one relative. "The staff works very hard, I'm very impressed with them. Everyone seems very pleasant they have a very caring activity staff, and I see them engaging with the people."
With a residential setting just outside Washington, D.C., Sunrise at Silas Burke House offers quality care minutes from downtowns shopping, dining and cultural attractions. The community features a private memory care neighborhood, Reminiscence, which is specially designed for seniors with Alzheimers and forms of dementia. Staffed by a 24/7 team with specialized training, residents rely on consistent support from life enrichment managers who get to know their unique needs and tailor activities around their interests, from fitness classes to multisensory experiences, outings and group programming. Using the latest evidence-based practices, the staff helps with daily tasks like personal hygiene and grooming, mobility and medication management, along with sociability, behavior and communication. Fresh chef-prepared meals are served in a dining room just for memory care residents; country kitchens, spacious common areas, a media room and a sunroom are also designed just for them.
Visitors praise the community ambiance and talented team. One says, "This is an absolutely beautiful facility! The Staff, Management Staff, and Executives are friendly, accommodating, and use a very personal approach to residents and visitors alike. Very clean, inviting, and well maintained." Another visitor adds, "The amenities and facilities are topnotch."
Sunrise of Alexandria provides quality senior care paired with deluxe amenities, all within close proximity to INOVA Alexandria Hospital, shops and restaurants. With registered nurses and a medical technician on staff, plus weekly visits from gerontologists, podiatrists and physiologists, residents can receive comprehensive care directly on-site. The community also features a secure Reminiscence neighborhood, which is specially designed for seniors living with Alzheimers and other dementias. With an easy-to-navigate setting with living and dining areas adjacent to resident suites, spacious common areas, activity areas for art projects and puzzles and a memory care-only dining room, seniors can feel right at home. Staffed by a highly trained team 24 hours a day, residents receive support with hygiene and grooming, mobility, continence and medication management. Each day includes therapeutic activities tailored around resident interests, with multisensory experiences, games, group outings and daily exercise.
Visiting relatives like the diverse activities and inviting atmosphere. One says, "They played cards, checkers, Bingo, and they watch TV and movies. They also had singers, and church services. It was pretty nice that they kept people entertained there. It was also a very friendly atmosphere and people greet you with a smile."
Situated in the heart of Oakton, Virginia, near shops and restaurants and a short drive from Vienna and Fairfax, Sunrise of Hunter Mill is a senior living community offering personalized care. A warm atmosphere with several cozy common areas encourages resident interactions and friendships. Seniors with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia live in the Reminisce neighborhood, a calm living space that's easy to navigate. Each comfortably furnished resident suite is equipped with an emergency call response system for peace of mind. Trained, compassionate caregivers, available 24/7, provide person-centered care, helping residents with activities of daily living, aiding with communication, and managing behaviors. Memory care services include validation therapy and therapeutic memory-focused activities, such as studying and creating art. Chefs keep resident preferences in mind as they prepare nutritious meals using fresh, local ingredients. With a communal dining room, a 24-hour bistro, a cafe/tea room and a private dining room for entertaining friends or guests, seniors have many dining options.
Family members praise the warm, loving environment and compassionate staff members. One daughter of a resident says, "We were greeted with sunny smiles, a warm environment, upbeat music, and an abundance of activity for the residents. Sunrise Hunter Mill is staffed with patient, competent, loving, caring professionals. They have huge hearts."
At Sunrise of Springfield, residents can expect award-winning care paired with an active social calendar, deluxe amenities and an experienced, compassionate team. In the Reminiscence memory care neighborhood, all caregivers receive Alzheimers Association-approved training, so they learn the latest evidence-based approaches to aiding older adults. Available around the clock, they help with daily activities such as bathing, grooming and mobility while monitoring behavior and socialization. The neighborhood is comfortable and easy to navigate, with numerous common areas, a media room, sunroom and dining space just for memory care residents. Soft-lit reflection rooms are ideal for club meetings; bridge, book and travel clubs are all available. Residents can try multisensory experiences, cognitive programming like puzzles and art projects, fitness classes and group activities. Visiting physicians and health care professionals paired with on-site physical, occupational and speech therapists offer comprehensive care.
Loved ones note the caring staff and active calendar. "She's in a wheelchair and she's able to get the help that she needs," one relative says. "I find the staff to be very caring and pleasant people. They have exercises every week, they have lots of stimulating things, and everybody seems to be happy there."
The team at Tribute at The Glen uses a relationship-based approach to caring for residents living with memory issues, such as Alzheimer's and dementia. Caregivers focus on meeting seniors' individual needs using a patented holistic program of activities to engage and exercise the mind, body and spirit. The goal is to help residents with memory issues retain the skills they still have while ensuring their needs for assistance with daily living tasks and medication coordination are met. Residents living in memory care can take part in music, dancing and nature-related activities as well as the many other activities included in the Cadence Living patented program for memory care. Residents receive high-quality nurturing in a warm, comfortable environment that includes delicious, chef-prepared meals, laundry services and housekeeping. A beauty salon, a movie screening room, a library and game rooms are located on-site. A lovely outdoor terrace is available for seniors to socialize or simply relax while gazing at the beautiful panoramic views.
Visitors to Tribute at The Glen are impressed with the cleanliness of the community, the variety of the meals served and the professional staff. A family member loved the food, saying, "The food here is fantastic, they have a chef that prepares all the meals and they are all impressive."
Vitality Living Arlington is a premium senior living community that is conveniently located close to shops and medical facilities. The memory care unit is safe and secure with easy access to outdoor courtyards and spacious community rooms. Each resident has a personalized care plan that is based on their life history, hobbies, likes and dislikes. The activities director uses the care plans to create activities that are customized to the interests of residents. Some of the activities offered include gardening, cooking, life stations, music therapy, art classes and pet therapy. Family members are encouraged to take part in activities with their loved ones to help spark moments of joy and memories. A team of qualified caregiving staff is available 24/7 to provide support and assistance with the tasks of daily living and to redirect difficult behaviors.
Family members are very appreciative of the care and love showed to their relatives. One notes, "Can't say enough about the entire team here. The care given to our father was the best of the best. We could not have found a better place for his care. So thankful for everyone."