Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Michigan City's senior population continues to grow (9.4% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Michigan City, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 78% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 19%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (5.4% in Michigan City 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 Michigan City. 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 Michigan City, 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:
Rittenhouse Village at Michigan City offers the SHINE Memory Care program, which utilizes an individualized approach to address memory impairment. The program directs attention to strengths instead of weaknesses and rejoices in every minor victory and achievement. SHINE team members undergo comprehensive training to become certified in delivering top-notch care. They foster engagement by encouraging resident participation in noncompetitive activities that cater to short attention spans, whether individually or in groups. The accomplishments of the community members are recorded in My Story, a handcrafted book that also promotes heightened involvement. The community's dining program utilizes scientific approaches to stimulate social interaction, increase awareness and enhance appetite, and meals are served in quiet, peaceful settings to help residents focus on their food. Seniors can rely on an on-site beauty salon and hairstyling services to maintain their appearance.
Families are pleased to see their loved ones enjoying their time in the community, thanks to the attentive staff and delicious food. One reviewer comments, "It's been so wonderful. My parents have loved it. The food is wonderful. The people knew my parents' name; they were so warm and welcoming when we first visited."
Residences at Coffee Creek can accommodate the changing needs of residents at all stages of Alzheimer's and dementia while also providing peace of mind for families. The community features two distinct memory care neighborhoods to create a small, homelike environment. These purposefully designed communities are staffed by nationally certified professionals in dementia care and specially trained nurses. They use Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Therapy Programming to provide stimulating visuals, music, sounds, smells and textures for residents to explore. The center of each neighborhood comprises an open floor plan kitchen and dining area as well as multiple living rooms for family visits and social gatherings. The multipurpose activity rooms offer therapeutic, physical and spiritual activities, including art classes, exercises and religious services. Seniors are offered complimentary transportation and chaperones to facilitate their safe participation in outings and events.
Relatives greatly appreciate staff assistance during trying times. One family member writes, "My grandmother lives in memory care at Residences at Coffee Creek. She started in assisted living there and then transitioned into memory care as her dementia progressed. We are SO GRATEFUL for the caring staff at Coffee Creek for helping us through this emotional time."
Brookdale Valparaiso is a memory care community that specializes in providing compassionate and respectful care to individuals who experience challenges resulting from Alzheimer's or dementia. Brookdale's trained staff is available 24/7, and management makes an effort to provide consistent care assignments, enabling residents to be cared for by the same staff member as often as possible to establish familiarity. Six planned programs per day are provided to seniors using the Clare Bridge approach to memory care, which helps them maintain their abilities and encourages them to use their current skills. Included activities are morning cognitive workouts, brain games, walking groups and dancing. The Solace program is tailored to the needs of those in the advanced stages of dementia. It grants extra time for grooming and offers sensory experiences, music and aromatherapy.
The immaculate community and exceptional staff instill confidence in families about their loved one's environment. One reviewer says, "I can't see how any [community] could do a better job of caring for [my wife]. The place is clean and well maintained, and the staff is friendly and caring."
AVIVA Valparaiso provides memory care residents with compassionate care and life-enriching amenities that offer peace of mind and security for those with cognitive impairment. The community's staff, trained to recognize nonverbal pain cues and respond with individualized solutions, is on-site 24/7. Using an individual's Lifetime Memoir and a comprehensive medical history, the staff creates a holistic care plan for each resident. Members of the community can establish meaningful bonds with staff and their neighbors by engaging in activities, such as music, dance and art and through food, physical activity and sensory stimulation. The use of aromas, soothing music and digital signage throughout the building boosts sensory stimulation, encourages engagement and simplifies navigation. Daily safety checks, emergency call systems and a secured courtyard contribute to enhancing residents' safety and enjoyment.
Visitors praise the staff for being very accommodating and patient and note the residents' happy appearance. A reviewer writes, "During our tour, the staff was very understanding and patient with the information we had requested for our loved one. It was very clean throughout the community and the residents seemed happy."
Valparaiso Senior Village is a welcoming community designed as a safe and secure environment for elderly individuals. Seniors with Alzheimer's have access to person-centered memory care through the community's Along the Journey program, which provides consistent, personalized dementia support based on residents' individual needs, abilities, culture and preferences. Staff members are on-site to offer cueing and assistance with daily tasks such as showering, dressing and medication management. Caregivers trained in dementia care develop strong relationships with residents and their family members to establish a sense of familiarity and provide extended support. Memory care residents can enjoy thoughtfully curated activities such as morning coffee chats, music therapy, spiritual programs, reminiscence and trivia. One-on-one sensory activities help reduce feelings of stress and agitation.
The community is known for its compassionate staff and abundant amenities. A reviewer comments, "A beautiful facility, caring and loving employees. ...The residents are engaged in many activities and outings and the culinary staff does a wonderful job of preparing kitchen from-scratch made meals. The environment is cozy yet modern, and the building offers many areas to gather and socialize."
Rittenhouse Village at Portage is a resident-focused community serving seniors in the Portage area. Its exclusive memory care program, known as SHINE, has received a National Certificate of Recognition from the Alzheimer's Association. It offers a personalized approach to dementia care that uses scientific principles to promote engagement, comprehension and quality of life at every stage of aging. Team members are specially trained in working with individuals who have memory conditions, providing cueing, gentle redirections and assistance with daily tasks. The SHINE dining experience is designed to stimulate appetites and create opportunities for socialization and participation, offering freshly prepared meals at the same time each day to help establish a sense of routine. To promote healthy, active minds, the community offers a range of activities in small-group and one-on-one settings, including morning exercises, trivia games, movie matinees and happy hour socials.
Reviewers consistently comment on the caring staff at Rittenhouse Village at Portage and the exceptional services they provide. One reviewer shares, "Wonderful place!! The staff is great; everyone welcomes you! Great food choices, love the activities they do with the residents! The staff definitely goes above and beyond. I would highly recommend."
Avalon Springs Health Campus offers a vibrant, maintenance-free senior living experience in Valparaiso, IN. The campus features a designated memory care neighborhood where seniors with Alzheimer's can receive specialized support in a secure environment. Its unique signature dementia programming is rooted in clinical research. The Daily Rhythms program emphasizes the importance of providing residents with a consistent schedule they can follow to help maximize their independence and cultivate a sense of confidence and familiarity. The community is a licensed provider of the Best Friends approach to dementia care, which focuses on caregivers establishing meaningful emotional connections with each resident while also providing daily care. Activities are tailored to engage memories and create moments of joy, with options including music therapy, baking classes, exercises and supervised off-site outings.
Reviewers love the community's efforts to make everyone feel welcome and cared for. One comments, "First impressions count, and when you walk in, you're greeted, the environment smells good and is clean. They have different food and drink options and many activities, including happy hours and themed meals. Everyone is going the extra mile to make your stay as comfortable and memorable as possible."
Brentwood at LaPorte is a senior living community in Michigan City, IN, that offers memory care, independent living and assisted living. The community's Along the Journey program for memory care residents focuses on creating a comfortable and safe environment by pairing residents with a consistent team of caregivers trained in dementia care. Customized care plans consider residents' abilities, needs and cultural preferences. The program focuses on life enrichment to boost seniors' moods and reduce agitation. Seniors can participate in daily activities, including listening to music, reminiscing with other residents and engaging in spiritual programs. Brentwood at LaPorte offers 24/7 staffing with an emergency call system for immediate assistance. Additionally, the community's proximity to Lake Michigan allows residents to enjoy the area's natural beauty and participate in outings to local parks.
Residents appreciate the well-cared-for community and attentive care given by the Brentwood at LaPorte staff. One commenter stated, "Brentwood is a very nice facility. It is clean and nicely decorated. The working staff is friendly, caring and seems to treat the residents very well."
Brentwood at Hobart emphasizes consistency and personal connection in its approach to care. They believe that having the same caregivers interact with residents strengthens trust and fosters relationships between staff and seniors. Their 'Along The Journey Memory Care' program creates a nurturing environment tailored to each resident's unique needs. These care plans consider life history, cultural background and individual preferences. Using visual cues and gentle guidance, the community helps seniors navigate daily activities. Activities range from one-on-one sensory projects to musical events and ice cream socials, all designed to soothe, stimulate cognition and foster community ties. Brentwood at Hobart also provides support groups for families and friends to reinforce the importance of collective care.
Relatives appreciate the friendly staff. One reviewer says, "My husband has moved into Brentwood at Hobart. Everybody is really happy with the care he is getting here. We think they're doing a good job. He is happy, healthy and active as he can be. The staff members are very friendly, very helpful, and always on top of things."
Located in the suburban community of Schererville, IN, Residences at Deer Creek is a welcoming senior living destination. Its aging-in-place concept serves seniors' changing needs, including specialized memory care, using Snoezelen multisensory programming, for individuals living with Alzheimer's and dementia. Certified dementia practitioners and specially trained nurses are on staff to deliver highly specialized care specific to the challenges associated with memory loss. The environment is designed for security and comfort, featuring three secure outdoor gardens with walking paths and Snoezelen multisensory rooms. In addition to personalized dementia care, the community's all-inclusive monthly fees cover daily chef-prepared meals, scheduled transportation and chore services along with a full calendar of life-enriching programs, memory-focused activities and tailored wellness therapies. Daily selections for memory care residents include morning exercises, storytelling, music therapy and movie nights.
The community is known for its warm atmosphere and top-notch amenities. One reviewer shares, "We made the best decision of our lives to pick Deer Creek for the care of our loved ones. Everyone that we have entrusted to their care has been kind, compassionate and excellent at what they do. ... Our loved ones are warm, well cared for and well-fed."
Located in Crown Point, IN, Bickford of Crown Point is a senior living community offering memory care services and assisted living. Memory care residents can access specific dementia programming, including a Lifesong document that stimulates interactions between staff and residents. Also available are Lifesong baskets and stations that offer engaging activities. A companion care program offers one-on-one interactions for memory care residents to get additional socialization and engagement. The community's staff follows the Core Needs program that focuses on meeting the residents' basic needs, care needs and any unmet needs. Residents receive three home-cooked meals daily from the Bread Basket Scratch Kitchen. The community emphasizes security for its residents with 24/7 emergency assistance. Residents can summon help using pull cords in their room and wearable pendants.
Residents of Bickford of Crown Point appreciate the well-maintained facility and attentive staff. One commenter said, "The facility itself is beautiful and well laid out, and they do a great job keeping things well kept and clean. The staff here is very friendly and helpful."
Clarendale of Schererville is a welcoming, resort-style senior living community offering a full spectrum of care services. Its memory care neighborhood provides a safe and secure environment for seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Through its Heartfelt CONNECTIONS memory care program, residents receive highly individualized care and support, focusing on improving confidence and self-worth by finding daily moments of success. Each day, residents can participate in a schedule of enriching, life-affirming activities that target eight dimensions of human wellness. Options range from exercise classes and walking club to memory games, spiritual programs and social hours. Residents have access to a number of common spaces where they can relax and socialize with friends and family. Outside, seniors can take advantage of a secured memory care courtyard and engage in activities such as walking, bird watching and gardening.
This community is known for its caring staff members, elegant surroundings and vibrant social programming. One resident describes Clarendale of Schererville as, "The best. This place is clean and beautiful. They have many activities. Exercise, movies, crafts, beauty shop, good restaurants. The workers are like family. This our home and we love it here."
Aviva Merrillville is a welcoming senior living community situated in Merrillville, IN, offering memory and respite care services. The team at the well-kept community designs personalized holistic care plans that focus on each dementia resident's abilities and fit their complex needs. Music, art, movement and sensory stimulation may be used to help residents form connections. The highly experienced medical staff is trained to recognize and respond to nonverbal indicators of pain. A variety of fun events and group activities help keep seniors mentally sharp, healthy and socially connected with others. Residents can relax on the inviting outdoor patio and terrace or take advantage of the transportation services to doctor's appointments, entertainment venues and shopping excursions. Aviva's chefs make dining memorable by serving a wide selection of heart- and brain-healthy dishes prepared from fresh local vegetables and fruits.
Family members are pleased with the compassionate care their loved ones receive. A resident's daughter writes, "The staff is kind, attentive and courteous. Mom is content here and always says that everyone treats her very well."
Memory care residents of Towne Centre Living in Merrillville, IN, live in a separate wing of the well-appointed community. Rooms are equipped with many safety features, including emergency call buttons and rails in the bathrooms. Trained staff provide around-the-clock care for residents with early stage or mild dementia. Residents receive assistance with medication administration and management, as well as bathing, dressing and grooming assistance as needed. Additionally, licensed nurses are available 24/7. Memory care residents can enjoy social, educational and recreational activities daily, along with three restaurant-style meals and snacks. Additional opportunities for daily socialization and engagement are available in the library, lounge area and activity center that features games and billiards. The community also has an on-site salon and barber shop for its residents.
Residents and their families are impressed by Towne Centre Living's well-kept facility. One commenter stated, "Towne Centre was a nice facility. It's spacious, open and has beautiful, nice lighting. They have waterfalls in front, and it has a calming effect when you see it. The activity/dining area was nice."