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 Murfreesboro’s senior population continues to grow (27.48% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Murfreesboro, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 70% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 35.23%, 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 (11.36% in Murfreesboro 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 Murfreesboro. 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 Murfreesboro, 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:
AdamsPlace is a warm and inviting senior living community located just minutes from Ascension Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital in downtown Murfreesboro. Its customized memory care unit is specially designed to create a calming and familiar environment for seniors struggling with dementia and other memory-loss conditions. Everything from its wall colors and furniture is uniquely designed to promote easy navigation. Even the outdoor garden area is completely secure for seniors to enjoy. Its trained staff is available 24/7 to assist with activities of daily living, such as grooming, dressing and hygiene. On-site medical services include lab work and physical therapy as well as psychology, dental, hearing, vision and podiatry appointments. Seniors are encouraged to participate in daily group and individual activities, such as its Music and Memory program.
Residents are pleased with the communitys list of daily activities on on-site amenities. One family member noted, "I go on a weekly basis to visit my Grandfather. The Staff always provides exemplary service and always make sure that all patients including my grandfather are always taken care of in a professional manner.
Azalea Court Senior Living is a cozy memory care and assisted living community near Murfreesboro, TN. Through its Best Friends approach, Azalea Court believes fostering authentic relationships between caregivers and residents is essential to a balanced memory care program. Its Snoezelen room uses innovative multisensory therapy, such as lighting effects, aromatherapy, music, sound and color to stimulate the senses. As for its activities calendar, spontaneity is king in this community. Residents are encouraged to live in the moment, participating in activities driven by mood and memory rather than a fixed schedule. When the mood strikes, seniors can engage in dementia-friendly activities such as gardening, cooking pet therapy or exercise classes. Residents can also take advantage of the wellness center for their regular medical check-ups.
Visiting loved ones are pleased with the compassionate staff. One says, "They have a very caring and attentive staff. My brother always tells me how [well] they treat him. The family is extremely happy with his care and thank everyone at Azalea Court for the care they give him."
Belmont Village Senior Living Green Hills is a continuum of care community that is conveniently located close to hospitals such as Saint Thomas Midtown. The memory care unit is located in a small and self-contained area of the community that has been specifically designed to be easy to navigate. The unit is completely secure and keypad access is required for entry and exit. A safe outdoor area is available where residents can relax with friends or take part in a variety of activities. The team of certified caregivers is always on-site to provide compassionate assistance and to perform daily wellness checks. The Whole Brain Fitness program provides personalized care and activities for residents based on their cognitive and physical strengths. Activities in the program are guided by professional staff. and residents are placed in small ability-centered groups for each activity.
Friends and family members praise the professional staff and resort-style amenities with one saying, "This place is almost like living at an all-inclusive resort! The staff P.A.L.s check on residents several times a day, assist the resident to activities and meals, make your bed daily, do your laundry and clean weekly and more."
Belvedere Commons of Franklin is a senior living community that provides a people-orientated approach to memory care. Landmarks and sensory cues are placed around the unit to enable a sense of independence and choice in how each resident experiences their day. The building is secure and has been designed to avoid excess stimulation to reduce confusion. A team of certified caregiving staff is always on hand to provide assistance with the tasks of daily living or to compassionately redirect any difficult behaviors. Activities are offered in groups or on a one-on-one basis depending on the type of activity and the cognitive abilities of the resident. The activities are based on the familiar routines of the resident and may include life stations, gardening and cooking. Additional activities are scheduled for physical strength and social engagement with other residents."
Family members appreciate the caring staff with one person saying, "The workers here are wonderful. They take great care and are always concerned for the well-being of the people who live at Belvedere Commons. They even refer to them as "family". I have heard this on many occasions and it sure helps me when I can't be there.
Just south of Nashville, Brighton Gardens of Brentwood offers memory assisted living and short-term care. The community is conveniently near highways, shops, restaurants, recreation and several hospitals. Residents receive a personalized health plan and various services, such as meals, housekeeping and transportation, enabling a maintenance-free lifestyle. Seniors can take advantage of well-thought-out indoor and outdoor spaces, including a library, activity and fireside sitting rooms and enclosed courtyards with walking paths and raised garden beds. Memory care residents live in a dedicated neighborhood, with secure and comforting areas that are easy to navigate. Staff are trained in the latest medical techniques and available 24/7 to provide support. A life-enrichment manager provides a wide range of memory-focused pursuits tailored to each residents interests and skills. Physical, speech and occupational therapies are also on-site.
Family members praise the caring staff, food and the many activities their loved ones can take part in. One writes, "The staff is very helpful. The meals are very good, and she seems pleased with them. They offer a lot o great activities. Another says, "The staff was excellent, friendly, and understanding.
A resort-style community nestled into one of Nashvilles most desired neighborhoods, Brookdale Belle Meade provides quality care with a full suite of amenities. The communitys 24-hour security system provides peace of mind, while its whirlpool, garden and lush landscaped grounds offer space to relax. Residents can enjoy a makeover in the beauty salon and barbershop, get cozy in the fireside living room or experiment in the arts and crafts studio. Clare Bridge is the communitys memory care neighborhood, designed with an easy-to-navigate layout, natural lighting and soothing colors paired with extra security; all entryways are monitored 24/7. Experienced caregivers are trained in the latest dementia care techniques, available 24 hours a day for assistance with everyday living. A schedule of six planned programs helps residents living with memory loss maintain their abilities, with brain games, puzzles, art and music lessons.
Loved ones appreciate the attentive caregivers and their communication with families. "The feeling I got at Brookdale was far warmer than anywhere else and the interaction between staff and residents was warm and relaxed, it was clear that the staff really cared about the residents," one visiting relative says. "Staff is caring and very communicative."
Situated in a residential area of southwest Nashville, Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland is a luxury memory care and assisted living community. Meals, housekeeping, transportation and postal services are all provided. Extensive amenities include a coffee shop, a games room, an arts and crafts center, a fitness center, a library, a fireside living room and a therapy room. Outdoor spaces, such as a porch, a courtyard, gardens, a walking path and a putting green allow residents to enjoy the fresh air. Special design elements cater to memory care residents, including personalized resident entryways, circular pathways and dementia-friendly menus. Staff trained in the latest dementia care techniques provides 24/7 personalized care. The community also uses the evidence-based Clare Bridge Daily Path program to help seniors maintain and improve their cognitive abilities and skills.
Family members appreciate the caring staff. "The staff has been excellent. They are very kind. The Brookdale Green Hills Cumberland is excellent, writes one. "It has a beautiful landscape that I enjoyed viewing every time I come to see my mother. The staff is very friendly with us and acts as though they are family with my mom, adds another.
Nestled in the Three Rivers neighborhood of Murfreesboro, TN, Creekside at Three Rivers is a senior living community that provides memory care, assisted living and respite care. The community offers three different memory care units, including a female-only unit, with unique layouts and décor designed to be comforting, secure and easy to navigate. Plentiful common areas include more than 6,000 square feet of courtyard space. Staff specially trained in memory care techniques are available 24/7 to provide personalized and compassionate care. The community takes an evidence-based approach to memory care, with memory-centered programs developed to promote cognitive function and improve recollection. Residents are encouraged to take part in a wide range of enriching activities daily, including physical exercises, cognitive therapies, sensory stimulation and social activities, along with physical and occupational therapies.
Family members appreciate the caring staff. One writes, "My grandmother has been at Creekside for over a year and has received nothing but exemplary care. The staff is always friendly and willing to help.The nurses and CNA's are among the best in the area. Adds another, "Everyone at creek side was awesome. They treated my mother with respect and dignity.
Elmcroft of Brentwood provides residents with a welcoming atmosphere, happy socializing and engaging activities. The memory care neighborhood has soothing and comfortable furnishings to help lower the anxiety levels of residents. Security is important, and staff compassionately monitor community members while encouraging them to be as independent as possible. The Chronicles program, in which staff is specifically trained, raises residents' self-esteem and makes them feel valued as individuals. For those who are at the beginning stages of Alzheimer's or dementia, brain games, such as jigsaw puzzles and board games, offer a fun way to engage with others. This pet-friendly community ensures residents remain physically healthy with nutritious food and gentle exercise. Families are kept up to date on the well-being of their loved ones.
Family members are impressed with the staff at this community. A niece says, "The Elmcroft staff has gone the extra mile to do everything possible to make our aunt's stay comfortable." Another family comments, "As her health has declined the staff has become more helpful. There is very low turnover in caregivers and this is a blessing."
Elmcroft of Murfreesboro offers memory care built around The Chronicles program, which focuses on the relationship caregivers develop with a resident. An individual's personal history, cultural heritage, current abilities and interests are at the core of a resident's care plan. Residents have access to a range of activities that foster engagement and enhance wellness while providing as much independence as is safely possible. Options including music, games, gardening, crafts and outings are on offer. Seniors are also encouraged to pursue existing interests. The living spaces have been designed to cater to those living with dementia and can be decorated with family mementos and keepsakes. The neighborhood is monitored and secured. Specialized staff members are on hand 24 hours a day to provide any support needed.
People love the care at Elmcroft of Murfreesboro. One writes, "Great, warm feeling and you can tell they really care about the people who live there. Nobody is just a number, and that is hard to find in health care today."
Located less than 30 minutes south of Nashville, Harmony at Brentwood is minutes away from numerous shopping centers in Brentwood, including Peartree Village and The Shops of Brentwood. The 24-hour staff of licensed nurses and trained caregivers has experience caring for seniors with dementia and other memory issues. Memory care residents can enjoy a daily morning news discussion over coffee followed by an exercise class. The Life Enrichment Director creates a full schedule of programs for seniors based on their cognitive and physical health. Therapeutic activities, such as gardening and dancing, present opportunities for residents to engage in their favorite pastimes and connect with others over similar interests. The community offers pet-friendly living accommodations and weekly devotional services. Memory care apartments range from 341 to 521 square feet and feature hardwood floors and spacious bathrooms.
Reviewers praise the community's dining service as well as staff members for their kindness and dedication to the residents. A resident wrote, "My wife and I have been here since opening day. The entire staff, from independent living to now memory care, have been key to making things enjoyable and a very smooth transition in lifestyle.
Harmony at Victory Station is a luxury senior living community that offers a friendly and comfortable place for residents to spend their golden years. The separate memory care cottage is a secure place where residents can safely remain as independent as possible. A high ratio of caregivers to residents ensures that every resident is treated as an individual and receives personalized care tailored to their personal interests. The Best Friends approach to memory care encourages family members, staff and residents to form connections through regular social events and activities. Scheduled activities include holiday celebrations, music therapy and art therapy. The team of trained caregivers is always available to provide assistance with basic tasks and ensure that residents are safe and comfortable. A licensed nurse is on-site to monitor the basic health needs of the seniors.
Family members appreciate the excellent staff members, with one reviewer saying, "The staff is absolutely the best! They are very caring and professional people who have the heart for running a facility for our aging loved ones!" and another noting, "We have had an exceptional experience at Harmony. The staff is very hardworking and resident centered."
Maristone of Franklin is a community where residents can relax, be themselves and experience a sense of belonging. It's conveniently situated a few minutes from downtown Franklin with attractive courtyards. The memory care neighborhood of Maristone is a welcoming, secure place for those in need of extra care. Community members benefit from personalized care plans and programs. Trained caregivers get to know each individual to provide assistance with daily living and engaging activities to maintain mental acuity. Each achievement is celebrated, and activities include gentle exercise and walking sessions, games such as bingo and Wii bowling, and puzzle tables.
Visitors view this community as a pleasant place to live. One family member says, "My parents moved in at Maristone of Franklin. It's very nice, very clean, and very laid out well. The amenities and apartments are very nice." Another person comments, "My grandma is here and she loves it.she loves her caregivers.the staff is very friendly."
Morning Pointe of Brentwood is a retirement community in Brentwood, TN, focused on assisted living and memory care. Residents live in private apartments that feature calming colors throughout and ample space for familiar decorations. Each resident wears an emergency call pendant, and the specially trained memory care staff is available 24/7 to assist with daily tasks, including helping with personal hygiene and ensuring proper nutrition. Dining is a full sensory experience, utilizing soft fabrics and bright table settings in conjunction with easily handled finger foods. The Meaningful Day program creates personalized care plans for each resident and adheres to residents' preferred routines and habits. The program strives to bolster their existing skills and create new cognitive stimulation through life skill stations that allow residents to engage in new and existing hobbies. It also provides seniors with activity boxes that provide calming activities conveniently housed in easy-to-access crates.
Residents praise the warmhearted and caring staff. One resident said, "The staff at Morning Pointe of Brentwood is very professional. I appreciate the décor. When we arrived, not only did the head chef come and introduce himself to us in the lobby, the head nurse, maintenance director, director, and the director's assistant also spoke to us in the lobby."
Somerby Franklin provides care for elders in attractive surroundings. Residents in the memory care neighborhood each have personalized care programs that support them emotionally. One of the pillars of the community is to honor history and traditions, and staff treat every community member with respect and affection. Awkward behavior and wandering is tackled creatively by staff who have a problem-solving work ethic. Spacious communal living spaces provide opportunities for socializing. The secure courtyard with pretty gardens has an easy-to-negotiate walking path for residents to enjoy. Dining is dementia-friendly with all the support that each community member requires. Nurse support is available around the clock, and residents are continuously monitored for their safety.
This community is consistently lauded for its care, its staff and the activities available. One family member says, "Lovely, clean, management cares about the residents. Location is excellent. They have good amenities." A resident comments, "The staff members at the community are really great and considering Covid we still have some activities. They bring in live entertainment. One time we had an Italian party with Italian food."
Stones River Manor is a Christian-based senior living community that provides a range of care levels. The Assured Care center is the memory care section of the community, and it's housed in a spacious secured neighborhood that offers safe indoor and outdoor communal areas. A team of trained caregiving associates is always on-site to assist with the tasks of daily living and to provide reminders in all aspects of the daily routine. Medication assistance and observation are provided by the registered nurse who also carries out regular wellness checks on all the residents. All the activities offered are designed to meet the specific needs of seniors with memory loss and may include puzzles, arts and crafts, Bible studies, religious services and musical entertainment. Three meals are served each day and snacks are always available on request.
Visitors are impressed by the range of amenities offered and the professional caregiving staff with one reviewer saying, "They have a lovely aviary with a lot of birds in it, they also have an aquarium which I understand is soothing for their clients. The staff was very caring and nurturing."
Located in Franklin, TN, The Hearth at Franklin is a senior living community catering to a variety of lifestyles. Residents can choose from several floor plans to meet their needs, each featuring ample natural lighting and plenty of space for easy navigation and room for personal furnishings. Memory care residents are treated to one-on-one care through the Mosher-Gardens Method of memory care treatment, which highlights personal connections between residents and staff in order to reduce disorientation and anxiety. Additionally, the program promotes a healthy mix of daily activities within a structured schedule to enhance cognitive stimulation and promote socialization. It encompasses group and personal activities, such as exercise and stretching sessions, interactive Wii games and intellectually stimulating events, including group discussions, trivia games, puzzles and word games.
Residents and their families commend the staff's dedication. One family member said, "The community is very clean. The food has been great which is very important to us for mom to have good meals to eat each day. Mom has even spoke to the chef personally because he walks the dining room during some meals and speaks with residents."
The Waterford In Smyrna is a senior living community conveniently located right off I-24 and just blocks from the StoneCrest Medical Center. This pet-friendly community provides adult daycare, assisted living and memory care services in a homelike, yet secure, setting. Its care team is specifically trained to work with residents facing dementia-related illnesses. These caregivers offer around-the-clock assistance with everything from bathing and grooming to housekeeping and laundry. Staff members are also on hand to assist with medication management and transportation. Daily planned activities, such as gardening, movie nights and special events, focus on boosting physical, spiritual and social well-being. Special features include individual climate controls in each room, walk-in showers, chef-prepared meals and secure access at all entrances.
Residents rave about the communitys spacious rooms and caring staff. One reviewer stated, "All the meals are provided, transportation is provided, there is a nurse on duty 24 hours, and housekeeping comes once a week. They have outside activities and big areas for people to meet. It's like a resort, and it's really nice.
Traditions of Mill Creek is a premium senior living community that offers a continuum of care. The memory care section is housed in a secure area that has been designed to help residents feel comfortable and at home. A team of certified caregivers is always available to assist with personal hygiene and other tasks of daily living. The staff members are trained to treat each resident as an individual and recognize their personal preferences and interests. Activities are designed to help residents continue the lifelong journey of learning no matter what their cognitive abilities are currently. Some of the activities offered include art classes, cooking classes, educational lectures, gardening and music therapy. Three healthy meals are served each day and meal assistance is available for those who require it. Special diets and food preferences can be accommodated.
Residents are impressed by the caring staff and delicious food, with one reviewer saying, "The food is exceptional! Our chef & staff go out of their way to create amazing meals! The staff is so friendly and helpful!" and another noting, "Traditions of Mill Creek is a beautiful and wonderful place. Great atmosphere and caring staff members!"
Located just off I-24 and minutes from the Tri-State StoneCrest Medical Center, Traditions of Smyrna offers both memory care and assisted living accommodations. Its care team is specifically trained to work with memory loss patients and to provide compassionate care that focuses on respect, dignity and independence. Individualized care plans are based on each seniors specific needs and preferences to ensure a high quality of living in a homelike setting. Caregivers are on hand around-the-clock to assist with activities of daily living, such as dressing and hygiene as well as weekly housekeeping and scheduled transportation. Seniors are encouraged to participate in daily activities, including worship services, this day in history events, ice cream socials, daily devotions and brain games. Nutritious meals are served daily in the communitys main dining area.
Residents rave about the communitys accommodations and list of activities. One reviewer commented, "Traditions of Smyrna was very nice, very clean. The dining area looked good. They had a big calendar of activities in the main area. They had activity areas that they would do projects in, and they had a TV area.