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 New Bern’s senior population continues to grow (14.26% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In New Bern, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 30% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 5.41%, 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 (4.76% in New Bern vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent more than a dozen hours researching senior living communities in New Bern. 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 New Bern, 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:
Brookdale Morehead City is a cozy memory care and assisted living community near New Bern, North Carolina. As part of its memory care philosophy, the community help residents with Alzheimer's and dementia retain their identity and sense of self. A dedicated care team spends time getting to know residents and creates daily activities centered on their interests and needs in a homey atmosphere. Trained personnel assist residents with personal grooming and stylists at the on-site salon wash and style residents' hair. Seniors can also engage in dementia-friendly activities such as gardening, cooking pet therapy or exercise classes. The in-house culinary team prepares a nutritious menu that caters to dietary restrictions.
Relatives praise the person-centered memory care approach. One says, "[T]hey keep her busy, and she does little exercises and different little things she's interested in. One day, they had her design a quilt. They dig deeply into her past, her family, what she loved to do, and pull things back and have her work in some of these things."
Carteret Landing, a welcoming one-floor community offers an the extensive Horizons memory care program that is designed to promote independence, maintain dignity, recognize individuality and create joy in the journey. Memory care residents live in a secure, access-controlled environment. Carteret Landing also offers assisted living and physical therapy services. Residents can enjoy a variety of amenities and activities, such as restaurant-style dining, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, diverse social activities, emergency response systems and wellness programs.
Residents and families love the welcoming environment and community at Carteret Landing. One said, "We have been very pleased with Carteret Landing. The staff is very helpful and responsive. It's a brand new and beautiful facility, as well as very clean. The rooms and furniture are very nice, and they're very spacious. The grounds are well-kept and nice."
Croatan Village is located near the scenic Croatan National Forest. It offers an extensive memory care program that includes personalized care management, a safe and secure environment, medication and incontinence management and 24/7 care services. Croatan Village also offers assisted living services as well as an emergency call system. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities, including a library, restaurant-style dining, daily exercise, gardening opportunities and a daily happy hour.
Residents and families love the caring staff at Croatan Village. One said, "We choose Croaton Village.because of the high recommendation from other people from the community and also for the affordability of it as well as the services. It has been excellent.The staff takes care of every need that they have, and they even anticipate future needs."
Home Place of New Bern offers an extensive memory care program called Bridge to Rediscovery that includes medical support, social interaction, spiritual wellness, intellectual stimulation and emotional connection. The community also offers assisted living services and assistance with activities of daily living. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities such as restaurant-style dining, manicured outdoor patios, a piano and religious services. Home Place also provides full salon services and in-house doctors visits.
Residents and their families love the comforting environment and thorough care at Home Place of New Bern, as well as the fulfilling activities and opportunities for socialization. One said, "My dad is now in Home Place of New Bern. They seem to be doing a great job. They help him with daily activities. I like them."
A recipient of the 2015 AHCA Bronze Quality Award, the Riverpoint Crest Nursing and Rehabilitation Center offers a wide variety of memory care services by a team of friendly, qualified and attentive staff. Residents of the community are offered around-the-clock skilled nursing services and an array of rehabilitation and therapy treatments. Riverpoint features "SPARK", Specialized Programming for Alzheimer's and Related Kare. Residents can also enjoy a trip to the beauty salon, a visit to the in-house library or a scenic stroll along the Neuse River.
One reviewer says his dad "was kept comfortable, and the attention to detail with the care of his skin and comfort and cleanliness was awesome." The daughter of another resident touted the Riverpoint Crest staff as "friendly and caring," saying, "Everyone seemed to genuinely care about my mother."
Spring Arbor of Kinston encourages residents to have an independent lifestyle while receiving the care they need. Its extensive memory program includes a specially designed cottage with secure entrances and focuses on each resident's physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs. The community also offers assisted living services with activities designed to stimulate the mind, body and soul while promoting socialization. Residents can enjoy a variety of amenities at Spring Arbor that includes restaurant-style dining, manicured walking trails, on-site rehabilitation and barber and salon services.
Residents and families love the community at Spring Arbor of Kinston. One said, "This is an exceptional assisted living community with a memory care option. They are well trained and truly care about the residents living there! The building is beautiful, friendly staff, and they always go above and beyond for their residents and staff! Highly recommended!"
The ARC Jacksonville is a specialized community that helps individuals with Alzheimer's disease. Staff members use the Restorative Alzheimers Programming process to help residents live full, complete lives. All residents are given activities to do based on their individual interests and needs, ranging from one-on-one sensory-stimulating games to outings, and these are overseen by the licensed activities director. Nursing care as well as physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy keep residents healthy. Amenities include a barbershop and salon, TV rooms and a large enclosed courtyard where residents can get some fresh air. A pharmacist is available to dispense medications.
Residents praise the ARC for the cleanliness of the facility and the range of stimulating games and activities that are offered. One says, "My friend went to The A.R.C. It's nice and it's clean. They have activities every day. They have service dogs come in, and they have Bingo and other kinds of board games and mental activities."
The Gardens of Pamlico offers a thorough memory care program that includes medication management and personal care. Residents in memory care can participate in fulfilling programs that ensure they nurture a sense of independence and receive appropriate mental stimulation and emotional support. In addition to its memory care program, The Gardens of Pamlico also provides assisted living services and 24/7 care. All community members can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities, such as live entertainment, group activities, salon and barber services, a private spa and celebrations for special occasions. Local transportation services are also available.
Residents and their families love the kind staff and efficient care at The Gardens of Pamlico. "My mother has been a resident at the Gardens of Pamlico for a few months and loves it," reports one daughter. "The staff is professional and caring. The facility is clean. Mom seems happy and content every time we stop in."
The Gardens of Trent is a peaceful assisted living community with secured entrances and 24-hour caregivers. The staff is trained in validation therapy and behavior management techniques designed to calm distressing dementia symptoms. With compassionate care, the community helps seniors with Alzheimer's disease and related cognitive disorders lead joyful lives. The Gardens of Trent offers seniors a safe, maintenance-free living environment with comfortable lounges, enclosed courtyards and furnished bedrooms containing individual climate controls, cable television and private showers. The community takes care of medication management and provides on-call physician services and a complete dining program with therapeutic menus. Customized social programs ensure residents have regular opportunities to participate in life-enriching group activities as well as time to pursue individual interests and enjoy one-on-one interactions. Scheduled events include live performances, holiday celebrations and virtual entertainment. A combined salon and barbershop offers haircuts and beauty treatments on-site.
Relatives like the personal attention their loved ones receive and the structured social activities in the community. "Everyone is nice. The nutritionist.immediately came up with a plate of fresh fruit and veggies. Momma was tickled (that's downeast for very happy)," shares the daughter of a vegetarian resident. Another reviewer writes, "Perfect community for your loved one. Caring and attentive staff."
The Village of Kinston is a Victorian Senior Care community located just over 30 miles west of New Bern, NC. It adheres to the Reflections Memory Care Program and provides safe, supportive, homelike accommodations to seniors living with dementia and other cognitive impairment disorders. On-site staff is available 24/7 for incontinence care, supervision, medication management and administration and assistance with washing, dressing, eating and appointment scheduling. Residents are afforded daily opportunities to showcase their skills and contribute to life within the community. They also receive compassionate, customized daily living support that reaffirms human dignity and respects individual personalities. Activities enjoyed by some residents are flower potting, cake decorating, walks in the sunshine and listening to songs from the past. Community amenities include housekeeping, linen and scheduled transportation services, elegant dining, readily available snacks, cable TV and on-site physical and occupational therapy.
Reviewers praise the community's attractive surroundings, proximity to Lenoir Memorial Hospital, cleanliness and compassionate caregivers. The daughter of one resident says, "My mother is treated with respect and kindness by all of the staff. I can rest better at night knowing she is getting the proper care she needs." Another resident's daughter says, "The staff takes really good care of my dad."