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 Orleans' senior population continues to grow (30.34% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In New Orleans, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 35.95% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 15.73%, showing that Alzheimer's is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly lower than the rest of the nation (5.59% in New Orleans 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 New Orleans. 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 Orleans, 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:
Sitting on the historical site of the Vista Shores Country Club looking over Bayou St. John, Vista Shores Assisted Living is a locally owned and operated senior living community that offers a luxurious, resort-like atmosphere. New memory care resident each receives an extensive initial assessment to determine their unique needs. The highly-trained care team is available 24 hours a day to provide various personal care services, such as housekeeping, laundry, dressing, grooming, bathing, eating and toileting. More specialized medical care services, including daily wellness checks, health problem monitoring, medication management and treatment assistance, are also available. Residents have plenty to do to keep themselves engaged, such as getting a new haircut at the beauty salon and barbershop, relaxing in the spa, joining a book club discussion in the library or taking up arts and crafts projects in the activity room.
People rave about the caring staff and the beautiful environment of this community. One writes, "Vista Shores was beautiful. The staff was very friendly, warm, and caring. The dining area was beautiful and very clean. The rooms were very nice and with very nice furniture. The atmosphere was wonderful, and it's in a residential area."
The Suites at Algiers Point is an assisted living and memory care community located in the vibrant city of New Orleans, Louisiana. The 24-hour staff of this state-of-the-art community has special memory care training for its residents. Life-alert pendants are available for those who want the security of knowing help is always near. Other health care services include occupational and physical therapists. There are programs dedicated to strengthening memory such as watching family videos or playing familiar music and singing. Day trips, barbecues and outings are also organized.
Families of the residents all hold the community in high regard. They are happy with the care the staff offer and the convenient location. As one explains, "They have received exceptional, dedicated kind and compassionate care. Your loved one will immediately feel welcome by the friendly caring staff and comfortable environment."
Sunrise of Metairie provides memory care services with convenient access to everything New Orleans has to offer, from local dining crafted by professional chefs to nearby celebrations and cultural events. For residents living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, the Reminiscence neighborhood offers a secure, stimulating environment paired with 24-hour support. Team members receive Alzheimer's Association-approved training, so they learn evidence-based dementia techniques and approaches. By pairing every resident with a life enrichment manager, seniors receive consistent support from the same person, who acts as a trusted friend, monitors behavior and communication, and helps with tasks such as personal hygiene, eating, mobility and medication management. Daily activities keep residents active, with options that include multisensory experiences, outings to local attractions, art projects, puzzles, crafts, cognitive programming and visits from children and pets. An easy-to-navigate layout encourages comfort and socialization.
Visiting relatives appreciate the care and quality meals. One says, "From the nurses to the care givers she always received compassionate care with the focus on promoting wellness whether in mind, body or spirit. In addition, their chef is a master of local cuisine preparing gumbos, shrimp poboys, red and beans and rice and so many more."
Located under 8 miles west of downtown New Orleans, The Jefferson is an assisted living community exclusively for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. A registered nurse manages its on-duty dementia-trained caregivers, who provide personalized, as-needed assistance around the clock, including assistance with medication and the activities of daily living. Residents also enjoy Peristyle Residences' signature music therapy program as well as regular programming from the dedicated activities coordinator. An open-plan kitchen, dining room and lounge encourage social interactions between staff, residents and visitors. On-site amenities include a TV room, a chapel, three ADA bathrooms, a guest restroom and covered porches.
The Jefferson's intimacy, luxurious furnishings and on-site chapel appeal to prospective residents and their families. One comments, "The setting is not institutional. It's a real home, not a nursing home." A visitor says, "Beautifully designed and engineered with the needs of a person in [mind]."
Situated close to the vibrant heart of New Orleans and scenic Lake Pontchartrain, the pet-friendly Laketown Village community offers comfort and access to everyday amenities. Caring and experienced staff use the Connections program to offer holistic support and care to memory care residents. Seniors are encouraged to participate in regular physical activities such as walking and boxing, cognitive activities to stimulate the brain, which include wood games and reading, and activities such as music and art designed to encourage memory recall and engage emotions. Caregivers facilitate socialization between residents through movie nights, bingo games and chair yoga, and residents can bond with their neighbors over nutritious meals served in the restaurant-style dining room.
Family members like how warm and caring the staff is, along with the wide array of activities and amenities. One relative says, "The staff was very friendly, attentive and caring; offered activities like crafts, games, exercise, live music and enclosed gardens and a covered patio for the memory care patients."
Located in a lively community surrounded by restaurants, shops and medical facilities, The Blake at Colonial Club combines resort-style living with a high level of care. Residents with Alzheimer's and related dementias reside in a secure environment equipped with cutting-edge It's Never 2 Late (iN2L) technology, a person-centered program that uses videos, puzzles, music and games to boost engagement and connect residents with loved ones. A 24/7 team of nurses and caregivers assists with the activities of daily living, including medication and health care coordination. Virgil Dementia System nurse call technology and motion detectors and sensors in apartments alert the team when residents need help, with a primary care provider available on-site. Tailored activities include options such as cooking demonstrations, local outings, guest speakers and art classes each day.
Loved ones appreciate the high level of care. The staff includes both registered and licensed nurses who are available 24 hours, with medical supervision, medication management, diabetic monitoring and incontinence care all provided. Personal pendants let residents easily call for assistance when needed, and on-site rehabilitation, therapy and primary care offer peace of mind.
A charming Southern community, Brookdale Mandeville offers a secure, welcoming environment where seniors can feel right at home. The community's Clare Bridge neighborhood is designed for residents living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, so it features an easy-to-navigate layout with locked exterior entryways and exits, doorbells to monitor in/out movements and comfortable common areas. Residents have 24/7 support from experienced caregivers who receive ongoing training in dementia care. Using an individualized approach, they assist with tasks such as bathing, medication and mobility while encouraging a sense of belonging and purpose. Split into two distinct programs, Clare Bridge features Crossings for early-stage dementia residents and Solace for those in later stages. Both include six planned programs each day, with Crossings focused on art and dance classes, journaling, brain games and off-site excursions, and Solace centered around music and aromatherapy.
Visiting relatives are impressed by the kind staff and convenient layout. "I'm very pleased. The staff is very pleasant and very caring," says one reviewer. "It's very well laid out. They have several different areas that people can go to like the library, a canteen area, and a craft area. It's very nice."
At Beau Provence, residents receive award-winning memory care in a specialized setting, with two distinct neighborhoods focused on enhanced care, stimulation and socialization. Staff members receive extensive dementia care training, with caregivers and nurses available to lend a hand 24/7. The community guides and supports residents at every stage of memory loss, assisting with the activities of daily living while monitoring their emotional, spiritual and functional well-being. Diverse enrichment activities include crafts, bingo, live theater performances and results-driven fitness classes paired with family events, ice cream socials and happy hours. Each neighborhood features a therapeutic garden, living room and dining room featuring three nutrient-rich meals with restaurant-style service. An Alzheimer's Education and Support Center features breakthrough information and research with regular educational events, and complimentary shuttle service transports residents to errands, appointments and activities.
Visitors note the ambiance and amenities. "Beau Provence was excellent," says one reviewer. "The staff was very informative and extremely nice, and the place was absolutely beautiful. They had spacious bedrooms. They do crafts, and they have a nice big patio with a garden. They also play Bingo, and they have a big ice cream machine."
Founded in 2016, St. Anthony's Gardens is a faith-based senior community offering a maintenance-free lifestyle through a variety of personalized care and support services. Its memory care neighborhood is comprised of spacious private suites that seniors with memory loss can fill with their own furnishings and personal touches. Residents receive assistance with daily living tasks and medication management, and the community's 24-hour security and emergency call system ensures seniors are kept safe while maintaining their independence. A full calendar of activities such as music therapy, Bible studies, bowling, biking and art classes allow residents to stay busy. Three delicious meals are served each day in the restaurant-style dining room or seniors can request their meals be sent to their own rooms. Weekly housekeeping, linen and church services are also provided.
Reviewers note that St. Anthony's Gardens provides compassionate care that promotes seniors' physical, mental and spiritual well-being. One resident's family member remarks, "Our family chose St. Anthony's Gardens two years ago because of the wonderful care and environment for my mother-in-law. We have been very pleased with the Memory Care services and the entire staff."
Avanti Senior Living at Covington is a retirement community situated among historic plantation homes and rivers and within close proximity to the local health care district. It has a contemporary and comfortable appearance and atmosphere with oversized picture windows filling rooms with light, doors opening onto shaded patios and original artworks on the walls. Avanti's memory care programs are holistic and encourage physical movement and psychological, emotional and spiritual well-being. Seniors with memory loss take part in exercises that focus the mind and body, and they participate in social activities, low-impact physical activities and film therapy, attending movie nights in the community's beautifully decorated movie theater. Time outdoors is encouraged as it increases vitamin D levels, fights depression and improves immune function. Avanti's restaurant also offers delicious, nutritious dining options, anytime dining, meals created from scratch and daily happy hours.
Reviewers appreciate the numerous amenities as well as the community's design. "A beautiful oasis for senior citizens!" says one. "A restaurant, salon, arts and crafts room, workout area, library, and more. If you are in the market for an assisted living facility then check out Avanti."
Nestled into a historic tree-lined community, The Trace offers a high level of care just minutes from vibrant art, music and dining. The community's award-winning SHINE memory care neighborhood is staffed by nurses and certified nurse assistants with specialized training in Alzheimer's and related dementias. One of only eight programs nationally recognized by the Alzheimer's Association, residents receive compassionate care 24 hours a day. Staff encourages physical exercise, social connections and cognitive stimulation through a full calendar of purposeful-driven activities customized to meet each resident's unique abilities and interests, from productivity exercises centered around personal success to lively leisure activities and sensory experiences. With My Story, seniors receive handcrafted books that celebrate their individuality, and they enjoy a dining experience with science-backed cues to stimulate appetite, participation and awareness. The neighborhood is designed to feel comfortable, homelike and secure.
Visiting relatives compliment the staff and activities. One says, "The staff is very nice and attentive. The rooms are super nice and big. They have exercise class, a lot of art activities, a big TV room, and a theater room. There's a lot of activity going on. The Trace has everything."
Anderson at Summerfield is located 37 miles northeast of New Orleans in a quiet area. Residents have access to a variety of health care facilities, including Ochsner Health Center nearby in Slidell. The community is designed to help seniors with memory impairment easily navigate and feel at home. It features spacious communal areas and beautiful garden seating areas. There is a team of nurses and care assistants onsite to provide 24/7 support with personal care and services such as housekeeping and laundry. Each resident receives an individualized care plan tailored to their specific needs, which includes a variety of daily activities. Activities are designed to slow down cognitive decline in memory-impaired individuals. The in-house culinary team prepares three nutritious meals per day for residents to enjoy together in the dining area.
Familly members praise the kind and helpful staff and the great array of activities. One says, "Excellent care. They take an interest in their patients and they have a lot of entertainment and activities for them. They have a friendly staff always willing to help".
Oak Park Village at Slidell is a peaceful and centrally located community in Slidell providing comfort and assistance for individuals facing Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory loss issues. The community features an innovative program called It's Never 2 Late, which allows residents to access activities, virtual travel, reminiscing and connect with their families through an interactive touchscreen. Consistent support by the caregivers and personalized and engaging activities help residents develop a sense of dignity and independence. Life enrichment programs include daily scheduled activities such as morning hydration, hand massage in the afternoon, ice cream socials, puzzles and one-on-one sensory activities. Music therapy helps residents stimulate their brains and remain socially active. The community encourages the wellness of residents through its goal of Along the Journey by providing need-based care and a peaceful and safe environment.
Families praise the plentiful amenities of the community. One writes, "It is my choice to place my husband at Live Oak Village of Slidell mainly because they are the only one that will provide transportation to dialysis. It is cheerful, clean and well-kept facility. The staff is very helpful, and you cannot ask for a better service."
Park Provence is a premier senior living community located on a scenic lake and aquatic garden, surrounded by walking paths on 20 acres of rolling landscape. It has beautifully appointed apartments with the choice of 15 floor plans and an entire floor dedicated exclusively to memory care residents. Suites feature a full kitchen with appliances and an air conditioning unit. Staff is specially trained in dementia care and programs are designed around individual residents, assisting them in functioning at their highest levels. The whole of the Park Provence community is also senior-friendly and every suite comes standard with emergency pull cords and individual pendants. Senior fitness experts visit the community three times a week to give fitness classes based on individual residents' abilities and testing is also conducted to assess improvements in physical performance.
A customer enthuses about the community's dedicated, caring team members and its excellent menu, saying, "I can't say enough about the fabulous staff at Park Provence! They are professional, attentive, caring, and compassionate. It's a lovely community and a warm, loving environment. AND the food is deserving of its own separate 5-star review! Thank you for all that you do!"
Chateau de Notre Dame serves the needs of seniors with dementia and creates a comfortable environment for them to live and receive comprehensive medical care. Memory care residents get assistance with the activities of daily living, such as help with washing, grooming and bathing, all in a spiritual environment. Comforting spaces provide room to socialize or to contemplate, and a manicured courtyard lets residents relax outdoors in the sun. This community offers rooms with full utilities and basic cable as well as access to shared spaces with games and activities. Amenities including an on-site beauty salon and multimedia room are available.
Residents and their families leave positive remarks about Chateau de Notre and its staff. One says, "I'm very satisfied with Chateau. My Mom gets great care on memory care unit and the nurses, aides and housekeepers are very friendly and helpful. It's very clean and it never smells bad like some nursing facilities."
The memory care program at HomeLife in the Gardens is designed to diminish anxiety and lessen confusion by taking an individualized approach that encourages social and physical engagement. Memory care residents live in a dedicated single-floor neighborhood specially designed to be safe and supportive for seniors living with dementia. The highly trained care team helps residents with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing and grooming. More specialized medical care services, including medication administration, regular wellness checks, incontinence management and health monitoring, are also available. Residents can fitness classes, participate in the resident council, attend Sunday church services, join birthday celebrations or relax in the idyllic garden. This community also organizes regular group outings to local attractions. Residents enjoy three delicious meals every day prepared by a chef.
Family members rave about the friendly staff and great food. A relative writes, "My father just moved to HomeLife. The friendly staff and people living there made the move something my father looked forward to. Positives wonderful staff, friendly residents, fun activities and great food. HomeLife is a beautiful place for him to now call home!"
Stretching across 17 acres, Woldenberg Village offers a range of living environments to accommodate seniors of a variety of care needs, from independent living to assisted living and Alzheimer's care. The community's memory care program is based on a philosophy of reminiscence, helping residents relive and appreciate past experiences and memories. Staff members are available 24 hours a day to provide personalized assistance with daily tasks. In an effort to create a comfortable, homelike setting, the community offers access to a range of amenities including a beauty salon, a library, a chapel and a 1950s themed soda shop. One of the community's most unique features is its Snoezelen room, a multi-sensory space that provides auditory and visual stimulation for residents with dementia. Residents also enjoy a full calendar of stimulating activities planned around their individual interests, needs and abilities.
People love Woldenberg Village for its welcoming atmosphere and caring staff. One family member shares, "The nurses and other staff have been extremely helpful and nice and have gone out of their way to make our entire family as comfortable as possible." Another says, "The staff was very kind and attentive. They always made my family feel welcome. They treated my grandmother with respect and kindness."