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 Plymouth’s senior population continues to grow (12.7% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Plymouth, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 77% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 27%, 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 (9% in Plymouth 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 Plymouth. 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 Plymouth, 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:
At Brookdale Plymouth, seniors living with Alzheimer's and related dementias receive personalized support 24/7 within an easy-to-navigate environment. Staff helps with tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management and care coordination with outside providers. Safety features include secured entryways and exits with trained staff on-site around the clock and enclosed outdoor spaces. Peaceful surroundings help residents feel at home, with soothing wall colors, natural lighting and cozy furniture. Memory care programming is divided into two distinct programs to address the needs of seniors at every stage of memory loss. Clare Bridge supports mid-to-late-stage dementia, while Solace offers additional support for those in the more advanced stages. Both programs feature six planned activities every day, which help seniors retain their current skills. Seniors can try painting, baking, gardening, fitness classes, walking groups, dancing and other engaging options.
Visitors love the easy-to-navigate layout. "I liked the feeling when you first walk into Brookdale Plymouth," says one reviewer. "The people seemed very nice. The community areas where you can sit and watch TV were very nice, open and light. It's a very nice place, and the rooms were a nice size and very clean."
The Waters of Plymouth memory care community's wooded settings blooms with nature and wildlife in a convenient location. Residents enjoy access to the community's active life studio, creative arts studio, spa and salon and secure landscaped courtyard. Tall ceilings and large windows contribute generous light and feelings of spaciousness to the open plan apartments which feature their own kitchenettes and connect to communal living and dining spaces. There is also the addition of on-site healthcare services. Dedicated memory care teams with licensed nursing staff are available 24/7, and deliver the signature evidence-based Petals memory care program. It applies an integrated therapeutic approach to inspiring resident joy and fulfillment guided by a four-tiered level of care assessment and individual preferences towards eating, socializing, movement and sleep. Examples from the specially curated activities calendar include pet therapy, craft sessions, board games, manicures and hand massages and devotional services.
A resident's family member comments on the positive impact of the community's intentional design and the level of care, writing, "The Waters is a beautiful place. The colors are bright and the staff is very friendly. The location is nice. They offer plenty of activities, and custom care support."
Cornerstone Assisted Living & Memory Care offers memory care services from staff who are specially trained in dementia and Alzheimer's care. The building is entrance controlled for resident safety, and the community offers a fully secured garden and patio so that residents can independently enjoy the outdoors. Caregivers are on-site 24/7 to assist residents with daily needs, such as grooming, incontinence care, ambulation and medication management. A registered nurse is on-call around the clock to help with more complex medical needs. Caregivers are encouraged to engage with each senior's life story, and that life story is celebrated through one-on-one conversation and individualized, purpose-filled activities. Apartments are equipped with private bathrooms that boast a walk-in shower with safety bar. Personal laundry and housekeeping are included in the monthly cost, and three meals a day are offered for a small additional fee.
Residents and their families praise the competent staff and and lovely community. One reviewer says ".they have a high level of staffing, and then their flexibility to work with and advocate on the care plan specific to that individual [is good]. The appearance of the place, it's nice. It's accommodating. It's clean, and I think the facility is managed well."
SummerWood of Plymouth is a faith-based senior living community with a dedicated memory care neighborhood. The Arbor memory care neighborhood follows the DOVE (Dementia Orientation Values Education) program, which carefully assesses each resident to create a personalized care plan that supports resident skills and encourages a purposeful life with remaining abilities. Trained staff members engage and carefully oversee the health of all memory care residents while assisting with the daily activities of life. Three daily meals are served in a family-style dining area. Throughout the day, residents are encouraged to participate in the WINGS Wellness program, which includes brain exercises, spiritual services, fitness classes and even volunteer options. On-site physician services are also available, along with the coordination of therapy visits.
Reviewers comment on the great location of the SummerWood of Plymouth as well as the accommodating staff. One writes, "Summerwood had a very nice location, and the grounds were lovely. The staff was very helpful. The dining area looked clean and friendly."
The memory care program at Copperfield Hill Senior Living enables seniors with cognitive impairments to improve their quality of life through unique programming focusing on their individuality and dignity. The Joining My Journey program helps the care team understand each resident's life story, likes and dislikes and uses that learning to create meaningful activities linked to their interests and hobbies. Seniors live in a secure dedicated neighborhood complete with daily room tidying and weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services. A registered nurse conducts a detailed assessment of each new resident before developing an individualized care plan that can include medication management, diabetes care and oxygen management. Caregivers are available 24/7 to help with activities of daily living, such as grooming and toileting, and perform safety checks every 2-3 hours. Residents enjoy three nutritious meals daily and participate in intergenerational events and fitness classes.
Family members rave about the homelike atmosphere and thoughtful services. A reviewer writes, "We loved it, it had a very comfortable and homelike setting, and I think the programs they're offering were wonderful. They have a pick-up service where they can take people to the doctor. It's clean. We were just very pleased."
Rose Arbor & Wildflower Lodge provides memory care according to the Magnolia Trails program, which is built around five pillars. The first pillar focuses on care. Caregivers develop personalized service plans for residents and assist with daily living activities, medication, mobility and guidance. They meet together frequently for updates. The second pillar involves creating an environment that is safe and comfortable. The community uses soft fabrics, special lighting and background music. Pillar three is entitled "Embracing Moments," and it provides a set of activities designed to stimulate cognitive function, creativity and connections. The calendar is filled with games, entertainment and outings. The fourth pillar is family involvement. Staff members remain in close communication with families and offer resources and support groups. Finally, pillar five focuses on nutrition. Meals are served with easy-to-eat options in a calm environment.
According to reviewers of Rose Arbor & Wildflower Lodge, staff members are "friendly and attentive." There are plenty of activities each day, such as "exercise, arts and games" in the mornings and afternoons. A reviewer's mother "likes the food" and seems happy in this comfortable community. Other reviewers appreciate the community's cleanliness and "Minnesota cabin" design.
Seniors who require memory care live in the Ponds and the Willows wings of The Glenn Hopkins. In these secure neighborhoods, residents can choose apartments that are just the right size for them and retain their privacy. Common areas are designed for ease of navigation and comfort, and residents can enjoy gathering in homey rooms and looking out onto the lovely grounds. Caregivers work closely with the family members and personal representatives of each resident, who help identify needs, present life histories and take an active role in all care planning. Staff members offer frequent care conferences and assessments to make sure that seniors receive full help with daily living activities, medication, health care coordination and more. The community's activities encourage interaction and enjoyment and may include crafts, music, social hours, movies and seasonal events.
Reviewers appreciate the kindness of staff and excellence of care. One family member writes, "The nurses and aides are very special people who show love and patience every day.They are loving and supportive in every way," and "we are thankful to everyone who touched" our family's lives with such compassion.
At Sunrise of Golden Valley, seniors have access to experienced caregivers 24/7. Purposefully designed for residents living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, the Reminiscence neighborhood combines 24-hour supervision and support with an engaging lifestyle tailored to seniors' interests. These evidence-based programs are conducted one-to-one or in small groups, so every resident receives extra focus and attention. They can participate in activities that recall their favorite memories, such as professional career moments, and they can participate in clubs, painting, fitness and music therapy. The award-winning community uses the latest research-based care methods, such as Validation therapy, to help empathize with each resident and learn more about their needs and experiences. Staff members are highly trained and assist with the activities of daily living around the clock in this secure, easy-to-navigate setting with cozy common areas and secure outdoor spaces.
Visiting relatives appreciate the attentive team. "There's a reason why it's rated very high by the people who live there," one says. "When I visited, they had someone greet you and because they're expecting you they're on top of the ball. The staff treats each other very well, so you know they'll treat the residents well."
Sunrise of Minnetonka is an intimate community that features multiple levels of senior care, including assisted living and specialized memory care for residents living with Alzheimer's and related dementias. Personalized support is available 24 hours a day and includes help with bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility and medication management, with staff helping ease communication, encouraging socialization and using the Validation method to help boost resident happiness. Each day features a full schedule of engaging options tailored around seniors' passions, including gardening, fitness programs and classes in the creative arts, plus a plethora of clubs and hobbies to try. The centralized layout aids navigation, with contrasting color schemes and motion sensors to improve wayfinding for residents and purpose-built features to help bolster engagement every day. The dining experience gives seniors dignity, with chef-crafted menu choices shown visually, fresh flowers and soft music.
Loved ones value the inviting ambiance and active lifestyle. "Sunrise of Minnetonka was beautiful. The rooms were beautiful with walk-in showers and their own bathrooms," says one reviewer. "They had a dog at the front desk, which I liked. They go to the casino and lots of outings to Walmart and different places."
Meadow Ridge Senior Living offers memory care accommodations in a homelike setting to seniors who are suffering from memory loss. All memory care residents are carefully assessed by a licensed nurse during the intake process to determine current physical, cognitive and social functioning levels. This information is used to create small group activities that match the interests and capabilities of residents. There are three levels of memory support within the memory care neighborhood and trained caregivers offer 24/7 assistance with the daily activities of living accordingly. All memory care residents receive three meals and snacks, and meal assistance is available. All residents have a personal pendant and regular safety checks are conducted by caregivers to ensure residents are safe and engaged.
Reviewers frequently mention the good food and attentive staff at Meadow Ridge Senior Living. One reviewer wrote, "This community has been just amazing. Kind and accommodating staff as well as the community have provided a great experience for us and our mother."
Ecumen Prairie Lodge is a memory care provider that offers cheerful and convivial environment for its residents. Located 11 miles east of Plymouth, the community is close to several healthcare facilities, including the 24-hour North Memorial Health Hospital. Seniors can choose from a range of comfortable suites and are welcome to furnish them to their tastes. Rooms are equipped with cable television, Wi-Fi and are regularly cleaned by a housekeeping service. Caregiving staff are experienced with Alzheimer's disease and dementia, and conduct regular checks to ensure the wellbeing of seniors prone to confusion or anxiety. Help is offered with dressing, grooming and other activities of daily living. A full calendar of scheduled activities allows seniors to enjoy a fun and stimulating lifestyle, and includes arts and crafts workshops, musical events and offsite visits to local attractions.
Reviewers mention the welcoming nature of the staff and the efficiency of the onboarding process at this community. One family member writes, "The people at Ecumen Prairie Lodge made it very easy and helped us through the whole process of moving my mom in. Everybody that we met and talked with were very helpful and inviting."
Rakhma Grace Home is a renovated boutique memory care residence with a bed-and-breakfast feel. The cozy community emphasizes "unconditional love". It is carefully designed to look like a home with private bedrooms on the second floor and a dining area and pool table room on the first floor. Residents can often be found on the back deck in the summer, waiting for BBQ or watching nature. Trained staff is available 24/7 to assist with the activities of daily living and also to encourage residents to socialize. Purposeful tasks are stressed throughout the day to help residents settle into a routine with purpose. On any given day, residents can be found folding towels, watering plants or setting the table.
Reviewers emphasize the homelike feel of Rakhma Grace Home and the great staff. One reviewer wrote, "It's a homey set up. Staff is always pleasant. My brother appears happy and content. Staff is always receptive to comments, and very helpful. I fell so blessed to have found a facility that is now my brother's home and feel the care is excellent."
The memory care community at Abiitan Mill City has specially-trained caregivers who provide personalized support for seniors undergoing cognitive changes. The staff performs regular comfort checks and forges strong connections with residents. Seniors with memory impairment can access the Awakenings programming that enhances mental function by focusing on activities and social programs that suit each individual's abilities and personality. The collaborative approach involves caregivers, medical professionals and loved ones to craft a care plan that boosts the overall well-being of residents with Alzheimer's and related dementias. Awakenings improves seniors' mental and physical health by reducing their reliance on antipsychotic medication, which can suppress moods and exacerbate behavioral symptoms. The program also maximizes the benefits of biomedical treatments and reduces the use of pharmaceutical drugs. Amenities in this community include safety call pendants, an escort to and from meals and 24/7 security.
Residents like the community's convenient location and wide range of senior living options. One aging loved one's relative says, "We chose Abiitan Mill City because they offered independent living and memory care and also the location was great for family members as well. It seemed like it was going to be a great place for my father in law to age."
Situated in a peaceful residential setting, Brookdale Eden Prairie provides support for seniors at every stage of memory loss. For those in the mid-to-late stages of Alzheimer's and related dementias, Clare Bridge programming offers individualized support combined with enriching activities. For seniors in the advanced stages of dementia, Solace incorporates an additional layer of multisensory experiences and more time for daily activities. Staff is on-site 24 hours to assist with the tasks of daily living, including bathing, dressing, mobility, transferring and managing medications, using a personalized approach tailored to each resident's needs and interests. Each day features a gentle structure of programming to keep seniors engaged. They can arrange flowers, try baking, trivia, karaoke, movie nights, puzzles, games, crafts and other activities to keep them active physically and mentally. Dining features fresh choices each day.
Residents' family members appreciate the personal attention provided here. "Brookdale is very good and they are willing to work with the family," writes a resident's daughter. "They are very personally oriented to what each resident needs which is what makes Brookdale Eden Prairie above others. It is a smaller type of community and has a focused environment for memory care. It is homey, inviting, and warm and set up well."
Havenwood of Maple Grove is a memory care neighborhood in Maple Grove, MN. The community is designed to be comfortable for memory care patients, including visual landmarks and sensory cues to encourage independence. Memory care training programs for caregivers ensure residents receive specialized care. The staff assists with medication management, and they provide reminders and gentle cues to help residents with daily living activities. On-site rehabilitation services seek to improve residents' mobility, and residents can rebuild strength with fitness lessons. The Village Program allows residents to enjoy activities they love and discover new interests, including live music and group baking demonstrations. Chefs serve snacks and three restaurant-style meals each day, and the staff provides transportation to local shops, restaurants and medical appointments.
Visitors say the community is well-maintained and provides tons of activities. One says, "The staff was very nice and caring. Everything's clean and beautiful. They had a nice, big dining area. There seems like quite a lot going on there, various classes and different activities. It was a busy place."
The Waters of Edina in Plymouth, MN is a premier memory care provider. They offer memory care services and amenities designed to meet the needs of those living with dementia. Their Memory Care Suites provide a secure and comfortable environment, where residents are able to focus on their activities and socialization. The team of professional staff members provide personalized care and support to each resident, while also giving them the opportunity to stay engaged in their community. The Waters of Edina also provides daily activities and events to help keep their residents active and engaged. These activities include physical exercise, music and art classes, cooking classes and more. The community also offers a variety of amenities, such as an on-site bistro, salon and spa and a movie theater. The community is committed to providing the best memory care services and amenities in Plymouth, MN.
Family members like the friendly staff at the community. One remarks: "I started exploring the Waters community with Christina at the Waters in Eden Prairie. She was so incredibly helpful with giving me the information I needed to start my search! Her compassion toward my parents needs was above and beyond! Her follow up was greatly appreciated as well!"
Cedar Ridge Place is a senior living community with a dedicated and secured memory care unit. All residents receive individualized care plans and are encouraged to participate in daily games and activities. Memory care residents have their own apartments with private bathrooms, and assistance is available for the daily activities of living if necessary. Rooms are fully furnished, and light housekeeping and laundry services are available. Three daily meals are served in a restaurant-style dining area, and snacks/beverages are available throughout the day. Residents can frequently be found in the summer enjoying the green space and walking paths with supervision.
Reviewers frequently mention the caring atmosphere at Cedar Ridge Place, with one reviewer stating, "I would highly recommend this facility to anyone who has a loved one needing memory care. The staff are dedicated professionals who care about the residents and treat them as they would their own family. The facility is clean, comfortable and has a home-like atmosphere."
The Waters on 50th is a large memory care community that offers its residents a vibrant, resort-like environment. With a convenient location 13 miles southeast of Plymouth, residents are close to a number of healthcare facilities including the M Health Fairview Hospital. Seniors can choose from a range of modern suites which a routinely maintained by a housekeeping service. The caregivers are available 24 hours a day and are trained to relieve anxiety symptoms from Alzheimer's and other neurological conditions. An enhanced care plan that includes careful monitoring is available for seniors with advanced conditions that make them prone to confusion or wandering. Three chef-prepared meals are served daily and snacks are also provided. The community offers several amenities that allow residents to enjoy a calm and tranquil lifestyle, including a salon, a spa and a landscaped garden.
Reviewers praise the staff at this community for their compassionate and person-centred approach. One relative writes, "The staff held regular care conferences with us to hear directly from mom about her wishes and then we would work together to honor them while also ensuring she was safe. The staff were amazing and many took a personal interest in mom."
Suite Living Senior Care of Brooklyn Park is a memory care community just 12 miles northeast of Plymouth. With its convenient suburban setting, residents are close to several healthcare facilities, including the 24-hour PrairieCare Inpatient Hospital. Within the community, basic medical care is also provided, and residents are helped with diabetes management, catheter care and medication administration. The secured and monitored premises ensure the safety of seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia that may be prone to wandering or confusion. A dedicated team of caregivers helps with transfers, toileting and other activities of daily living. The living quarters are regularly maintained by housekeeping, allowing residents to focus on wellness and recreation. The common area has several features that offer residents a fun and leisurely way of life, including a television room, a beauty and barber shop and a garden.
Family members of residents rate this community highly for its homelike environment and are thankful for the welcoming nature of the staff. One family member writes, "Thanks for making Dad feel at home."
Seniors entering the memory care neighborhood at The Waters of Excelsior receive a clinical assessment designed to determine their care needs. The community's memory care program, PETALS, offers round-the-clock care and opportunities for seniors to express their own preferences in regard to scheduling and participating in activities. Caregivers are specially trained in providing memory care support, and licensed nurses are on-call 24/7. The community is equipped with motion-sensor technology and an emergency pendant call system to ensure residents' security and safety. The memory care neighborhood is small, allowing it to have a homelike feel; however, residents also have access to the common areas that are part of the larger community, which include an exercise studio, a spa & salon and an enclosed, landscaped courtyard.
Residents and family members praise the community's staff. One family member writes, "The Waters Excelsior has been the best experience for my parents! They made the decision to move there over two years ago. The staff at The Waters has exceeded all of our expectations. Friendly to residents and family members, going out of their way to touch base on a personal level shows their compassion for their residents."