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 Pontiac’s senior population continues to grow (9.3% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Pontiac, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 21% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 27%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (5.81% in Pontiac 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 Pontiac. 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 Pontiac, 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:
With its location along I-275, Glen Abbey by Storypoint Group offers accessibility to loved ones. The senior community provides assisted living and memory care with pet-friendly accommodations. Residents with memory loss live in dedicated dementia care wings with pod neighborhood arrangements to foster familiarity. The secure environment includes 24/7 supervision from the care team. Through the Moments Memory Care program, team members support seniors with their physical care and emotional needs while focusing on building nurturing relationships. The program also addresses the needs of family members and caregivers. To become well-versed in the program, caregivers complete training, demonstrate skills and pass tests to become certified.
Family members often talk positively about the staff. One person comments, "Both of my parents reside in the memory care wing at Glen Abbey. The care staff is attentive, patient and kind. The director is very approachable and always makes time to answer any questions we may have."
Bickford of Canton sits near Canton Health Center, where residents can access several medical specialties. Seniors with dementia live in Mary B's Memory Care Neighborhood, which provides personalized care and supervision. Dementia-friendly features include exit doors disguised with murals, communal spaces to encourage socialization and smaller areas to minimize frustration. Caregivers complete a Lifesong document for each resident to capture the details of their history, including routines, family information, careers and hobbies. This information guides the care and interactions staff members have with the seniors. Through Cuetivities, staff intentionally engages dementia care residents in small-group activities with a dedicated group of participants. Planned activities, personalized to residents' interests, happen seven days a week for five hours daily, with impromptu options to manage difficult behaviors. Custom baskets encourage interactions through photos, collectibles and other meaningful objects.
Families often mention choosing the community because of the environment. One person says, "We chose Bickford of Canton because I felt that my mom's needs would be met. It is a smaller community vs. a larger building, so the staff-to-patient ratio was better, and I walked in and it felt like home."
Provision Living at Canton offers memory care 18 minutes from University Hospital. In addition to assisting with personal routines, specially trained staff, available 24/7, coordinates additional care that supports residents' overall well-being. On-site occupational, physical and speech therapies preserve mobility and communication skills, while dementia-friendly experiences stimulate brain function. Through purposeful tasks, such as preparing family recipes, seniors unlock memories and draw connections between the past and the present. In addition, secure common spaces, including the enclosed courtyard, encourage neighbors to explore and socialize freely, with health sensors monitoring seniors for fall risks, possible injuries and other medical concerns. Memory care residents live in accessible suites featuring walk-in showers, emergency call systems and individual climate controls. Accommodations are kept tidy via weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services, and staff provides three restaurant-style meals daily.
Residents appreciate the staff's expertise and the community's personalized approach to caring for people with memory loss. One reviewer comments, "They are well-informed about the unique needs of each resident and are always ready to provide the best possible care. You can feel confident that your loved ones are in capable hands."
Kingsley Senior Living offers its Impressions Memory Care Program within a five-minute drive of Trinity Health Medical Center in Canton. Utilizing geno testing, enrichment activities and brain-training exercises, staff designs personalized care plans, while on-site therapies, provided by the RENEW program, help older adults with dementia maintain their physical and cognitive skills. In addition, assistive technologies, including senior-friendly computers and touch screens, enable video calls with loved ones and telehealth appointments. Around-the-clock caregivers also coordinate as-needed physician and podiatry visits, further supporting residents' medical needs. Studio apartments in the secure Impressions Memory Care neighborhood feature safety measures such as accessible showers, grab bars and 24/7 call systems. Housekeeping and laundry services ensure maintenance-free living, and access to shared courtyards, living rooms and dining areas encourages independence and socialization. Additional amenities at Kingsley Senior Living include a salon and bistro.
Residents praise the community's family-focused approach. One reviewer stated, "We are so thankful for the care team, and how attentive they are to our Mother's needs Kingsley took the time to hear why we were moving our Mom, and implement those things that are most important to our family you will not be disappointed."
Crystal Creek Assisted Living, located 20 miles northwest of Detroit, offers a nurturing community for older adults with memory loss. Led by a licensed nurse, a specially trained team of caregivers provides 24-hour supervision with daily tasks, personal hygiene and mobility. Staff adapts support to meet seniors' health needs and preferences based on customized care plans outlining physician requirements. To stimulate the mind and engage the body, caregivers implement therapies such as memory games, gardening, exercise and tactile stations. As a safety precaution, the community has secured courtyards and easy-to-navigate buildings where seniors can freely explore. Residents choose from fully furnished private or shared suites that include emergency buttons, accessible showers and housekeeping. Routine mealtimes, featuring chef-prepared cuisine, provide structure for seniors, who can dine with others in a restaurant-style area or the privacy of their rooms.
Residents and families appreciate the attentive caregivers. One reviewer mentions, "My mother-in-law is happy and very well cared for. We know the staff, and they are not only professional, but they are truly caring people. ... I would advise anyone looking for a place to assist with the care of a loved one that Crystal Creek makes a great partner."
Waltonwood Cherry Hill, located in a suburb west of Detroit, specializes in supporting older adults with dementia. Here, staff works with families to develop customized plans addressing seniors' emotional, physical and cognitive well-being. Trained caregivers provide 24/7 assistance with routine tasks, while an on-site nurse manager monitors residents' health and medication needs. Within the secure setting, seniors independently explore the enclosed courtyards and visit the calming sensory room, designed to stimulate the mind via memory-aiding imagery. Further enriching activities range from gardening and crafts to supervised museum visits and senior-friendly exercise classes. At Waltonwood Cherry Hill, residents live in furnished apartments with accessible bathrooms, utilities and weekly housekeeping. Three chef-prepared meals are served daily in a communal dining room that promotes socialization. In addition, a pastry team creates handcrafted desserts and treats for seniors to share with visiting loved ones.
Residents' family members appreciate compassionate caregivers and diverse amenities. One commenter mentions, "My parents are extremely happy living at Waltonwood Cherry Hill! The caring staff and array of activities create a great environment. The management is very good about involving residents in decisions and making them part of Waltonwood."
Sunrise of Northville sits in a residential neighborhood near I-275 and I-96, close to a number of medical facilities. On-site, seniors with dementia have access to personalized daily support tailored to their level of cognitive decline. The community features two distinct neighborhoods for seniors with dementia. Its Terrace Club caters to individuals with early-to-moderate memory loss, while its Reminiscence neighborhood offers enhanced structure and supervision for those in later stages of Alzheimer's. Both environments include easy-to-navigate spaces, secured entries and enclosed outdoor spaces. The community's highly trained Life Enrichment Managers work closely with each resident, getting to know their likes and dislikes and planning engaging activities around their interests and abilities. Seniors can take part in dementia-friendly daily programs, including music, art, gardening and exercise classes, in small-group and one-on-one settings to encourage participation and minimize anxiety.
This community receives recognition for its efforts to create a welcoming and enjoyable environment. One reviewer shares, "My parents are at Sunrise of Northville, and everything has been wonderful. The staff is amazing and very caring. It's a very clean place. ...The food is wonderful; I think they have a 5-star chef. My parents are really enjoying it so far."
Thanks to its proximity to I-275, Fairmont of Northville offers easy accessibility to family visiting loved ones in memory care and assisted living. The community's caregivers complete training that helps them empower residents and foster an environment that supports independence. Using an accredited Montessori-based approach, the memory care neighborhood implements a holistic program with physical and cognitive therapy strategies. It incorporates a community-based methodology to support residents, loved ones and staff members. Residents take on meaningful social roles to give them a sense of purpose and belonging. They also take charge of the programming by joining committees and choosing activities, such as games, yoga and other interest-based options. Everyday chores, such as clearing the table or picking clothes, also fit into activity programming. At meal times, residents dine from a rotating menu that accommodates special diets while using seasonal, fresh ingredients.
Family members appreciate the staff. One comments, "Our loved one was there for only a short period of time, but the staff members were great and very accommodating. If our loved one had a special request for food the chef would make it and the staff would deliver it. He also received physical therapy there, and it was just excellent ..."
Situated in North Livonia, Provision Living at Livonia offers convenient access to nearby Botsford Hospital and the Livonia Health Center. The community provides memory care delivered by staff trained to support people living with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. The memory care program assists residents in connecting with memories, engaging in social activities and maintaining cognitive and functional abilities through meaningful activities, including art classes and musical presentations, with available occupational, physical and speech-language therapies. Residents receive 24-hour support as required, and the community uses health sensor technology to prevent falls and injuries. Secure enclosed courtyards enable community members to explore safely with increased independence.
Reviewers appreciate the community's secure, homey environment. One family member remarks, "My mother moved to Provision Living from another facility because she needed more specialized care. ... The staff here have made her feel safe, secure, and welcome. She loves the food, and the rooms and common areas are cheerful and inviting. ... Bravo!"
StoryPoint Northville by StoryPoint Group offers specialized memory care 30 minutes outside of Detroit, MI. Residents live in private studios and companion suites featuring wheelchair-friendly floor plans and large windows that allow ample light. Designed to reduce the risk of wandering, the secure memory care neighborhood also houses enclosed walking paths and an outdoor courtyard. Here, specially trained caregivers provide 24/7 companionship and help with personal routines such as bathing and dressing. Developed in coordination with seniors' physicians, care plans cover wellness checks, medication management and as-needed assistance with oxygen and mobility. Daily therapeutic and recreational activities, from seated exercises to card games and supervised outings, encourage connection among neighbors, while nutritious meals from feedback-driven menus cater to seniors' tastes and diets. Further supporting residents' health and wellness, StoryPoint Northville offers scheduled transportation to medical appointments and family care conferences.
Residents and their families appreciate the community's purposeful activities and comforting, friendly environment. One reviewer described StoryPoint Northville as, "A community that feels like family. The food (specifically the daily soup) is delicious. The activities are engaging, with frequent musical entertainment. The onsite therapy team is personable and well-rounded."
Arden Courts of Livonia sits about 4 miles from Trinity Health, home to a neuroscience department that treats cognitive disorders. Offering only memory care, this community employs specially trained caregivers who assist with personal tasks and medications and perform hourly safety checks. On the secure campus, four houses containing private bedrooms create familiar settings for older adults with dementia. Each dwelling has a kitchen, living room and porch, and the enclosed backyard connects residents to shared amenities, including walking paths, a craft studio and a wellness center. Visual cues, symbols and colors help seniors navigate their surroundings independently, while photo boxes and personal displays support communication and spark memories. In implementing Engagement Therapy Treatment, caregivers use residents' histories to tailor personalized opportunities for socialization. Furthermore, sensory experiences involving calming scents, soft music and nature imagery enhance mood and stimulate cognition.
Commenters appreciate the staff and environment. One person says, "The facilities at Arden Court are very nice. The outside landscape is very nice and the building is well maintained and thoughtfully laid out. The activities are very nice for this population of adults. The activity personnel are always friendly and upbeat and try to engage all the residents in activities."
Livonia Comfort Care, located minutes from a hospital and other medical offices, offers a continuum of care, including programs that serve older adults with dementia. Trained caregivers provide personalized assistance with daily living tasks, such as bathing, grooming and taking medications, and maintain a 24/7 presence to assist residents during emergencies. Furthermore, the community's on-site medical team provides specialized support, health checkups and therapies as needed. Residents also benefit from daily chef-prepared meals, 24/7 housekeeping services and an in-house beauty studio. The building's design facilitates safety, ease of movement and socialization. Its open common areas, movie room and secure outdoor gardens encourage exploration and offer spaces for seniors to chat with friends and loved ones. Memory care residents at Livonia Comfort Care stay physically and cognitively engaged through supervised activities, including dementia-friendly games, creative projects, nature walks and cultural outings.
Reviewers appreciate Livonia Comfort Care for its attentive staff, well-maintained environment and comfortable layout. One family member shares, "I cannot say enough how amazing this place is. It is perfectly clean. The nurses are friendly and professional. You can tell they really love their job...We could not have found a better place for my dad."
Cedar Woods Assisted Living & Memory Care offers senior living minutes from multiple medical centers. The community's memory care program, Memory Lane at Cedar Woods, maintains a homelike atmosphere with less than 30 residents. This smaller setting allows its trained and certified caregivers to provide personalized and compassionate care that minimizes agitation and confusion. The life enrichment component director uses specialized activities, such as brain games, chair fitness and crafts, to promote physical, social and emotional well-being. When necessary, residents receive physical and occupational therapy at the on-site health and wellness center. Services include meal preparation, medication management, daily housekeeping and scheduled transportation. Residents have full use of the community's amenities, including the cinema, activities center, beauty salon and outdoor courtyard.
Residents speak highly of the types of activities available. One family member notes, "I am just happy with their facilities. They have a lot of things planned for the residents with a range of different levels. They schedule them with just lots and lots of different stuff to do during the day."
The Village of Westland sits on a 23-acre campus 16 miles west of Detroit, MI, and provides adult foster care, independent living and specialized memory care services. Its secure Ivy Cottage neighborhood accommodates just 20 seniors and offers personalized assistance with bathing, taking medications and completing daily routines. Around-the-clock caregiving staff includes 24-hour licensed nurses who address residents' medical concerns and coordinate on-site therapy and rehabilitation. Furthermore, a dedicated wellness team designs dementia-friendly activities that support seniors' physical, cognitive and emotional health. Chair yoga promotes flexibility and relaxation, while cardio drumming combines aerobic movements with stimulating music. The community's culinary staff serves three chef-prepared meals daily, and assistance with eating is available upon request. Additional conveniences include scheduled transportation, non-denominational worship services and on-site social workers. The Village of Westland is a pet-friendly community.
Family members praise the community's attentive staff and healthy meals. A resident's loved one writes, "The staff has been marvelous. [Maintenance] is very prompt, housekeeping is superb, and the dietary staff are friendly and provide delicious meals. The apartment meets dad's expectations, and he and his cat get a lot of pleasure on the enclosed patio."
Aspen Assisted Living offers a location near Trinity Health Livonia Hospital, which delivers emergency care and neuroscience services. Residents with dementia reside in the secure memory care neighborhood with keypad entrances. Each living space provides a private bathroom and shower for discreet care plus an emergency call system to summon help easily. With 24/7 supervision and support from caregivers, seniors maintain their independence while receiving assistance with daily tasks, medication administration and incontinence management. The environment and routines provide familiarity without sticking to a strict, rigid program or schedule, so residents maintain control of their days. Group and one-on-one activities account for individual interests and capabilities to help everyone experience success. The dining program meets residents' nutritional needs with home-cooked meals served in a family dining environment to promote socialization. An on-site beauty salon helps residents address their grooming needs.
Reviewers often mention the staff. One family member says, "Our overall experience at Aspen Assisted Living was excellent. The facility was always very clean. The entire staff was very friendly and helpful. They were always very attentive to the residents' needs. Their kitchen is very efficient and provides 3 meals daily. They kindly assisted my mother."
Located minutes from several medical centers, Cedarbrook of Northville offers a continuum of care that allows seniors to age in place. Its Affirmations program takes a whole-person approach to memory care, focusing on physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Staff members, including licensed nurses and certified dementia practitioners, provide 24/7 assistance with daily activities, such as grooming and bathing. They use gentle encouragement to entice seniors to participate in stimulating daily activities, such as music or art therapy, and socialize in the common areas, including the lounge and secured outdoor courtyard. Residents can enjoy chef-prepared meals, spacious rooms, upscale common areas and an on-site fitness center offering senior-friendly equipment.
Residents praise the community's clean accommodations, friendly staff and various activities. One family member states, "It feels homey, clean, crisp, and up to date. The staff is also outstanding. They show genuine concern for my mother. They bring musicians in and just use music a lot to get them entertained or engage with them."
Addington Place of Northville's suburban location offers access to two regional hospitals and various medical providers. Its Embrace memory care program connects seniors to their past experiences through familiar routines, such as cooking favorite recipes and watching nostalgic shows. Older adults with cognitive conditions also socialize while partaking in garden-to-table food programs, book discussions and family-centered wellness exercises. Recreational activities, such as flower arranging and sing-alongs, further promote brain health, while seated stretches and walks improve balance and flexibility. Supporting seniors' nutritional needs, the culinary team serves seasonal, chef-prepared breakfasts, lunches and dinners. Flexible dining hours cater to varying schedules, and water stations throughout the community ensure proper hydration. The secure campus also houses enclosed courtyards, with wide corridors facilitating independence. Addington Place employs certified dementia care practitioners who provide 24/7 support with daily tasks and coordinate weekly physician visits.
Older adults and their families praise the staff's knowledge of dementia. One family member said, "The staff at Addington Place is compassionate and always treated my mom with respect. They helped guide us through the stages of Alzheimer's and took time to answer our questions. The nursing staff was amazing. I totally recommend Addington Place."
Pomeroy Living in Northville offers memory care three minutes from the University of Michigan Livonia Center for Specialty Care. Seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia receive 24/7 assistance from highly trained staff, with consistent caregiver assignments promoting comfort and familiarity. Throughout the secure neighborhood, motion sensors help staff detect and respond to wandering, fall risks and health concerns, and further safety measures extend into private residences. Pull cords allow residents to alert caregivers during emergencies, while moisture-alert systems ensure timely incontinence support. The memory care calendar features multiple planned activities daily. Residents socialize while completing brain-stimulating puzzles and playing Scrabble and express themselves creatively during flower-arranging sessions. Senior-friendly exercise classes help residents maintain strength and flexibility, and sensory experiences, such as hand massages with essential oils, enhance emotional well-being. Personalized care plans at Pomeroy Living also comprise physical and occupational therapies.
Residents and their loved ones comment on Pomeroy Living's high standards of care and comfortable environment. One reviewer said, "I'm impressed with this community. The care provided is excellent, and the communication is great. I like that it's all first floor, very cozy vibe."