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 Prescott’s senior population continues to grow (24.99% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Prescott, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by a staggering 128.26% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 15.01%, 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 (8.44% in Prescott 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 Prescott. 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 Prescott, 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:
Alta Vista brands itself as "The Pinnacle of Retirement Living" in Prescott with its hospitality-centered lifestyle offerings. This family-owned senior community is a few blocks from Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center West and less than 3 miles from Northern Arizona VA Health Care System in Fort Whipple. Its modern four-level apartment complex offers panoramic Thumb Butte and Granite Mountain views from the large barbecue deck and apartment balconies, as well as the on-campus gated dog park and walking paths. The central amenities area houses the fitness center, movie theater and chapel, library and game room, activity room and full-service salon/day spa. The Bonita Vista and Thumb Butte dining rooms serve full menu options, while the bistro holds happy hours daily. Canterbury Village at Alta Vista offers an intimate, homelike setting for memory care residents and is staffed by full-time dementia care personnel.
Families are completely at ease by the fact that their loved ones are nurtured at Alta Vista. One reviewer comments, "Caring and professional staff, beautiful decor and amazing food. THE place for your mom or dad. Took care of mine with love and tenderness. Could not have asked for more.
The community design and amenities at Ativo Senior Living of Prescott Valley reflect the surrounding Arizona landscape and warm desert lifestyle. Residents have numerous living options depending on the level of care needed, with extra room to personalize their living space with belongings from home. Several floor plans include a full kitchen and washer and dryers, and all living options are pet friendly. Ativo provides a 24/7 care staff, a completely wireless building for easily connected health care and personalized memory care options to assist residents with dementia and Alzheimer's. The culinary staff provide chef-cooked meals served in the dining room or for special occasions, Ativo offers theater dining. Daily activities, including arts and crafts, educational classes and intergenerational activities pairing seniors with their family and grandchildren, give seniors a wide variety of options to socialize, learn and exercise.
Cottonwood Village is a community in Arizona that encourages independence in its residents. A regular bus service means residents can enjoy attractions in the local area including restaurants, shops and casinos. Amenities on-site, such as a library, hair salon, games room and exercise room, ensure residents have the opportunity to socialize, while the landscaped gardens offer a secluded space to enjoy the mountain views. Household chores and maintenance are taken care of for independent living residents, while those in assisted living have access to trained professionals 24-hours a day to help with tasks such as bathing, dressing and housekeeping while ensuring residents remain as independent as possible. Meals are provided and activities are planned throughout the day to help keep residents engaged. Temporary care is also available for people needing short-term services.
One family member of a resident appreciates the social aspects of the community, saying, "Activities in the facility and outings to area restaurants and a nearby casino are scheduled to encourage interactive relationships," another says, "They have lots of daily activities they enjoy like the music and the socials and they have an exercise class too."
With a scenic setting surrounded by mountains in Prescotts Granite Dells, Granite Gate Senior Living provides assisted living and memory care, with shopping, dining and cultural attractions nearby. For residents living with memory loss, the community offers Bridge to Rediscovery Alzheimers and dementia care, an award-winning program with a person-centered focus. By getting to know each residents unique needs, the team, which is specially trained in dementia care, offers highly personalized support. From health monitoring to daily living assistance, residents and their loved ones can have peace of mind. Recreational and occupational therapy are available on-site, while a full calendar of activities helps seniors stay engaged. Options include small-group programming, social events, spiritual stimulation and fitness classes. Chef-prepared meals accommodate dietary needs, and deluxe amenities feature a beauty salon, a library, card and game rooms, and transportation to local appointments and events.
Loved ones appreciate the caring staff. "Not only does Mom love it there, I do also!" says one relative. "Everyone there is just so very nice and accommodating. All the caregivers are just wonderful and the residents as well. I get piece of mind knowing they are there to help her in any type of emergency."
The dedicated team at Highgate Senior Living-Prescott takes an individualized, holistic approach to caring for seniors with memory issues, such as dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The caregivers are highly trained in this field and certified in Teepe Snow's Positive Approach to Care to best provide personalized attention to each resident's physical, psychological and emotional needs. Caring for residents at Highgate goes beyond ensuring the daily tasks of living are performed. The team also uses holistic methods, such as massages, aromatherapy, spa baths and herbal teas, to lighten seniors' moods, stimulate their appetites and help them remain socially and physically active to ensure better sleep patterns and retain the skills that remain. The secured grounds allow residents to wander without becoming lost, and apartments are pet-friendly.
Visitors to Highgate Senior Living-Prescott are impressed with the high level of care provided to residents in this community. One resident's family member states, "The staff is friendly and they know all of the residents' names. They do have many activities and encourage the residents to participate."
Touchmark at The Ranch is beautifully laid out on a 44-acre hilltop campus off Arizona State Route 69 in the southwest portion of Prescott, overlooking the city with panoramic mountain views. Its also conveniently situated from across Prescott Gateway Mall and equidistant from Dignity Health Yavapai Regional Medical Center East and West Campuses. This resort-style senior village is pet-friendly and consists of independent living cottages, the Grand Lodge apartment complex and nature trails. A Central Park with an amphitheater is also available, along with a grand clubhouse and a large health and fitness club. The communitys Best Friends-certified memory care neighborhoods are designed with secured courtyards, color-coded hallways and easy-to-navigate spaces. Memory care residents are offered engaging experiences through the Full Life Wellness & Life Enrichment Program, including functional fitness classes, supervised outings and personalized daily activities.
People love the excellent amenities, food and people at Touchmark at The Ranch. A residents son writes, "She immediately felt at home. Unfortunately her health later took a turn for the worse and it was here that the incredibly caring staff, and the whole atmosphere of caring really came to lightWe honestly could not have asked for anything better.