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 Richardson's senior population continues to grow (19.61% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Richardson, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 49.9% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 9.4%, 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 (8.74% in Richardson 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 Richardson. 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 Richardson, 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:
Arden Courts of Richardson is a certified memory care community in suburban Dallas, Texas. Designed to optimize comfort for people with Alzheimer's and other memory issues, the community has a village-like layout, with several self-contained houses on secured grounds. Each house has private rooms, a kitchen, bathroom, lounge and dining room, and all residents have use of a wellness center, activity center and salon, as well as an enclosed garden with walking paths. Visual clues, such as photos, colors and symbols, both help residents to navigate the community and stimulate memory recall. A structured activity program seeks to meet residents' physical, cognitive, emotional and social needs. Trained caregivers provide 24/7 support to residents, and there is always a licensed nurse available. Regular health and safety checks ensure resident well-being, and staff assists with arranging medical appointments and rehabilitation services.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
The Monarch at Richardson provides specialized memory care for seniors living with various stages of Alzheimer's and cognitive conditions. Its signature Valeo memory care program uses a holistic approach that helps seniors thrive physically, socially, intellectually and spiritually. Daily activities are usually a mix of group and one-on-one engagement and focus on building connections and enhancing cognitive abilities. The Create and Compose program, for instance, helps residents indulge in creative pursuits, such as painting, music and drawing. Legacy Kit treasure chests, filled with personal mementos, stimulate reminiscing, and Travel Times events allow seniors to discover and experience different cultures from around the world right within the community. The Monarch also uses pet therapy, which provides stimulating tactile experiences and therapeutic social and health benefits. Family members get adequate support through learning sessions and sensitivity training.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Cottonwood Creek Healthcare Community, located in Dallas suburb Richardson, is a large advanced senior care community that provides memory care, assisted living and skilled nursing services to seniors who need help with the tasks of daily living. Cottonwood Creek Healthcare Community's state-certified memory care unit, Bluebonnet Lane, creates numerous daily opportunities for residents to engage in their favorite activities. The program also structures daily individual routines that residents are familiar with, reducing incidences of confusion and forgetfulness. Cottonwood's health care team, which includes a psychiatrist, dietitian and psychologist.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Truewood by Merrill, Park Central is a family-owned, pet-friendly senior living community. Caregivers are always available to help residents with activities of daily living. Residents with dementia have customized wellness plans to provide necessary support and maintain or improve cognitive abilities. All staff members in the secure memory care unit are specially trained to support residents with dementia. On-site amenities include a library, beauty salon, massage room, movie theater and a fitness area. A professional culinary team serves freshly prepared meals in a communal dining room with table service. Residents can participate in a variety of daily activities such as gardening, music, arts and crafts, religious services, and group sessions dedicated to stories and discussion. The secure courtyard with spacious patios lets residents enjoy the outdoors safely.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
DaySpring Senior Living is an assisted living and memory care community in a welcoming, environment. The community nourishes the physical, mental and spiritual well-being of residents through ample amenities and through 24/7 daily-living support. While DaySpring is a faith-based community, it respects the diverse spiritual beliefs and independence of all residents, with memory-care programs tailored to each residents' unique preferences and health needs. Scheduled activities include daily devotionals, church services, Bible studies, aromatherapy, social activities and cognitive games. Residents enjoy home-style meals in a homey dining room and flourish in warm, secure accommodations equipped with Wi-Fi, individually-controlled heat and air-conditioning and enhanced cable TV. Trained staff ensure that residents and their families never worry about medication management, mobility support or daily grooming.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Sunrise of Plano provides a full spectrum of care under one roof, with easy access to top-rated hospitals and medical facilities. For residents with cognitive impairments, the Reminiscence neighborhood offers an easy-to-navigate setting with carefully selected colors, furniture and lighting. All team members are specially trained in dementia care, so they use the latest evidence-based approaches to assist residents with daily tasks, such as bathing and showering, grooming, mobility and medication management, while monitoring behaviors and communication 24 hours. All programs are tailored for the individual, from daily exercise classes, cognitive programming and puzzles to art projects, singing and multisensory experiences. Children and pets are frequent visitors to the community, and amenities include soft-lit reflection rooms, country kitchens, a sunroom, a media room and enclosed outdoor spaces just for memory care residents. Nutritious, chef-prepared meals are served in a restaurant-style setting.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Brookdale Collin Oaks welcomes seniors to a community designed for comfort and privacy. The easy-to-navigate memory care floor plans feature soothing colors, and seniors can bring in their personal items to create a familiar setting. Biography boxes displayed outside individual rooms celebrate residents' life stories and accomplishments and also serve as helpful cues for easily identifying one's private space. Brookdale uses a nonpharmacological approach in resident programming through the Clare Bridge Daily Path of programs. Residents participate in daily group activities, ranging from fitness exercises to musical events, as well as technology-based programs, such as light and robotic pet therapy. The community's dining program focuses on creating delightful, stress-free experiences through the use of soothing music, attractive table decor and consistent seating arrangements. Menus are dementia-friendly and offer easy-to-manage servings to encourage independence.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Mayberry Gardens Assisted Living and Memory Care Homes has a pleasant suburban setting in the northern portion of Garland, about four miles from Garland VA Medical Center and Methodist Richardson Medical Center. Its campus consists of 11 standalone homes, two of which are dedicated to memory care for up to 12 residents each. Each modern, cozy home has its own front porch, landscaped gardens and living, dining and kitchen areas, and each room has its own private bathroom. This smaller home setting benefits residents with a high staff-to-resident ratio so that they can receive individualized hands-on support. Residents may also receive assistance with toileting and medications, and they have access to on-site salon services. There is a dedicated specialist for activities in each memory care home, and activities may include organized games, art projects, hand massages, facials and simple household tasks such as folding towels.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Brookdale Lake Highlands offers memory care and assisted living in a homelike, pet-friendly environment. Seniors can add personal touches to their rooms for familiarity and comfort, and shadow boxes containing personal memorabilia help residents to identify their rooms as well as prompting memory recall. Trained caregivers provide 24/7 person-centered support to residents with Alzheimer's and other memory impairments. Through the Clare Bridge program, daily research-based structured activities maintain residents' existing skills and enhance overall well-being, including cognitively stimulating games, fitness sessions, robotic pet therapy, arts and crafts, music recitals and social events. Seniors can relax in the peaceful landscaped grounds, complete with a garden, courtyard and walking paths. On-site amenities include a salon, games room, therapy room and library, and the culinary team prepares nutritious, dementia-friendly menus.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
At Sunrise on Hillcrest, memory care is personalized for the individual. Each resident is paired with a life enrichment manager who crafts a service plan tailored around the senior's unique needs and preferences. Team members receive specialized dementia care training, and they're available for 24-hour assistance with tasks such as grooming, medication, mobility and socializing, depending on the resident's needs. Through validation therapy, caregivers empathize with seniors through open-ended questions and emotion matching. Activities are also tailored to individual interests as well as physical and cognitive skill levels. Seniors benefit from engaging options ranging from art projects and puzzles to multisensory experiences, exercise classes and outings. Reminiscence, the secure memory care neighborhood, has an easy-to-navigate layout with a media room, a living, dining and activity areas, soft-lit reflection rooms with soothing music, country kitchens and enclosed outdoor spaces. Chef-prepared meals are crafted around dietary needs.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Juniper Village at Preston Hollow encourages residents to feel at home in a pet-friendly senior living community. Caregivers are available 24/7 to help residents with daily tasks such as medication management and bathing. Secure outdoor areas offer walking paths, shaded rest areas, gazebos and gardens to let residents enjoy sunshine and fresh air safely. The Wellspring Memory Care program follows research-based protocols to organize small house models within the larger community for residents with dementia. Small, intimate settings inspire social engagement, and communal dining rooms serve meals prepared by a culinary team. The Alive in All Seasons dining program features monthly chef's stations, themed meals, BBQs and seasonal specials. Activities based on resident interest frequently include creative arts, writing and music.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
The Sagora Pathways Memory Care program of Briarview Senior Living helps seniors with dementia live joyfully by engaging in purposeful activities. Numerous life skills stations are placed throughout the community to enable residents to participate in familiar activities, such as office tasks, pet care, cooking and baking, working in the garage and setting the table. Boxes containing nostalgic objects and personal mementos are placed outside each apartment to help residents find their rooms. They also spark conversations by encouraging seniors to tell their life stories. Residents live in a secured, specially designed neighborhood filled with consistent objects, aromas, sounds and visual cues to improve comfort and reduce anxiety. Many engaging activities are available, including group exercises, field trips, art classes and dancing. The culinary team prepares healthy and delicious meals daily using fresh ingredients served restaurant-style in a comfortable dining room.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Brookdale White Rock is a memory care community nestled in a quaint, historical part of Dallas. Inside the thoughtfully designed building, seniors in various stages of dementia thrive in an intimate and nurturing setting. Skilled caregivers are available 24/7 to assist residents with bathing, dressing and other personal needs. They also help seniors get the most out of each day by escorting them to events or just accompanying them on a jaunt through the flower-filled courtyard. Brookdale White Rock uses a unique person-centered approach to dementia care called the Clare Bridge program. In this approach, residents are grouped with others who have matching cognitive abilities. Through a softly structured daily itinerary, seniors take part in daily discussions, fitness/movement classes and brain games to help them retain current abilities while fostering a sense of autonomy and belonging.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Brookdale Creekside is a vibrant community with a wide array of amenities to make residents more comfortable. Memory care is delivered through the Clare Bridge construct, which emphasizes cognitive skill-building through current events discussions, puzzles and individualized care plans. Physical activity is also encouraged through dancing, games and group fitness. Solace is for those with more advanced memory care conditions, building on the Clare Bridge approach by adding assistance with activities of daily living. Music, aromatherapy and other sensory activities are also part of the Solace approach. Amenities include an on-site beauty salon and barbershop, greenhouse and concierge service. There is also a community whirlpool, putting green and walking paths.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Grand Brook Memory Care of Richardson/N. Garland is unique in that the entire community is devoted to residents with memory care needs. Activity offerings for residents include craft classes, group exercise sessions and bingo. Meal planning is individualized to suit resident tastes. There is also a community cafe, on-site chapel and beauty salon. Residents can also participate in off-site day trips, meditation and outdoor walking groups. Memory care programming incorporates dance, aromatherapy and music to further engage residents. Family is also an important focus at Grand Brook, so cookouts and birthday celebrations are common parts of the activity offerings here. This also helps to reinforce emotional connections for those residents that may struggle with small details and associations with loved ones.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Tradition Senior Living provides multiple levels of care in a stylish, inviting setting. Caregivers can help residents with activities of daily living, and licensed nurses are on duty 24/7 to handle medications, monitor health conditions and supervise care. Staff members in the secure memory care neighborhood support residents with dementia, and care teams collaborate with residents and families to develop personalized care plans. The communal dining room serves chef-prepared meals with snacks and beverages available all day. An open kitchen and flexible meal times help residents feel engaged and improve appetite. Amenities include cable television, internet access and courtesy transportation. A beauty salon and spa offers manicures, pedicures and massage therapy. Residents have supervised access to themed life stations, a fitness center, library and outdoor gardens. Transportation is provided.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Located close to two hospitals, Villagio of Plano is an exclusive senior care community serving individuals with memory impairments disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Due to its small size, the in-house dementia-trained care team can provide one-on-one attention and better help residents and their families with goals that align with individual personalities, life histories and interests. Life-enriching programs include music and pet therapy, as well as creative outlet opportunities. The community also provides on-site salon services to minimize distressing dementia-related symptoms often triggered by off-site appointments and changes in daily routine. Every private residence features a secure closet with a washer and dryer unit, and the community also features safe secured outdoor spaces for residents to explore and a common area with triple-height ceilings and wall-to-wall windows.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Lynridge Assisted Living & Memory Care is conveniently close to Murphy's commercial corridor, only a couple of blocks from Baylor Scott & White Emergency Hospital Murphy and less than 4 miles from Methodist Richardson Medical Center. This Sagora Senior Living has an accessible single-floor layout with three landscaped interior courtyards and upscale common areas. It has a fitness room, library and recreation room, jukebox bistro and fireside patio. The community's 33-bed memory care neighborhood offers holistic, person-centered care through the Sagora Pathways program. This program features Dining with GRACE, where residents are served chef-prepared meals with respect and in a calming atmosphere, and Cherished Connections, which provide meaningful experiences through positive interactions, relaxation, stimulation and celebrations big or small. Dedicated memory care activities include morning exercises, brain fitness sessions, creative arts, gardening, and scent and sound therapy.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Walnut Place is a senior community offering memory care services as well as independent living, assisted living, rehabilitation and skilled nursing. Residents in the memory care neighborhood are supported using the Heartfelt Connections program. Staff use each individual's life story to put together a personalized plan of activities and classes that fit their interests. The community also offers a Music and Memory program that can reduce stress and bring joy to those living with dementia or Alzheimer's. Activities and amenities include an in-house salon, gardening, karaoke, and exercise through sensory games. The community is conveniently located in North Dallas just across the street from Presbyterian Hospital.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Cariad at Village Creek is a community designed for seniors with memory loss, where licensed caregivers work directly with their families to create care plans that fulfill their unique needs and address physical and cognitive challenges. Residents can rely on staff members to oversee their daily activities of life and provide assistance when they're unable to handle tasks such as bathing or dressing, or when they need an escort to get them around the campus. Residents engage with various life activity stations where they can cook, play music, reenact significant events and participate in other emotionally significant activities that help them to relive past experiences and positive emotions. They also receive meals that are adjusted for their tastes and health needs, and all of their laundry and housekeeping needs are handled for them on a recurring basis. A physician visits every week to assess the health of each resident.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."