The Best Memory Care Facilities in Richmond, VA
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 Richmond’s senior population continues to grow (15.62% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Richmond, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased 17.7% between 2013 and 2017. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group decreased by 3.5%, 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 (3.11% in Richmond 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 Richmond. 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.
The Best Memory Care Facilities in Richmond, VA
Table of Contents
How Memory Care Facilities Can Help
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.
Our Selection Process
To choose the best memory care facilities in Richmond, 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:
- Spent over 27 hours researching memory care facilities in Richmond
- Read more than 96 reviews written by residents and their loved ones
- Interviewed 7.8 representatives from local communities
Reviews of the 12 Best Memory Care Facilities in Richmond
Bickford of Chesterfield
- Resident Capacity:N/A
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:$3,954 for assisted living, $3,954 for memory care
Bickford of Chesterfield is a family owned and operated assisted living and memory care community offering an elegant, comfortable setting for seniors to call home. The community's focus on enriching lives and increasing residents' happiness is reflected in its pet-friendly policy, activities-filled life enrichment program and chaplain services, which include music and Bible studies. Trained caregivers in the Alzheimer's and memory care unit use Lifesong documents detailing residents' personal histories to guide daily interactions. Carefully selected items inspired by residents' hobbies and interests fill Lifesong activity stations, and the facility also provides dementia support groups for loved ones. The Bread Basket restaurant-style dining program can accommodate diet restrictions and includes fresh bread available daily and meals made from scratch using high-quality ingredients.
Reviewers comment on the facilitys pet-friendly policy, attractive dining hall and friendly, capable staff. One visitor says, "They allowed and encouraged pets; if you wanted a pet, they would help take care of it The staff seemed pleasant enough and seemed to know what they were doing The dining area looked nice I liked it a lot.
- Reviews:3.7 out of 5 stars; 8 reviews
- Phone:(804) 594-7055
- Address:11200 West Huguenot Rd., Midlothian, VA 23113
- Web:www.enrichinghappiness.com
Brookdale West End Richmond
- Resident Capacity:52
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:Starting at $4,540 for a private suite, plus care costs, which typically cost around $1,700, services are a la carte, shared suite is $3,840
The bright and spacious Brookdale West End Richmond community offers Virginia seniors a large menu of Brookdales signature programs in assisted living and memory care settings. The programs are grounded in the companys Optimum Life approach to wellness, which focuses on six dimensions of well-being: purposeful, physical, emotional, intellectual, social and spiritual. Individualized care programs reflect each residents unique interests and might include the B-Fit exercise program, Brain Fit for mental workouts and cognitive health, and Rewiring Aging, which introduces residents to new technologies, such as iPads, Apple TVs, virtual reality and voice-assisted devices. Brookdale has decades of experience caring for seniors with memory loss, using the person-centered Clare Bridge Alzheimer's and Dementia program. Intentionally designed memory care communities provide opportunities for residents to safely engage in activities, such as kitchen work and gardening, that use their talents and life skills in ways that create feelings of purpose and belonging. Two programs are available, one for those with less severe dementia who still need a secured unit, and another for those with advanced dementia and A.zheimers disease.
Family members have peace of mind in knowing loved ones are in compassionate, competent hands. One daughter wrote, "The staff, from dining to direct resident care, has been exceptional, especially for the past 6-8 months! They all know Dad's routine to keep him safe yet respectfully encourage his independence.
- Reviews:4.1 out of 5 stars; 77 reviews
- Phone:(804) 292-2458
- Address:1800 Gaskins Rd., Richmond, VA 23238
- Web:www.brookdale.com
Commonwealth Senior Living at Chesterfield
- Resident Capacity:60
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:Assisted living starts at $4,350 per month. Memory care starts at $5,190 per month.
Commonwealth Senior Living at Chesterfield offers Richmond seniors a vibrant assisted living community and an award-winning memory care program. Dynamic lifestyle programs and esteemed dining options, including Farm-to-Table and Today from the Bay, are standard for assisted living residents who enjoy an elegant dining room and wine bistro. Seniors living with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia participate in Commonwealths signature Sweet Memories program. It begins with hands-on help navigating the move-in transition and progresses to a personalized care plan developed in collaboration with the family. Caregivers use the cutting-edge Virtual Dementia Tour to experience a simulation of the challenges faced by those with dementia to better provide person-centered care. The Sweet Memories program includes Expressions art therapy, music therapy with individualized playlists in Sweet Melodies, aromatherapy before meals in the Special Touch program and Memory Care Life Stations that recreate familiar activities or hobbies.
Outstanding caregivers and an administrative staff that goes the extra mile daily receive frequent praise. One daughter wrote, "I'm very pleased with Commonwealth Senior Living at Chesterfield. My mom's room is spacious, bright and clean. They have countless activities for the residents, and I'm pleased that the food is good.
- Reviews:4.1 out of 5 stars; 45 reviews
- Phone:(804) 271-9787
- Address:4931 Ridgedale Pkwy., Richmond, VA 23234
- Web:www.commonwealthsl.com
Elmcroft of Chesterfield
- Resident Capacity:120
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:Assisted living starts at $4,425 per month. Memory care starts at $4,665 per month.
Located in the historic Bon Air area southeast of Richmond, Elmcroft of Chesterfield provides seniors with assisted living services and an Alzheimer's care community in a beautifully decorated, single-story ranch-style facility. Assisted living residents enjoy a vibrant lifestyle founded on Elmcrofts signature life-enrichment programs. These include the Vitality Club health and wellness program and the monthly Port of Call series, which features cultural activities and culinary offerings from around the world. The Walking Tall program focuses on fall prevention, while the Second Wind Dreams program helps make a long-held dream or wished-for experience a reality. Chronicles is Elmcrofts memory care program, and it uses the Best Friends approach to create a meaningful, purpose-driven way of living grounded in each individuals personal history, cultural heritage, interests and abilities. Caregivers engage residents through guided activities, while still promoting as much independence as possible in the secure environment.
Lovely accommodations and a robust activities program please family members with loved ones here. But its the "low-turnover, "terrific staff that really gives relatives peace of mind. One woman wrote, "Everyone who works there is so nice and considerate. They accommodated my Mom's vision problem by cutting up her meals for her.
- Reviews:4.4 out of 5 stars; 73 reviews
- Phone:(804) 709-0835
- Address:1000 Twinridge Lane, Richmond, VA 23235
- Web:www.elmcroft.com
Ginter Hall Assisted Living & Memory Care
- Resident Capacity:196
- Room Types:Studios, Companion Suites, Private Rooms, Shared Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite
- Base Pricing:Assisted living starts at $2,550 per month. Memory care starts at $2,600 per month.
Ginter Hall South is a locally owned family business with Richmond roots dating back to 1970. The three-story assisted living facility provides six levels of care that adapt to residents' needs. Seniors enjoy a full weekly schedule of activities with over 30 hours of social, educational and cultural opportunities plus local outings and age-appropriate physical fitness courses. Furnished or unfurnished private or shared studios on the first and third floors accommodate those in assisted living. Memory care residents occupy the secure second floor. Each level features a communal living and dining room, where a piano player entertains residents as they enjoy meals. The first floor contains a spacious 2,000-square-foot activity room, where residents participate in organized games, pet therapy, musical and dramatic performances, and art classes. Seniors who wish to enhance their technology skills find help in the computer center.
Relatives are grateful for the attentive, compassionate care loved ones receive. One daughter writes, "Ginter Hall South is a great community. You know that your loved one is well cared for and that great activities are being provided. The staff treats the residents like family."
- Reviews:3.5 out of 5 stars; 63 reviews
- Phone:(804) 794-7770
- Address:11300 Mall Court, Richmond, VA 23235
- Web:www.ginterhall.com
Heritage Green of Hanover
- Resident Capacity:96
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:Assisted living starts at $3,995 per month. Memory care starts at $4,975 per month.
Heritage Green Assisted Living and Memory Care provides active Mechanicsville seniors with an enriching, engaging lifestyle that promotes independence. The pet-friendly community has 50 newly renovated assisted living apartments available in three floor plans. Seniors experiencing memory loss reside in studios or deluxe shared suites in the fully secure Evergreen neighborhood, where they can move about freely. Caregivers trained in Teepa Snows Positive Approach to Care deliver structured programming and therapies to help residents maximize their skills and abilities. These include therapeutic reminiscing, pet therapy, validation therapy, low-impact exercise and sensory activities. The nurturing relationships and positive social interactions that residents share with caregivers help them maintain their self-worth and dignity. Additionally, Heritage Greens partnership with FOX Rehabilitation gives residents access to on-site physical therapy to help maintain muscle strength, balance and mobility.
Family members appreciate the "cheerful, caring and energetic" staff as well as the variety of interesting and fun activities loved ones enjoy. One daughter shares, "I can only say great things about Heritage Green. Dad was there for memory care while mom only needed assisted living. They took great care of both of my parents, who were there for an extended time."
- Reviews:4.3 out of 5 stars; 45 reviews
- Phone:(804) 723-6538
- Address:7080 Brooks Farm Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23111
- Web:www.heritagegreenhanover.com
Morningside in the West End
- Resident Capacity:N/A
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$2,800 for assisted living, $4,650 for memory care
Morningside in the West End provides assisted living, memory care and respite services in an attractive, stately facility with numerous amenities suited to residents' needs and preferences. The building wraps around a large, secure and manicured courtyard appointed with shaded, comfortable patio seating. The interior features a well-stocked library, a fitness room for hosting group exercises classes and a beauty salon, where manicures and spa services are provided. Staff members in the Montessori-inspired Bridge to Rediscovery memory care program engage residents with clear, simple instructions and frequent words of encouragement as they participate in stimulating activities, such as strength-building walking groups, pet therapy and gardening. Memory care residents enjoy platter-style and finger-food dining options, which support their personal preferences in choosing what and where to eat.
Family members compliment the facilitys attractive, well-maintained building and variety of interesting activities. One reviewer says of her mothers experience, "Her room is very clean and very nice, and the layout is good They have lots of activities. She has played bingo a couple of times, and they had a St. Patrick's Day celebration with live music, and family was invited.
- Reviews:4 out of 5 stars; 72 reviews
- Phone:(804) 270-3990
- Address:3000 Skipwith Rd., Richmond, VA 23294
- Web:www.fivestarseniorliving.com
Spring Arbor of Richmond
- Resident Capacity:75
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:Assisted living starts at $4,525 per month. Memory care starts at $4,925 per month.
Spring Arbor of Richmond-Henrico is an HHHunt senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care services delivered by a compassionate staff that receives special training. Assisted living caregivers experience what its like to live with impaired vision, obstructed hand movements and hearing loss, so they can better understand the daily challenges and communicate with the seniors they serve. Dementia-trained caregivers use Validation Therapy to meet residents exactly where they are on any given day by confirming their feelings and perceptions while gently redirecting them to the desired activity. The memory care communitys Art from the Heart program nurtures the creative spirits of those with Alzheimers through painting, while the Cottage Tales therapy involves creative storytelling in small groups, combining reminiscing with an opportunity to entertain others and engage socially. Residents enjoy a packed calendar of daily activities from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Relatives appreciate the abundance of activities and the beautiful environment. One daughter shared, "Wonderful community for my mother! Staff is exceptional! We love it, and she is so well cared for. Another daughter echoed these sentiments: "The staff was just phenomenal They're all about serving the residents and their family.
- Reviews:4.5 out of 5 stars; 20 reviews
- Phone:(804) 592-1948
- Address:9991 Ridgefield Pkwy., Richmond, VA 23233
- Web:springarborliving.com
Sunrise of Richmond
- Resident Capacity:18
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite
- Base Pricing:Ranges from $5,500 to $10,000 for all-inclusive care
Nestled on a wooded lot in Richmonds West End, Sunrise offers Virginia seniors assisted living and memory care in an intimate, homelike environment with a cottage-style layout. Each studio apartment in the one-level community has a private kitchen, dining room and living area. Residents participate in eight signature activities that include physical fitness, music and art therapy, learning opportunities and community involvement. Sunrise at Richmonds Reminiscence memory care neighborhood provides a calm, secure environment in which residents suites surround the common areas for easy navigation. Each senior has a designated life-enrichment manager trained in Validation Therapy, who becomes a trusted friend. The LEM develops a personalized care plan that incorporates the residents personal preferences to create a purpose-filled daily experience. Owned by Sunrise Senior Living, the community welcomes residents with small pets, and facilities typically have at least one animal adopted from a local shelter.
The cozy, comfortable living atmosphere and lovely outdoor areas appeal to family members. A daughter whose mother resides here writes, "The staff is quite attentive, caring and certainly knows how to work with people with dementia. They have a more modern approach and provide a lot of loving care.
- Reviews:4.1 out of 5 stars; 73 reviews
- Phone:(804) 823-2774
- Address:1807 North Parham Rd., Richmond, VA 23229
- Web:www.sunriseseniorliving.com
Symphony Manor of Richmond
- Resident Capacity:146
- Room Types:Studios, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite
- Base Pricing:Assisted living starts at $2,363 per month. Memory care starts at $3,995 per month.
Found in an attractive residential neighborhood in Richmonds West End, Symphony Manor provides assisted living and memory care under the management of Priority Life Care. The pet-friendly campus features landscaped grounds with a shaded walking path along with patios and gazebos perfect for picnics. Assisted living residents dine restaurant-style and have access to an on-site beauty and barber salon and a diverse activities program. Seniors who require dementia care live in private apartments located in a secure area of the community equipped with around-the-clock caregivers and a 24-hour personal call system. Staff members in the memory care neighborhood are dementia-trained, and the monthly calendar of events caters to residents with memory impairments. Seniors receive individualized service plans and participate in therapeutic and recreational activities, such as Music and Memory, Daily Walk-About and Seniorcize.
Relatives appreciate the variety of interesting classes, fun outings, music recitals and other engaging activities residents enjoy. "Family of the patients, the patients themselves and the staff are deemed as one unit, a family Symphony Manor of Richmond exudes the feeling of warmth, passion and dedication, and I am comforted in leaving my loved one in their hands, wrote one woman.
- Reviews:3.9 out of 5 stars; 39 reviews
- Phone:(804) 741-9494
- Address:12411 Gayton Rd., Richmond, VA 23238
- Web:N/A
The Crossings at Bon Air
- Resident Capacity:233
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:Independent living starts at $3,275 per month. Assisted living starts at $4,995 per month. Memory care starts at $5,200 per month.
This multi-floor Meridian Senior Living Community offers Richmonds elders a continuum of care on a 17.6-acre campus. On-site amenities for those in independent and assisted living at The Crossings of Bon Air include a fitness center, cocktail lounge, library and chapel. The pet-friendly studios and one- and two-bedroom apartments feature full kitchens, washers and dryers, and some have patios or balconies. Residents experiencing memory loss live in a secure neighborhood, with spacious private studios or one-bedroom suites. Caregivers trained in the Validation Method deliver the Montessori Moments in Time program, a comprehensive approach developed by Meridian Senior Living that supports purposeful living and individualized life engagement. The nurturing environment provides sensory stimulation through lighting, music, fragrance and color, and Life Experience Stops recreate familiar scenes from family or work to evoke memories and encourage engagement. Personalized care programs based on individual strengths reduce agitation and increase socialization.
Relatives value the facility's lively atmosphere and plentiful activities. One writes, "My mother moved to Crossings at Bon Air, and it's fantastic. The staff is excellent. Their dining room is beautiful with tablecloths. They have every kind of activity you can imagine.
- Reviews:4.2 out of 5 stars; 47 reviews
- Phone:(804) 560-1440
- Address:9100 Bon Air Crossings Dr., Richmond, VA 23235
- Web:www.thecrossingsatbonair.com
The Crossings at Hanover
- Resident Capacity:N/A
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$5,090 for assisted living, $6,500 for memory care
Harmony at Hanover is conveniently located in Mechanicsville, Virginia, within walking distance of Bon Secours Memorial Regional Medical Center and close to the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden. The facility offers seniors 75 assisted living apartments in a variety of floor plans and 38 memory care apartments comprised of private and companion suites. The beautifully landscaped campus features an intimate courtyard, an outdoor patio and walking paths that wind through the lush gardens. Residents living with dementia are cared for in Harmony Square, a dedicated memory care neighborhood. The secure, homelike setting provides seniors with a full array of amenities and activities supervised by specially trained, compassionate caregivers. A high staff-to-resident ratio ensures memory care residents receive individualized attention, and a state-of-the-art communication system provides relatives with peace of mind that their loved ones are safe.
Family members appreciate the numerous activities that keep loved ones engaged, as well as the elegant dining room where residents enjoy delicious meals. One daughter shared, "I feel my mother is in good care here. Nursing staff manages her medicines and other needs. I dont have to worry about safety, laundry, cleaning or meals. Any concern is a phone call away."
- Reviews:3.7 out of 5 stars; 41 reviews
- Phone:(804) 208-0319
- Address:8227 Meadowbridge Rd., Mechanicsville, VA 23116
- Web:harmonyseniorservices.com
