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 Rockford's senior population continues to grow (12.5% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Rockford, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 36.44% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 4.13%, showing that Alzheimer's is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly higher than the rest of the nation (6.74% in Rockford 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 Rockford. 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 Rockford, 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:
The Atrium's Montessori approach to memory care focuses on robust daily activities. Every day, neighbors meet for late-morning coffee socials, brain games, spiritual services and reminiscing. The rotating schedule includes exercise classes and painting. To support residents throughout this schedule, 24/7 staff helps with activities of daily living. Individualized care plans are created with input from staff and families with a focus on their loved ones' preferences. With amenities such as an on-site spa, multiple courtyards and walking trails, residents can enjoy an open yet secure atmosphere. Partnered with US Foods, the dining staff prepares and serves nutritious meals in either the dining room or residents' rooms. Each room features a private bathroom and space for residents to keep meaningful keepsakes.
Residents' loved ones praise the family-like atmosphere and variety of activities. One writes that their mother "enjoys the frequent social activities, and she looks forward to being with the many new friends she has made. The staff treat her with respect and caring, and they welcome family members as part of The Atrium family."
Located in a quiet neighborhood that's close to major highways and places of interest, pet-friendly Cherryvale Place offers memory care and assisted living in an attractive landscaped community. Trained caregivers use personalized plans to assist and support memory care residents, and there's a licensed nurse on-site 24/7. The easy-to-navigate community has lounges, a games room with a pool table and an activity room where seniors can socialize and relax, and the diverse activities of the recreational program are designed to nourish emotional, mental and cognitive health. The wellness program and exercise room, along with nutritious meals and transportation to medical appointments, further enhance overall well-being. Visitors can enjoy mealtimes with loved ones and are welcome to spend the night.
Residents particularly appreciate the compassionate staff members, with one family member saying, "Words can't even describe how happy I was with the care, respect, and dignity that was given to my parents while living at Cherryvale Place. Staff were wonderful and fun to work with, always very helpful."
PA Peterson at the Citadel gives individuals dealing with the effects of Alzheimer's and dementia nurturing support, and their relatives enjoy peace of mind. Every element of the neighborhood is tailored to the needs of those who require memory care. Coded keypad entry enables unrestricted movement, and common areas, dining rooms and hallways are spacious to allow for easy navigation. Soft color schemes produce a soothing, calming effect. Residents are encouraged to decorate their apartments with mementos from home to strengthen their connections to the past. Every day, the staff leads seniors in a variety of activities that improve fine motor skills, increase cognitive focus and combat boredom. Music and pet therapies are provided regularly. Family members can benefit from monthly support groups where they can share their feelings, learn coping strategies and find out how to better communicate with their loved ones.
In online reviews, friends and family describe how well the caring staff looks after their loved ones and maintains the building. One reviewer says, "The room was private and nicely made up. The staff was very friendly and accommodating to all requests."
Lincolnshire Place is an adult care community whose staff members are specially trained to address the unique needs of seniors living with dementia and related conditions. Caregivers are available 24/7 to help residents overcome challenges related to their memory or physical conditions, and they assist with daily hygiene routines and medication regimens. A nutrition and hydration program reminds seniors to drink enough water and maintain physical wellness, and on-site physical therapy is available. This community curates the lighting, interior decor and other aspects of community spaces to make them as comfortable and relaxing as possible for those with dementia. The campus is handicap-accessible throughout and secured with anti-wandering systems so residents are safe and secure. A robust activity schedule includes movies, gardening, crafts, supervised cooking and pet therapy. A walking path in the courtyard offers opportunities to exercise, socialize or just get some fresh air within a secured area.
Reviews describe positive experiences with caregivers at Lincolnshire Place. One says, "Lincolnshire is a wonderful place for my mother. She has been there almost two years, and the care she has received is great. My father was also needing assistance for a short period, and he also was given wonderful care."
Azura Memory Care of Clinton is located in the charming town of Clinton. It offers a welcoming small-town feel while still having useful amenities such as Rockford Memorial Hospital. The community is specifically designed for seniors with memory impairments and includes features such as easy-to-navigate floor plans and raised gardens. Each resident receives a personalized memory care program that includes assistance with daily tasks and programing designed to aid seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia, such as music therapy. The trained staff, which includes a registered nurse, provides 24/7 support and takes care of services such as housekeeping and laundry so residents can focus on what they enjoy. Seniors can take part in daily enriching activities, including baking, group outings and church services. The culinary team prepares three delicious meals per day for residents to enjoy together in the dining room.
Family members praise the wonderful staff, with one reviewer saying, "We brought mom here one week ago and she is a totally different person! She can walk feed herself and she looks 100% better. Thank goodness for the STAFF at AZURA; they are very loving and caring treating mom as if she was one of their own".
Our House Senior Living - Janesville Memory Care is a community that offers comprehensive services to those living with dementia and similar conditions. Residents are monitored and cared for 24/7 and receive assistance with anything they have trouble with, such as personal hygiene or dressing and grooming themselves. Caregivers also manage medications for everyone in the memory care neighborhood and help them to eat if necessary. Residents receive three meals daily that are tailored to their nutritional and cultural needs. They live in private rooms with closets and large windows that help to prevent sundowner's syndrome and are able to relax within communal spaces that are secured with anti-wandering technology, providing a sense of freedom as well as opportunities to socialize. Some of these spaces include a fireside living room, a television lounge, a raised patio and an activity area. Activities are chosen to fit the capabilities of those with dementia and stimulate their cognitive abilities while encouraging socialization. The entire campus is handicap-accessible.
Reviewers appreciate the staff members and management at Our House Senior Living - Janesville Memory Care. One says, "Top notch staff - professional and caring for the residents. Family-like atmosphere with activities to keep the residents engaged."
Azura Memory Care of Beloit is in a quiet area in the north of Beloit. The community is conveniently located close to a variety of health care facilities, including Beloit Memorial Hospital. It is a specialized memory care facility for seniors with early to late stages of Alzheimer's and dementia and is designed to optimize independence and reduce confusion. The professional staff provides 24/7 assistance and an individualized care plan for each resident, tailored to their unique needs and interests. Residents have access to a wide variety of therapies, including active therapy, with activities such as volleyball classes and walking club, creative therapy, which features art classes and painting, and music therapy, which includes playing instruments and singing. The chefs prepare three delicious meals for residents to enjoy together.
Visitors praise the attentive care, with one reviewer saying, "This facility was great for my mom. They took her in at the last minute when I was admitted in the hospital. They were informative while I was there. She really liked the place and they were fabulous with her. I would highly recommend it to anyone."
Surrounded by nature and a short drive from Lake Koshkonong, Huntington Place is located in a residential area on the outskirts of Janesville, Wisconsin. Trained caregivers provide 24/7 personalized assistance and follow the Bridge to Rediscovery program to help residents live at their highest potential. Daily activities are geared towards holistic well-being, including maintaining life skills, building mobility and strength, stimulating the memory and providing enjoyable life enrichment. Butler-style service empowers residents at mealtimes, with nutritious menus to suit different dietary requirements. The secure pet-friendly community's open-plan layout is easy to navigate with visual clues and familiar furnishings in residents' rooms.
Residents speak highly of the caring staff members, warm ambience and tasty meals. One family member says, "Huntington Place has not only an amazing community, but they have amazing staff as well. They truly care for my aunt as their own family. I also LOVE the food there."
Highview in the Woodlands offers memory care and assisted living to seniors aged 55 and over. A licensed nurse is on-site 24/7, and trained caregivers use tailored plans to assist with daily tasks. The pet-friendly community follows Montessori techniques designed to encourage memory recall and arouse the senses via practical hands-on activities. Residents can also enjoy diverse activities to satisfy social, physical, emotional and spiritual needs, including music, art and pet therapy, massage, exercise and religious services. On-site amenities include a snoezelen sensory room, nurturing room, salon, garden and patio. Chef-prepared meals focus on both nutrition and taste, and the culinary team can prepare therapeutic diets. Rooms are wheelchair accessible with seated showers, grab rails, cable TV and safety systems.
Residents value the experienced, caring staff and range of activities. One family member says, "My dad has been at Highview In the Woodlands for about four years, I've always been happy with the care he receives at Highview. Staff and CNAs are very friendly and helpful. They keep my dad engaged in activities that are appropriate for someone with Alzheimer's, and they are attentive to his needs."
Anam Care Inc. is an adult living facility whose experienced caregivers help seniors with dementia with activities of daily life, including dressing and bathing. They also facilitate enrichment and wellness programs designed to stimulate the minds of residents and encourage socialization. Anam Care works closely with physicians and other medical professionals to ensure that residents are healthy. They receiving the proper nutrients through restaurant-style dining services that tailor meals to their unique dietary needs. The dementia care staff handles medication management as well as housekeeping and laundry needs and is available 24/7 for any emergencies. Campus amenities include a barbershop/beauty salon, and secured common areas include a living room and a TV room, an outdoor garden with walking paths and a dining room where residents can eat with visiting family and friends.
Reviews comment on the hospitality of caregivers and the welcoming atmosphere at Anam Care. One says, "It felt like home when I walked through the doors. Has a very loving and caring atmosphere and amazing staff."