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 Rome's senior population continues to grow (24.48% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Rome, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 63.74% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 16.31%, 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 (8.39% in Rome 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 Rome. 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 Rome, 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:
Seven Hills Square sits in a residential neighborhood where seniors receive 24/7 care and support from specially trained caregivers, who assist with daily living activities and medication management. Residents have access to a secure courtyard to enjoy the outdoors. Weekly laundry and housekeeping services are included in the care package, as is transportation for medical appointments. The community also serves three meals per day plus snacks. The Pathways to Discovery activities program stimulates seniors' minds through games, art, music and life skills. Staff members customize activities according to each resident's abilities and interests. Seniors can choose between studio and one-bedroom apartments, each of which comes with an emergency response system and a handicapped-accessible bathroom. Seven Hills Square is a pet-friendly community that welcomes residents' furry friends.
Residents and their families love the fun activities offered at Seven Hills Square. A reviewer says, "They do all kinds of activities. They even put them on a bus and take them places. They also paint and have all kinds of games on-site for them to participate in. The staff is very nice and very informative."
Magnolia Place, a specialized health care center nestled within The Spires at Berry College's 27,000-acre woodland preserve, is just minutes away from downtown Rome and two major hospitals. This community offers a full spectrum of living options, including memory care for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other dementias. Its fully secured memory care neighborhood offers thoughtfully designed social spaces and well-appointed private suites. Whether residents are experiencing mild forms of memory loss or more advanced stages of cognitive decline, staff members craft personalized care plans to meet each resident's individual needs. They help guide seniors through their daily routines, establishing a sense of consistency and familiarity while promoting independence. A therapeutic curriculum of programming incorporates art, music and direct personal interaction to enhance cognitive well-being.
Beyond its abundant amenities, what people love most about Magnolia Place is the efforts of staff to build relationships with each resident and make them feel at home. One reviewer comments, "The staff is caring and attentive to residents' needs. My mother called them her friends. They took the time to listen to her stories and make her feel special."
Riverwood Senior Living sits in the heart of Rome, GA, and provides assisted living, memory care and respite care within a short distance of several medical facilities. The memory care team offers specialized support for seniors experiencing all forms of dementia, including Alzheimer's, with licensed staff helping residents with tasks such as bathing and grooming. Structured activities that stimulate cognition occur through the Pathways Intentional Memory Care program, which uses music and pet therapy, and iN2L Person-Centered Engagement Therapy, which utilizes technology. Staffs also plan meaningful events such as movie nights, devotional services and ice cream socials. Residents have access to enclosed outdoor walkways and an on-site salon and barber, and secured entryways and emergency response systems ensure around-the-clock resident safety. Meals are served three times daily in the restaurant-style dining room, where seniors receive assistance with eating as needed.
Relatives appreciate the level of comfort offered to their loved ones at Riverwood Senior Living. One writes, "Riverwood Senior Living is an exceptional facility. The care they showed my brother during his time there was wonderful. They are skilled, compassionate and patient with residents and provide a home environment. They truly care about the residents and their families and make them feel special."
Located just outside Rome, GA, the Gardens of Rome offers memory care within 5 miles of several restaurants, shops and medical facilities. A highly trained team of caregivers treats seniors in the memory care wing with respect and care, assisting with activities of daily living, such as bathing and grooming, and using a holistic approach that ensures a high quality of life for each resident. Daily activities keep residents engaged, and these may include social events, musical entertainment, religious services, memory games, physical activities and supervised group outings to local attractions. Residents can spend time outdoors in the community's small, secure garden. The staff serves three healthy meals each day in the communal dining room, with special diets accommodated.
Family members are impressed by the compassionate staff and detailed care plans, with one reviewer saying, "Staff truly takes time and effort to make sure they are treating their residents like family. You feel a very comfortable, homelike environment as soon as you come through the doors. They also work well to help their community and have great meals."
The Fountains in Cartersville provides personalized memory care through Pathways to Discovery. This program, which a dementia care specialist oversees, provides gentle activities, such as music and art therapies, to support cognition. However, residents can also participate in recreational activities, including fitness classes and social events. Additionally, the community features 3.5 miles of paved walking trails in a secure setting. Caregivers provide personal care 24/7 to support residents' lifestyles, offering assistance with hygiene, mobility and medications. A dietitian supervises meals, creating seasonal menus that meet seniors' nutritional needs and preferences. Residents receive three restaurant-style meals daily and can visit the country store and ice cream counter for snacks.
Reviews highlight the bright communal areas, friendliness of the staff and wide range of activities available to residents of The Fountains. One person writes, "The Memory Care team, as well as the whole facility staff, have been wonderful. They are loving and caring with my Dad and open and communicative with me."
Spring House at Cartersville offers memory care in the Canopy Township neighborhood. Recognizing that each resident is unique and has a range of needs and abilities, caregivers develop customized care plans accordingly. These plans, tailored to older adults experiencing cognitive decline, include help with daily living activities and medication management. They also cover housekeeping and laundry services as well as three daily meals. Memory care residents participate in the Pathways program, in which staff members design a set of activities according to their interests. These individual and small-group activities include musical programming, games, puzzles and exercise sessions. Canopy Township is a fully secure space with common areas where seniors can gather for socialization and recreation. The community also partners with family members to support both them and their loved ones as they cope with the effects of memory loss.
Residents and their families appreciate the caring staff at Spring House at Cartersville. One reviewer says, "The staff we met were very intelligent. They were telling us all kinds of information, showing us the projects that they had been working on, and showing us the crafts that they have for the residents. "
Surrounded by woodland, Celebration Village Acworth is close to retailers, medical facilities and restaurants. Its Village Memory Care Program offers personalized activities and schedules to help seniors feel safe and at home. Done on a one-on-one basis or in small groups, these activities reflect the interests and hobbies of each resident and may include gardening, cooking, life skill station activities, woodworking and cognitive games. Landmarks and sensory cues located throughout the building enable seniors to navigate independently. A team of experienced caregivers provides support and assistance as needed, giving gentle reminders throughout the day to reduce confusion and redirecting any difficult behaviors.
Online reviewers are impressed by the caring staff members and the variety of activities offered, with one person saying, "There are so many activities that there are not enough hours in the day to do them all...something for EVERYONE! The staff is so kind and compassionate, and I have never encountered anyone who was unkind or grumpy, from the management staff to the maintenance staff. "
Oaks at Acworth offers Horizons Memory Care for seniors experiencing Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Here, seniors live in a specially designed, secure neighborhood that allows them to navigate easily while avoiding confusion. Days begin with breakfast and continue with activities that stimulate the brain and strengthen the body. Residents participate in games, puzzles, music and exercise according to their interests and abilities. The community also utilizes life-enrichment stations that help seniors recapture memories and participate in familiar tasks. Each resident receives a customized care plan that includes assistance with daily living activities, medications and mobility. While providing around-the-clock supervision and guidance, caregivers monitor seniors' behavior and functioning and adjust care plans and activity schedules as needed. Monthly fees cover housekeeping and laundry services, in addition to three meals per day and snacks.
Residents and their families appreciate the caring staff at Oaks at Acworth. One reviewer writes, "I would want others to know when looking into the facility that the staff members were very attentive with their care here. My favorite part about the community would have to be the staff members. I would absolutely recommend."
The Memory Care Program at Dogwood Forest of Acworth focuses on improving the quality of life for residents with dementia through a nutritious diet, cognitive stimulation for improved memory, a stress-free environment, sensory-based therapy, a healthy lifestyle and regular socializing. In-house physicians and therapists provide care where needed, and round-the-clock caregivers assist residents with their daily care needs. The community hosts live music, educational events, outdoor activities and game nights. It features an on-site salon, fireplace lounge area and movie room. The staff handle the housekeeping, linen and maintenance, so residents have more time to learn new skills or join their friends in one of the many seating areas.
Residents' relatives appreciate the care staff take when getting their loved ones ready for the day. One writes, "Thank you so much to the amazing staff at Dogwood Forest of Acworth. ... The facilities are beautiful, spacious and always clean. My mom loved to "look nice" every time she went out when we were growing up, and the caregivers here seem to make sure that she still does!"
Memory care at the Navion Senior Solutions Fountains in Calhoun offers a high staff-to-resident ratio, with caregivers receiving ongoing training and support from a certified dementia care specialist. Through the Pathways to Discovery program, older adults coping with memory loss participate in activities promoting cognitive function and social interactions, such as life skills and music and art therapies. The culinary team serves three restaurant-style meals daily, while housekeeping staff handles cleaning and laundry, allowing residents time to relax, explore the secure memory care neighborhood and stroll the on-site walking trail with visiting loved ones. Other community amenities include a barber and salon, library, fitness center, chapel and outdoor fire pit.
Relatives appreciate good communication at the Fountains. One writes, "The staff at the Fountains makes all the difference. They are so kind and so on top of things. They communicate with us as [a] family which is huge. We are so blessed to have Dad in memory care there. It's really home to him."
Morning Pointe of Calhoun offers integrated memory care and support in an environment tailored to older adults coping with dementia. Through The Lantern Alzheimer's program, specially trained staff members provide targeted support and structured services, including pet therapy, art classes, musical performances and various life skills stations. Caregivers engage in meaningful communication with residents throughout the day as part of the Best Friends Approach and answer calls 24/7 for assistance with mobility, personal tasks and health concerns. Seniors also benefit from living spaces designed to promote safety and independence, while staff handles all housekeeping, laundry and maintenance. The culinary team prepares and serves daily meals in a shared dining room, with menu items and dinnerware adapted to suit residents' abilities. The community also welcomes pets and encourages family visits.
Family members appreciate the attentive and compassionate caregivers. One reviewer writes, "This facility has been a godsend for [my sister] and our family. The staff is great. The facility is lovely, safe and clean, with special details geared specifically for people with dementia."