Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Royal Oak’s senior population continues to grow (9% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Royal Oak, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 21% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 27%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (5.81% in Royal Oak 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 Royal Oak. 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 Royal Oak, 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:
Chester Street Residence, located in the historic city of Royal Oak, MI, provides assisted living and memory care services in a safe and secure community. Caregivers in the memory care community exercise empathy and understanding to help residents lead more interactive and meaningful lives. Around-the-clock caregivers assist seniors with completing daily living routines, taking medications on time and handling household chores. Twice a week, a doctor who specializes in caring for seniors with dementia visits the community to treat any medical concerns. An activity director plans a wide range of activities and programs that encourage seniors to socialize and maintain their cognitive abilities. Residents receive homemade meals through tableside service in the dining room, with room service provided as needed. Memory care accommodations include private bathrooms with showers.
Family members appreciate the community's caring staff. One writes, "We had a wonderful experience with Chester Street Residence when my dad was in their care with late-stage Alzheimer's disease. The care staff and management team truly cared about him and treated him like family."
Royal Oak House Assisted Living offers a location 10 minutes from Royal Oak Beaumont Hospital and St. John Macomb-Oakland Hospital when residents need additional care. Staffed with round-the-clock caregivers and on-site nursing supervision, this senior community provides assisted living and memory care, with a physician always on call. Additional services include physical, occupational and speech therapies and laboratory services. Memory care residents live in studios with private bathrooms featuring a design that creates a familiar environment. The staff knows how to draw out seniors' memories and stimulate their senses. Within the daily life enrichment program, caregivers provide structure while creating special moments. Common activities used to support cognitive functioning include music, art and sensory activities. The community also encourages residents to socialize in common areas, including a secured outdoor courtyard.
People often comment on the staff and the community's small size. One family member says, "I thought that Royal Oak House did a really good job with my dad. It is a smaller facility, so we really got to know all of the staff members and vice versa. They were all very friendly and attentive."
Its location along Highway 24 makes senior living community Sunrise of Bloomfield Hills accessible to residents' loved ones. Caregivers in the memory care area receive orientation training recognized by the Alzheimer's Association. Some team members also earn certification in the Alzheimer's Association's essentiALZ training program to learn person-centered care methods. The community features the Terrace Club neighborhood, where seniors with mild-to-moderate memory loss receive extra support and structure. As dementia progresses, residents move into the Reminiscence neighborhood, where they participate in one-on-one and small group activities related to their memories, such as family or careers. All caregivers in the memory care neighborhoods practice the Validation method when communicating with residents. This method focuses on empathy and validation rather than correction to help seniors lower anxiety while maintaining their dignity and self-worth.
People like the staff. One person says, "Sunrise is beautiful, clean and well-staffed. The apartments are well done, close to the dining rooms and situated for optimal exposure to other residents. The staff is responsive to needs from family and professional as well as warm with the residents. I am very happy to have my mother in this community."
American House Sterling Heights rests along 15 Mile Road, near shopping, dining and health care facilities. Its specialized memory care program aims to help residents with dementia feel secure, engaged and connected to their environment. Through its culture of caring, the community provides 24-hour medical assistance and individualized support with activities of daily living, medication reminders and physical therapy. Memory care residents' personalized care plans also include five daily enrichment opportunities. Designed to promote physical, mental and emotional wellness, offerings range from chair yoga and fresh air walks to arts and crafts, word games and puzzle hours. Additional lifestyle amenities include daily meals served in a restaurant-style setting, housekeeping services and chauffeured transportation. For added safety, the community utilizes an emergency pendant system that residents can use to immediately contact the medical team with the touch of a button.
Reviewers emphasize this community's efforts to keep residents active and engaged. One shares, "American House has provided a warm, friendly, and caring environment for my mother. She enjoys the entertainment provided weekly, playing bingo, which my daughter and I enjoy playing with her on Sundays, and the services of the hairdresser. ... My mother is healthier since she moved here."
Windemere Park of Warren, located in Macomb County, offers specialized memory care programming in a safe and secure setting. Helping seniors with dementia retain independence, 24/7 caregivers assist with daily tasks such as dressing, showering and eating. Professional medical assessments determine care routines, and staff monitors residents' behavioral health and physical conditions. Supporting seniors' cognitive well-being, the Lifestyle Director, trained and certified by the Alzheimer's Association, designs engaging daily activities, such as sensory therapy and reminiscing. The kitchen team prepares dietitian-approved breakfasts, lunches and dinners at mealtimes, and around-the-clock snacks are also available. Accessible private and shared living quarters include laundry and housekeeping services, while call pendants ensure immediate in-room response during emergencies. Windmere Park provides on-site physical therapy as well as scheduled transportation to doctor's appointments. Additional services include visiting physicians and prescription delivery by a local pharmacy.
Families mention the care and numerous activities offered. A resident's granddaughter writes, "My grandfather is in the memory care area at Windemere. The staff is very friendly and seems to be genuinely concerned about all the residents in their care. I also love all the activities they have available for the residents, they always have something fun going on."
My Doctor's Inn - Assisted Living & Memory Care provides personalized assistance in a senior community near shops, restaurants and banks. Experienced care staff assists seniors with mild dementia and those requiring full-time care with their activities of daily living. Monitored building access, secured doors and alarm systems enhance safety, and the state-of-the-art nurse call system enables memory care residents to contact the care staff quickly during emergencies. Life-enrichment programs incorporate familiar activities, such as bingo, morning stretches and Bible studies, to create a calming, relaxing environment for seniors. The culinary team serves chef-prepared dishes and desserts during mealtimes, accommodating no-sugar, low-salt and other specialized diets.
Family members appreciate the compassionate staff and good food. One writes, "They have individual studio apartments, and they check on the residents every two hours when the family isn't there. My father-in-law says the food is excellent. ... The interaction with the staff is good. They're very helpful. ... They have a movie theater, a library and barbershop area and beautiful patios.
Arden Courts in Bingham Farms sits near I-696, offering accessibility for visiting loved ones. This senior community only provides memory care, with individualized service plans guiding the care from the 24-hour staff. Designed with dementia support in mind, the community features four self-contained houses, each with private or shared bedrooms plus a living room, dining room, kitchen and laundry. Throughout the community, visual cues using symbols and colors help residents navigate and stimulate memory. Twelve exits lead to safe, secure pathways that allow community exploration, including paved walkways through an outdoor courtyard. Residents also utilize a shared activity and craft studio, wellness center and salon. Caregivers perform hourly safety checks to ensure residents are secure and implement techniques to manage challenging behaviors. Meal preparation accommodates residents' needs with the option for assistance with eating when needed.
Reviewers appreciated the design and staff. One says, "We chose Arden Courts in Bingham Farms mainly because the physical layout of the facility seemed better designed than others that we looked into. It is a very nice-looking facility, too. The main thing that has stuck out to us so far has been the staff; they are very friendly and helpful."
ProMedica Memory Care Community in Sterling Heights focuses solely on meeting the needs of seniors with cognitive impairment. Staff members with extensive dementia care training create personalized service plans that are modified as needed to accommodate changes in a resident's routine or condition. Seniors remain as independent as possible thanks to the community's unique design. It features four houses, each with its own kitchen and living space. The community's residents live in private and semi-private rooms and share amenities, such as a craft studio, a beauty salon and a backyard with a porch and walking paths. To prevent confusion and aid in orientation, the building incorporates carefully positioned colors and symbols as visual cues for residents. Specially trained culinary staff prepare and present three daily meals, taking into consideration residents' individual needs and diverse abilities.
Families appreciate the staff members in the well-maintained community, especially their expertise in understanding and caring for individuals with dementia. One reviewer writes, "My great-aunt lived here for several years. It was always clean and smelled nice. The staff was warm and caring and quick to respond to questions, and they really understand dementia."
Nestled in the heart of Somerset, American House Somerset offers a unique approach to senior care rooted in its core belief of Living Well Is Being Well. The community's care plans promote overall well-being by drawing on the expertise of gerontologists and clinical psychologists specializing in brain health. The Living Well Memory Care program emphasizes a holistic approach to wellness using cognitive stimulation exercises and mindfulness programs. At mealtime, residents can socialize over a diverse menu of foods designed to align with dietary restrictions and meet nutritional needs. The daily routines and physical activity at American House aim to promote balance, prevent falls and improve overall mobility. Their person-centric approach ensures every resident benefits from meaningful interactions tailored to their preferences.
The dedicated team at American House supports residents every step of the way. One family member says, "The staff ... is as sweet as can be, which is very important, but they also follow all of the rules. ... Mom made many friends and loved the activities. ... Unlike other therapy places, they didn't give up on my mom."
StoryPoint Birmingham, a senior living community near downtown with easy access to many shopping venues and restaurants, offers all-inclusive memory care. Specially trained care staff supports seniors with activities of daily living and during mealtimes while allowing them to maintain their independence and dignity. High ceilings and large windows in senior apartments let in more natural light, contributing to a more relaxed space and increasing comfort. The kitchen staff serves three chef-prepared meals made using locally sourced ingredients and served restaurant-style. The manicured courtyard and the outdoor patio provide space for socialization, while the card room and art center offer more leisure options.
Reviewers recommend StoryPoint Birmingham for going the extra mile in caring for residents. One says, "My father stayed in memory care for 10 months, and throughout his stay, I witnessed staff going above and beyond to ensure a clean, safe and comfortable environment for him and his fellow residents. ... They truly personalized their care of my father."
Situated along 15 Mile High Road, Pomeroy Living Sterling boasts a location near shopping, restaurants and medical centers. It features a memory care neighborhood specially built to meet the needs of seniors with dementia. In this secure environment, staff closely monitors seniors' health and well-being while allowing them to independently utilize activities and community amenities, such as resident lounge areas and a secure outdoor courtyard. Backed by research, the community's memory care services focus on providing residents with a consistent daily routine and offering personalized assistance with day-to-day tasks, such as bathing, dressing and medication reminders. To promote engagement and purpose, the community plans a full calendar of dementia-friendly social programs, ranging from chair exercises and memory games to craft projects, cooking groups and ice cream socials. Additionally, family nights allow residents' loved ones to stay connected and involved.
This community receives praise for its dedicated staff and personalized care services. The daughter of a resident shares, "I can't say enough good things about Pomeroy in Sterling Heights. My mom has received excellent care, first in assisted living and now in memory care. The apartments are really nice, and the staff is exceptional - well-trained and very caring."
Set off I-696, Farmington Hills Inn Assisted Living offers convenient access to Beaumont Hospital, Farmington Hills for residents who need urgent medical care. The Reflections Unit provides specialized memory care for residents with memory disorders. Designed as a single-story building for ease of navigation, this memory care community offers a secure environment with interior courtyards for safe outdoor exploration. Residents wear WanderGuard anklets for an additional layer of security to ensure proper supervision when they leave the Reflections neighborhood. Caregivers provide 24-hour supervision and support with personal care tasks. The community also arranges weekly visits from a physician with a specialty in older adult medicine as well as podiatry, therapy, dental and optical care. To keep residents engaged, the staff organizes diverse activities, with both on-site options and organized outings. Regular activities include games, interest-based clubs, socials and religious services.
Reviewers often mention the staff and community layout. One person comments, "You can trust that they will take good care of your loved one. The room sizes are good. The layout of the community is good. They have a nice outdoor secured courtyard for the residents to use. The staff is friendly, and they communicate well with the families ..."
American House Farmington Hills, just off Middlebelt Road, sits near shopping, restaurants and several houses of worship. Through the community's specialized memory care program, seniors with dementia have access to 24-hour medical assistance tailored to their individual needs and level of cognitive decline. Staff assists with daily tasks, such as bathing, grooming and taking medications. For added convenience, the community features in-house physical therapy services. Memory care residents follow a consistent schedule that includes five daily enrichment opportunities, ranging from morning exercises and walking club to art classes, bingo and word games. Seniors can take part in weekly happy hours and on-site nondenominational church services, and chauffeured transportation shuttles them to local errands and appointments. To promote interaction, the community features resort-style amenities and social spaces, including restaurant-style dining, a coffee cafe and a living room.
Reviewers appreciate the amenities and engagement opportunities offered at this community. A resident's loved one shares, "It's been very good for my mom since being in such good care. I like that they have activities; they keep them very busy and engaged throughout the day. ...The staff helped my mom out and accommodated her during the passing of my dad.
Brookdale Troy sits near I-75, giving family members easy access to loved ones in the assisted living and memory care wings. For residents with memory loss, the dedicated neighborhood features secured entrances and exits with an enclosed outdoor courtyard to increase independence. Color cues and visual reminders help residents navigate the common areas. Trained caregivers stay on-site 24/7, providing supervision and support, and consistent care assignments promote routine and familiarity. Under the exclusive Clare Bridge programming, dementia care residents follow a daily schedule with gentle structure, including six planned programs daily. Programming aims to preserve residents' abilities and offers personalized activities, including art, exercise, music and sensory activities. Late-stage dementia care residents fall under the Solace program, which incorporates additional sensory options and more time for grooming.
People appreciate the environment and staff. One person states, "I would tell others looking into Brookdale Troy that it is a very attractive facility. There is a wonderful outside area with plenty of room for the residents. The staff has been great. It is an enjoyable place to live, and we would recommend Brookdale to others looking."
Located off Route 10 and I-696, Fairmont Senior Living of Farmington Hills offers easy access for visiting loved ones. The memory care neighborhood delivers 24/7 supervision and supports older adults with dementia through Montessori methods. This research-backed approach, tailored to varying abilities and interests, encourages residents to undertake meaningful roles and make choices that instill a sense of accomplishment. Seniors participate in committees and select experiences that enhance independence and physical and cognitive skills. These include purposeful activities such as setting the table, completing household chores and engaging in stimulating gatherings with peers and caregivers. In addition, shared spaces within the secure environment, including a community garden, fireside living room and dining room with a jukebox, foster social connections. The culinary team at Fairmont Senior Living prepares seasonal, brain-healthy meals with modifications, such as pureed foods, to suit dietary needs.
People appreciate the facility and staff. One loved one says, "My loved one is currently a resident at Fairmont of Farmington Hills, and everything has been great at this facility! All aspects of this facility are wonderful. We love it. They're very professional. We like it so much that we have two of our family's elders there."
Provision Living at Livonia, MI, provides memory care with an emphasis on bridging residents' pasts to their present through engaging, meaningful activities. A team of on-site 24-hour caregivers, trained in dementia care, helps seniors complete daily living tasks, such as personal hygiene and getting out of bed. Studio apartments in memory care include private baths with walk-in showers and an emergency call system for peace of mind. Every day, in the dining room, chefs serve restaurant-style meals and snacks, paying attention to each resident's specific dietary requirements and preferences. Enclosed courtyards give older adults in memory care a secure area to move about safely and socialize with their peers. In addition, Provision Living makes use of innovative health sensor technology to help prevent injuries, falls and other serious medical issues.
Family members are pleased with the community's personalized care. A resident's daughter writes, "The staff was always attentive to my dad's needs and cared for him like a family member. The staff would answer any questions and concerns we had. If they didn't know the answer, they would investigate or direct us to someone that would."
Provision Living at West Bloomfield offers memory care 10 miles from a regional medical center in Royal Oak, MI. In addition to assisting with personal tasks, 24/7 caregivers coordinate services that support the physical and emotional needs of older adults with dementia. The community houses on-site rehabilitation for those requiring occupational or speech therapy, and staff designs purposeful activities, such as baking lessons and brain-stimulating games, to enhance residents' cognitive well-being. Within the secure memory care neighborhood, private studio apartments feature accessible layouts, walk-in showers with seats and emergency call systems. In addition, enclosed courtyards allow seniors to explore the outdoors safely while socializing with neighbors and visiting loved ones. Further ensuring residents' safety, Provision Living utilizes monitoring sensors that detect possible fall risks, injuries and emergent health issues. Other amenities include restaurant-style dining, weekly housekeeping and transportation to appointments.
Relatives are pleased with the level of care their loved ones receive. A resident's wife writes. "My husband has been at Provision memory care for about 6 weeks. He appears content and participates in most activities, is kept clean [and] fed, and his room is kept neat. The staff is attentive and seems to really care about the residents."
Brookdale Farmington Hills North sits less than 10 minutes from Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital, offering residents accessibility to health care. Providing Alzheimer's and dementia services, this community features a secure, supportive environment with color-coded cues for wayfinding and soothing wall colors to put residents at ease. When possible, residents receive consistent care assignments to gain familiarity with the 24/7 caregivers who lend support for personal care tasks. Through the Clare Bridge Daily Path, residents engage in six planned activities, such as music, art and exercise, designed to offer success and fulfillment. Residents also participate in meaningful activities, such as kitchen work and gardening, to utilize skills and talents. The Solace program makes additional support available, through sensory activities and extra grooming time, for residents who exhibit advanced dementia symptoms.
People appreciate the staff. One commenter says, "Our mother was a resident at Brookdale. ... We cannot fully express the level of concern, love and compassion that the staff showed to our mother and in turn to us. We are forever grateful for this group of caring individuals and would recommend this facility to anyone."
Anthology of Farmington Hills, located north of Detroit, helps aging adults navigate memory impairment and cognitive challenges within a nurturing environment. The community's Virtue Memory Care Neighborhoods allow seniors with dementia to explore safely as they maintain some independence. The living spaces feature memory displays to foster familiarity and include a 24-hour emergency call system for safety. Qualified caregivers, specializing in Alzheimer's care, develop tailored plans to assist with medication management, personal hygiene and transportation. Additionally, staff provides families with ongoing health updates through the community's Sagely family app. To engage the body and mind, residents participate in structured activities, such as cognitive games using the iN2L tablet-based technology and Fit Minds instructor-led classes designed to engage the body and mind. The staff handles all housekeeping and meals, offering chef-prepared breakfasts, lunches, dinners and snacks throughout the day.
Families appreciate the compassionate care and inviting community, with one writing, "I am so happy that I found Anthology of Farmington Hills for my father. He has cognitive and physical decline, and they are able to take care of him. Everyone is so kind and responsive."
American House Freedom Place Rochester has a convenient location near health services and rehabilitation centers. Located on the campus of American House Village, the facility operates as a licensed stand-alone memory care community. Through its Living Well Memory Care program, the community strives to provide a nurturing environment where seniors with dementia can receive person-centered care. Residents' schedules comprise daily physical activity, cognitive stimulation, social engagement and proper nutrition. The model includes individualized daily support with personal hygiene assistance, medication administration, chef-prepared meals and housekeeping services. For added convenience, residents have access to on-site physical, occupational and speech therapy. Resident rooms feature private bathrooms with safety features and emergency response systems. The community offers life-enhancing amenities, such as spacious sitting areas, a beauty salon and barbershop and an outdoor courtyard with secure walking paths.
Residents and families appreciate American House Freedom Place Rochester's welcoming atmosphere and dedicated staff. One reviewer reveals, "Finding Freedom Place was a great relief to me ... It is very homey, the food is great and I feel like the staff has gotten to know my mom as an individual. I particularly appreciate them pairing her up with a compatible suitemate."