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 Rutland's senior population continues to grow (14.8% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Rutland, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased by 36% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 13%, 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 (4.5% in Rutland vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered price information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of Memory Care in Rutland and 3 other cities in Vermont.
Inflation has affected the planning seniors and their families have to do to get high-quality memory care in Rutland. From 2022-23, prices in Rutland rose from $4,593 a month to an average of $5,071, a 10.5% increase in just one year. This is expected to keep rising, to a projected $5,470 in 2024. Costs have also gone up nationally, from $4,863 to $5,369 in the same period, with a projected $5,792 in 2024. Vermont prices have gone up from $8,800 to $9,639. Several cities in Vermont have seen significant hikes of 10.5%, such as Essex, White River Junction and Shelburne.
Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
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Rutland | $4,593 | $5,071 | $5,470 |
U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
Vermont | $8,800 | $9,639 | $9,882 |
Essex | $7,789 | $8,600 | $9,278 |
White River Junction | $9,903 | $10,933 | $11,794 |
Shelburne | $10,869 | $12,000 | $12,945 |
At $5,071 a month, memory care can be an expensive option for seniors in Rutland with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. The 24/7 supervision and care services memory care facilities offer may be essential for some older adults, but it isn't the only care choice in Rutland. Less medically intensive care is available from assisted living communities for an average of $4,211 a month, while independent living averages $2,791 in local senior living communities.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making memory care more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Vermont.
There are plenty of support options available for retirees in Rutland, VT. Memorycare.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the type of care they provide for easy reference.
For more information about resources throughout the state and in nearby cities, we recommend visiting the Vermont state page on memorycare.com.
The Area Agency on Aging in Rutland is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging Rutland Office | 800-642-5119 | Vermont's Area Agencies on Aging provide essential support for older adults to maintain independence. Services include meal pickup and delivery, access to online classes for socializing and learning, caregiver assistance, and home medication support. Additional programs offer fall prevention classes and phone services to keep housebound seniors connected. |
In Rutland, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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3SquaresVT | 800-479-6151 | Vermont's 3SquaresVT program assists low-income residents and seniors in purchasing nutritious food at grocery stores, convenience stores, and farmers' markets. Seniors aged 65 and above receive monthly benefits through direct deposits, while those under 65 receive electronic benefit transfer cards. To qualify, seniors should have a gross household income below 185% of the federal poverty level. Limited resources may still allow some seniors to qualify. |
Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) Nutrition Services - Rutland | 800-642-5119 | The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging provides nutrition services to seniors in Rutland and Bennington County. These services include home-delivered meals, congregate dining at community meal sites, and personalized counseling for meal planning. Available to individuals aged 60+ and people with disabilities in Rutland or Bennington County. |
In Rutland, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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NeighborWorks of Western Vermont | 802-438-2303 | NeighborWorks provides a home repair program that offers loans to low-income residents for accessibility modifications, wiring repairs, roof fixes, and heating system upgrades. Loan terms are tailored to clients' income and repayment capacity. Additionally, NeighborWorks offers an energy audit program and free resources to help homeowners avoid foreclosure. |
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) - Rutland | 802-775-0878 | BROC Community Action provides assistance to low-income individuals and families, offering support for housing concerns and utility and fuel expenses. The organization also offers weatherization services, including assessments and retrofits, to owners and renters of mobile homes, houses, and apartments. |
In Rutland, elderly individuals find a community hub in senior centers, offering a range of recreational pursuits, events, and essential resources. These centers also provide health programs, dietary advice, and support for issues related to senior living.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Godnick Adult Center | 802-773-1853 | The Godnick Adult Center, managed by the local Parks and Recreation Department, offers a range of programs and services for community seniors aged 50 and above. From fitness classes to line dancing, yoga, meditation, and specialized exercise sessions for individuals with conditions like Parkinson's, the center caters to diverse needs. Additional amenities include daily meals, arts and crafts, transportation, and organized outings. |
In Rutland, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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RSVP & The Volunteer Center - Rutland | 802-775-8220 | RSVP & Volunteer Center facilitates connections between older adults and a wide range of volunteer opportunities in the local community. Individuals aged 55 and above can contribute their expertise and knowledge by collaborating with non-profit organizations or becoming foster grandparents, supporting children in reaching their maximum potential. |
In the city of Rutland, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Rutland Social Security Office 05701 | 800-772-1213 | Social Security provides income for retirees and individuals unable to work due to disability. Funding is derived from payroll taxes paid by employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Upon retirement, monthly payments are determined by previous earnings. |
For Rutland seniors facing challenges with private transport, assistance is readily available. Community resources are on hand to support the elderly and disabled with their in-city mobility, making tasks and city appointments more manageable.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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One-2-One Program - Rutland | 802-774-8179 | The One-2-One Program in Rutland County provides transportation services for seniors aged 60+ who can independently access the vehicle. Volunteer drivers assist with essential appointments, prioritizing medical visits. Riders should schedule transportation 5 to 7 days in advance. Limited availability for grocery shopping, personal care, and similar needs may be possible. |
Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging (SVCOA) Transportation - Rutland | 800-642-5119 | The Southwestern Vermont Council on Aging facilitates transportation for older adults in Bennington and Rutland counties. Through partnerships with various service providers, the council offers funding and coordination for rides, enabling seniors to maintain their independence and stay connected with their communities. Eligible Vermonters can utilize these services for medical appointments, day programs, errands, shopping, and visiting loved ones. |
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 Rutland, 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:
Vista Senior Living offers multiple levels of care, including assisted living and memory care, to help seniors comfortably transition into their new lifestyle. With staff available 24/7, the community can promptly cater to its residents' needs, whether they require assistance with personal care tasks, medication management or wellness monitoring. Seniors have access to engaging social, creative and cognitive activities, including brain aerobics and board games, helping them stay alert and maintain their cognitive functions. Fitness activities, such as walking clubs and chair exercises, are also available. For a well-supported lifestyle, the community provides housekeeping, personal laundry and transportation services for off-site appointments. Emphasizing resident safety, the community also features secured exits and a resident alert system, and staff conducts safety fall checks.
Residents and their families are satisfied with the personalized attention and clean, homelike environment Vista Senior Living provides. One reviewer writes, "Like family. A warm, beautiful, and spotlessly clean setting with individualized attention from kind, caring, and compassionate staff. We could not be happier with our choice of residence, a perfect fit for mom and family."
Woodstock Terrace offers memory care in The Pines neighborhood, aiming to provide complete security and a welcoming, homelike environment. Caregivers are present 24/7 to help residents with their personal care and guide them through their daily routines. The high staff-to-resident ratio ensures personal attention and customized care. Seniors can relax in cozy indoor and outdoor common areas. All spaces are fully secure to prevent wandering. Residents are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities that help them continue their favorite hobbies, maintain cognitive function and make meaningful connections. These include exercise sessions, games, music and life-skill programming. Routine is key, for it helps residents have a strong sense of familiarity and comfort. The community's dining program provides fresh, flavorful meals and snacks that accommodate seniors' preferences and dietary needs.
Residents and their families are pleased with the "knowledgeable, personalized care" Woodstock Terrace offers. One reviewer remarks that her family appreciates "the clear focus on the residents as individuals." She notes, "We also quickly found out how well the staff and administration work together as a caring, coordinated team. All of our questions were promptly answered."
Eastview at Middlebury offers GardenSong memory care, which focuses on care, engagement and devotion. Each resident receives an individual care plan that may include help with personal care, housekeeping services and medication management. Caregivers also provide emotional support, gentle guidance and redirection, and 24-hour supervision with frequent safety checks. The GardenSong Discover Room is all about engagement. Seniors can participate in individual and group activities that strengthen their minds and bodies and help them connect with their world and with each other. Programming ranges from music and dancing to stretching exercises. Activities move with the rhythm of the day and are geared to help residents wake up, engage with their surroundings and then quiet down in the evening. Caregivers strive to devote their full attention to residents, and they even offer Namaste services (such as massage and aromatherapy) for relaxation.
Residents and their families appreciate the intimacy of Eastview at Middlebury. "It was smaller, so there was more coverage with care," a reviewer remarks. "It seemed very clean and homey. They had lots of gardens and flowers, and it was really pretty. They ate in a nice little kitchen area, which was more intimate because of its size."
The Residence at Otter Creek offers Reflections memory care, a person-focused program that concentrates on the Five Principles for Vitality to help seniors live their best lives. These five principles are wellness and self-care, arts and culture, continued learning, physical fitness and community connections. Caregivers are fully certified under the National Institute for Dementia Education to provide assistance with daily living activities, medication management, housekeeping and guidance and emotional support. Staff members lead residents in expressive art therapies that include movement, storytelling and the visual arts. The community's calendar is filled with activities, such as music programs, classes, exercise sessions and crafts, to help seniors remain engaged and busy. Residents also gather for socials, gardening workshops and book clubs, or they can simply relax in secure indoor and outdoor common areas.
Residents and their families appreciate the quality care at The Residence at Otter Creek. "The staff is very knowledgeable and caring," says a reviewer. "The community is well-kept and is very clean. They have so many activities that my mom enjoys, such as watching movies and going into town. Meal time is her favorite time of the day."
At Equinox Terrace, memory care residents reside in The Garden Wing, a specialized care unit for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Nestled in a cheerful, garden-like setting, the community provides personalized programming to help seniors engage with past hobbies and activities to stimulate memory and the senses. Staff is available 24/7 to provide support with activities of daily living and communicate with family members regarding each resident's individualized care plan. Seniors also have access to life skills activities to maintain some independence with personal care tasks. The community's indoor and outdoor environments feature security measures to prevent wandering, allowing residents to safely explore without getting hurt. Promoting an active lifestyle, the community also offers wellness and fitness exercises as well as nutritionally balanced menus according to resident dietary needs and preferences.
Residents and their families are content with the friendly staff and quality of care received at Equinox Terrace. One reviewer claims, " My mom is well cared for, socially active, and happy at Equinox Terrace. I can't imagine her anywhere else at this point in her life."