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 Silver Spring’s senior population continues to grow (19.92% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Silver Spring, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 8.72% between 2014 and 2019, 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 (4.31% in Silver Spring 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 Silver Spring. 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 Silver Spring, 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:
Arden Courts of Kensington is a secure senior living community catering to residents with memory care needs. Residents live in one of four easily navigable houses, each with community living rooms and dining rooms. Private bedrooms are furnished and can accommodate belongings from the resident's home. Specially trained memory care staff and nurses are available 24/7 to perform routine health checks, as well as assisting with daily tasks and medication management. Meals are tailored to each resident, using engaging presentations of food alongside healthy ingredients to ensure proper nutrition, and snacks are available throughout the day. Activities are tailored to memory care enhancement, including sensory stimulation using aromatherapy and soothing music and sounds to provide comfort.
Residents and their families praise the dedicated memory care staff. One family member says, "I highly recommend Arden Courts of Kensington for the care of loved ones with dementia. We've been deeply appreciative of the professionalism and caring nature of their staff. They really know how to best take care of people with dementia, which is a specialized field."
Located in northeast Silver Spring, Arden Courts of Silver Spring is a senior care community designed just for memory care. Seniors reside in one of four self-contained houses with their own living room, dining room, kitchen and full bath. Shared community areas include a beauty salon, a wellness center, an arts and crafts studio, a porch and expansive grounds with walking paths. Visual cues help residents move freely around the secure community. Meals, housekeeping and laundry are all included, along with a wide variety of enriching activities. Staff trained in the latest memory care techniques and professional nurses provide personalized, around-the-clock care. Additional health services include hourly health checks, regular monitoring of vitals and other metrics and a range of assistance, from activities of daily living to medication management.
Family members appreciate the caring staff and their expertise in memory care. As one reviewer writes, "Over three years my father spent in this facility and you won't find a more caring group of people to look after a loved one. The rooms are immaculately kept, food is delicious but more important, it is a facility who have people trained to deal with Alz patients.
Brighton Gardens of Friendship Heights has virtually everything that those in need of memory care could need. Psychiatry, dermatology and physical and speech therapy are all available on-site, along with 24-hour access to nurses and doctors. Brighton Gardens is just 10 minutes away from Sibley Memorial Hospital and Suburban Hospital for more intensive care. Memory care residents can participate in the property's Live With Fulfillment program, including games, exercise, and small group activities specially designed for those living with early-stage memory loss. Brighton Gardens is also near parks, gardens, restaurants, and the Metro for those residents with visiting family or a desire to get out and about.
Reviewers are happy with the staff at Brighton Gardens, with one expressing particular admiration of their communication with far-away family members. "The whole family is extremely pleased with the care that our mother is receiving at Brighton Gardens of Friendship Heights. They do a great job, and they keep me informed very regularly of her health and of how she is doing in the residence. Because I am far away, it is very good to know these things."
Brightview Fallsgrove is a luxury senior living community in Rockville, Maryland. Its dedicated memory care wing, Wellspring Village, is purposefully designed to create a safe, peaceful environment for seniors living with the various stages of dementia. One of its signature programs is Mind and Music, which helps seniors express themselves through dance and drum circle groups, in addition to stimulating memory through personalized playlists for each resident. The community puts particular focus on the creative arts and has an on-site public art gallery; residents are encouraged to participate in art, gardening or cooking classes. Licensed nurses and staff are available at all hours and can help seniors with personal tasks such as grooming or taking medication. The in-house chef creates gourmet meals three times a day. Coffee and snacks are always available between meals.
People adore Brightview Fallsgrove for its courteous and professional staff. One says, "The staff is very responsive and good. If my mom needs someone in the middle of the night, they show up in a couple of minutes. She also seems to like the food."
An upscale community in a park-like setting, Brookdale Potomac offers quality senior living that evokes the comforts of home. Its exclusive Clare Bridge memory care program features two distinct segments: Crossings for early-stage dementia and Solace for late-stage. The structure puts an emphasis on personalized care plans that ensure all residents receive services and support aligned with their needs. Brookdale Potomac's staff is trained in the latest dementia care techniques and receives ongoing education to stay up-to-date. On-site around the clock, caregivers assist with daily living activities like bathing, grooming and medication while helping residents through the daily structure of six planned programs, including yoga, painting, gardening, pet therapy, movie nights and more. The environment itself features a 24-hour security system, monitored entryways and exits, natural lighting, cheerful colors and calm music for a safe, comfortable environment thats easy to navigate.
Loved ones praise the caregivers and the varied programming. "The staff on Clarebridge truly care about residents and pay attention to the needs of each person," one relative says. "Residents are encouraged to engage in wellness, arts, music, cooking and seasonal events. Im impressed with the creative activities planned often around particular interests of each resident."
Located approximately 10 miles from downtown Silver Spring, Cohen-Rosen House is a family and faith-centered luxury memory care provider situated on Charles E. Smith Life Communities' 38-acre campus in Rockville, MD. The small community upholds traditional Jewish values and provides homelike private accommodations, compassionate care and multigenerational programming to all seniors with memory impairments regardless of their religious beliefs. All frontline staff members undergo dementia care training to ensure residents receive appropriate support with daily living tasks, including bathing, grooming, dining and engaging in recreational activities. The specialist on-site team includes certified geriatric nursing assistants, certified medicine aides and licensed nurses. Popular resident activities are evening movies, balloon volleyball, tabletop games, daily chronicles and weekend workouts. The building is LEED silver-certified.
A relative says, "The care my Mom, who has advanced dementia, has received at Cohen Rosen is superb the talented staff led by a tireless, creative and very personable house manager worked incredibly hard." A visitor writes, "Every person I have met, from the enthusiastic, caring administrators to the doctors, therapists, nursing staff treats the residents with kindness, courtesy and respect."
Situated only minutes away from the Maryland border and near the Potomac River, Grand Oaks Assisted Living Community is adjacent to Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington, DC. Its 24-hour staff of nurses and caregivers assists seniors with daily tasks, in addition to closely monitoring the behavior and cognitive abilities of each resident to provide appropriate levels of care. The community offers a brain fitness program consisting of various activities that help develop cognitive health while also giving residents the opportunity to socialize; activities include relaxation classes, music appreciation sessions and educational lectures. Active residents may also enjoy aquatic exercise and tai chi classes. Apartments feature 9-foot ceilings, wall-to-wall carpeting in living areas, and well-appointed kitchenettes.
Reviewers like the location of the community, as well as the apartments and programs. One wrote, This community is absolutely excellent. The care services they provided were outstanding They had bingo and movie nights. There was always something the residents could do. The food at this community was excellent.
Hillhaven is a senior living community located in Adelphi, MD, just 13 miles north of Washington, D.C. Residents live in private apartments featuring high ceilings and bright floor plans, as well as kitchenettes complete with refrigerators and microwaves. Routine housekeeping and laundry services keep each residence clean and safe, and nurses are available 24/7 for assistance with daily tasks and specific care needs following personalized care plans. Meals are served three times a day, providing healthy and flavorful food based on resident-favorite dishes in a restaurant-style setting that encourages socialization and sharing stories with friends, family and neighbors. The secured courtyard features safe walking paths and areas for movement-prone residents, as well as ample areas for walking clubs and exercise classes, while the library and learning lab offer ongoing mental stimulation through lessons and rereading favorite books and stories.
The staff is highly praised by residents and their family members. The daughter of one resident said, "We found the staff to be very attentive and caring. I was personally impressed by how each of the staff members felt empowered to help you with your need - even if it wasn't their specific area of work."
Located in a quiet part of the busy Baltimore-Washington metro area, Kensington Park Senior Living provides memory care, assisted living and independent living options for its residents. The community focuses on personalized care that respects each individual, employing an extensively trained staff of caregivers, nurses and memory care specialists that sees to residents' physical, emotional and cognitive health. Two separate memory care neighborhoods " Connections for those in the early stages of dementia and Haven for those with more advanced memory loss " ensure that residents receive the appropriate level of assistance. The community partners with Genesis Rehab to provide on-site physical, speech and occupational therapy in addition to fitness programs. Its GRS Compass Program is suited for helping seniors with advanced cognitive issues remain alert and communicate more effectively.
Family members often mention the community's professional, kind and thoughtful staff. "Never did I ever imagine that my mom would be this well taken care of in a memory care facility," one daughter says. "They knew mom so well, her likes and dislikes and always treated her with the utmost respect."
Maple Heights Senior Living focuses on providing a sense of community and ensuring that all the residents feel at home. The memory care unit is in a secure building with monitored exits for the safety of residents. A team of qualified caregiving associates is on hand 24/7 to provide compassionate care and assistance. All the caregivers are specially trained in the latest techniques for working with seniors with cognitive impairments. Each resident has a personalized care plan that includes details of their life history, likes, dislikes and hobbies to help the caregivers to provide individual care and to create connections with the residents. Luxury amenities on-site include a movie theater, exercise room and secure private gardens with walking paths. The on-site chefs serve three healthy meals each day created from fresh and seasonal local ingredients.
Family members are impressed by the range of amenities and caring staff with one saying, "The staff seems really dedicated to creating a wonderful environment for seniors in the Washington DC area. I particularly like how they incorporated memory care into their model. Their floor plans are great too. Lots of amenities."
Recognized with a Bronze National Quality Award from the American Health Care Association, Sunrise at Bluemont Park is a respected senior community in Arlington, Virginia, just across the Potomac from Washington, D.C. With assisted living, hospice, respite and memory care in one convenient location, residents can expect a high level of support. The community features a secure Reminiscence neighborhood specifically for seniors living with memory loss, staffed by 24-hour caregivers trained in the latest Alzheimers Association-approved dementia care techniques. Monthly wellness visits from a licensed nurse and individualized treatment plans are paired with a variable schedule of creative, cognitive, physical fitness and social activities. The neighborhood features spacious living rooms, activity areas for enjoying crafts and puzzles, softly lit reflection rooms, a 24-hour bistro with snacks and refreshments, country kitchens and enclosed outdoor spaces where residents can connect with nature.
Loved ones note the caring team and active programming. "They have a nurse on-staff and a 24-hour nurse They're very attentive, and they all come in several times a day to check on him," says one relative's son. "They have a walking club, happy hour, movie nights, trivia, games, Bingo, guest speaker, and discussion group."
A peaceful suburban community surrounded by nature, Sunrise at Fox Hill offers award-winning care in a relaxed setting. Its Reminiscence neighborhood is designed for seniors living with memory loss, so comfort and security are top priority. All resident suites are adjacent to dining and activity areas, making the environment easy to navigate. Caregivers are specially trained to address the needs of memory care residents, and emergency response systems in every apartment ensure aid is readily accessible. Available 24 hours, staff members can help, whether residents need assistance with medication and meals or an escort downstairs. Physical, occupational and speech therapy are conveniently offered within the community, and caregivers accompany residents to off-site appointments. Programming includes music therapy, cooking workshops and puzzles with a diverse roster to nurture resident interests. Amenities include a fitness center, 24-hour bistro and garden.
Visitors note the community ambiance and diverse activities. One visitor says, "It's really nice, clean, and fresh. The people were very warm and welcoming. I couldn't say enough about it. They offer nice activities, like painting classes and some educational classes, and there certainly was ample availability for transport outside."
Located less than 15 miles away from Silver Spring, MD, Sunrise of Arlington provides memory care, assisted living and short-term care. An award-winning community, it provides the conveniences of city living with the feeling of a quaint bed and breakfast, offering inviting common areas and country porches. Memory care residents live in a dedicated Reminiscence neighborhood, specially designed to be easy to navigate, comforting and secure. Staff are available 24/7 and are trained in the latest memory care techniques, including validation therapy. Reminiscence residents take part in memory-specific activities and programs tailored to their skills and interests. Freshly prepared meals can cater to special diets, including pureed diets. Activities and events include scheduled outings to area attractions.
Family members like the homelike atmosphere and caring staff. One reviewer writes, "We like this place because it is small and feels like living in a family environment. All the staff and residents know each other. The food is excellent, and the staff is flexible. Adds another, "Really great place! Staff is very friendly and helpful!
At Sunrise of Bethesda, seniors can expect a high level of care with easy access to the citys shopping, dining and medical facilities. The secure, pet-friendly community offers both assisted living and memory care; seniors in the latter group live in a specially designed neighborhood, Reminiscence. This environment provides extensive support, with life enrichment managers and caregivers trained in the latest memory care techniques and approaches. On-site and available 24/7, they assist residents with socializing, eating, personal care, medication and mobility. Daily programming includes arts and crafts, puzzles, exercise classes and cognitive-building activities, which occur in designated areas so seniors can socialize and connect with their peers. Reflection rooms with soothing lighting and music offer space to relax, living spaces feature comfortable furniture for lounging with loved ones, and secure outdoor spaces foster interactions with nature.
Loved ones appreciate the community's skilled staff. "My entire family loved Sunrise of Bethesda," one resident's daughter says. "The staff is so caring and professional and they treated my dad with affection and respect. My dad loved living there and my family loved visiting. We couldn't have found a better place for my dad to live."
Located a short distance from Washington D.C.s world-renowned attractions and medical facilities, Sunrise of Chevy Chase is a senior living community that combines an ideal location with quality care. Residents can receive consistent support with personal hygiene and grooming, mobility, medication management and other daily living essentials from a highly trained team that's available 24 hours a day. In the communitys exclusive memory care neighborhood, Reminiscence, all team members are educated in the most-up-to-date dementia care techniques. They use a person-centered approach that involves getting to know residents individual needs and interests. The daily schedule includes cognitive and creative programming, such as puzzles, brain games and art classes, while the secure environment's easy-to-navigate floor plans, soft lighting, soothing colors and music foster a sense of comfort. The staff chef prepares fresh meals in-house that residents can enjoy in country-style kitchens and communal dining spaces.
People appreciate the kind staff and their attention to each and every resident. "Surely, Sunrise of Chevy Chase is one step below Heaven," one visiting relative says. "The awesome staff demonstrates competency, professionalism, empathy, and cheerfulness at all times The family profusely thanks you for the loving care you gave her."
For seniors desiring a residential setting with easy access to Washington, D.C., Sunrise of McLean is the ideal place to call home. Located in a historic neighborhood within walking distance of the metro bus into the city, the community is also close to shopping and dining venues. Offering assisted living, respite stays, hospice relationships and memory care, the community provides residents a full spectrum of support. For those living with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia, the Reminiscence neighborhood provides a personalized treatment approach, pairing every resident with a Life Enrichment Manager, who delivers consistent support and companionship. Available 24/7, the team includes members with decades of experience and education, including Alzheimers Association-approved training. With easy-to-navigate floor plans, emergency response systems in every apartment and programming designed to nurture the body, mind and soul, residents can explore their interests in a secure environment.
People are impressed by the activity options. One family member says, "They have a lot of activities, which we can pick and choose from. They have walk-in manicures, which she loves. They have movies and bingo. They have a dance instructor who comes in and dances with the ladies. They have a social hour every day."
With a setting reminiscent of a bed and breakfast and located just minutes off the Capital Beltway, the award-winning Sunrise of Rockville provides a full spectrum of care in a convenient location. In addition to restaurant-style dining with menu items prepared by an experienced chef, residents have access to a full schedule of creative, social, physical and educational programs coupled with resident-sponsored clubs and group excursions to popular hotspots. In the communitys Reminiscence neighborhood, memory care residents benefit from a skilled staff with Alzheimers Association-approved training. Each resident is paired with a Life Enrichment Manager while receiving consistent support from the 24-hour team. This secure environment features reflection rooms with soft lighting and music, spacious living spaces for socializing with fellow residents, designated activity areas for working puzzles and engaging in cognitive activities, and secured outdoor spaces. Residents also experience frequent visits from children through the communitys partnerships with schools and daycare centers.
Loved ones appreciate the high level of care. "Excellent facility with caring staff," one resident's son says. "The staff at Sunrise Rockville(SR) is simply excellent and take great care of Mom The real super stars are the Care Managers who directly take care of their clients with skill & compassion."
Situated on a lush landscaped lot just a short distance from the intersection of Route 29 and Route 650, Sunrise of Silver Spring offers comprehensive care with convenient access to shopping, dining and recreation. The community's Reminiscence neighborhood is designed for residents living with memory loss. The environment features easy-to-navigate spaces with living rooms for relaxation, activity areas to gather for creative and cognitive programming, reflection rooms with soothing lighting and music, and country kitchens where residents can help prepare meals. The neighborhood's Life Enrichment Managers are paired with residents to develop customized care plans, and all staff members are trained in the latest dementia care techniques. Available 24/7, the community's caregivers help residents with personal hygiene, mobility and medication while assisting with a full schedule of therapeutic programming that includes social, spiritual and creative options.
Visiting loved ones praise both the staff and the programming. "The staff was very professional, warm, welcoming, and knowledgeable," one relative says. "They seemed to have physical exercise, entertainment, music, and activities, like crafts, and games. They have excursions, where they go to the store or take them out to a concert."
With a central location in Washington D.C.'s Northwest residential district, Sunrise on Connecticut Avenue is an award-winning assisted living and memory care community within walking distance of the citys best shopping, dining and recreation. Close to Sibley Memorial and Georgetown University hospitals, residents have easy access to quality health care. The communitys Reminiscence neighborhood, designed for residents living with memory loss, features adjacent living, dining and activity areas for easy navigation. Life enrichment managers are trained in the latest dementia care techniques, including Validation Therapy, which emphasizes eye contact, open-ended questions and matching emotions. Caregivers, also specially trained, are available 24/7 to assist with mobility, medication and personal care. From social and spiritual activities to physical fitness and creative classes, the community's diverse programming offers something for everyone. Fresh meals are crafted by an experienced chef, and secure outdoor spaces enable connections with nature.
People appreciate the welcoming environment. As one family member says, "The entire process of placing my mother in this lovely community was stress-free. Staff is warm, welcoming, and professional. I am happy that she has found a comfortable home where she is safe and well taken care of by such a caring group of people."
The Residences at Thomas Circle is a senior living community nestled within the heart of Washington, D.C. Multiple floor plans and apartment styles allow residents to choose lodging that best suits their needs and lifestyles, and each residence is equipped with washers and dryers, a full kitchen and emergency call systems for 24/7 assistance. The care staff works with residents to remind them of daily tasks, such as bathing and dressing, and assists when necessary while providing maximal independence. Weekly housekeeping and laundry services ensure tidiness and safe navigation around the home. Meals are served in presentations that are visually stimulating, easy to eat and can be personalized to specific dietary and nutritional needs. Amenities are plentiful, including a pool for fun and fitness. Secure outdoor areas such as enclosed patios and walkways ensure residents can go for strolls while staying safe.
Residents and their families often praise the amenities and community features. One family member said, "They have everything you can imagine there, with a beautiful outdoor garden, lovely tables, and umbrellas. It has a beautiful bistro in the basement, a big movie theater/auditorium."