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 Sioux Falls’ senior population continues to grow (19% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Sioux Falls, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 15.15% between 2013 and 2018, 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 (10.13% in Sioux Falls 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 Sioux Falls. 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 Sioux Falls, 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:
Dow Rummel Village is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community situated close to the city center and just moments from Sioux Falls Arena and the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. This facility allows seniors to decide between dining at the on-site restaurant and deli or having meals delivered. The Buddies Forever program is designed for staff to encourage thoughtful communication with memory care residents using the right skills at the appropriate moment. The memory care center has a secure town square courtyard, where seniors can stop by a general store and diner. Residents can also spend time in the hobby shop, library and sensory room, and participate in outings, social events, wellness programs and fitness classes.
The community gets high marks for having well-kept grounds and many convenient amenities. According to one online reviewer, "Overall, the place is the best in the city. As far as the grounds, overall it's gorgeous. Dow Rummel Village is like a city in itself. There is a mall, a deli and two swimming pools.
Edgewood Sioux Falls Memory Care is an intimate community designed to create a cozy, homelike environment. Its open floor plan encourages safe navigation, reduces wandering and encourages peer interaction. Small details such as calming colors and decor, as well as personal treasures and furnishings in residents rooms, help stimulate memories and bring feelings of comfort. Three levels of care are provided and determined through a complete evaluation of abilities and stage of memory loss. Programs help improve residents self-esteem and productive engagement by allowing them to assist in meal preparation, cleanup, folding laundry and other routine daily activities. The staff at Edgewood Memory Care undergoes continuing training to cope with the challenges of caring for seniors living with Alzheimers, dementia and other cognitive conditions.
The facilitys physical layout and good location earned high ratings from reviewers. People also praised the helpful staff and the hard work they put in. Families note how patient the staff are, with one saying, "The nurses talk to the residents about their past and don't mind the constant repeating. Many of them seem to really love their jobs and the care they are giving.
Nestled on a scenic Sioux Falls waterfront location, Grand Living at Lake Lorraine offers memory care, assisted living and independent living services at its well-appointed residences. Its memory care neighborhood features resort-style amenities, such as quality dining options and restaurants, indoor and outdoor gardens, a grand lounge and a wellness center, all designed to create a warm, welcoming environment. Customized plans embrace each residents unique personal history, and signature programs are in place to enhance their quality of life. The Bravo music and arts program celebrates seniors lives through music, dances, songs and entertainment. The Hospitality, Experiential, Interactive, Teaching, Sterling (H.E.I.T.S.) program brings together seniors, students and other generations for meaningful participation in learning and creative activities. The Grand Living staff undergoes continuing education in Alzheimers and dementia care to ensure residents receive the highest standards of support.
People describe Grand Living at Lake Lorraine as a beautiful community and one of the best in Sioux Falls. Families appreciate the friendly staff and everything they do for their loved ones. "Has such an amazing environment for not only the seniors that live there but also their families, says an impressed reviewer.
The Inn on Westport is a few steps from The Empire Mall, Caille Library and several bus stops in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Its staff members are committed to adhering to the companys Platinum Service standards to help residents live purposeful lives. The facilitys vibrant environment features welcoming amenities including a fireplace lounge, sunroom, library, billiards room and hobby and craft room. On-site conveniences include a resource center, full-service salon, bank, chapel and gift shop. The communitys Pearls of Life memory care program is based on the Montessori-Inspired Lifestyle approach to dementia care. This program offers a well-rounded range of meaningful activities that value the dignity and individual strengths of each memory care resident. The Inn on Westport also has a Parkinsons program, which offers special boxing classes taught by certified Rock Steady Boxing coaches.
Loved ones highly recommend The Inn on Westport for its family-like environment and compassionate staff. A memory care residents daughter says, "They take the time to really get to know the person living there and find activities they like to do I always felt comfortable with him living there because I felt that Dad was among friends.
Touchmark at All Saints is a modern senior living community located in historic downtown Sioux Falls. Maintenance-free living is offered in its elegantly designed independent living, assisted living and memory care apartment homes, complemented with five-star amenities. Its memory care neighborhood features color-coded hallways for safe, easy navigation and comfortable private living options that come with round-the-clock care and housekeeping services. The community provides an enriching, supportive environment through programs such as Music and Memory, which encourages residents participation in group activities and helps improve communication and behavior. Touchmark at All Saints has an array of amenities that provide comfort in style, including heated underground parking, restaurant-style and in-home dining options, guest suites and gas fireplaces.
The community is compared to a castle and a nice hotel, with reviewers describing it as beautiful and gorgeous. People like the posh amenities and appreciate the friendly staff for being patient with the residents. Families feel that their loved ones are well cared for, with one saying, "She had so many friends there including staff and residents - with a variety of ongoing activities to keep her busy. An amazing place with a caring, humane and loving staff.
Trail Ridge Senior Living Community is a non-profit, faith-based facility owned and managed by American Baptist Homes of the Midwest. Located on a landscaped 18-acre property, the facility offers a homelike atmosphere within its independent living, assisted living and memory care neighborhoods. The memory care center is divided into two distinct neighborhoods designed to provide calm, familiar surroundings for seniors living with cognitive issues. Caregivers specialized training in Alzheimers and dementia care allows them to competently assist residents with their needs. Families are involved in designing individualized care plans, consisting of programs and activities that promote an engaged lifestyle and social connections. Common areas such as the game room, movie theater and garden spaces make relaxing venues for bonding with peers, and the facilitys proximity to local attractions offers plenty of options for off-site recreation.
Reviewers describe the community as peaceful and organized, noting the spacious apartments, walking paths and comfortable common areas. The competent staff, engaging activities and good food also received notable feedback. A family member describes it as a great place for his father, saying, "When he moved to Trail Ridge, he not only got his life back, but he really began to thrive.