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 Snohomish County’s senior population continues to grow (25.5% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Snohomish County, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 21.3% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 13.5%, 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 (11.45% in Snohomish County 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 Snohomish County. 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 Snohomish County, 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:
A purposefully designed community for seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia, Brookdale Alderwood offers personalized, around-the-clock assistance paired with a lively lifestyle. Caregivers are highly trained in dementia care, and they receive ongoing education to ensure a high level of support. Available 24 hours, they help with bathing, dressing, grooming and medication, plus transportation to local medical appointments. Residents enjoy six state-of-the-art programs each day, with options tailored around their cognitive level. Those in the early to moderate stages of memory loss enjoy social activities like art and dance classes, journaling, brain games and excursions to museums. Seniors living with later stages of memory loss experience these same activities with an added layer of sensory programming, including aromatherapy and music. The community features a 24-hour security system, emergency response system and monitored entryways and exits.
Visiting relatives praise the attentive team and high level of care. One says, "Simply put the staff is amazing! Their attention to detail and also individualized care for their residents surpassed all my expectations. When visiting family I was met with genuine kindness from everyone single person from the moment I walked through the doors."
Brookdale Monroe is a continuing care community with independent living, assisted living and memory care all on one campus. Its Clare Bridge neighborhood features individualized support paired with research-based activities, with two distinct programs to assist residents at every stage of memory loss. Along with 24-hour supervision from experienced caregivers, seniors enjoy six structured activities daily. Crossings, for early-stage memory loss, strives to keep residents active and social; they can expect lively art and dance classes, brain games, off-campus excursions and sharing stories over meals. Solace, for more advanced dementia, features sensory programming like aromatherapy and music, plus extra time for grooming. Clare Bridge is a secure environment with monitored entryways, doorbells to signal in/out movements and emergency response systems. It also features comfortable indoor/outdoor common areas, walls painted in cheerful colors and an easy-to-navigate layout.
Loved ones value the kind team and individualized care. One says, "It's going pretty well for my mother-in-law. She has dementia so she's in the memory care unit, and they help her with bathing, using the bathroom, dressing, and everything else. The staff is nice and attentive. The place is clean and perfect for seniors."
Located just a short distance from Puget Sound, Brookdale Silver Lake offers memory care services in a scenic setting. With its 24-hour security system and doorbells at the entrances and exits, residents have peace of mind. They can safely explore the easy-to-navigate environment with the support of experienced caregivers, who are available around the clock. From assistance with bathing and medication to transporting seniors to off-site appointments, the team provides care designed around each resident's personal needs and preferences. The daily social calendar includes six structured programs tailored by cognitive level, with options like brain games, dancing, journaling, live entertainment and trips to local museums. Residents in the later stages of memory loss enjoy more multisensory options, with extra time set aside for grooming. Fresh, chef-prepared meals are served throughout the day, with dietary needs always accommodated.
Loved ones like the busy calendar and caring team. "They're having a good time with the activities," one says. "The food is good, and they have pretty balanced meals. They have gym classes and chair exercises. The people who work there are very caring and take good care of the people that are there."
In the Brookdale Stanwood community, residents have access to banking, postal and salon/barbershop services without leaving the campus. In the meeting spaces, fireside living room and library, residents may enjoy activities such as book clubs, fitness classes, movies and game nights. These programs are part of the Clare Bridge memory care program that focuses on enriching activities while trained staff support residents through medication management, hygiene assistance and sensory therapy. In the dining room and bistro, residents may enjoy meals and snacks prepared to meet many dietary needs. Each floor plan comes with plenty of natural lighting, private bathrooms and kitchenettes. All suites and communal spaces are connected to give residents easy, secure access to all areas.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the welcoming atmosphere created by the staff. One says, "Each live-in patron [is] given special attention in the main diner for birthdays and anniversaries, creating a family-like feel amongst everyone in the building."
Cedar Creek Memory Care Community uses the Humantitude memory care philosophy and techniques to enhance the mental and emotional well-being of its residents living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Caregivers treat seniors vertically to make each resident feel as dignified as possible, and they use targeted non-verbal and verbal cues to establish communication bonds with seniors, diminish negativity and increase residents' feelings of love and high self-worth. The community's staff members learn each resident's favorite songs and build playlists so that seniors can tap into lost memories. Licensed nurses are on-site 24/7 to assist residents with their unique health needs, and staff members host daily memory care-specific activities and events that give seniors a chance to connect with other community members.
Family members love this community. One relative says, "Cedar Creek is a great facility! My grandmother has been there for over two years. It was an adjustment for her definitely but it has been great. The excellent team there does a great job keeping their residents healthy and entertained."
Chateau Pacific is a senior living community that offers an individualized retirement experience for every resident. The memory care unit is housed on its own floor in the community and the doors and windows are secured for the safety of seniors. A team of experienced caregivers is always available to provide compassionate care and emotional support. All of the caregivers are trained in the latest methods of gently dealing with confusion, loneliness, aggression and other behaviors that may affect residents with cognitive impairment disorders. Family members are encouraged to take part in activities in the community and to attend the support groups that are offered on a regular basis. Residents of the memory care section have supervised access to the community amenities, including an indoor swimming pool, fitness club, movie theater and library. Activities are tailored to individual requirements.
Family members are impressed by the staff and caring atmosphere with one person saying, "Very welcoming. The residents are friendly and welcomed my parents. The food is good and it is a beautiful place with friendly staff, gardens, luxury and lots of activities. They seem to care about each resident's well-being."
Conveniently located, GenCare Lifestyle Lynnwood at Scriber Gardens is only minutes from the heart of Lynnwood and its community center, shops, restaurants, medical facilities and Scriber Lake Park. This community employs a dedicated director to oversee its memory care program, known as the PEAK Program. Caregivers provide daily support to residents with many daily living activities, including bathing, restroom activity, grooming, dressing, medication, dining and dental hygiene. Memory care residents can participate in this community's signature Vitality Program that offers various engaging activities, such as music, exercise classes, brain fitness programs, intergenerational activities, educational seminars and pet therapy. Certified caregivers are available on-site 24 hours a day. The amenities of this community include a Stay Sharp Center with a library and computers, a bistro, a hair salon and a gym with an on-site personal trainer.
People love how friendly the staff is and how this community feels like home. A visitor writes, "I thought GenCare was inviting. They had a little garden. I liked that it felt like everything was on one floor. I felt like it was like home. The staff was very friendly and easy to get hold of."
Harbour Pointe Senior Living is a luxury community that offers a range of amenities and activities. The Generations memory care unit is housed in a secure building. Residents have safe access to amenities such as a movie theater, spacious living areas and enclosed courtyards with shaded patio areas. Care staff is on-hand 24/7 to provide compassionate care and emotional support to residents. Next to each apartment door is a Life Story Display to help seniors navigate to their own rooms and encourage discussions about shared interests with staff members and visitors. Music, art and pet therapy are offered to decrease agitation in seniors. Intergenerational programs are offered on a regular basis, and family members are encouraged to attend these social events. Each resident has a personalized jukebox, as music is often associated with memories.
Online reviewers praise the exceptional community with one person saying, "Our experience with Harbour Pointe has been nothing short of stellar! The facility, of course, is top-notch (I wish I could move in here!!!), the food is excellent (and so beautifully presented!) and the atmosphere is wonderful (I have yet to see an unhappy, unsmiling face)."
Located 20 miles north of Seattle, Mukilteo Memory Care provides personalized care and assistance for seniors with memory impairments. Specially trained memory care staff are on hand 24/7 to assist with residents' daily needs through personable relationships and gentle redirection. Several clinical services are offered on-site, such as physical therapy, dental services and even pet therapy. Socialization is a crucial component of Mukilteo life, and daily programs are designed to bring residents together through shared interests, exciting parties and comfortable discussions. Additionally, daily physical exercise includes dancing and outdoor activities alongside exercise classes and walking groups. Life-enrichment activities focus on residents' abilities and preferences through favorite hobbies such as arts and crafts, quiet moments outside and mentally stimulating puzzles. Restaurant-style dining features a variety of healthy and engaging food choices, served in an open setting to encourage socialization and self-sufficiency.
Residents and their families frequently praise the attentive compassion of the staff. One family member says, "The Mukilteo Memory Care staff is outstanding. They have provided family preparation and are diligent in their nursing skills and daily care. Their communication with the family members is constant and ongoing."
North Creek by Bonaventure is a retirement community just 30 minutes north of downtown Seattle that offers a variety of inviting private and shared suites with modern kitchens, large closets and accessible bathrooms. Its memory care services allow seniors with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other forms of memory loss to live life to its fullest in a secure, supportive environment. Staff is on hand 24 hours a day to provide personalized, compassionate help with medication and daily living tasks. Memory care residents enjoy various types of physical, mental and social activities, such as knitting circles, community outings and live performances by visiting groups; music, animal, art and reminiscing therapies are also available. Seniors can learn new skills by working on craft projects in the hobby room. Other amenities at North Creek include a library, a laundry facility, a jetted tub, outdoor patios and a private dining room.
Visitors love North Creek's positive, active atmosphere. "North Creek by Bonaventure is a great community where seniors can live life to the fullest," remarks one. "They [provide] loads of activities to keep [your] loved ones busy while getting excellent care by knowledgeable and caring staff."
Overlake Terrace is a senior retirement community situated in Redmond, WA, that focuses on providing independent living, assisted living and memory care services. The community offers spacious studio, one and two-bedroom apartments with a kitchenette and bathroom. A 24-hour care team assists seniors with daily living needs and responds to any emergencies that may arise. Residents are encouraged to improve their cognitive and physical abilities by participating in the community's scheduled daily activities and exercises. Meals are prepared and served all day long in the restaurant-style dining area. For all residents, Overlake Terrace also provides complimentary laundry facilities, a library and a beauty salon/barbershop. Short-term respite care is available for individuals needing to recover from an illness or hospital stay.
Family members are impressed that the community is a secure place for seniors with memory loss. One says, "This is a wonderful facility for memory challenged family members. My father was welcomed the moment he moved in. If you are looking for a clean, well maintained, and safe environment for your loved one, you will want to consider Overlake Terrace."
Staff members at Pacifica Senior Living Snohomish are trained to assess memory care residents on fall risk, sundowning support and behavioral problem-solving. They can then provide daily living support, medication management and cueing to help seniors lead purposeful lives. Residents may enjoy pet therapy, puzzles, musical activities and art classes. These activities are part of the Legacies memory care program, a robust care plan that focuses on enriching seniors through sensory activities and adaptive assistance. In the bistro, community garden and gazebo, neighbors can socialize and enjoy the outdoors. The community also features an on-site salon/barbershop. In the naturally lit dining room, residents enjoy three nutritious meals a day as well as snacks.
Residents and families appreciate the close-knit community the staff creates. One says, "The kindness and quality of the staff is great!! My mother considers many of the caregivers her friends."
Peters Creek Retirement Center has a dedicated memory care wing with staff who undergo ongoing training in the care of residents living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The community operates under a staff ratio of one caregiver to every five memory care residents, so seniors receive personalized assistance with all aspects of daily life, including bathing, dressing and medication management. Residents are encouraged to participate in daily group activities such as brain teasers, puzzles, worship services and familiar music sing-along sessions. Made-to-order breakfasts are served daily, and residents enjoy three-course meals for lunch and dinner. Additionally, an all-day menu that offers familiar and popular comfort foods is available to community residents.
Family members see their loved ones doing well here. One says, "My mother moved to memory care about 3 months ago. Her care is very good; the staff is attentive and responsive to her needs and my questions/concerns. There are daily activities that she is encouraged/supported in participating in such as art and music, and she gets 3 good meals a day."
Sitting next to a beautiful forested reserve, Quail Park of Lynnwood offers a resort-style senior community with easy access to nature. The memory care program of Quail Park, known as the Tribute Program, provides individualized care to each resident. Caregivers invest the time to learn the personal story of each resident. They pay tribute to each resident's significant life events and accomplishments while nurturing the individual's relationships, strengths and daily experiences. The Tribute Program offers iN2L, a tablet-based senior engagement technology that enables seniors to share experiences, learning, conversations and fun with each other, and Eldergrow, a therapeutic gardening program for seniors to establish a connection to nature. Memory care residents can participate in a full calendar of engaging activities, such as chair tai chi, movies, seated exercises, happy hours, chair volleyball and short stories.
Family members love the well-trained and loving staff. A reviewer writes, "They have so many wonderful activities every day, but mostly it was the wonderful people. They have a very well-trained and loving staff; it was just a quality place. Mom has a beautiful room and a lovely bathroom. She is very happy, secured, and satisfied there."
Set on three acres and offering panoramic mountain views, Redwood Heights residents could be forgiven for spending the day just taking in the sights. The community provides assisted living, independent living, memory care and adult day services. The spacious studio apartments have been thoughtfully designed with those who have decreased mobility in mind. Regular sightseeing trips and outings combined with activities that include everything from beanbag basketball to card club keep the residents busy. A familiar, safe, and stimulating environment is provided for memory care residents with activities tailored to meet their individual interests and abilities. The focus of care is on retaining current functioning, reducing agitation, symptom relief and reducing depression among the community members.
Visitors noted the family atmosphere of the community and its beautiful location, with one visitor saying, "Redmond Heights was a beautiful facility in a beautiful location. It was an interactive facility where the clients had something to say as to what they wanted to do during the day. They were almost like family there, and I really appreciated that."
Sunrise of Edmonds is an award-winning community located just off Interstate 5, with a peaceful Puget Sound setting. Residents living with Alzheimer's and related dementias enjoy 24/7 support in the secure Reminiscence neighborhood, purpose-built with easy-to-navigate floor plans, spacious living areas, restaurant-style dining and country kitchens where seniors can help prepare meals. Each resident is paired with a life enrichment manager who develops an individualized care plan based on their needs and preferences, and they receive assistance with showering, clothes selection, grooming and eating from a specially-trained team of caregivers. Using evidence-based dementia care approaches, these professionals monitor behaviors and communication throughout the day while offering guidance and encouragement. Programming is tailored around individual interests and skills, with community outings, visits from children and pets, brain games, puzzles, art projects and multisensory experiences that stimulate every resident.
Visiting loved ones appreciate the high level of care. "The family was more than satisfied with the care she received for her Alzheimer's disease," one reviewer says. "The staff was experienced, caring, and attentive to her needs. Management, nursing, and outstanding food services were totally involved. Sunrise encourages family and friends visitations."
Staff members at Sunrise at Lynnwood are trained in care planning, behavior and communication through a program recognized by the Alzheimer's Association. They create care plans based on residents' experiences, preferences and abilities and provide day-to-day assistance 24/7 while on-staff nurses provide monthly wellness checks. Because of this, residents can enjoy days filled with art classes, communal games, fitness routines and memory exercises from the Sunrise Live with Purpose Program. Along with indoor activity areas, residents also have access to outdoor patios and seating for meals. In the naturally lit dining room, the culinary team provides diet-friendly meals often made from locally sourced ingredients. Suites feature private bathrooms and kitchenettes, and some have outdoor patios. Through the family engagement app, families can stay up-to-date with pictures, videos, calendars and menus.
Residents and their loved ones praise the staff's ability to adapt to various levels of memory care needs. One says, "The staff is very professional, kind and creative in their approach to residents with Alzheimer's."
The Cottages at Marysville is a memory care community comprised of four individual, cozy cottages complete with a kitchen, dining room, laundry and living area. Each cottage is secure and opens out onto a courtyard so residents can enjoy a walk in the fresh air. The community's memory care staff provide one-on-one assistance with grooming, bathing, medication monitoring and other daily living tasks. Licensed nurses are on duty each day to handle medical issues and a doctor comes to visit once a week for regular checkups. A variety of activities are tailored to meet the individual needs and abilities of seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia and other cognitive impairments. The Cottages at Marysville also provides respite care for those needing help recovering from an illness.
Families are grateful for the excellent care their loved ones receive at The Cottages. One relative wrote, "The staff treat each resident with love and respect and try to honor each residents particular needs to the very best of their abilities. It is such a relief to know my father is safe, fed and cared for."
This memory care community provides an intimate, homelike atmosphere for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia, letting them safely live in a secure community setting. A specially trained, compassionate staff is available 24 hours a day, with licensed nurses on-site five days per week and available by phone at other times. Each of the four cottages houses up to 10 residents and features a living area with an inviting fireplace, a kitchen, a dining room and laundry facilities. Some activities available to seniors are specialized to provide emotional and social support and include creative programs. Residents can take walks and exercise in an enclosed area outdoors.
Friends and relatives of residents in this community remark on how compassionate the staff is. One resident's loved one comments, "The Cottages at Mill Creek was a good place for people with Alzheimer's and dementia."
As a dedicated memory care community, The Terrace at Beverly Lake serves the needs of seniors living with Alzheimer's and other cognitive conditions. The community's approach to care is inspired by Montessori Methods, with residents benefitting from Frontier's award-winning Spark program. This approach uses research-based rehabilitation techniques and proprietary assessment systems that have been proven to encourage social engagement and enhance current skills and abilities. Through this program, residents find joy and purpose in well-planned activities which are supported by modern tools, such as special touch-screen technology. Additionally, memory care at The Terrace focuses on providing a nurturing environment for seniors. The neighborhood's design supports safety and independence, with helpful cues placed throughout the living areas and secure courtyard. Comfortable private and shared accommodations feature wheelchair-friendly bathrooms, 24-hour emergency call systems and individualized heating and cooling.
Family members like the welcoming environment. One says, "The staff and management is easy to work with and incredible at what they do, I feel so relieved that my mom is getting the care she needs. I have never met so many genuinely kind people in my life. [They] host so many events that encourage family to come in."