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 South Bend’s senior population continues to grow (14.30% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In South Bend, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 13.29% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 5.82%, 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 (8.56% in South Bend 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 South Bend. 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 South Bend, 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:
Brentwood at La Porte is a senior living community offering programs and services designed to promote whole-body wellness while providing specialized care to those needing additional support. Residents living with Alzheimers disease or other types of dementia are welcomed into the secure memory care neighborhood and guided into the exclusive Montessori Moments in Time program by trained staff. Through the program, residents share their life story, which becomes the foundation of a customized care plan and a tool for shifting moments of distress into positivity. The community also partners with Music and Memory, a nonprofit organization that provides residents with personalized therapeutic music and custom playlists. Residents can reminisce over nutritious meals in the restaurant-style dining room or socialize in the game room. Other amenities include assistance with day-to-day living, transportation services and laundry facilities.
Family members are pleased that caregivers are attentive to the needs and care of their loved ones. One says, "They make sure that my dad eats every meal.we also get regular phone calls from them if anything changes or if he has fallen. They've been very quick to react and we're very pleased with how everything has progressed."
Brentwood at Niles is an assisted living and memory care facility in South Bend, Indiana. Residents in the memory care program enjoy comfortable, private suites in a specialized neighborhood. The staff is trained in memory care and provides individualized care and supervision based on the needs of each resident. Through the community's Life Engagement program, staff members help reduce irritation and spark conversations by getting to know residents personally. Residents are encouraged to maintain their cognitive, physical and social health by engaging in an active lifestyle. Fitness sessions, musical events and games are a few of the leisure activities available.
The atmosphere and staff are praised. One online reviewer writes, "It's very clean, friendly, and has very good customer service so far. The rooms were very nice, spacious, clean and well-kept. They seemed really conscientious of trying to make the activities fit the person."
A tranquil, home-like community, Brookdale Granger takes a person-centered approach to memory care and helps residents feel welcome. Trained staff receive ongoing education to support those living with Alzheimers and dementia. Caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with bathing, dressing, mobility and medication management. All apartments are pet-friendly and feature natural lighting, while the communitys easy-to-navigate floor plans have cheerfully painted walls and common areas for residents to relax in. 24-hour security and emergency response coupled with doorbells at the entrances and exits provide added safety, along with enclosed outdoor gardens, courtyards and walking paths. The activity calendar, which keeps residents engaged with art classes, brain games and exercise, nurtures skills and helps maintain abilities. Residents are served three freshly prepared meals daily, with choices for diverse dietary needs. An arts and crafts studio, library and beauty salon are also located on-site.
Visiting family members note the kind staff, diverse activities and comfortable rooms. "They have very caring staff," one says. "The rooms are super cute. Hers has got a beautiful bay window and a full bathroom. They have different activities like bingo and concerts where people come in and sing quite often. They also have exercise classes."
Cardinal Nursing and Rehabilitation offers memory care services through Auguste's Cottage. This is a wellness-based model that is based on research into memory care conditions. The goal of the approach is independence, which means that everything in this community is geared towards self-care components. Residents participate in the Meaningful Day program, which incorporates holistic physical, mental, spiritual and emotional wellness. Residents are surrounded by artwork for sensory stimulation and each is encouraged to bring with them personal items from home to make their surroundings feel more familiar. The community is also pet-friendly, which helps with issues of anxiety among memory care patients as well. Additional community amenities include lectures for residents, religious services and game nights.
Family members emphasize the memory care component provided here and underscore the interactions with other residents. One notes, "Cardinal Nursing & Rehabilitation is a really good place. My husband has a lot of fun there. There are four other men that are about his same age and they sit around and talk. He thinks that's his home."
Greenleaf Health Campus, situated in South Bend, Indiana, offers expert care and wellness activities to maintain physical and cognitive health. Members of the memory care facility receive clinical support from caregivers trained in memory loss conditions. In addition to providing services such as medication monitoring and grooming assistance, they encourage residents to stay active by participating in wellness programs. The Daily Rhythms program, based on protocols used in national Alzheimer's advocacy groups, engages motor skills by keeping residents moving. Social health is also prioritized through the BF" program, which links residents to a friend, staff member or family member who helps them stay positive and feel safe. Residents who do not communicate verbally still enjoy the company of others through activities such as music, art classes and movies.
Reviewers commend the helpful staff and fun activities at Greenleaf Health Campus. One relative writes, "The therapists have been phenomenal. He [my father] has a very nice and clean room, and they're very good at changing his sheets. They have fun activities that we were able to participate in. They have happy hour, Jeopardy and bingo."
Heritage Point offers a secure environment for residents facing memory care challenges and for those already diagnosed with Alzheimer's and dementia. This senior community starts with an in-depth assessment of each resident's needs and preferences. The caring staff creates customized enrichment programs based on this care model. Residents can participate in activities that promote physical engagement to help reduce agitation and wandering. VR entertainment, music therapy and aromatherapy provides sensory stimulation to produce a calming effect and alleviate anxiety. Involving residents in intellectual activities means they can continue to enjoy current hobbies and learn new ones. The community focuses on strengthening social ties by organizing group activities, social events and excursions. The caring staff assists residents with personal grooming, medication management and other daily tasks.
Residents and family members are impressed by the way the community is set out. One says, "The layout at Heritage Point was very nice. They have different teams that they have setup to help the residents think of their past. They had 3 or 4 different areas for the residents to eat."
Life at Morningview Assisted Living Residences provides its residents comfort and assistance in a serene and calm setting in South Bend. The trained staff organizes memory management services and remains vigilant to the needs of residents with memory loss. Activities include wine and canvas paintings, bingo nights and senior dancing classes. The community regularly organizes outings to shopping centers, museums and other community events to help seniors socialize and stimulate their mental well-being. Complimentary transportation services, beautician services and on-site devotional services are also available. Delicious, nutritious meals are served in a restaurant-style setting.
Residents and their families particularly like the professional memory care services provided by the community. One reviewer says, "The Morningview facility appeared well-maintained, clean and a safe environment. The assisted care levels of care were well-located throughout the three-story building. The representative provided a thorough tour of the facility. He exhibited a genuine interest in the residents, staff and Morningview's dedication to assisted living. His professionalism and sincerity was much appreciated."
North Woods Village at Edison Lakes is a memory care community situated close to Henry Frank Park and St. Joseph Regional Medical Center Hospital in Mishawaka, Indiana. This community is designed with simple visual cues, such as different paint colors, to help residents identify their surroundings. The New Directions program provides a balanced, individualized approach to care that takes into account each residents changing needs so they can live as independently as possible. The staff learns about residents life stories and organizes activities based on seniors' abilities and interests to help cultivate a sense of pride and self-confidence. Residents can participate in walking clubs, bingo games and Bible studies or enjoy chair yoga, craft time and singalongs.
Families appreciate that North Woods Village at Edison Lakes is a well-kept community with kind staff members and entertaining activities. "The staff is caring and friendly. Everything is clean and well-maintained. The food is always delicious. Our family is so grateful to have this place. Activities are always fun, writes one residents family member.
Seniors at Rittenhouse Village benefit from resident-focused care blended with comfortable accommodations and modern amenities. The communitys SHINE memory program utilizes a personalized approach when caring for those living with Alzheimers and cognitive conditions. Programming is based on scientific research and offers activities that encourage engagement and help promote mental wellness by focusing on abilities rather than limitations. Physical exercises, stimulating mental activities, social programs and devotional services are scheduled to enhance body, mind and spirit. The team helps residents achieve personal goals, and each milestone is celebrated through personalized My Story books to build a sense of accomplishment. Nutritious meals are served in a relaxing environment, allowing residents to focus, and the Food on the Run dining program is in place for those with challenging eating behaviors.
Families are happy to see loved ones easily adjust to community living. "Leaving her house of 60+ years was extremely difficult for our mom. However, everything about Rittenhouse made this transition happen more smoothly than I thought possible: her modern, perfect-sized apartment that is cozy and comfortable and the delicious and plentiful meals that she greatly enjoys, says one family member.
Set in a welcoming environment, The Hearth at Juday Creek offers a variety of lifestyle options, including comprehensive memory care. The communitys signature Mosher-Gardens Method utilizes a holistic approach to memory care, providing personalized plans that meet psychological, physical and emotional needs. Residents enjoy the comforts of home with easy-to-navigate floor plans, and they can furnish their apartments with personal treasures for a more familiar setting. Daily programming follows a consistent schedule to minimize confusion and anxiety, offering diverse activities that can be enjoyed in small or large groups. Yoga, dance and fitness classes, as well as mini sports activities, help enhance physical wellness and mobility, while structured memory exercises, such as puzzles, word games and group discussions, help keep the mind active and improve cognitive abilities.
Reviewers like the well-run community and appreciate the staff for the support they extend to residents and their families. One writes, "Our visit was pleasant, it's pretty, it's attractive there, it felt and it smelled clean, and the staff has so far been very informative, appears to have a pretty understanding about memory care, and are willing to educate the family regarding their expertise.
The Residence at Waterford Crossing is a senior living community that offers a compassionate and holistic approach to memory loss. The memory care unit is located in a secure building that is easy to navigate. A team of dedicated caregivers is always on hand to provide clinical care and support with the tasks of daily living. They spend time with each resident learning about their history, interests, likes and dislikes to provide a high level of personalized care to the residents. The Daily Rhythm program establishes a routine for the residents to reduce confusion and frustration and spark moments of joy. Some of the activities provided include dancing, musical entertainment, baking, gardening, scenic bus trips and cognitive games.
Friends appreciate the activities offered to residents, with one reviewer saying, "I especially enjoy the happy hour they have every Friday (friends and family, as well as residents, can attend)!. There are a lot of different activities for residents, from social activities like playing cards, to exercise groups, to worship services, and more."
Offering a luxurious homelike environment, The Waterford at Edison Lakes offers a continuum of care to seniors across the Mishawaka region. It uses a person-centered approach to memory care services in order to make the resident feel that they matter and are more than their condition. Each individual has a specialized care plan drawn up for them ensuring that they partake in activities that remind them of the past or that they have developed an interest in. The community works to ensure residents feel familiarity within the community and that their memories are associated with the decor and smells. Each activity the resident engages in, including exercise and brain puzzles, helps them strengthen their cognitive abilities. Staff members are on-site 24/7, and the community is secure.
Family members are impressed with the quality of care in this community. "The responsiveness and helpfulness is impressive. Almost every time I call her during the day there is someone in her room attending to her. She is still able to socialize with other residents and enjoy her time. Thanks!" wrote one resident's grandson.
Located in South Bend, Indiana, Trail Creek Place is an assisted living facility offering respite care and memory care services. The Enlivant Memory Care Community provides personalized care through wellness activities designed to cater to each individual's capabilities. The daily schedule follows a comfortable routine and includes activities ranging from musical events to fitness classes. Staff and residents get together regularly and socialize through shared meals and exercises geared toward stimulating memory. Aromatherapy and memory boxes are just a couple of the techniques used to optimize cognition. The staff consists of specially trained caregivers who offer health services, such as daily living assistance, escort services and transportation to restorative therapy programs.
Trail Creek Place has a caring staff and helpful amenities. One relative writes, "The staff is very welcoming, friendly, caring, compassionate, and kind. The rooms are very clean, well-kept, and fresh They have current events and things to help with their cognitive skills to keep them up-to-date."
Nestled into residential southeast South Bend, Trailpoint Village provides memory care, skilled nursing, rehabilitation, hospice, respite and ventilator care in one convenient location mere miles away from Memorial Hospital. Staffed by a skilled team of nurses and health aides, the research-based Augustes Cottage memory care program fosters a supportive environment for those living with Alzheimers and dementia. All programming is person-centered; residents receive the level of support that meets their distinct needs, with structured Meaningful Day programming that nurtures both body and mind. As a self-contained community, Augustes Cottage offers additional security and comfort, utilizing the latest wellness-based, evidence-driven therapies with a holistic approach, and the interdisciplinary team is available all day to assist with bathing, grooming, meals, mobility and care coordination. The community also features physical, occupational and speech therapies located directly on-site.
Relatives and visitors note the caring staff and their willingness to go above and beyond for the residents, as well as the community's continued improvements. "This place has a very strong clinical team and an awesome new executive director," one family member says.
Wellbrooke of South Bend provides an array of services for residents at all care levels. Memory care is delivered through a specific segment of the community that offers highly specialized care and individual plans. The Best Friends approach emphasizes caregivers that understand the needs of each resident and provides programming specific to their memory condition. The community also uses the Daily Rhythms program, which offers a specific schedule for residents to follow each day to promote consistency. Memory care residents also enjoy the amenities of the community overall, which include a garden and patio for socializing, an on-site beauty shop and a group fitness room.
Visitors often focus on the professionalism of the staff as well as the variety of amenities provided to residents to keep them engaged. One writes, "It's bright. The actual tour itself was very good. The positive there is that they have exercise programs and they have exercise facilities, which is a big plus."
West Bend Nursing and Rehabilitation is in a quiet, well-connected area in the west of South Bend. The local area has a number of health care facilities with larger hospitals just a short distance away in downtown West Bend. Augustes Cottage is the designated memory care neighborhood in this community. It provides a secure and comfortable home-like setting for residents with Alzheimer's or dementia. The community takes a research-based approach to care, with person-centered care plans that treat each resident as a whole. The care plans are tailored to each individual and feature activities to promote independence and uplift their spirits. Each resident is surrounded by artwork and personal items to promote a sense of belonging. Caregivers provide 24/7 personal care, support and help with daily tasks while still encouraging autonomy.
Family members praise the great care their loved ones receive here, with one reviewer saying, "Mom is doing physical therapy. The staff are doing a good job so far as they call to keep us updated with my mom. Mom seems to be pretty comfortable, and she also feels safe there. She knows she's in a place that she is not going to fall and that gives her peace of mind."