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 Spartanburg’s senior population continues to grow (16.87% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Spartanburg, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 60.32% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 11.26%, 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 (8.81% in Spartanburg 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 Spartanburg. 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 Spartanburg, 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:
Ashlan Village is an assisted living facility offering memory care services situated in Spartanburg, South Carolina. The staff, which is available 24/7 for medical needs, undergoes specialized training in Alzheimer's and dementia care. They provide assistance with daily living, medication monitoring and escort services. To offer both independence and safety, residents stay in apartments spatially designed to meet memory care needs with easily accessible bathrooms and organized closets. Ashlan Village takes a holistic approach to health care, offering activities that meet social, cognitive, spiritual and physical needs. In addition to activities such as games and exercise sessions, the facility provides in-house entertainment. Residents can enjoy listening to the choir or watching movies from the comfort of their homes.
Reviewers praise Ashlan Village for its picturesque environment and amenities. One relative writes, "It's very elegant, well-designed and well-decorated. They had some games going when I was there, and I saw the calendar of events with karaoke, singing and different trips they had planned for fall and winter."
Cascades Verdae, located in Spartanburg, South Carolina, is a community offering quality memory care services. The memory care program employs certified dementia practitioners who offer health services and keep residents active with wellness activities. Care plans are based on personal assessments and include medication management, speech therapy and special training with licensed nurses. When they're not engaged in fitness sessions or board games, residents can enjoy luxury apartment homes that offer both independence and safety. Homes in the memory care facility come equipped with 24-hour emergency call systems, and the communal outdoor courtyard is properly secured. Families are encouraged to join residents for meals and activities, and personal transportation is provided when residents need to leave the facility.
Residents enjoy the luxurious yet homelike atmosphere at Cascades Verdae. One resident writes, "I tell people who ask me where I live, I tell them I live on a cruise ship in dry dock. It's even better than a cruise. The staff is friendly and very helpful. I use the amenities and take advantage of the many things they offer."
At Eden Terrace of Spartanburg, residents benefit from deep connections that the community promotes at all levels of care. Within the Evergreen memory care neighborhood, seniors with Alzheimers disease and other cognitive conditions thrive in a safe, comfortable environment that features dementia-friendly floor plans, cozy indoor spaces and beautifully landscaped gardens. Caregivers are specially trained in the latest dementia care practices. Residents daily routines include wellness-focused exercise programs, calming sensory groups and other recreational activities that foster meaningful connections with peers, families and the staff. The communitys Dining with Dignity program serves delicious, nutritious food in customized, manageable preparations to promote independence and create a stimulating meal experience. Families can share and learn from those in similar situations through community-sponsored support groups and resources.
Visiting families and relatives describe Eden Terrace as amazing, and they feel at peace with moving their loved ones into the community. "My mother has loved being at Eden Terrace. She enjoys the activities, the other residents and all the smiling caregivers! Her apartment is very comfortable. We go often to visit, where we are always greeted with a warm welcome, says one family member.
Fairview Park offers advanced levels of care for memory care residents, who benefit from access to a registered nurse and staff 24/7. The home offers programs designed to enhance memory and physical activity in a homey environment. The signature SPIRIT program for memory care residents encourages seniors to engage in activities such as cooking and gardening classes. Medication management and individual care is also offered. Seniors can join the on-site academy program that hosts visiting musicians and talks from health care professionals. The activity calendar includes bingo, trivia and lawn games, and the walking club is popular with active seniors who can explore the beauty of the green surroundings. Chef-inspired menus tailored to requirements from dieticians ensure residents are well-nourished.
Residents comment on the modern, luxurious facilities and competent staff, with one family member commenting, "Fairview Park was a new property that just opened. It was very clean and had spacious room and pleasant staff. They did not have any trouble interacting with my mother, and they seemed to really want to go beyond themselves in providing for her needs."
Located in a residential area a short drive away from Spartanburg, Greenville Glen offers memory care, assisted living and respite care for seniors. Conveniently located near a highway, amenities such as shops, restaurants and health care facilities are all located nearby. Dietician-approved meals are provided, along with housekeeping and laundry. Theres also a rehabilitation center on-site. Trained staff is available 24/7 to provide individualized care and assistance, which can include help with the activities of daily living and medication management. The communitys memory care program is designed to assist residents in the earlier stages of memory loss. Using an understanding of residents life stories and details, caregivers engage residents in everyday activities they can enjoy and succeed at, giving them Daily Moments of Success. Theres also a vibrant program of stimulating and engaging physical, mental and spiritual activities and events.
Family members and loved ones appreciate the homelike atmosphere and the caring staff at the community. One writes, "I was really impressed with Greenville Glen; they have a home type atmosphere they go the extra mile. Another adds, "The care provided to him was excellent. They had very good staff and workers.
Greenville Place is a southern style senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care programs. The community provides a comforting environment with calming decorations and familiar sounds for residents with age-related memory loss. The memory care program is individually focused and provides activities tailored to each resident. These activities include brain stimulation, creative engagement, and physical exercise. Residents can also participate in a variety of activities, including baking and themed dress-up days, and manicured walking paths, a library and a warm cozy fire let residents enjoy life at their own pace.
Residents love the individual care and the staff at Greenville Place. One said, "We've been very happy with Greenville Place! Greenville Place has gone above and beyond to offer options for her. They've been very responsive to our requests, needs, or questions. I would recommend it to anyone looking for a good place for their loved one!"
Harmony at Five Forks provides independent living, assisted living and memory care in a peaceful setting in the picturesque city of Simpsonville. Trained staff are vigilant to the needs of residents with memory loss. The community uses the Best Friend Approach that encourages connection building among residents, family members and staff to create a sense of belonging. Residents with Alzheimers disease or dementia enjoy a private, homelike atmosphere with warm finishes and easy-to-navigate bathrooms. A high caregiver-to-resident ratio ensures that all seniors receive the assistance they need. Activities including daily yoga and art classes stimulate residents' physical and mental well-being. In-house dining provides residents with delicious and nutritious meals that adhere to residents' specific dietary requirements.
People love the ambiance at Harmony at Five Forks, with one reviewer writing, "We feel very lucky and fortunate to have found this place for our mom. Everyone is helpful and friendly. It could not have been better for Mom to be anywhere else.
Kempton of Greenville is situated in beautiful Spartanburg, SC, a lovely upstate area with historic charm and lots of outdoor space. The memory care and assisted living community offers residents a wide range of memory support services with staff on hand 24/7. Its spacious apartments feature kitchenettes, individual refrigerators, private bathrooms and walk-in showers. Residents can enjoy three chef-prepared meals in the restaurant-style dining room, as well as weekly housekeeping, linen service and personal laundry. Scheduled transportation makes it easy for residents to get to local events and activities, while a private on-site dining room allows them to socialize at their new home. The community also has a media room, library, salon and barbershop.
Residents and families appreciate the high level of care at Kempton of Greenville. "As my grandmother has gotten worse with her dementia, (she has been hard to handle at times), the nurse has been a blessing to us and so has the memory care manager. This is the only place in Greenville I would ever suggest moving your family members," one family member said.
Memory Care of Simpsonville is a community designed for seniors with an Alzheimer's or dementia diagnosis. Residents receive an evaluation of their social engagement, cognitive function, nutrition needs and mobility. Caregivers use this assessment to create individual, routine-based care plans that promote a sense of confidence, maximize function and increase independence. Licensed staff are on hand 24/7 to provide support when needed. Each resident's personalized pathway identifies for caregivers what their needs are for the day. Physical, occupational and speech therapy are available in the community. Hydration programs promote health, and meals are prepared by a chef.
People are impressed with the care at Memory Care of Simpsonville. One reviewer writes, "We found Memory Care of Simpsonville for my sister. The place is built like a circle, so even if she wanders around, she'll come back into the main dining area. They have activities and nurses 24 hours. Even the staff up front used to be nurses and are well trained. They're so well taken care of. She has a room all to herself, and her bedroom door is left open most of the time, so she won't get lost in different places. The staff is very good and keeps me well informed, and the doctor goes to her room to see her."
Pacifica Senior Living Skylyn is a care facility surrounded by ponds and parks in the city of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Residents in the memory care facility have access to health services such as Reminiscence therapy, medication management, dietary monitoring and assistance with the activities of daily living. To ensure that residents spend their time on life-enriching activities, the staff takes care of chores such as housekeeping and laundry. These activities, which include fitness sessions and memory games, aim to improve cognitive health while maintaining physical health. During free time, residents can relax in the easily navigable neighborhood designed to help those with memory impairment.
Reviewers praise Pacifica Senior Living Skylyn for the staff and amenities. One online reviewer writes, "The staff member was very professional and had good knowledge of the facility during the tour. They have a library, a hair salon and all of those types of amenities. The apartment was clean and nice."
Rosecrest Retirement Community is situated just 15 minutes outside Spartanburg. Residents can visit the vibrant city's shopping facilities, coffee houses and restaurants while residing in a tranquil, quiet location. Rosecrest offers a full range of memory care programming to help residents remain connected with their community and enjoy a fulfilling social life. Memory care programs include the Follow Your Nose program and fun crafts. Residents receive three chef-prepared meals per day, personal housekeeping and laundry services, fitness programs, and regular medical check-ups.
Residents praise the warm and friendly environment at Rosecrest, with one commending the caring staff at the community, saying, "My wife and I moved onto the Rosecrest campus a little over one year ago. We couldn't ask for a more professional, caring or competent staff. We truly consider Rosecrest our home. There is always plenty to do, and we are never bored. We couldn't ask for a better place to spend our golden years."
Summit Hills is an upscale retirement community located on a sprawling 50 acres. It offers a full continuum of care that allows seniors to age comfortably in one place. The Reflections memory care area is secured to allow residents to wander safely and staffed around the clock by certified dementia practitioners. A full calendar of physical and mental wellness programs helps seniors stay mentally sharp and socially engaged. Chef-prepared meals are made from fresh ingredients and served daily in restaurant-style dining rooms, and family members are encouraged to join for meals. Residents have access to amenities that include a fireside lounge, an exercise room and a swimming pool.
Residents appreciate the dedicated staff, friendly neighbors and lively community. "I have met many people, and enjoy the activities. The community is clean and beautiful. I love how I can walk around the campus and know I am safe. The staff are very helpful and always available," said one.
The Legacy at Hawthorne Park is a care facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina, that offers a specialized memory care program called Pathways to Discovery. Situated in its own secure neighborhood, the program is led by a dementia expert and uses techniques such as art and music therapy to keep residents cognitively and socially engaged. In addition to health services, residents have access to amenities such as an on-site beauty salon, outdoor garden and fitness room. Skilled nurses help with tasks ranging from medication management to meal monitoring. With a trained chef and a diverse menu that accommodates different dietary needs, residents can always find something to enjoy in the dining room.
Residents enjoy the attentive staff and activities, with one relative writing: "It's very good, pretty modern, always clean, and nicely kept on the outside and inside. The staff member who showed us around was very helpful and cheerful. They attend singing performances or piano playing, and they've gone to the church services and participated in some of the exercise activities."
The Legacy at Southpointe Drive is a family-owned retirement community offering assisted living and memory care with resident comfort in mind. Its Pathways to Discovery program focuses on seniors living with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. The community's functionally designed memory-care neighborhood provides a safe, nurturing environment complemented by personalized services that cater to residents' abilities and interests. Led by a dementia-care specialist who manages daily programming and support, a trained team provides dignified care. Activities are planned to ensure residents live engaging, active lives as they enjoy the many amenities The Legacy has to offer.
Family members like the spacious rooms and outdoor areas where loved ones can freely move around. One says, "It's a bigger facility with outdoor areas that you [sic] that the residents can walk around. Dad also likes the food. The staff is very friendly too.
The Palmettos Assisted Living provides an engaging environment for residents at all care levels. Memory care services in this community emphasize social interactions to ensure that those with memory conditions don't become isolated. The Dunes neighborhood is the segment of the community for memory care residents. From recreational programs to secured spaces, the goal of memory care in this community is security and individualized care plans. Each resident receives their own care plan based on where they are in their condition. However, engagement is the overall goal, which is one of the reasons that residents are encouraged to participate in the array of activities, from movie nights to recreational opportunities.
Residents underscore elements of this community like the food and central location. The wide array of activities provided for residents is also a point of note, with one loved one writing, "Awesome staff, amazing food, beautiful grounds, convenient location. I believe this residence to be the very best choice for our loved ones, have experience with other assisted living residences."
The Pearl at Five Forks is a memory care community that assists seniors with cognitive impairment disorders. The perimeter of the community is secured so residents can safely walk around the garden or visit the spa, movie theater and fireside seating area. Dedicated caregiving staff are always on hand to provide compassionate assistance or to just sit and chat with the residents. All staff are trained in handling and diverting difficult behaviors. Activities include arts and crafts, musical entertainment and religious services. Three restaurant-style meals are served each day. Seniors have a choice of indoor and outdoor dining areas, and a private dining room is available for celebrating special occasions with friends and family.
Family members appreciate the level of care shown, with one reviewer saying, "The Pearl is remarkable. The caregivers and the staff are so caring. They know each person by name and can tell you what they have done each day. Each person is looked after with loving care."
The Phoenix at Greer is a luxury retirement community featuring personalized care plans and upscale amenities such as a spa and a bistro. Its Signature Memory Care neighborhood features a comfortable setting with nostalgic decor to make residents feel at home. Seniors can socialize and reminisce through an array of spiritual, emotional and cognitive activities offered through the Live, Love Learn program. A physician is available on-site, as are physical, occupational and speech therapists. Residents can access free transportation to doctor's appointments as well as emergency call systems in each room. Qualified staff are available 24/7 to provide assistance with mobility, medication management and activities of daily living, and laundry and housekeeping staff help keep residents' responsibilities low.
Residents and their families appreciate the friendly staff and comfortable setting. "They have older music playing, in fact, I heard Frank Sinatra singing each time I visited. The people who work there are kind and helpful," says one family member. "Wonderful and caring staff," says another.
The Springs at Simpsonville is a senior living community in the heart of Simpsonville. Local amenities include City Park across the road and the Hillcrest Family Practice Medical Center nearby. The memory care program for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia includes activities that help reduce cognitive decline. Activities, which are tailored to individual abilities, include things that residents enjoyed in the past, such as music therapy and walking club. Cutting-edge technology is used to help staff provide the highest quality care and make sure residents always stay connected. Residents can enjoy three nutritious meals per day in the dining room.
Visitors praise the incredible staff and activities, with one reviewer saying, "I have known this community for years. I would place my parent or friends here without reserve. They have some of the finest activities and events that celebrate life and joy I have seen. The staff at Springs treat residents like family."
The Waterford at Dillon Pointe is conveniently located close to shops and medical facilities. The community's memory care staff give each senior personalized care and attention. Caregiving staff are always available to provide assistance with the tasks of daily living, with licensed nurses on-call 24/7 to assist with medical issues or carry out wellness checks. The doors of the memory care unit are always secured for safety, with keypad access required for entry and exit. The unit is easy to navigate, and its communal spaces are decorated in a way that makes residents feel calm and comfortable. Activities, which are tailored to the interests and abilities of each individual, may include fitness classes, art classes and cognitive games.
Family members appreciate the activities offered, the caring staff and the delicious food, with one reviewer saying, "They have singalongs, Sunday sermons, and if there isn't a minister there, they're always playing gospel music, which is great. If you need anything, they're always there to help you out. The food is really good, and everybody treats you like family.
The Woodland Place Senior Community is located in the scenic town of Spartanburg close to lakes and woodland preserves. The community provides care for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia, focusing specifically on keeping seniors active and engaged. Daily assistance for tasks such as dressing, meal planning and medication reminders are just a few of the services provided and staff members are available 24/7. Independent seniors can join scheduled outings to museums and other points of interest in the surrounding neighborhood. In-house, seniors can benefit from a full calendar of memory activities to enhance recall and physical exercises to keep mobile. Memory care patients can enjoy activities such as bingo, aerobics, knitting, Bible study, singing and Primp & Pamper sessions. There is an on-site rehab center, and all programs are tailor-made to suit the level of care required by residents.
Residents frequently comment on the convenient location close to hospitals and doctors, as well as the sense of community. One resident says, "Friendly caring staff. Homelike atmosphere. Delicious food." Another states, "The staff was good and very thorough."