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 Springfield’s senior population continues to grow (16.43% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Springfield, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by 16.98% 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 lower than the rest of the nation (4.13% in Springfield 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 Springfield. 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 Springfield, 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:
Cedarhurst of Springfield strives to help seniors improve and maintain their independence and abilities through one-on-one therapy and assistance. Therapists and nurses are on-site all day to guide residents through specialty fitness classes and personalized training, and the licensed professionals are carefully trained in handling seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's to enhance communication and results. Medications are provided and supervised through the in-house EmpowerMe pharmacy, which improves accuracy and safety. Nutritionally balanced meals and snacks are fixed from scratch each day, and flexible dining times and menus give residents freedom of choice. The pet-friendly building is designed to be easy to navigate, with clear lines of sight and wide walkways throughout, and each individual apartment is equipped with climate control and large, full baths for comfort.
The staff members receive high marks from residents at Cedarhurst of Springfield for their kindness and care. Family members also praise the inviting atmosphere of the community, saying, "Absolutely beautiful building! The staff go above and beyond. They are so helpful, caring and always smiling!"
Tucked away in the middle of a tranquil area in West Springfield, Centennial Pointe offers memory care and assisted living in an intimate home-like environment. Each resident is offered an individualized care plan and a choice of activities to take part in, including baking, pet therapy visits, Bible study, bingo and even dancing. The community offers access to a spa, a hair salon and a multi-sensory therapeutic Snoezelen Room. Staff members and nurses are available at all hours to assist with daily needs such as medication, bathing and grooming. Residents have access to a secure garden where they can enjoy the scenic views of the nearby meadows. Three delicious meals a day are prepared in-house and served in the spacious community dining room.
Online comments praised the staff's attentiveness, quality of food and clean living conditions. One reviewer said, "Staff obviously cares a great deal about the residents. Another described the location as "beautiful, comfortable & well maintained. A family member noted that the community is a "nice and safe place for my relative to reside in.
Concordia Village is a faith-inspired community that provides memory care services to residents living with Alzheimer's and other memory impairments. Residents receive specialized 24-hour memory care that includes assistance with mediation and dressing, as well as a mental wellness program. The community has a wide array of activities like an indoor pool, a fitness center and a woodshop to keep residents active. Residents also enjoy a beauty salon and barbershop, movie theatre, restaurant-style dining and game areas. Off-site community trips help residents stay social. The community also has a chapel with a 24-hour chaplain.
Residents love the activities and the helpful staff. One says, "Concordia is outstanding in all the important ways necessary to a living arrangement. Not only are the facilities top notch but the staff is excellent and caring. Food and activities are excellent. You can only be bored here by choice".
At Copper Creek Cottages, specialized memory care services are provided in a safe and nurturing home-like environment. Residents are encouraged to live as independently as possible in this comfortable community that is specifically designed to support those living with Alzheimers, dementia and other cognitive illnesses. Certified caregivers are available 24 hours a day to ensure that each residents individual needs are being met. They provide assistance with personal hygiene and grooming and also offer family support and education. Residents can enjoy the communitys many social rooms and beautiful outdoor spaces as well as the daily program of enriching activities. These include exercise classes, outdoor walking in the courtyard, games, outings and music. Expressly tailored one-to-one activities are also provided to meet each residents individual needs. These can help them to celebrate life and find purpose in each day.
Residents appreciate the numerous daily activities offered at Copper Creek as well as excellent service provided by caring, knowledgeable staff members.
Providing a close-knit environment, Country Lane is an assisted living community that offers memory care services. Licensed nurses are on-site 24/7 to help manage the residents and provide medication. Staff members are specially trained for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. A chef and dietary manager ensure resident nutrition is adequate, and meals are taken in the shared dining room. Daily housekeeping and laundry are available. Each day the residents have numerous activities that they can partake in to support their memory and skill maintenance, including baking, art, trivia games, sharing stories, card and board games, bingo and exercise classes. Additionally, dog therapy is available to help improve socialization. To further support memory retention, puzzles and music therapy are provided.
Residents enjoy the care and attention given to them in this community. One family member writes, "It is very clean and there is plenty of staff available for her if she needs help with anything. My mom appreciates them. . My mom says the food is good. It is a country setting and a very nice place."
Mill Creek Alzheimer's Special Care Center in Springfield provides a tailored approach to memory care throughout the in-house program, Meaningful Moments. Care staff works with family members to learn and honor the residents life, achievements and hobbies to ensure a pleasant and comfortable living experience. Residents can choose to engage in various activities according to their interests, including gardening, exercising, dancing, yoga, pet visits and cooking. By using tools such as SMILE software, the staff can keep track of the residents' progress and continuous well-being. The community also offers a delightfully landscaped secure garden, a beauty salon, a spa and a TV entertainment lounge.
Compassionate staff, the array of activities on offer and the atmosphere of the community impressed online commentators. A reviewer described it as "warm and inviting. Another wrote, "the building is always clean and commended the staffs expertise in memory care. One residents son noted that his mother was "well cared for and staff treats her with dignity and respect.
Reflections Memory Care in Chatham offers compassionate support for people living with dementia and Alzheimer's in a beautifully modern environment. Residents can unwind in the open-plan living space complete with a fireplace or take in the delightful landscape in the fully secured garden. The community organizes daily exercises such as cooking to keep residents active, along with giving them access to games and puzzles throughout the day. Among the on-site facilities is a hair salon and a spa room with a walk-in Jacuzzi bath. In-house cooks prepare and serve three meals a day in the open-plan dining room. A small and cozy lounge is available for more private family visits.
The well-maintained location, joyful surroundings and staff professionalism impressed online reviewers. One person stated, "Reflections Memory Care is the most caring of any place Ive had any contact with. Another described the community as a "place where compassion meets inspired care.
With a range of services including assisted living, memory care and respite care and a small number of residents, River Birch Living is able to give personal attention to each resident. Each private room has sun shining in from a large window, and 24-hour nursing care helps keep residents engaged while also protecting their physical health. The building is fully secure, so residents are kept safe and can freely wander in a low-risk environment. The studio and suite apartments are designed specifically to help those living with memory loss enjoy a high degree of independence. Staff assists with maintenance, linens and basic housekeeping, so residents are free to spend their time making use of the many programs offered within the community. This community is just minutes from the HSHS St. John's Hospital and Memorial Medical Center, ensuring high-quality medical care is easily accessible.
Visitors and residents at River Birth Living often note the cleanliness of the community. One visitor said, "River Birch is a beautiful facility that truly feels like home. The facility is top-notch clean! My favorite thing about visiting is sitting in the seating room hearing stories from the residents' lives! Well done River Birch and staff!"
St. Joseph's Home provides residents with a continuum of care based on their specific needs. The sheltered care option is aimed at those who are still mostly independent but would benefit from a little assistance during the day and convenient access to professional health care providers. For those who require a little more support with daily tasks, the intermediate care option makes caregivers available around-the-clock to offer an appropriate level of care that still allows for some independence. Memory care services are provided for those living with dementia and other memory illnesses. The staff is specifically trained in supporting both memory care residents and their families. A daily mix of social, physical, educational and spiritual activities, such as pet therapy, bingo, garden club and Bible study are offered to ensure that all residents remain active and engaged.
Reviewers noted the kindness of the staff and the variety of available activities. "I could not be happier with the care both of my parents are receiving at St. Joseph's Home. The staff knows my wife and myself by name and they truly believe in the mission to look after those entrusted to their care," expressed one happy family member.