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 (13.8% 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 increased by 54.26% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 10.8%, 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 (9.23% 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:
Close to Paradise Assisted Living sits on a beautifully landscaped one-acre lot and includes services for assisted living, memory care and respite care, and its staff complete one-on-one care plans for residents. Life at the facility promotes a friendly atmosphere to make everyone comfortable and feel right at home. Each of the residents' private accommodations are fully furnished and include private bathrooms. Certified caregivers are trained at all levels of care and provide around-the-clock support, such as personalized assistance with activities of daily living and regular medication administration and monitoring. Residents have access to wellness programs, therapy services and patient education as well as healthy, nutritional meal plans that feature fresh home-made menus.
The place is generally described as peaceful and clean, with a homelike atmosphere. People like the tasty, homemade food thats freshly cooked every day. The staff gets high ratings for being attentive, prompt and knowledgeable and are largely appreciated for the professional support they provide. "The people there are compassionate and caring and have made this difficult experience so much easier, says one relative.
John Knox Village in Lees Summit is a Life Plan Community providing independent living, assisted living and memory care for seniors. The facility offers two levels of care in three secure memory care neighborhoods, each utilizing programs, such as Dakim BrainFitness, that foster a sense of purpose, dignity and belonging. Services include 24-hour skilled nursing and three wholesome meals and a snack each day. John Knox keeps a full calendar of enriching curated activities and social events, including gardening, tai chi, educational lectures, dances and outings to local neighborhoods. In addition to a bar, computer workstations, a library and fitness center and outdoor courtyards are common areas for gathering with neighbors and guests. The grounds include a butterfly garden and a private putting green as well. A dedicated concierge stands ready to serve seniors, and a beauty salon and barbershop are available on-site.
John Knox Villages personable staff and variety of activities stand out in many reviews. People within and outside of the community enjoy dining there, and the beautiful facility and grounds impress seniors and visitors alike. One relative spoke of her mothers stay at John Knox: "They took amazing care of her. Great staff. Clean and beautiful facility. Highly recommend.
Rock Island Village is an assisted living and memory care community located in the small town of Eldon, Missouri, just 12 miles from the Lake of the Ozarks and 30 miles from Jefferson City. Seniors can plant flower beds with the gardening club, build train displays with the model train club or watch films with family members during movie nights. They also have access to an on-site beauty salon, craft room and library. Memory care residents can even enjoy music-based exercises and sensory activities in a relaxing environment. The facilitys memory care staff uses validation therapy to help residents focus on living in the present moment by being empathetic and enabling them to express themselves both verbally and nonverbally.
Reviewers appreciate that Rock Island Village is a well-maintained, pet-friendly community with caring staff members. According to one online reviewer, "The facility was clean, the grounds were well-kept, and the staff were kind. They even let me bring my dog in to visit!
Senior Star at Wexford Place offers independent living, assisted living and memory care in Kansas City, Missouri, and is located only 3 miles from Saint Lukes North Hospital-Barry Road and the Zona Rosa Town Center shopping mall. The facility gives seniors a choice between eating nutritious food during scheduled dining room hours or ordering menu items outside of regular meal times with the Anytime Dining program. Memory care residents can spend time completing meaningful activities from their pasts at the specially designed Destination Stations and stimulating their senses at the Snoezelen Multi-Sensory Environment. They can also listen to playlists chosen by their loved ones while participating in the MUSIC & MEMORY program. Seniors at this community can even enjoy working out at the fitness center and exercising their minds with brain-fitness games at the Lifelong Learning Center.
Residents compliment Senior Star at Wexford Place for having compassionate staff members. One resident writes, "I thought the people managing Wexford Place are kind, very benevolent, very helpful and very supportive. They understood my problems and offered [a] tremendous amount of support and help, even physical and financial help.
The Fremont Senior Living offers seniors a full spectrum of residence accommodations for independent and assisted living, memory care and hospice services. This community utilizes innovative methodology and compassion to enhance the physical, mental, emotional, social and spiritual health of residents. The discreetly monitored memory care cottage is designed to support independence and dignity. Highly trained life-enrichment coordinators interact with the same group of residents to foster trust and friendship with residents, and seniors can engage with strategically placed Life Stations to experience a sense of purpose. An executive chef and culinary team bring residents an array of all-day cuisine options that range from family-style to formal dining. The Fremonts amenities also include a Life Trail meandering through the communitys lovely landscaping, state-of-the-art fitness center, a library partnered with a local county library and a theater for educational and religious events.
Residents and visitors praise the Fremonts courteous and knowledgeable staff, delicious meals and an assortment of exciting programs for its seniors. One relative commented: ". Fremont Staff is Amazing and Personable! From the Cafe staff to the Techs and Nurses. The activities are interesting and fun. My Dad loves the food served in the Café .
The Gardens offers 24-hour care to independent, assisted living and memory care residents and provides a faith-based community environment to help seniors feel right at home. It offers specialized programs for memory care residents to help them retain as much of their cognitive functions and independence as possible, and The Garden also features several on-site specialists to minimize medically necessary travels. The property encourages an active lifestyle for residents, and several amenities are available to make that possible, including a fitness center and Jacuzzi. Pets are welcome to stay with residents, and the facility offers a diverse activity schedule, which includes baking and arts and crafts.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the large amount of staff members and activities available, with one saying the property had "the most opportunities, largest rooms, most help, and could take animals." Residents further praise the staff members' helpful nature and the dining room's quality, with one saying the food "was on par with any other place from what I have seen."
The Gardens at Barry Road is a faith-based, nonprofit assisted living and memory care community in Kansas City, MO. Seniors have access to a variety of spacious floor plans, all secured with state-of-the-art technology. Daily meals include homemade specials from an always-available menu, with private dining and catering options for hosting guests and special events. The facility features an activities center, library and chapel for stimulating and inspiring opportunities. Its beautiful grounds include a courtyard and walking paths designed for easy navigation of varying mobility levels. Intensive memory care services implement Teepa Snows approach to dementia care, which emphasizes personal connections and communication. Trained staff give individualized care 24/7, and programs include fitness classes, music, art and pet therapies as well as engaging excursions.
The Gardens at Barry Road impresses people with its attentive staff, a beautiful, clean atmosphere and a rich variety of stimulating activities for seniors. One resident remarked " " The staff is extremely friendly and caring. The facility is beautiful without being overdone. We go to exercises and church, and we had a party or two as well I really like it.
The Parkway Senior Living is a vibrant community offering a range of stress-free, senior living options. The pet-friendly facility provides individualized care plans for its residents, which can include caring for furry friends. Seniors can stay active with a full calendar of entertainment, events and excursions, while common areas, such as the library, theater and game room, provide socializing opportunities. Memory care residents are cared for by life-enrichment coordinators who work one-on-one with residents to provide more attentive care. Menus in the memory care cottage are designed to encourage seniors appetites, and discreet safety systems help keep residents secure. The facility is designed to be comfortable and easy to navigate for people with cognitive impairment.
Reviewers of The Parkway Senior Living mention that the staff are helpful and attentive, with one customer stating, "the people that are on-board are very friendly, helpful and professional. Satisfied customers also mention that the facility is clean and modern and there are lots of activities for residents to enjoy.
Willow Creek Memory Care specializes in caring for seniors with dementia and other cognitive issues. The uniquely themed community features warm, bright units equipped with easily accessible showers, central air conditioning, custom cabinets and granite countertops. Accommodations include housekeeping and laundry services. Care plans are developed based on residents unique personalities, allowing the experienced team to better deliver specialized assistance. Meaningful connections are encouraged through the Life Enrichment program. Engaging activities incorporate residents interests, hobbies and abilities and are designed to meet individual social, physical, mental and creative needs. Residents have access to a host of on-site amenities, including the enclosed outdoor courtyards, spas, relaxation room, library and putting green. Mealtimes at Willow Creek offer bonding opportunities with peers and visiting families and feature flavorful menus that stimulate the senses and encourage appetite. Transportation services to group outings and appointments are also provided.
Willow Creek is praised for its modern, clean facility. People like the planned activities and quality meals. The staff is appreciated for being compassionate, attentive and treating residents as families. "Great place! Residents were highly involved in activities and the greatest care. Friendliest nursing and administration team, says an impressed reviewer.