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 Sun City West’s senior population continues to grow (24.35% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Sun City West, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by 10.97% 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 higher than the rest of the nation (8.76% in Sun City West 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 Sun City West. 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 Sun City West, 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:
Located in sunny Peoria, Arbor Ridge offers assisted living services. The community uses the Dakim BrainFitness program to help preserve and improve residents' memory function. Medical staff is on-site 24/7 to assist and treat residents. Additionally, staff can assist seniors with the activities of daily living and schedule medication reminders. All staff members are trained in redirection and queuing procedures for residents that are disorientated or lack awareness of their surroundings. Residents have access to a wide variety of activities to keep them busy, including a community library, piano and musical performances, trivia nights, billiard games, a pool and a hot tub. Additionally, Arbor Ridge runs a daily happy hour, which residents enjoy. Free basic cable is provided, as are three meals a day. There are also laundry and housekeeping services.
Residents loved the staff, and one resident's family member said, "Our family is grateful for the care our parents receive. The facility was clean and odor-free. The apartments are generous in size and well kept up. Our parents are pleased with the food and the services in general we feel our parents are getting good value for what they pay. We would highly recommend."
Avanti Living-Peoria boasts a holistic approach to senior living. Well-being is at the forefront of care plans, with an emphasis on mind, body and soul where programming is concerned. The community offers a room for residents to spend time with their grandchildren. This room has video games, a big-screen TV and an outdoor play area. Additional amenities include an art studio with a schedule of classes, a full-service salon with aromatherapy and massage services, a fitness studio and a theater. Avanti's memory care program, Salize, promotes emotional well-being techniques geared towards residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. The community is pet-friendly and provides residents with all-hours dining options and room service upon request.
Reviews discuss the professionalism of the staff and the beauty of the community in terms of decor and layout. One noted, "I am very excited to have my mom move into this beautiful facility. If you are looking for a place for senior living I highly recommend taking a tour. This place is first rate."
Avenir Memory Care at Sunrise is located in a peaceful suburb and offers a safe and homelike environment for seniors with cognitive impairments disorders. The staff assesses each resident on arrival and places them in a neighborhood with peers who have similar mental and physical capabilities. Each neighborhood is fully secure for the safety of all residents and they are all decorated in a similar fashion to prevent confusion when residents move as their care needs change. Physical and occupational therapy services are offered on-site. Regular wellness and health checks are performed by a licensed nurse to monitor the wellbeing of each resident. Three nutritious meals are provided on a daily basis and special diets can be accommodated. Activities are designed for the cognitive abilities of each resident and may include fitness classes, brain games, music and arts and crafts.
mily members praise the excellent staff and activities offered with one reviewer saying, "Wonderful professionals who care from the heart. It's not just a job to them, they truly provide the best environment. There are many daily activities geared to engage and give the residents pride in what they accomplish."
Avista Sun City West Memory Care creates a welcoming, homelike atmosphere for seniors through three neighborhoods with cozy cottages. Its intimate setting helps encourage residents to relax and feel like part of the community, and each building features a beautiful backyard with plenty of space to walk and engage in outdoor recreation. Kind staff members and nurses follow guidelines based on the innovative Enhance Protocol program, and they undergo continuing education courses to ensure they have access to the latest developments in dementia and cognitive-based research. Seniors are evaluated upon move-in, and individualized care plans are created to match their needed and preferred assistance levels. Daily planned activities focus on improving cognitive function and maintaining personal abilities and skills.
Loved ones rave over the beautiful facilities at Avista Sun City West Memory Care. One visitor gushes, "This is an absolutely stunning campus! You can tell the staff genuinely care about the residents. Always clean, the food is excellent. This is the type of community I would trust to have my own parents live at."
Brookdale Camino del Sol specializes in memory care services and has multiple signature programs aimed at enhancing the quality of life for seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's. Specially trained staff members provide loving supervision and assistance 24 hours a day, and they tend to housekeeping, laundry and apartment maintenance to keep personal spaces inviting and safe. Concierge services help seniors organize their schedules, and multiple events are held every day to promote individual activity and engagement. Fun common areas, such as an ice cream parlor and library, provide gathering places for seniors to socialize with other community members. Walking paths make it easy to explore the landscaped grounds during outdoor recreational times, and a beauty salon and barbershop is on-site to help residents' keep their appearance neat and tidy.
Family members appreciate the attentive staff members at Brookdale Camino del Sol. One residents' daughter notes, "She has blossomed under their care beyond our expectations and is always engaged in arts and crafts, always out of her room socializing and participating in group activities which she never did at home."
Brookdale North Glendale is a memory care facility located in Glendale, Arizona. The facility has fine details meant to help residents feel more at home. From mealtimes served restaurant-style in the cozy dining room to an on-site beauty salon and library, activity options at Brookdale North Glendale are almost endless. Safety is paramount, so each living space is equipped with a 24-hour emergency response system. Individual climate control, private bathrooms and fully functioning kitchens across the apartments provide all the comforts of home and promote a sense of independence among residents. Those who need it also have access to assistance with daily living tasks, regular laundry, housekeeping and medication management.
Reviewers love the helpful nature of the staff and their willingness to do whatever it takes to help residents and their families with the facility transition process. One wrote, "My mom is happy there and I will recommend them."
Brookdale Trail Ridge is a memory care community that helps seniors to lead fulfilling lives through carefully created programs and amenities. Fun activities, including themed movie nights, ice cream socials, gardening and craft projects, offer opportunities to engage with the community and pursue hobbies. Daily supervision and support are provided by friendly staff members who specialize in caring for individuals with dementia and Alzheimer's. Beautifully landscaped grounds invite residents to go for soothing walks, enjoy fishing in an on-campus pond or relax on furnished courtyards. A lovely fireside family room invites seniors to socialize with their peers, and a piano, salon, library and theater are available for use. Pets are welcome, and living arrangements include options for private and companion suites.
Loved ones praise the inviting air of Brookdale Trail Ridge. A resident's niece voices their approval saying, "My uncle was at this facility and the staff was very accommodating. It's always clean and the activities they do are fun and engaging. It has a 'homey' feel which I really like."
Brookdale Union Hills creates a safe, nurturing environment designed to support residents in maintaining their independence while receiving professional memory care. Carefully designed studio apartments help residents maintain independence while still accessing services and 24/7 support if needed. With a focus on people-centric programming, Brookdale Union Hills provides a wide range of daily activities and off-site excursions to create a diverse, engaging social environment. Residents can participate in physical activities such as tai chi and yoga or empower their creative side with arts and crafts, cooking, and healthy and savory meals in the retro-styled cafe and sunlit dining room. Landscaped grounds, secure walking paths and a lush courtyard and garden area provide residents with space to relax. Modern conveniences such as Wi-Fi access throughout and an on-site beauty salon and barbershop create a joyful environment where residents can flourish.
People praise the receptive and helpful staff at the Brookdale Union Hills. The ability to create community is a highlight, and one reviewer writes, "My parents have been content here, which means a lot to me. Everything is never perfect, but the compassion shown to them, along with the terrific leadership, has been an important part of that."
Immanuel Campus of Care provides memory care services in the beautiful city of Peoria, a suburb of Phoenix. Residents can enjoy the desert atmosphere and the perks of a big city, as the facility is only a short distance from many open public spaces and tourist attractions. This community offers two levels of memory care to accommodate residents' needs. Ideal for seniors with early-stage or mild memory loss, the property features large, private suites and a secure courtyard for residents to enjoy the outdoors safely. Residents receive three nutritious meals each day and have access to a range of therapeutic services to help them stay in shape both mentally and physically. Immanuel Campus of Care is conveniently located near several major hospitals and health care providers.
One reviewer was very pleased with the caring environment at Immanuel Campus of Care. "I came here to visit my grandmother, who has been a resident at the facility for about four weeks. I was very satisfied with the atmosphere and cleanliness of the facility. All of the bedrooms are very well arranged. The kitchen and dining room are very clean, and the food tastes very good."
Inspira at Arrowhead follows a specially designed program, Revere Memory Care, to assist seniors with dementia and cognitive impairments. Its deeply personal approach is tailored around each individuals' unique needs, personality and preferences to create a supportive environment that helps them to relax and thrive. Staff members are carefully trained to handle issues caused by dementia, and medication monitoring, housekeeping and laundry services are provided. Innovative intellectual and wellness activities are used to help residents maintain skills and abilities. Interior common areas include sitting areas for visiting with family and friends, and the tastefully decorated building features numerous windows that bring in plenty of uplifting natural light. Massage therapy and salon services let residents feel pampered and can ease their stress, and delicious chef-prepared meals can enhance interest and enjoyment of eating to promote proper daily nutrition.
Family members are thankful for the individual attention Inspira at Arrowhead gives their loved ones. A resident's daughter applauds the prompt, friendly service, saying, "The food, staff, facility, and programs have been outstanding. The care my Mother has received has been above and beyond what we were expecting. They always answer her call button and treat her like family."
Just on the north side of Glendale, Arizona, MorningStar Senior Living at Arrowhead is a vibrant community that was designed by Thoma-Holec Design, a company that specializes in creating aesthetically pleasing senior interiors. Memory care residents receive individualized care, and they residents reside in a secure one-story wing of the community called Reflections Neighborhood. This pet-friendly community provides a faith-based approach to care, and residents have access to an on-site chapel. Additional amenities include a community general store, enclosed patio and daily meals prepared by an executive chef. Residents also have access to weekly laundry and linen services, housekeeping and an emergency call system. MorningStar's iN2L program keeps residents connected using touch-screen technology for games, photo sharing and access to online libraries.
Residents note the friendly staff, range of amenities and scope of care in reviews. Family members also touch on their satisfaction with the community as one stated: "I sleep better at night knowing my mom is well treated and safe in a loving and caring environment."
Orchard Pointe at Surprise offers a safe space for seniors experiencing memory loss. At this community, residents with Alzheimer's or dementia are cared for by staff who are trained according to the guidelines of the Alzheimers Association of America. To stay mentally engaged and socially active, residents can participate in games, crafts and therapies in the large common area. The property also boasts a carefully designed, secure courtyard available exclusively to those with memory loss. Residents receive nutritious meals and snacks throughout the day and have access to whirlpool baths to promote health and relaxation. Complimentary transportation is provided to off-site activities and appointments.
"We find the small facility personal and homelike. The staff is kind, helpful and always flexible. Respect is shown to all residents. We truly think my mom is receiving excellent care," says one resident's family member.
Pacifica Senior Living Peoria is a full-service memory care community that offers a warm and homelike environment. The community is focused on assisting seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia and other forms of memory loss. The staff is trained in the latest research-based methods of caring for people with cognitive impairments to ensure that all residents receive the physical, mental and emotional support they require. The spacious campus is secure, allowing residents the ability to safely walk the grounds and visit friends in neighboring cottages. The community is able to handle a range of behaviors that can be associated with memory loss, including aggression, hallucinations and wandering. Activities offered include pet therapy, arts and crafts, brain games, exercise classes, occupational therapy and musical entertainment. Natural colors and aromatherapy are used throughout the cottages to help maintain a calm environment.
Family members are impressed by the professional staff, with one reviewer saying, "Excellent service! Thanks to all caregivers, Medtech and staff, my husband is well taken care of and healthier than when he arrived at Pacifica. This has become home to him and he's very happy!"
Set in sunny Peoria, Arizona, Palos Verdes Senior Living is a well-kept facility featuring Montessori-based memory care programs for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's. The community also offers a range of independent living and assisted living options. A daily schedule of exercise, social and wellness activities, anytime dining through the At Your Service dining program and a concierge service keeps seniors engaged and mentally active, and around-the-clock staffing and a 24-hour emergency call system help keep them safe and secure, even those prone to wandering. Scheduled transportation to off-site events and generous entertainment spaces provide additional options for seniors to have fun.
The caring staff is one of this facility's strengths according to many reviewers. One wrote, "We can't say enough wonderful things about the excellent all-day dining, variety of activities and 5-star staff! Definitely worth a visit to learn more!"
Situated in Surprise, Arizona, Rock Creek at the Park is a senior care community specializing in memory and respite care. Geared towards individuals with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other memory conditions, it boasts stunning natural scenery, spacious living spaces and a compassionate, skilled care team. Residents and their families can enjoy a wide array of on-site activities, from cognitive and physical exercises to pet therapy, musical interludes and spiritual worship. Support groups are also available for residents and their families to address some of the obstacles presented by memory disorders. Licensed nurses are available 24 hours a day, and staff members are trained to effectively meet the unique needs of memory patients.
Reviews of Rock Creek at the Park focus on staff dedication, cleanliness and resident improvements upon move-in. One reviewer wrote, "When [my father] arrived at RC after a fall and rehab he could not eat or communicate well. He improved so much he could eat solids with an assist, participate in activities and be relaxed and comfortable."
Situated in picturesque surroundings, Sun City West Assisted Living is an assisted living community providing a purpose and ensuring the wellness of its residents. Sun City West Assisted Living supports those with memory conditions by providing an engaging environment that includes the Dakim BrainFitness training program and a mix of musical, visual, social and cognitive activities and games. Each resident has an individualized care plan. The nursing staff is available 24/7 to assist with the ADLs, as well as supporting residents with self-medicating. Doctors are available on-call and specialist appointments are available. Healthy chef-created meals, drinks and snacks are offered and are taken in the communal dining room. Exercise classes and walking clubs are available for physical fitness. Residents can bring their small pets. For entertainment, the facility has daily outings, bingo games, movie screenings and VR games.
Residents praise the staff for their welcoming and supportive nature towards residents and residents' families. One family member of a resident noted: "She had exceptional care for this whole period from excellent and loving staff, and she was very happy there for the entire period. We are very grateful for the wonderful care she had."
The Auberge at Peoria is a senior living community that primarily caters to those living with Alzheimers, dementia and other forms of cognitive conditions. Its partnership with the Center for Applied Research in Dementia allows it to create a functionally designed memory care neighborhood, provide adequate staff training and develop Montessori-inspired lifestyle programs that help improve seniors quality of life. Biography boards are put up to provide a glimpse of each residents past and present achievements, providing a way to celebrate individual life stories. Through the innovative Spark program, residents live meaningful lives through activities that revolve around their interests and abilities. The communitys approach to healthy, purposeful living embraces mind, body and spiritual wellness, with activities such as fitness exercises, educational and creative programs, volunteer projects and religious services providing a myriad of daily activity options for residents.
Reviewers like the many activities offered and observe that the staff are passionate about their job, expressing how it shows in the residents positive response. A family member says, "My father-in-law has resided there for a few months and he is very happy. The staff is VERY caring, attentive, responsive and kind to the residents and families.
The Gardens of Sun City offers several care options for seniors, including memory care, assisted living and short-term stays. Situated in Sun City, Arizona, this community is centrally located to a wide array of local amenities, including shopping and dining. On-site activities and entertainment are equally engaging and include a beauty shop, sprawling courtyard and garden space, bistro, game room and movie theater. Memory care is delivered as part of the Bridge to Rediscovery Alzheimers and dementia care program. Recreational and occupational activities are included in daily itineraries to support quality of living.
Reviewers frequently mention the breadth of activities, with one noting, "My sister-in-law loves being here, has a nice [apartment] that was completely redone before she moved in and then painted the color she wanted. There is so much to do here and she stays active all day long."
Situated on landscaped grounds, the Montecito Senior Living facility focuses on supporting and encouraging residents' independence. The specially designed Memory Village provides residents with memory conditions a safe and secure environment in which to enjoy their life. While all staff members are trained in dementia care and BBET, the facility believes providing a home and a sense of family are key to supporting residents. Seniors are given a structure and routine with job assignments to give them a sense of purpose. Curriculum-based activities in arts, science, creative arts and language are run to engage residents and help support their memory care plan. Gardening, card games, ball games and parties are held to entertain guests. Exercise is also provided by the walking club, water aerobics classes and the Silver Sneakers program.
Residents love the staff and the friendly community. One resident stated, "The facility is so spacious and inviting! Staff members are professional, knowledgeable, patient, caring, and helpful. Everyone is so friendly! The grounds are well kept and inviting. This is such a safe environment and we are so happy."
The Woodmark at Sun City is a life plan senior living community that offers a wide range of amenities and activities. The team of caregiving staff is available around-the-clock to provide compassionate care and assistance to residents. All staff members in the memory care unit are trained in dealing with seniors who have cognitive impairment issues, and annual additional training is compulsory for the caregiving staff. The memory care unit is secure and requires key code access for the safety of residents. The unit has a spacious enclosed back patio where residents can take a stroll or relax in an outdoor setting. Activities offered include brain games, pet therapy, supervised outings, exercise classes, arts and crafts workshops and musical entertainment. Support is provided on-site for family members and friends of memory care residents. Scheduled transport is provided to medical appointments.
Family members praise the Monarch Program, which allows couples with different medical needs to stay together, with one reviewer saying, "They have a whole floor for couples where the memory care person can get the care they needed and the spouse that doesn't have memory issues has the freedom of assisted living rather than memory care."