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 Prairie’s senior population continues to grow (28.14% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Sun Prairie, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by 24.9% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 9.7%, 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 Prairie 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 Sun Prairie. 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 Prairie, 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:
Offering independent living, assisted living and memory care, Heritage Monona's full suite of care options and robust event calendar allow seniors to maintain an active lifestyle while aging in place. Designed with simplicity and safety in mind, the property's continuous walking paths and easily navigable layout enable memory care residents to move freely without feeling constrained by the secure environment. Studios and one-bedroom suites are available, and seniors are encouraged to bring their own furnishings to help trigger memories and create a homelike atmosphere. Activities such as exercise classes, movies, trivia and baking promote socialization while engaging the senses. In addition to the 24-hour support provided by the facility's specially trained caregivers, residents have access to on-site physical therapy using senior-friendly exercise equipment.
Residents and their family members constantly mention how much they enjoy Heritage Manona's food. One online reviewer said, "The food was good. They provided three meals a day plus snacks. They had a pretty well-rounded menu."
Azura Memory Care is an assisted living and nursing home facility based in Stoughton, Wisconsin. Trailblazers in dementia and Alzheimer's care, the highly skilled staff at Azura have been trained according to its exclusive program named MOSAIC, which focuses on defining dementia and the symptoms the condition carries. The team combines this unique specialist training with a tailored, personal approach, learning residents' personal preferences and histories and including that information in their care. The facility provides daily activities and therapies, such as bingo and physical therapy, for its residents, as well as around-the-clock care including bathing, dressing, housekeeping and medication assistance. Additional services offered to residents include beauty treatments and SeniorWell dental services, ensuring that each member of the Azura Memory Care community is happy, healthy and comfortable in their new home.
Although one of the more costly facilities due to its vast range of services, Azura Memory Care of Stoughton has received rave reviews. One five-star review says, "I feel we found the best home for my dad possible!! Everyone is great!!" Further positive reviews mention how "warm and homey" the facility is along with the noticeable dedication and friendliness of the staff.
BrightStar Senior Living of Madison is in the Greentree neighborhood of this Wisconsin city, conveniently close to Gammon Roads shopping centers and the U.S. Route 12 interchange. This two-story homelike facility has attractive park-like surroundings, and spacious front porches on both floors for outdoor relaxation. The modern interior spaces are enhanced with tasteful artwork and large windows that welcome in plenty of natural light. Residents are offered a well-rounded range of person-centered activities such as arts and crafts, live music and community outings. BrightStar uses the Its Never 2 Late program, which provides an efficient and engaging technology-based setup for interactive games, exercises, trivia and sing-alongs. The facilitys BrightStar Connections memory care program aims to optimize residents overall well-being through individualized care plans, dementia-certified caregivers and constant communication and support for their families.
Families find BrightStar Senior Living of Madison to be the perfect fit for their elderly loved ones. A residents daughter notes, "They did an excellent job making residents feel at home in a cozy caring atmosphere. There was no shortage of activities that residents could choose to participate in. My family felt that my father received excellent care .
Home Again Assisted Living in Waunakee offers homelike assisted and independent living and memory care in beautiful, spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. On-staff registered nurses and well-trained care staff provides compassionate assistance, and remote patient monitoring gives residents and family peace of mind. A movie theater and pub/entertainment center provide a variety of engaging social opportunities, and an on-site chef and gourmet kitchen ensure meals are always delicious. Residents have access to a beauty salon and wellness center for convenience while transportation services for shopping, dining and appointments are available.
Residents tout the caring and helpful staff at Home Again Assisted Living as one of its biggest advantages. One reviewer notes, "Leaving your own home is never an easy decision but I am happy 'Home Again' in Waunakee is able to provide a comfortable residence for me. The best part is having well-trained staff. They are enthusiastic, eager to help and willingly take time to sit with me and chat if that's what I need.
Memory care residents of Homestead Living enjoy a tranquil, countryside retreat paired with around-the-clock care and thoughtfully integrated services that support their daily needs and promote a homelike experience. An on-site activity director schedules events and activities that cater to the interests and pace of each resident. Common areas are designed to invite socializing as a group, as well as provide sanctuary when residents want to enjoy a quiet moment of reflection. The facility's food service director arranges dining options that feature nutritious and appetizing meals and snacks. Homestead's family-friendly approach to memory care includes hosting programs to help educate and involve loved ones in their family member's daily life.
Reviews for this facility highlight the staff's attentive care and the homelike atmosphere residents enjoy while living there. "Homestead provides loving care for my mother and I know that the staff really loves my mother the way I love her," says this family member in regards to their mother's experience.
Oak Park Place Madison is in a modern residential development off Interstate 90, conveniently located near the Badger interchange in the eastern area of Madison, Wisconsin. The communitys full continuum of care allows residents to transition smoothly in one setting and maintain a comfortable lifestyle as their needs change. Its sophisticated amenities include fireside lounges, restaurant-style dining areas and a second-floor deck overlooking the landscaped courtyards walking paths and calming fountain. The facilitys Autumn Lane memory care neighborhood offers residents a structured setting with year-round programming of therapeutic sensory and social activities, giving residents a sense of familiarity and comfort. Its person-centered approach to care honors each residents unique history, while family and caregiver support is provided through the Memory Keepers program.
Families highly recommend Oak Park Place Madison for its consistent excellence throughout all levels of care. A long-time residents daughter shares, "Staff communicated with me when something serious occurred Management was always welcoming and responsive when I brought issues to their attention. They helped to make the transitions from each level of care to the next very smooth."
Sage Meadow Middleton is a memory care facility that focuses on kinship and community, as well as providing residents with the best care possible. The facility provides customized care plans for each resident in coordination with family members and health care providers. Specially trained staff members are available on-site 24 hours a day, and the facility fosters a sense of community by offering all meals in a restaurant-style setting that encourages social interaction. Amenities include a spa, patio and salon, and residents engage in a wide range of activities, such as trips in the community, card games and exercise classes.
Residents and loved ones are pleased with the friendliness of the staff members, with one stating, "Everyone that I have met so far has been very polite and appears to know and genuinely like working with the residents." Residents also appreciate the cleanliness of the facility, with one describing it as "very nice, neat, clean, homey, and orderly."
Sienna Meadows serves independent and assisted living residents as well as seniors in need of memory care. The owner, Sue White, is a nationally certified Alzheimers educator. The activities provided to memory care residents are created with their personal life stories to stimulate fond memories, and the structure of the facility is designed for easy navigation and includes indoor walking paths and memory-triggering nooks. Sienna Meadows outdoor courtyard is secured for safety. Residents can take part in life-enhancement activities, including Wisconsins Music & Memory program. With the use of individual headphones, residents listen to songs they enjoyed when they were young, vibrant, and healthy, stimulating those positive memories that's been scientifically proven to cheer them up.
Sienna Crest, which includes Sienna Meadows, strives for a homelike environment. One reviewer wrote that Sienna Crest creates a "wonderfully homey feel. There's homemade food and communal areas for chatting.
With a convenient location just off Highway 26, Sunset Ridge Assisted Living sits in the close-knit village of Johnson Creek. The facility provides a quiet but friendly community for those in need of assisted living as well as various levels of memory care. Whether residents have dementia, Alzheimer's, or even certain terminal illnesses, there are qualified and passionate staff available 24/7, including registered and licensed practical nurses, and a qualified dietitian assists with providing proper nutrition to all residents. Daily on-site activities are provided as well as off-site trips to restaurants, theaters and shopping venues.
Those who have been to Sunset Ridge offer high praise. One reviewer says that the staff have ". gone above & beyond in implementing my mothers move back to Sunset after recovering from serious illness in a nursing facility." The reviewer notes that her mother has been warmly welcomed back by "everyone from the care staff to the cleaning lady" and that "she feels like shes home again."
Located in Jefferson, WI, Sunset Ridge Jefferson provides four levels of care to seniors with Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. The facility offers a continuum of care, starting with assistance with the activities of daily living such as hygiene, personal care and medication management. Individualized care plans allow for progressive services as residents age and require more help. Seniors age in place and receive end-of-life care when needed. Wellness checks, 24-hour nursing staff and social and recreational activities keep seniors engaged and promote physical well-being. The garden and patio areas provide access to fresh air and sunshine when the weather permits, and activities include movies, stories and games. Seniors can get a get cut at the on-site beauty and barbershop.
Residents and family members appreciate the comfortable surroundings and welcoming staff. One family member states, "The place is so homey, bright and cheerful. My Dad just loves his room, view and all the people." Another satisfied visitor describes the facility as "an amazing, caring, fun, home away from home."
Sunset Ridge Memory Care is located in a quiet residential area of Jefferson overlooking lush green golf courses. Conveniently located near Highway 26, this facility is also easily accessible from Lake Mills, Fort Atkinson, Watertown and Oconomowoc. Specializing in memory care, this community offers four levels of care depending on the individual needs of each resident. Behavioral management specialists and around-the-clock nursing is provided on-site, and dentists, podiatrists, physical therapists and physicians are brought in regularly. The communitys calendar of outings and activities is designed to maintain both physical and mental wellness and includes gardening, a zoo program, pet therapy and social nights. Housekeeping, laundry and transportation services are available.
Residents families are impressed by the compassionate staff and warm atmosphere. "Everyone is so attentive and kind. Our loved one has settled in and it feels like it has always been home," said one reviewer.
Tender Reflections, a member of the Diamond Accreditation Program, is an assisted living facility situated in DeForest, Wisconsin, offering memory care services with staff who are extensively trained in various matters, including challenging behaviours. The building is designed for easy navigation and security for residents, including color schemes in common areas and delayed egress on exits, and on-site amenities are wheelchair accessible and include a beauty salon and bistro area for dining and events. Potential residents must be at least 55 years of age to be considered at Tender Reflections and no pets are allowed on the premises. Tender Reflections also provides programs in physical therapy and medication management and, whenever possible, ensures that residents are sociable, safe and satisfied.
A reviewer who toured the facility says, "Like this place has it all, from assisted living to hospice care." Other reviews comment on how residents were happy and seemed to love living at Tender Reflections.