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 Surprise's senior population continues to grow (23.05% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Surprise, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 11.98% between 2014 and 2019. The number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 19.21%. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly higher than the rest of the nation (8.54% in Surprise vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
Note: Memory care is typically provided in communities licensed as assisted living facilities, and in general, costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative cost data is available for this type of care, so we estimated memory care rates by adding 25% to assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
The estimated monthly cost for memory care in Surprise is $4,969, which almost perfectly matches the average price in Arizona.
While Surprise is a few dollars less expensive than the state average of $5,000, it's also approximately $600 less expensive than the national average of $5,625. Residents of Sierra Vista pay approximately $5,188 a month, just a bit higher than Surprise, while Tucson is $5,063. Prices in Flagstaff are the highest in the state at $6,250; the low side of the memory care cost range is represented by Yuma's estimated price of $4,750.
Adult day health care is the least expensive option for long-term care in Surprise at $2,167 per month. At $3,975, assisted living is roughly $1,000 cheaper than memory care. Remaining options are all more expensive in Surprise. In-home care and home health care, ideal for seniors who wish to age in place, each run an average of $5,958 a month. Nursing home care is the most expensive option at $6,418 for a semiprivate room.
Note: Data for Surprise was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Phoenix, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Surprise.
Surprise-area older adults have an array of local resources that can help them prepare for and mitigate some of the effects of dementia. These resources include emotional help, such as that found through support groups and social events, legal counseling that can help seniors resolve civil matters, and financial assistance that can help them pay for safety equipment and occasional respite care.
resource | contact | description | location |
---|---|---|---|
State Health Insurance Assistance Program | 623-866-4214 | This federally funded but state-level program is aimed at providing useful information about Medicare to eligible older adults. Its representatives can help low-income seniors get assistance with monthly payments and some prescription drug costs. | Phoenix, AZ |
Arizona Senior Citizens Law Project | 602- 252-6710 | The attorneys of the ASCLP can provide free and confidential legal assistance with civil matters to Surprise-area residents aged 60 and up. This nonprofit organization doesn't provide help with criminal matters but can refer seniors in need of such representation to private lawyers. | Phoenix, AZ |
Alzheimer's Association Desert Southwest | 602-528-0545 | This regional arm of the national AA covers all of Arizona and part of Nevada from an office in Phoenix. Seniors may contact the AA to find local support groups for themselves and for their caregivers, classes that can help educate them on and prepare them for the early stages of dementia and assistance in securing emergency response equipment, such as alert bracelets. | Phoenix, AZ |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 602-542-6454 | This program serves the residents of assisted living facilities, nursing homes and adult foster care locations by ensuring such communities are offering proper quality of care. Ombudsmen can also field and investigate care-related complaints, in addition to helping residents access services and defend their rights. | Phoenix, AZ |
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 Surprise, 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:
Mariposa Point of Surprise is a secure senior living community just minutes from multiple health care services. Its caregivers and nursing staff receive comprehensive dementia-related training and offer customized care solutions that include medication management, mobility support and assistance with activities of daily living. The community uses a specialized life engagement program to help lower anxiety and frustration among seniors facing memory loss issues. On-site health checkups, dental appointments and physical, speech and occupational therapy are available. Residents can enjoy the secured outdoor area, chef-prepared meals and snacks throughout the day as well as scheduled transportation to and from medical appointments.
Reviewers are pleased with the community's cleanliness and homelike amenities. One family member writes, "Absolutely gorgeous community, attentive and caring staff, fun activities. From the moment we toured we felt right at home and we are so bless to be able to have my mother live at Mariposa Point of Surprise."
Orchard Pointe at Surprise is conveniently located in a residential neighborhood and offers a quiet living environment with easy access to shops, parks and medical venues. This community's Portraits memory care program, based on Montessori principles, improves the abilities of seniors with dementia to help them live purposeful lives. The staff collects stories and personal mementos from each resident's family and uses the insights gained to create an individualized care plan tailored to their needs and abilities. Seniors live in a secure neighborhood featuring an enclosed courtyard to ensure their safety, and they participate in therapeutic programs, such as multisensory stimulation. The life enrichment director organizes live music, fitness classes and community outings. The 24/7 caregivers, certified according to Alzheimer's Association of America guidelines, provide medication management and daily living assistance, such as grooming and dressing. Three chef-prepared meals are served every day.
Family members praise the friendly staff, clean environment and engaging activities. A resident's daughter writes, "The staff is professional, supportive and caring; the activities keep folks involved throughout the day. The team has helped me tremendously navigate this new experience. The [community] is clean and inviting. Dad has not once asked to go home."
Avenir Memory Care at Surprise is a senior living community with a homelike atmosphere. The community is composed of four neighborhoods that care for residents of different cognitive function, so that individuals feel a sense of community and belonging. Its care team gets to know each resident to develop personal care plans that cater to their needs and preferences. It offers activities and events best suited to those with memory loss so as to enrich residents' spirits and encourage independence. The culinary team additionally creates menus of delicious, nutritious dishes made from scratch using the freshest ingredients.
A resident's son praises the care and attention his mother receives at the community. He says, "Moving my mother into Avenir Memory Care in Surprise was the best decision I could have made. I absolutely love how all of the staff got to know my mom on a one-on-one basis and truly show how much they care for her."
Rock Creek at The Park Memory Care Community is solely dedicated to memory care programming. Memory care in this community encompasses a number of techniques to reinforce cognitive function. The Gaze technique incorporates direct eye contact and cultivates positive recognition between individuals. Staff is also trained to speak in soft tones to promote a sense of calm. Touch is used as a means of communication among memory care residents, while being physically upright as much as possible may help residents feel as though they are on the same level as their caregivers. Music is incorporated into most daily activities, while the Living Well program draws on specially designed exercises to promote physical well-being. Even dining is part of the larger approach, with restaurant-style meals catering to a variety of taste preferences and details to taper overstimulation for memory care residents.
Community reviews emphasize the helpful staff and myriad activity offerings for memory care residents. Of this, one writes, "I know two friends at Rock CreekThey have furnished rooms and a beautiful courtyard, so you can look out the windows and see the courtyard and trees. It's really pretty, and you can sit out there."
Conveniently located in a residential neighborhood, The Woodmark at Sun City offers a quiet living environment close to nature reserves, shops, restaurants and medical options. This community's Legacies Memory Care program provides compassionate care to help seniors with dementia preserve their quality of life. The staff conducts a comprehensive assessment of each resident to determine their level of care. Seniors live in a secure neighborhood featuring an enclosed outdoor space and an emergency call system to ensure their safety. The 24/7 caregivers, trained in redirection techniques, provide medication management and daily living assistance with tasks such as bathing, grooming and dressing. Residents can participate in therapies, arts and crafts, brain games and group exercises, and those with appointments at nearby hospitals can schedule rides with the community transportation. Three nutritious meals are served daily. Amenities include a library, coffee shop, game room and fitness center.
Family members praise the devoted staff and beautiful environment. A resident's daughter writes, "My mother is so happy here! Beautiful studio room with a balcony. Easy for her to maneuver without the fear of getting hurt. She tells me that the staff is like family. Thank you for taking such good care of her."
Avista Sun City West is a dedicated memory care community of three purpose-built, homelike cottages, each surrounded by secure courtyards and located within a peaceful residential area. Staff fully trained and certified in dementia care look after residents 24/7, ensuring medications are taken on time and supervising memory care and rehydration programs. Rooms include all utilities (except phones) and individually controlled thermostats. They are constructed to minimize noise intrusion, which can cause anxiety in some residents, and they include ambient soft lighting to reduce stress. Three nutritious meals are served daily, with snacks available throughout the day. On-site facilities include a beauty salon and barbershop, and podiatrists, dentists and audiologists visit regularly. The supervised entertainment also includes regular outings.
Reviewers praise the cleanliness and caring staff. The wife of one resident says, "I went to visit, and the facilities were nice and clean, and up to what I would prefer for myself. I found the staff very caring and dedicated to their work. They told me they weren't allowed to take gratuity, and work out of love.
Brookdale Camino del Sol is a senior living community that focuses on assisting seniors at all stages of memory loss. Clare Bridge is the program for residents with mild to mid-stage dementia or Alzheimers. The program uses research-based therapies and activities to help seniors improve or maintain their current cognitive abilities. Solace is the program for those in the advanced stages of memory loss where the focus is on reducing stress and confusion and providing comfort. Each resident has a personalized care plan that ensures they receive the care they need. The community is pet-friendly with a secure courtyard area where seniors can safely walk their dogs. Daily activities include aromatherapy, cooking, gardening, gentle fitness classes, reminiscing chats and religious services.
Family members praise the compassionate staff with one reviewer saying, "Our dad lived at Brookdale Camino del Sol for about 1 year Every staffer treated us and our dad like their own family. Every concern was addressed. He wasn't just a patient. "
Brookdale Trail Ridge is a purpose-built memory care community with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. The building features circular corridors and open plan spaces to reduce confusion. Visual cues are used throughout the community to help seniors navigate independently. The perimeter is secured to allow residents to safely explore the gardens and walking trails. Two levels of care are offered, with one focusing on seniors with mid-stage memory loss and the other assisting those in the advanced stages. A schedule of six planned programs is followed each day to give residents a sense of routine. Activities provided include arts and crafts, morning discussions, brain games, yoga, musical entertainment and B-Fit classes. Consistent care assignments ensure seniors get to know and trust their caregivers.
Family members appreciate the caring staff and range of activities offered. One reviewer says, "My mother moved into Brookdale Trail Ridge. She was able to have a private room, and the appearance of the facility was wonderful. It's a beautiful facility, the staff is very good, very helpful, and understanding. They have games, entertainment, they have an activities director, and she's been very good at drawing my mother out of her room."
Brookdale Union Hills focuses exclusively on memory care, providing two levels of programming for residents with memory care conditions. The Clare Bridge Daily Path program offers six group activities every day of the week to keep residents stimulated through group exercise, puzzles and crafts. The Solace program supports those with advanced memory care conditions. It features same components as the Clare Bridge program, but with extra time built into the daily schedule for dressing, grooming and additional therapies, such as aromatherapy. Both programs promote structured routines devised according to the resident for consistency. The community offers a dementia-friendly menu and emphasizes consistent seating layouts in the dining room. Soft music and scented towels are provided for memory care residents to make mealtimes even more comfortable.
Reviewers appreciate the expertise of the staff assisting residents with memory care conditions. One family member writes, "My mom moved into Brookdale about a year ago, and she's had the same caregiver since she got there who's very familiar with Alzheimer's and knows how to approach her."
Situated in a thriving, senior-oriented neighborhood, The Gardens of Sun City promotes well-being through social connection. The program fosters close bonds between caregivers and residents, weaving their life histories and interests into tailored care plans. Holistic activities involve dance, light exercise, meditation, games and live entertainment. Smart technology helps caregivers engage with residents and optimize their monthly calendars, and a family app keeps residents' loved ones connected to the community. Bright, elegant amenities, such as the library, fitness center, garden and outdoor sitting areas, foster a sense of belonging. Outings to shopping venues and cultural attractions connect residents to the Sun City community. A Food Network celebrity chef crafts nutritious restaurant-style meals, which can be tailored to dietary restrictions. Accommodations include kitchenettes, housekeeping and in-house doctor visits.
Residents praise the loving atmosphere and caregiver engagement. One family member writes, "A caring community and staff that my dad can call his family! Such great love and attention has created well-being and contentment for my dad. I see the respect and focus on health. There are always great activities planned, and the meals are amazing here!"
Conveniently located in a Phoenix suburb, The Mission at Agua Fria Senior Living is close to parks, shops and medical services. This community helps seniors with memory impairment live with dignity by providing person-centric care in a safe setting. The staff, trained and certified in dementia care, conducts a comprehensive assessment of each resident before developing an individualized care plan tailored to their needs. Specialized cognitive programs, including multisensory stimulation and music and pet therapies, improve seniors' mental and spiritual wellness. Residents can also participate in life enrichment activities customized to their abilities and interests, such as arts and crafts, walking clubs and fitness classes. The 24/7 caregivers provide case management, medication administration, ongoing health monitoring and escorts for meals and activities. They also help with activities of daily living, including dressing and bathing. A chef serves three nutritious meals every day.
People love the friendly staff and diverse activities. A reviewer writes, "The overall feel of this community just felt right, and everyone there was super friendly. The activities were pretty good. They had wine tastings and movie nights. Residents could listen to music and play card games. Our loved one always seemed to really enjoy the food."
Hacienda Del Rey is a warm, welcoming senior living community located close to medical services. The Connections for Living memory care unit provides a secure, homelike environment where residents can feel comfortable and safe. Professionally trained caregivers are on-site 24/7 to offer support. All staff members are trained in the best methods of redirecting aggression and sundowning. Inspiration stations and baskets, which are located throughout the community to spark memories, replicate everyday locations such as an office, baby nursery or workshop, and the baskets are filled with fun items or games that may inspire residents. Family engagement is encouraged, with family members invited to take part in social events and activities.
Family members appreciate the caring staff. One reviewer says, "We feel like we found a gem with Hacienda Del Rey. We just love the caregiver's attention to Mom and the love they show to her. They seem to treat her like their own family member. The leadership and staff are all very professional and great communicators."
Legacy House of Avondale provides a nurturing, friendly environment for assisted living and memory care seniors. Residents with memory impairments live in The Cottage, where they receive assistance with daily tasks such as eating, ambulation and bathing. Seniors in the memory care area have their own activity and dining areas, as well as a family-style kitchen to better emulate a home environment. A secured courtyard with walking paths and garden boxes provides space to reflect or enjoy a sunny day, while music therapy, brain games and reminiscence projects help seniors retain or improve their level of cognitive functioning.
Most visitors to this community are impressed with its pleasant appearance, pleasant staff and level of caring. One visitor writes, "The people at Legacy House of Avondale were extremely nice and very informative about all the different aspects of Mom's care. The facility is immaculate, absolutely top of the line in everything."
Auberge at Peoria is a specialized memory care community designed with the health and happiness of seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia in mind. Montessori-inspired life enrichment programming, delivered via the SPARK program, helps seniors enjoy daily physical and mental activities that cater to their unique interests, helping improve health and slow cognitive decline. SPARK is an award-winning program that's based on science and uses unique assessment tools. The Life-Enriching Connections program enhances communication between residents and their loved ones. Services include mobility escorts, activities assistance, spa services, clubs and resident councils, social outings and personalized care coordination.
Reviewers mention the cleanliness of the facility as well as the quality and quantify of fulfilling activities. A family member writes, "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."
Fairmont Village is a gated senior living community specializing in assisted living and memory care services. Its secure courtyard gives residents unrestricted freedom to move throughout the campus. Fairmont is the first community in Arizona to use circadian rhythm lighting systems that simulate night and day to minimize the impact of sundowning and to improve sleep, cognitive processing, and alertness. Caregivers receive ongoing dementia-related training from the on-staff clinical director. These caregivers are on hand 24/7 to assist with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and mobility. In addition, staff encourages seniors to maintain their customary routines and participate in on-site activities that match their interests and abilities. Meals and snacks are served daily in the relaxing dining area, and hydration stations are strategically placed around the community.
Reviewers are pleased with the level of care the community provides. One family member writes, "We are so grateful we found this memory care community, my dad is doing great, he now has a purpose everyday and that means the world to our family. Top-notch staff, top-notch leadership, top-notch care!"
The Groves has a memory care community, Garden House, that caters to the needs of those with Alzheimer's and dementia. Residents can relax and exercise in safety in the enclosed courtyard, and rooms and common areas are decorated in pastel shades to enhance the calming environment. 24/7 staff are trained to care for seniors with memory loss, help them through periods of anxiety and provide support with bathing and medication management. Housekeeping and laundry and provided, as well as three freshly prepared meals per day served restaurant-style in the dining area. The Groves also provides transportation for medical appointments.
Residents' families love the amenities at The Groves. One says, "The staff has been very helpful and very pleasant too. They have bingo, a movie theater, card games, monthly events/holidays, exercise classes, a beauty salon and barbershop. They also do their nails. Their food is also excellent."
Mariposa Point at Algodon Center is a pet-friendly community located just blocks from the Banner Estrella Medical Center. Its Generations Memory Support Program encourages seniors with dementia-related illnesses to maintain familiar schedules and participate in activities that match their unique abilities. The program incorporates elements of art and pet therapy when appropriate. Trained caregivers are available around the clock to assist with activities of daily living, such as grooming, dressing and mobility. The community's on-staff medical director oversees the development and implementation of personalized care plans and conducts frequent wellness checkups. Residents can make full use of the on-site library, beauty salon and TV lounge areas and enjoy three daily meals and snacks throughout the day.
Reviewers like the community's well-appointed rooms and variety of activities. One family member writes, "I like the director and the nursing staff. They're very nice. They have amenities where the residents can build puzzles, they can do crafts, and they also have something like a dinner for everyone and stuff like that."
Located within a mile of Curahealth Hospital Northwest Phoenix, The Inn Assisted Living and Memory Care is part of a wider residential care campus. Trained caregivers provide personalized assistance with day-to-day tasks, such as bathing, dressing and medication administration, and all rooms have an emergency call system. A licensed nurse is on-site 24/7, and the in-house therapy team further supports resident health. Free transportation is provided for medical appointments and to run local errands. Nutritious meals are served in the shared dining room, with healthy snacks also available throughout the day, and a private dining room is available for special occasions and family meals. The Alzheimer's and Dementia Care program supports senior well-being through stimulating enrichment activities, including fitness classes, arts and crafts, games and devotional worship, and seniors can relax and mingle in the courtyard, billiard room and club room.
Residents value the compassionate care and family-like atmosphere. One loved one says, "My mother has been at this [community] for quite some time. The staff is attentive and very caring. They treat her as part of their family. I can't tell you how comforting it is to know that my mother is so well taken care of."
Glencroft Center for Modern Aging, which is located on a 40-acre campus, provides a seamless transition between care levels as residents' needs change. Memory care services include some clinical care and skilled nursing, as well as security. The center's holistic model of wellness focuses on six key areas of wellness: physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, social and vocational health. The activities department helps residents engage with other residents and the larger community through fitness classes, adult education, yoga, water classes and games.
Residents appreciate the community's cleanliness and the number of activities it offers. One resident says, "My husband and I moved into Glencroft two years ago. We love it!! So much to do right here on campus. We have a beautiful two-bedroom apartment. It is a Christian community and very clean. Always something going on if you feel like joining us."
At Thunderbird Senior Living in Glendale, Arizona, memory care residents live in a secure environment and receive 24-hour care, including help with all their daily living activities and medications. The Embrace memory care program focuses on five principles: wellness, enrichment, challenge, connection and creativity. Residents can take part in Spark, a program designed for mental stimulation; Bookmarks, a reading club; Snapshot, a program to strengthen connections between residents and their families; Essence, a multisensory experience; and Thymeless, a gardening program. They can enjoy relaxing in their cozy apartments, meeting with other residents in comfortable common areas and taking fresh air in a secure outdoor courtyard.
Residents and their families are pleased with the exceptional staff at Thunderbird Senior Living. One relative is happy with the prompt communication staff members provide about her father, saying one staff member even "sends me pictures," and "she's always open to me calling her." The reviewer also appreciates the activities available to residents, especially the music and memory games.