Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Towson, senior population continues to grow (6.5% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Towson, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 16% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 21%, 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 (3.74% in Towson 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 Towson. 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 Towson, 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:
Arden Courts of Towson, MD, cares for those diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss in an engaging setting. The memory care community consists of four self-contained houses, each having its own living space, bedrooms, kitchen, dining room, bathroom and laundry areas. These houses also share an activity studio and a garden with walking trails inside enclosed courtyards, allowing residents to safely go for strolls. Specially trained caregivers provide a hand with daily living routines, from bathing and dressing to mobility and household chores. Visual cues, such as colors and descriptive images, placed throughout the community help seniors navigate their surroundings by sparking memories. At mealtimes, residents sit at tables set up to encourage eating nutritious meals, with finger foods available for those unable to use forks and knives.
Families comment on the community's intimate design and caring staff. One reviewer writes, "There are four pods/hallways, each with about 10 rooms. ... They're very patient and good with their residents. ... They make their own food right there and have their own chef. ... There is also a courtyard with tables and gazebos."
Located near the Baltimore Beltway and I-83, Brightview Towson in Maryland offers assisted living and dementia care options. The secure Wellspring Village neighborhood encourages seniors experiencing memory loss to participate in activities suited to their abilities and interests. Trained caregivers and on-site nurses lend a hand with daily living tasks such as bathing and managing medications, as well as performing wellness checks. The community's Mind & Music program enables residents to listen to their favorite tunes through personal playlists on portable devices, which helps stimulate memories and alleviate anxiety. Additionally, playing music in the dining area during mealtimes creates a more relaxing dining experience for memory care residents by blocking out unwanted background noise. Amenities at Brightview Towson include an outdoor courtyard, transportation services, a library and a physical therapy room.
Family members like the accommodations and amenities available in this community. One reviewer writes, "It's very nice ... They are very clean, and very friendly ... They do have some activities. I like the size of the room and that she has a private bathroom ... The food is pretty good, and some of the things they serve are really good."
Atrium Village, a senior living community in Owings Mills, MD, provides assisted living, independent living and memory care services. The community's person-centered memory care programs instill a sense of achievement in seniors experiencing dementia by igniting their imagination and creating closer connections with others. An attentive care staff helps residents complete daily living tasks, such as dressing, bathing and managing medications. Memory care activities include painting classes, card games and chair exercises to keep seniors' minds engaged. Atrium Village also offers OBIE, an award-winning video gaming device that uses hand motion-activated games to sharpen residents' cognitive and motor skills. Chefs cook and serve three healthy meals daily to meet the dietary needs of residents. A large open courtyard enables community members to get fresh air.
Families are pleased with the memory care services and activities offered at Atrium Village. One reviewer writes, "My loved one and family have had a good experience with Atrium Village. The staff is kind and caring. Everyone is friendly. There are activities and meals provided to assist with socialization of the residents."
Located near the Woodholme Country Club in Pikesville, MD, Charter Senior Living of Woodholme Crossing specializes in assisted living and memory care. The community's Flourish Memory Care program improves the well-being and self-esteem of seniors with dementia through small-group activities tailored to their cognitive skill level. These activities range from seated tai chi exercises and gardening to evening meditation. Caregivers, specially trained in dementia care, help residents complete physical activities and daily living tasks such as dressing and grooming. Seniors eat chef-prepared meals in the dining room, selecting from nutritious menu options that cater to their tastes and dietary preferences. In addition, The Drink Bar keeps residents hydrated by serving vitamin-enriched beverages all day. Community members can access around-the-clock nursing care and on-site amenities, such as a beauty salon, library and wellness center.
Reviewers are impressed with the community's dedicated care team. One reviewer writes, "The staff is knowledgeable, courteous, always ready to help when I ask and friendly. This new dementia/Alzheimer's way of life for my MIL ... is allowing her to live her life and thrive while also giving the family peace of mind knowing she's being cared for."
Located in the northwestern suburbs of Baltimore, Sunrise of Pikesville, MD, offers assisted living and memory care services near the Northwest and Sinai Hospitals. The Terrace Club Memory Care neighborhood's compact layout makes it easier for seniors in the early stages of dementia to find their way around. Residents with advanced dementia receive personalized attention and opportunities to recall past interests in the Reminiscence neighborhood. Through the Sunrise Live With Purpose programming, seniors engage in a full calendar of success-focused activities, such as brain workouts and music therapy, to enhance cognitive abilities. Community chefs serve nutritious meals daily on colorful plates to help stimulate the appetite of older adults with memory impairments. Memory care residents also have access to the fireside living room and library, an activity room and secure outdoor patios.
Families appreciate the personal care their loved ones receive from staff. A resident's nephew writes, "My aunt has flourished at Sunrise. ... The staff is so very friendly and professional. The care and attention are genuine. The variety of activities, some of which are tailored specifically to include the family, is wonderful. Two thumbs up."
Charter Senior Living of Towson, MD, a family-owned senior living community near several medical centers, offers personalized assisted living and memory care services. The community's Flourish Memory Care program promotes residents' self-esteem and minimizes dementia-related behavioral symptoms through specialized activities, such as nature walks and evening meditations. Specially trained caregivers, available 24/7, lend a hand with daily living tasks, from bathing and dressing to personal grooming. An always-available menu allows seniors in memory care to eat chef-prepared meals at their convenience, while The Drink Bar provides immunity-boosting beverages throughout the day. Community members also have access to around-the-clock nursing care, and the Sagely family app helps keep them in touch with loved ones. On-site amenities include guest parking, private mailboxes and landscaped courtyards plus a wellness center, beauty salon and computer-equipped resource library.
Family members praise the loving and caring staff. A resident's son writes, "My mother was a resident at Charter for over 4 years. She had a wonderful room, enjoyed meeting new friends and loved the 'Lunch Bunch.' The care she received was exceptional. When my mother entered hospice, the loving care and attention she received exceeded my expectations."
The Cottages of Perry Hall, a senior living community in Parkville, MD, offers assisted living and memory care services. Its intimate memory care layout, which consists of four cottages each holding 16 residents, allows those with memory impairments to move about easily. The community's Flourish Memory Care program minimizes dementia-related behavioral symptoms through specialized activities suited to seniors' unique needs and cognitive abilities. These engaging activities range from cardio exercises and bingo games to pottery classes. The care staff, specially trained in dementia care, assists with daily living tasks, including dressing, showering and personal grooming. Residents receive healthy meals in the dining area, with smoothies and juices available at the Drink Bar throughout the day. Enclosed courtyards and patio areas give community members a secure place to relax and socialize.
Families love the community's intimate layout, with one resident's daughter writing, "My dad was a resident of The Cottages of Perry Hall. ... What I liked about it is that they are actually like cottages and that each little house has its staff. ... They had a large area that was nice because they ... could go out and socialize."
Situated on the outskirts of Baltimore, Arden Courts of Pikesville, MD, cares for individuals diagnosed with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia or memory loss. The secure campus consists of four self-contained "houses," each with its own living space, kitchen, dining room and full bath. Specially trained caregivers assist with daily living routines, from bathing and dressing to mobility and household chores. Staff encourages residents to perform daily tasks such as making the bed and preparing meals to feel a sense of accomplishment. The community features paved walkways and enclosed courtyards with color-coded visual cues throughout. At mealtimes, community members sit at tables set up to encourage eating nutritious meals, with finger foods prepared for those who have difficulty using silverware.
Family members note the outstanding care their loved ones receive at Arden Courts. One reviewer writes, "Their medical staff is knowledgeable and always willing to help. Their caregivers are kind and truly form a bond with the families and patients. Mom was safe and extremely well cared for. We could not have asked for a better facility."
A short drive from Baltimore, Lighthouse Senior Living at Hopkins Creek, MD, provides assisted living and memory care options near the Johns Hopkins Hospital and Bayview Medical Center. The Village, the community's memory care neighborhood, utilizes the Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care technique, which focuses on the successes residents with dementia-related issues can achieve. An on-site wellness team of nurses and doctors addresses health concerns through routine checkups and preventive medical care. Stimulating activities, ranging from gardening and baking to singing and dancing, encourage seniors to engage with others. Each apartment in memory care features spacious closets, a 24-hour emergency response system and a bathroom with a walk-in shower. Residents gather in the brightly lit dining room for companionship over dementia-friendly meals or at the bistro for baked goods, fresh fruit and refreshments.
Families praise the community for its caring, compassionate staff. One reviewer writes, "We have been so very pleased and comforted by everyone at the Lighthouse at Hopkins Creek. The staff is very caring; they treat my mom like family. They attend to all of her needs, including activities she enjoys, nutritious food, and most importantly her safety."
Located in the Baltimore area, Peace Gardens Assisted Living of Catonsville, MD, offers assisted living services, specialized dementia care and respite stays. Each resident in memory care receives a customized wellness program that fulfills their specific care needs while promoting a sense of independence. Physicians and aides in the community work with seniors to help improve their overall well-being, manage dementia-related symptoms and boost confidence in completing daily living routines. Seniors reside in fully furnished private and shared rooms featuring full-sized bathrooms, cable TV and free Wi-Fi services. A culinary staff serves dietitian-approved meals, accommodating those on special diets. A front porch and spacious landscaped grounds give seniors spots to relax and bond with other community members. On-campus health care services include skilled nursing and rehabilitation therapy.
Families emphasize the personal care residents receive from staff. A resident's daughter writes, "I cannot believe the difference in my mother since she has been living at Peace Gardens. She is no longer withdrawn ... and is interacting with everyone, enjoying the various activities, eating three nutritious meals a day, and dressing well with the assistance of facility staff."
Just off York Road, Commonwealth Senior Living at Cockeysville sits surrounded by natural landscapes, with nearby pharmacies, houses of worship and medical facilities. The community comprises two stand-alone cottages: one for assisted living and the other providing specialized memory care for seniors with dementia. Its purposeful design aims to create a familiar, homelike feel, featuring sitting areas, all-season sun porches and secure patio and garden areas. Through its award-winning Sweet Memories program, residents can benefit from consistent routines and personalized support from specially trained dementia caregivers. The community's Life Stations help seniors connect with memories, while its Serenity room offers a therapeutic sensory experience. Additionally, Sweet Melodies and Expression Art programs help stimulate cognitive function and reduce stress. Families also receive support through the community's Sweet Beginnings orientation program, family resource center and ongoing communication efforts.
Commonwealth Senior Living at Cockeysville earns praise for its caring staff and happy environment. A reviewer remarks, "The staff and administrators are very sweet and patient with [my mom] and all the residents. It's bright and cheerful and is kept very clean ... I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for a professional and compassionate home for their loved one."
Inspirations Lutherville Memory Care uses the latest research on Alzheimer's, dementia and other forms of memory loss to provide different levels of care to seniors in Lutherville, MD. A higher staff-to-resident ratio enables caregivers to lend a hand with bathing and mobility. To help reduce sundowning, the memory care community employs smart light bulbs to replicate the sun's natural light, ensuring bright lighting throughout the campus. Residents live in individual suites with private, full-sized bathrooms and ADA-compliant custom vanities. Activities from painting and gardening to dance parties encourage seniors to stay socially connected while maintaining their cognitive skills. An executive chef prepares and serves healthy meals and snacks in the dining area. Other memory care-focused amenities include a secured courtyard, aviary, aquarium and raised gardens, with a community bus for outings.
Families appreciate the community's numerous menu options. One reviewer writes, "I have no complaints about the care that my mother has been receiving at this community. The staff has been lovely to work with, and I am comfortable with the care that they are providing her. She has had no complaints about the meals and enjoys participating in activities."
Morningside House of Satyr Hill in Parkville, MD, about 30 minutes from downtown Baltimore, provides assisted living and memory care services. The secure memory care neighborhood, Stepping Stones, helps residents in the early-to-moderate stages of dementia feel comfortable while receiving around-the-clock care. On-site nurses in the Memory Lane community offer additional care and support to seniors experiencing late-stage memory-related medical conditions. Life skills stations and stimulating activities, such as crafts, live music and exercise classes, keep residents happy and engaged throughout the day. Morningside's dining experience includes chef-prepared meals in the private dining area and a daily snack and hydration program. An enclosed outdoor patio and courtyard give community members a safe place to get fresh air.
Families are grateful for the attentive care, with one reviewer writing, "Morningside House of Satyr Hill is a warm and kind place to have your loved one. Everyone there works together each day to make the residents feel right at home, loved, respected and truly cared for. The leadership team is stellar, and residents and staff feel like family."
Brightview White Marsh, less than a half-hour from Baltimore, offers assisted living and memory care services on a well-maintained property. The safe and secure memory care neighborhood, Wellspring Village, features programs and a variety of activities tailored to suit each resident's cognitive skills and interests. These activities, which range from gardening and crafting to fitness classes, help seniors feel a sense of belonging. The Mind and Music program employs soothing tunes to improve the mood of seniors with dementia during social events, such as sing-alongs and dancing. Trained caregivers, available 24/7, assist with dressing, bathing and other daily living tasks. In the dining room, community members can access a menu of dementia-friendly meals three times a day, with snacks and beverages provided at the Brightview cafe. Other on-site services include nursing care and physical therapy.
Family members often praise the community's encouraging caregivers and the numerous activities offered. One reviewer writes, "The staff is very friendly; they generally care about the residents. There are activities every day that the residents can participate in, and they are encouraged by the staff to attend. ... Overall I am very pleased with Brightview."
Brightview Perry Hall, a senior community in Nottingham, MD, provides a full range of care services, including independent living, assisted living and memory care. Wellspring Village, the community's secure memory care neighborhood, features helpful cues for everyday tasks and indoor/outdoor recreational areas that encourage social interaction between seniors. Through individual service plans, residents receive up to 20 hours of one-on-one care every week. Available around the clock, trained caregivers assist with bathing and dressing as well as managing medications. Memory care residents benefit from the therapeutic Mind & Music and Bright Minds programs that improve cognitive skills through music therapy and exercise. A full calendar of activities, such as crafting and cooking classes, promotes a sense of belonging. The dining experience at Brightview offers a menu selection of dementia-friendly dishes and snacks.
Families commend the community for providing compassionate care. A resident's daughter writes, "We could not have chosen a better senior living community for my dad than Brightview Perry Hall ... When he transitioned to Assisted Living and then Wellspring Village, the staff guided us in both transitions with compassion ... and the care he received in Wellspring Village exceeded our expectations."
Minutes from downtown Baltimore, MD, Brightview Catonsville provides assisted living and memory care services in a secure setting close to Spring Grove Hospital. Wellspring Village, the community's memory care neighborhood, features the Mind and Music and Bright Minds programs to enhance brain health through music therapy, social engagement and exercise. Trained caregivers, available 24/7, develop individualized care service plans to meet the unique needs of seniors diagnosed with dementia and other memory impairments. Residents receive assistance with daily living tasks, including dressing and bathing. Staff plans activities such as painting and gardening to help foster a sense of belonging and improve cognitive abilities. In the dining room, chefs cook and serve dementia-friendly meals, with nutritious snacks and coffee available at the Brightview cafe. Other services include on-site nursing care and physical therapy.
Reviews often mention the community's friendly environment and attentive care staff. One resident's relative writes, "Brightview Catonsville is a wonderful community. The transition was great for my mother. We were very satisfied with the care that they provided. They were extremely friendly and easy to work with. The community was very nicely kept and clean throughout."
Aventura at the Heights, a faith-based Jewish senior community, offers assisted living and Alzheimer's care services in Pikesville, MD. A team of professional nurses, physicians, medical technicians and aides helps memory care residents with daily living tasks and conducts regular medical checkups to ensure their well-being. Each spacious, private suite features a bathroom and kitchenette, and each senior can furnish their room with personal belongings to create a familiar, comfortable environment. A variety of socially stimulating activities, scheduled in observance of the Jewish calendar, help older adults maintain their cognitive abilities. Aventura's culinary staff serves nutritious kosher meals in the dining area, and community members can access an outdoor garden patio and on-site speech, occupational and physical therapy.
Families mention the community's safe surroundings and helpful staff, with one resident's daughter writing, "I placed my mother here a few months ago. She is so happy!!! The staff is incredibly generous and friendly. ... She suffers from dementia, and it was overwhelming having her at home alone. But my fears are gone because of this incredible community."
Brightview Rolling Hills, a short drive from Baltimore, MD, offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. The community's memory care neighborhood, Wellspring Village, gives seniors experiencing memory loss a secure place to connect with others via engaging activities, ranging from crafts and gardening to fitness classes. The innovative Mind and Music program creates a calm environment by enabling residents to listen to their favorite music in group settings. Through personalized service plans, trained caregivers lend seniors a hand in completing everyday living tasks, such as bathing and dressing. The Bright Minds program promotes exercise, social interaction and a healthy diet to help maintain mental sharpness. Chefs prepare and serve dementia-friendly meals in the dining area, with a menu of popular dishes accessible at all times.
Reviewers praise the community's supportive care staff, with one reviewer writing, "My loved one is in their memory care wing, and they really work hard to identify what works best for a resident and focus on that. The staff here is friendly and professional and very supportive both of the residents and their families as well"