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 West Valley City’s senior population continues to grow (13.57% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In West Valley City, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 29.26% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 25%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (9.09% in West Valley City 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 West Valley City. 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 West Valley City, 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:
Sunrise at Holladay provides a full spectrum of senior living options under one roof, with a convenient location just 8 miles outside Salt Lake City. The Reminiscence neighborhood, designed for residents living with Alzheimer's and dementia, provides specialized care in a secure environment. Residents are paired with life enrichment managers who get to know their needs, preferences and abilities. Using the latest evidence-based therapies and approaches, they offer a highly personalized care experience 24/7. This includes assistance with bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, socializing, mobility and medication management. External medical support is available at nearby St. Mark's Hospital, Salt Lake Behavioral Hospital, University Hospital and Huntsman Cancer Institute. Personalized programming includes multisensory experiences, exercise classes, outings, group activities, art projects, cognitive programming and visits with children and pets.
Visiting loved ones appreciate the inviting ambiance. "The minute we stepped foot in there we knew it was the place for Mom," says one reviewer. "She felt very welcome immediately. It is clean and Mom looked forward to the food and activities. Everyone she came in contact with there was like an old friend/family."
Capital Hill Senior Living offers independent living, assisted living and memory care in downtown Salt Lake City. All memory care residents are assigned a studio apartment that is beautifully appointed and carefully designed for safety. Residents receive assistance with the activities of daily living from trained staff members, full medical management from a skilled nurse and nutritional menus created by a nutritionist and professional chef to enhance brain health. Stellar's Rising Stars activities program helps stimulate emotional, social, and physical engagement on a daily basis.
Reviews of Capital Hill Living are generally positive with one family member describing the staff as "very helpful and treat my mother very well." Another reviewer mentions that in addition to the "exceptional staff," the community offered "great therapy" and "rooms are nice and clean and very comfortable."
The Ridge Foothill is a memory care community where residents receive daily assistance from caregivers trained in dementia and Alzheimer's. This campus uses AI monitoring camera technology to keep residents safe at all times and allow them greater freedom of movement within a secure environment. Caregivers make sure that each resident eats, bathes and takes their medications every day, and they assist them with difficult tasks, such as changing clothes, getting around campus or participating in activities. Residents also receive weekly laundry and housekeeping services. Weekly activities and events are adjusted for their levels of cognitive ability. Residents receive memory boxes that help them to identify their rooms, and family members can personalize their rooms to make them more comfortable.
Residents speak positively about the staff members and the atmosphere cultivated at The Ridge Foothill. A resident's child says, "We are so impressed with the welcoming feel of the facility, the amazing staff who take obvious pride in their work and the effort made to accommodate the different personalities and needs of each resident."
Legacy Village of Sugarhouse, which is located in the heart of Salt Lake City, tailors each resident's day to their wants and needs. Its memory care services let residents partake in dining and enriching activities while being closely monitored by expertly trained staff. This community has a movie theatre, hair salon and training gym on-site. Technology is integrated throughout Legacy Village for connecting with loved ones over video streaming platforms and for monitoring patients' medicinal needs. A 24-hour emergency call system means someone is always available to help in the event of an emergency.
People love how attentive the staff are. One resident writes, "I have moved into Legacy Village of Sugar House. They're excellent. The other day, I had all these empty boxes from moving in, and one of the nurses came in, and she goes, 'Oh, look at all these boxes, we'll take care of those.' She took them all out and had them hauled away. They're just really good. They check on me all the time".
The Auberge at Aspen Park is a senior care community that focuses on the needs of seniors with cognitive impairment disorders. A team of compassionate caregivers is always on hand to provide care and assistance. The caregivers are trained in the best methods of redirecting any of the difficult behaviors associated with memory loss. Registered nurses are available to provide skilled nursing care, to monitor the health of residents, and to provide medication management. The SPARK program aims to increase the skills and social engagement of residents using research-based scientific methods. Activities are designed to challenge each resident and provide them with a sense of purpose each day.
Family members praise the excellent staff and wonderful activities offered, with one reviewer saying, "My mom has been there for 1 1/2 years, and the care she receives is excellent. The staff [are] well-trained and truly love the residents. They are very good to keep in touch with me if anything changes with my mom's health or well-being. There are always activities going on to keep the residents stimulated."
BeeHive Homes of Salt Lake and MillCreek is a beautiful community set in a residential area of Salt Lake City, Utah. The small community focuses on the individual needs and preferences of memory care residents and provides 24/7 care and assistance, aware that each resident's needs will change over time. Each resident has a private, studio-style room with a private bathroom and ADA shower. The home serves delicious dietician-approved meals. Residents can sit at the bar and watch their food being prepared before enjoying their meal in the open-concept dining room. Group activities give residents the opportunity to paint, garden, do crafts and play trivia games. One-on-one activities are also available, and church services are conducted.
Escalante at Coventry is a luxury senior community that offers a continuum of care, including memory care. The memory care community is secured, allowing residents the freedom to roam and explore areas such as a secured, beautifully landscaped courtyard without any threat to their safety. All memory care residents are offered three gourmet meals a day in an attractive community dining area and have their basic needs, such as laundry, dressing and bathing, taken care of in a discreet manner. A licensed nurse is always available for medication management and auxiliary medical care, and all caregivers are trained to support dementia residents via recognized dementia programs.
Reviews for the Escalante at Coventry are pleasant, with one daughter describing the care for her mother by explaining they "were so kind and gave her great care and she felt their love for her." Another family member stated they have no worries their mother will be fine due to the excellent "safety precautions they have in place to ensure their residents and staff are safe."
Summit Senior Living of West Valley City is a memory care community that offers personalized care services via its emphasis on training employees and caregivers to be "Nayas." Caregivers use validation to guide residents through their emotions and help create a foundation of well-being via immersive activities, including occasional day trips, yoga programs, music programs and art classes. Residents are treated to three gourmet meals a day, and a personal pantry program ensures comfort foods and snacks are always easily accessible. The community features several landscaped courtyards, including one with a putting green, BBQ and bocce court so that residents and their families can relax outdoors.
Residents are happy at Summit Senior Living, with one spouse of a memory care resident noting that the "facility is in very good condition" and the community appears to be "well-staffed." Another reviewer described how the staff made the move-in process simple for her mom and stepmom and credited the Summit for her "peace of mind" adding that she would "add a 6th star if I could."
Legacy House of Bountiful offers luxury memory care options to aging seniors. A secured memory care unit called The Cottage requires keypad entry to keep all residents safe while allowing them to roam the corridors, shared common areas and secured outdoor courtyard. Residents receive help with all of the activities of daily living and receive three meals in a community dining area along with snacks throughout the day. They're encouraged to participate in activities such as bingo and art classes and can visit the on-site salon or fitness center with assistance from caregivers.
Reviews of the Legacy House of Bountiful are all extremely gracious, with one reviewer describing the community as "very welcoming and cozy" with a "nicely appointed" dining room. Another family member writes that her "mom is quite content" and that "she's well attended, the meals are well done and most of the staff have been terrific."
Situated just slightly outside Salt Lake City in a quiet suburb, The Ridge Cottonwood features a private memory care community known as The Tapestry. Residents can enjoy relative freedom within the secured unit, enjoying richly decorated suites and bedrooms designed to recreate a home atmosphere. Throughout the day, community members can enjoy the secured courtyard and group activities such as Music & Memory, which is designed to preserve cognitive abilities. Staff assist with the activities of daily living. Residents can dine in a community hall with a menu designed around seasonal produce. Family members have access to Sagely, a text messaging service that informs them of the activities their loved one takes part in daily.
Reviews for memory care at The Ridge Cottonwood are generally positive, with the daughter of a resident describing the staff as "so loving and kind to all residents and families." Another reviewer echoes this sentiment, describing it as "a gorgeous facility" with staff that is "beyond friendly and helpful."
Legacy Village of Taylorsville is dedicated exclusively to memory care. An experienced team of professionally trained caregivers addresses the unique needs of those with Alzheimer's and related dementias, so residents receive meaningful around-the-clock care. Certified nursing staff and a registered nurse are also on-site, assisting with tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, medication monitoring and diabetes care tailored around each resident's personal needs and abilities. Additional safety measures, including keypads on doors, secured outdoor areas with walking paths, garden boxes and sitting areas and a 24-hour emergency response system, can give loved ones peace of mind. Each day is filled with plenty to do at Legacy Village. Seniors can enjoy a schedule with physical, intellectual, social and spiritual activities to enhance their quality of life. Special activities are tailored for residents with memory loss, helping boost their cognitive abilities each day.
Visitors compliment the helpful team. "Staff seemed to be happy and so did the residents," says one reviewer. "A few staff members even introduced themselves, which felt very comforting. They were extremely kind, welcoming and caring. When we were trying to make a decision they were patient and answered every question we could possibly think of."
Truewood by Merrill, Bountiful is located in a charming residential community near everything the Salt Lake City area has to offer. The community's approach to memory care is secure and nurturing, with every resident treated like family. With experienced caregivers available around-the-clock, seniors receive the support they need with the activities of daily living. Staff monitor common dementia symptoms, including trouble solving problems, difficulty with familiar tasks and confusion with time or place. Seniors enjoy activities tailored for memory care residents, a specialized wellness program to help them stay strong and healthy, and complimentary transportation to off-site appointments and errands. Dining features fresh choices with full restaurant service, and residents enjoy maintenance-free living free from cooking, housekeeping and laundry. Upscale amenities include an exercise facility and indoor pool, plus scenic courtyards, walking paths and gardens.
Loved ones notice a difference at Truewood. One says, "She reports the staff have been wonderful, she has increased her activity to the point she is starting to walk without her walker! Every time I talk to her, she goes on and on about how wonderful they are. Her cognitive increase has been seriously surprising!"
All Seasons Senior Living of West Jordan houses and cares for those living with memory loss. The residents live in a secured building where caregivers can observe them and respond to their needs at any time. Seniors can live in private or shared rooms that come with furniture and cable TV and have their own closets and bathrooms. Caregivers provide reminders and keep residents on track with daily routines, helping them with dressing, bathing and other personal care tasks when necessary. They manage residents' medications and escort them to and from meals, where they receive nutritious entrees that meet their health needs. All Seasons Senior Living of West Jordan features activity programming developed for people with dementia, including games, social activities and entertainment they can engage with.
Residents describe a friendly and caring environment at All Seasons Senior Living of West Jordan. A resident's child says, "The staff are pleasant and kind, the food is good and the management is supportive. They treat the residents with patience and respect. We appreciate all they do for those they serve."
Sagewood at Daybreak is a memory care community whose trained caregivers soothe residents while monitoring them closely and addressing the frustrations that arise from memory loss. Personal care services include help with bathing, dressing, personal grooming and medication management. Residents have access to emergency assistance 24 hours a day. Meals are served restaurant-style and prepared with each resident's health conditions in mind. The campus is secured to prevent wandering, which enables residents to explore their environment safely and use common areas such as the living room or the garden. Residents can participate in group and one-on-one activities designed for those with memory loss.
Residents mention kind caregivers and an active lifestyle at Sagewood at Daybreak. A resident's child says, "Sagewood is a wonderful place to live for my aging mom who has memory issues. They are so patient and kind, they all know who mom is and seem to genuinely love and care for her. She loves the activities that engage her daily."
The memory care community at Cedarwood at Sandy offers a personalized care program for every resident to address specific needs and the resident's cognitive abilities. The program includes family members as "partners in care." Full personal care services are provided for each senior as well as medication management, housekeeping, laundry and 24-hour supervision and assistance. Restaurant-style dining allows residents to choose their meals and snacks each day, and they also participate in programming geared toward people with memory loss. Seniors can choose from private studio or one-bedroom apartments or can share a two-bedroom apartment. Common areas are organized to provide a family atmosphere, and residents enjoy gathering in the lounge or breathing in the fresh air on the patio. The community is fully secure.
Residents and their families are pleased with the family atmosphere at Cedarwood at Sandy. One reviewer remarks, "The thing that impressed us most at Cedarwood at Sandy is everything that is done to make the home a happy and familial place." She adds that the "food is excellent" and that the rooms are lovely. Staff members are kind, too.
Carrington Court is a senior community with a memory care program focused on individuality and care regimens that serve residents' unique needs. Details about each resident's life and interests are taken into account when creating personal care schedules and selecting dementia-friendly activities. Caregivers maintain each resident's personal hygiene and help them to get from point A to point B more safely throughout the day. Carrington Court serves three meals daily and provides restaurant-style services to make eating easier. A highly developed music therapy program provides entertainment and emotional benefits to those with dementia. Residents also do arts and crafts, play games, socialize, celebrate holidays and go on group outings with the community.
Residents speak highly of Carrington Court's staff. A relative says, "The staff at Carrington Court is top notch in taking care of her basic needs and checking in on her frequently to see if she needs help with anything. The activities coordinator is fantastic with her energy level and keeping residents involved in the many activities that Carrington Court provides."
Sunrise of Sandy is located in a safe, beautiful residential neighborhood that offers panoramic views of the Wasatch Mountains. Each resident is assigned a Life Enrichment Manager who uses Validation Method techniques such as making eye contact and asking open-ended questions to develop personalized care plans. The care plans include assistance with personal hygiene, continence management, mobility and medication management. A licensed nurse offers each resident monthly wellness visits. Memory care residents have access to comfortable community areas, including private and community dining rooms and a sunroom. They can use the emergency call response system in their suites to alert caregivers. Additionally, chefs prepare homemade meals aligned with residents' personal preferences and nutritional needs.
Relatives of residents acknowledge the quality of services and amenities provided. One relative says, "Sunrise of Sandy has been a wonderful place for our mother to live. It is safe, and the staff is personable. I love the location and smaller size. The activities are fun and engaging. They make cookies every day, and Grandma loves that."
Legacy House of Taylorsville is a premier senior living community that offers a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. A team of specialized caregivers provides assistance, memory support and supervision to seniors in the memory care section. Each resident has a personalized care plan that includes details of their life history, hobbies and interests. This enables caregivers to provide care tailored to the individual. A full-time registered nurse is on-site to monitor residents' well-being and manage their medication. Activities are designed to provide a sense of purpose for seniors and improve their cognitive abilities. They include art therapy, music therapy, exercise classes, brain games and supervised group outings. The memory care unit is located in a secure building, and residents have access to a safe courtyard area.
Family members are impressed by the wonderful staff, with one reviewer saying, "Legacy House is an amazing facility. My mother has been a resident there for over 6 months and you can tell the staff truly cares about each and every resident. They have gone above and beyond to try to make her feel as comfortable as possible."
Legacy House of South Jordan provides a high level of care within walking distance of the LDS Jordan River Temple. Within an inviting, homelike atmosphere, seniors receive 24-hour support and supervision from experienced caregivers. Those living with Alzheimer's and related dementias work with professionals specially trained in dementia care, including certified nursing staff and a full-time registered nurse. Residing in a secure environment with keypads on every door, these seniors receive help with tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, ambulation and continence. The staff frequently monitors residents' well-being and helps monitor medication and chronic conditions, such as diabetes. Three fresh, delicious meals are served daily, along with snacks and refreshments that meet dietary needs. A full activities program helps seniors stay stimulated physically, intellectually, socially and spiritually every day, and special activities are tailored for those with memory loss.
Loved ones appreciate the quality care at Legacy House of South Jordan. "There are not enough words to describe how great my experience was having my mother at Legacy of South Jordan. Hands down the BEST experience," says one family member. "I couldn't have picked a better place for my mother. She was cared for better than I could have asked."
The Anthology of South Jordan offers assisted living and memory care through its memory care Embrace Program. The program helps residents stay engaged and active through daily activities that include music therapy, aromatherapy, a garden-to-table program and outings to nearby swimming pools. While the memory care unit is secured, all residents also have pendants that function as alert tools and GPS systems for monitoring and safety. Family members are welcome to visit with residents in the secured courtyard or cozy indoor communal spaces.
Reviews of the Anthology of South Jordan are very positive, with one family member describing it as "nice and and very clean" with staff that "seems very nice." She adds that while moving her mother in, "the staff was very accommodating and very helpful." A resident's spouse mentions, "I like how they pay attention to him," and adds, "The activities that they told me about sound very good."