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 Wichita’s senior population continues to grow (13.08% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Wichita, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased by 0.9% between 2013 and 2018. While the number of deaths from all causes for that same age increased by 5.9%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (3.43% in Wichita 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 nearly a dozen hours researching senior living communities in Wichita. 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 Wichita, 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:
Avita Rolling Hills is designed to invoke memories of different parts of Wichita, with each area of the facility modeled after a section of Kansas' largest city. Residents are encouraged to bring small pets, and the property offers a guest room for loved ones to encourage overnight visits. Amenities include a pond with a fountain behind the property, a water wall and a private spa. Residents can participate in a wide range of activities, including Wii bowling, sewing circles and community outings. Seniors can dine with other community members in the Uptown Bistro and Main Street Bar and Grill, or reserve private dining areas for themselves and their loved ones.
One friend of a resident described the facility as "very pleasant, very clean, and the staff was very helpful and friendly. The food was great, and we really enjoyed it." Residents also appreciate that staff seem genuinely invested in residents' well-being and that "activities are scheduled regularly during the day and for the ladies, a hairdresser is there for their 'Do's'"
Country Place Memory Care is located near Main Street in the heart of the small town of Hoisington, Kansas. The facilitys carefully trained staff members provide personal care and supportive services such as transferring, bathing and dining for residents and adult day care members while promoting the independence, dignity and privacy of each individual. Therapy programs and activities specially designed for memory care residents are offered in a safe, secured environment. Seasonal centerpieces and linens adorn tables in the open dining area, and three home-cooked meals are prepared daily with special menus and desserts highlighted throughout the year. Centralized common areas encourage seniors to socialize and play games or enjoy the communitys resident-shared piano.
The facilitys cozy atmosphere and caring staff are praised by reviewers who comment, "Beautiful and very comfortable facility. Awesome, kind and wonderful staff. Would recommend Country Place for your senior family member!
KMH helps seniors lead vibrant lives through their commitment to innovative caregiving solutions. This assisted living and memory care facility understands that architecture plays a key role in physical, social and cognitive well-being, which is why they've implemented the Household Model, combining private rooms with accessible social areas, such as front porches and living rooms. This community-focused design ethos continues throughout the facility, from the wellness center, with its energizing exercise classes in the heated pool, to the historic chapel, a site for community worship. In the farmhouse-style memory care household, seniors with dementia participate in engaging daily activities, receive 24-hour care from nurses trained in behavioral-based ergonomic therapy and live in well-designed private apartments. KMH is also home to scenic outdoor spaces, which include walking paths, gazebos and al fresco dining spots.
Reviews of KMH praise the activities available to seniors of all care levels. One relative of a resident said, "crafts, bingo, and a kitchen area where they can cook stuff, including baked goods," and "nature walks that they do together as a group." Another reviewer appreciates the caring staff who are "always friendly" and "always have smiles on their faces."
Premier Living 1 is a cozy assisted living and memory care facility in Wichita, Kansas, that strives to combine compassionate care with an intimate, family-like environment. At this small, tight-knit community, residents benefit from excellent staffing ratios and round-the-clock care provided by certified staff and on-call nurses. Available services include medication administration and monitoring, and daily life is made easier thanks to housekeeping and in-house communication services. All residents have access to household utilities and essentials, ranging from basic cable to toiletries. The community also serves three home-cooked meals per day, which incorporate fresh vegetables from the community garden when in season. To keep seniors active, Premier Living 1 plans holiday celebrations, hosts live performances and schedules craft projects and games.
Reviewers are impressed by the community's dedicated staff. One reviewer praises them for creating "a positive atmosphere" for their mother with dementia and is thankful that they "keep [the family] updated" about their loved one's progress.
Wichita Presbyterian Manor is a faith-based continuing care retirement community in northwest Wichita, Kansas. The facility's memory care residences feature homelike private rooms specially designed for seniors with dementia. Specialized lighting and architectural cues help residents remain mobile, independent and at ease. The staff is extensively trained to provide individualized, holistic care that honors each persons abilities, needs and preferences. Team members and security are standing by around the clock, and the neighborhood has controlled access with a nightly patrol on the premises. Stimulating enrichment activities are offered, including book clubs, games, educational seminars and singalongs, while family-style dining and worship services nurture the body and spirit. The facility sits on 13 acres in a quiet area, close to a host of recreational, cultural and shopping attractions, and features sunrooms and a secured outdoor courtyard, as well as an indoor aquatic and wellness center.
Residents and their families appreciate the staff's prompt, courteous service. One review noted, "Not only is this a beautiful facility, more importantly, the staff is wonderful, caring, and compassionate. Response time for a patient call for staff is 2-3 minutes in most cases I was very impressed with the quality of care .