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 Wilmington's senior population continues to grow (10% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Wilmington, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 67% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 29%, 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 (7% in Wilmington 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 Wilmington. 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 Wilmington, 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:
The Lorelton is a community that offers memory care therapies along with programs such as music classes, communal gardening, art therapy and dance courses. These programs help promote healthy social activity and cognitive function, including sequential recall and abstract thinking. Reminiscence therapy is also offered to enhance residents' memories using the senses of smell, touch and sight. Families are encouraged to take part in these activities to stay connected with their loved ones. The Lorelton grounds feature a secure outdoor courtyard and walking path, helping residents enjoy fresh air while maintaining their safety. The attentive staff is trained to de-escalate exit-seeking behaviors. Other activities include morning stretch routines and daily religious devotionals.
Loved ones like the positive outcomes they see in their relatives. One relative says, "My father has been in the memory care village at the Lorelton for a little over a month. The difference compared to when he was living in my home is night and day, he sleeps at night, and he engages with other people during the day."
Foulk Living is the only senior living community in Wilmington that offers the renowned Heartfelt Connections memory care program, which focuses on delivering person-centered care and using reminiscence tools to celebrate seniors' individual stories. The campus features numerous easy-to-navigate living spaces, a community dining room and a secure outdoor patio where residents can relax, enjoy nature and socialize with friends. Call response pendants and a WanderGuard monitoring system help ensure residents with dementia are safe at all times. A dedicated wellness team and specially trained staff are on-site around the clock to assist with daily activities, reminders and medication management. Eight hours of structured programming is provided each day, with staff members guiding seniors through activity-focused social stimulation, such as arts and crafts, musical programs, personalized exercises and group outings.
What makes Foulk Living stand out as a premier senior living community is its vibrant programming and compassionate care team. "My mother participates in so many activities: crafts, bingo, chair yoga, Zumba," the daughter of a resident shares. "All of the staff members have been very caring, empathetic and kind. Their professionalism is outstanding."
Sunrise of Wilmington is a senior living community that provides memory care in Wilmington, DE. The Reminiscence neighborhood is a segment of Sunrise specifically geared towards memory care residents in the later stages of the disorder. For seniors in the beginning stages of dementia, the Terrace Club is designed to easily navigate. Both areas include small-group and one-on-one programs to help with focus and engagement. The community hosts other engaging activities including baking clubs and musical entertainment. Specially trained caregivers help with daily living activities from eating to personal grooming. Emergency alarm systems quickly alert the staff to any resident needs or security issues. On-site chefs prepare three daily homemade meals, and snacks are available at the bistro.
Visitors appreciate the welcoming caregivers and cleanliness of the community. One says, "We've toured Sunrise Senior Living of Wilmington. It was a lovely facility, the staff members were warm and friendly, and it was very nice. The rooms were like an apartment, it's a clean and beautiful facility."
Ivy Gables Senior Living offers residents comfort and care across 5 acres, providing residents with expert, personalized heath care services that cater specifically to individuals with memory care needs. Staff engages memory care residents in cognitive remediation exercises such as story writing and word searches, and residents' families are encouraged to visit. Memory care services include cooking classes, pet therapy, manicures and hand massages. Residents can also engage with partnering organizations such as the Jewish Community Center and Veterans Benefit Seminar.
Residents speak very highly of the living center and its staff. One resident touts her experience, writing, "Ivy Gables provides such a positive living experience! A wide variety of activities are offered, which keeps us on our feet! The facility is well-maintained, and I like that!"
Arden Courts is a memory care community located in Wilmington. They specialize in providing care for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia. Arden Courts also provides a secure and homelike environment designed to promote independence and encourage socialization. Additionally, the community offers support and educational resources for family members and caregivers of those with dementia. Arden Courts specializes in Engagement Therapy, which is designed to help residents maintain cognitive function, enhance their quality of life and reduce challenging behaviors associated with dementia. The program includes a variety of activities such as art, music, sensory stimulation and physical exercise, as well as social events and outings. The staff at Arden Courts works closely with residents and their families to develop personalized care plans that incorporate Engagement Therapy and other therapies as needed.
Residents and their families appreciate how heath care is personalized to the individual needs of each resident. One family wrote that "at Arden Courts [her mother] had free rein to walk and wander about the entire place--even outside, in a completely safe and appealing atmosphere."
HarborChase offers quality memory care to seniors through its program, The Cove. All staff employed in the program are specifically trained in Alzheimer's and dementia care practices. Around-the-clock caregivers assist residents with tasks of daily living, incontinence care and medication management. Families help seniors create a "Silhouette of My Life," which details their likes, hobbies and life events. Caregivers utilize this to ensure residents enjoy each day to its fullest, even when the resident has difficulty remembering their preferences. The memory care neighborhood within HarborChase is designed with memory care residents in mind: it is fully secured, gated, serene and easy to navigate. Knowing the improved outcomes for socially-engaged memory care seniors, The Cove boasts an award-winning Life Enrichment Program, which offers a full calendar of stimulating activities. Housekeeping, laundry and meals are included in the monthly cost.
Families praise the many community amenities. One reviewer says, "There's more individual attention and that's why we moved my father in there. It's clean, bright, and engaging. The memory care has a lot of activities throughout the day and interaction... I've also looked at other places that were the on same price, but they were less appealing and had less offerings."
Rockland Place, a memory care community in Wilmington, DE, values comfort and safety. Two distinct levels of memory care allow residents to receive appropriate care. The staff provides 24/7 support with activities of daily living, and an emergency response system allows the team to respond quickly when needed. The community offers on-site physical, speech and occupational therapy, and residents can visit the fitness center for strength building exercises such as chair yoga and tai chi. Rockland Place hosts engaging activities such as painting classes and a regular manicure happy hour, and residents can enjoy relaxing in the garden courtyard or the warm whirlpool tubs. Chefs serve three nutritious meals each day. The community offers transportation services, and housekeeping and laundry is provided.
Family members appreciate the kind caregivers and the amount of activities available. One relative says, "Rockland Place is rated number one in Delaware. I like everything about it. The staff and food are great. It's a beautiful facility. My mom is very happy. They do activities and have entertainment all day long and go on field trips."
The Residence at Chadds Ford provides memory care in Wilmington, DE. The community's environmental design helps maintain safety while encouraging residents to remain independent. The Reflections memory care program delivers individualized care, with caregivers performing hourly wellness checks and assisting with daily living activities. Staff members, who also manage medications and coordinate care from doctors and specialists, are certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education. The community uses the Five Principles for Vitality, encompassing education, art, fitness, community and health, to help residents prosper. Its art therapy program allows guests to express themselves and connect with others over painting and music. Residents receive three daily chef-prepared meals and can request in-room dining. Transportation is provided to appointments and local errands. The staff handles weekly housekeeping and laundry.
Family members are pleased with the care their loved one is receiving. One relative says, "The people were awesome. They impressed us. They're very friendly and empathetic, they're just very upbeat, great. They genuinely care about their residents. The meals are excellent."
Somerford House & Place Newark is an assisted living and memory care community offering seniors a secure, comfortable lifestyle in a bucolic setting. Residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia receive focused care and attention around the clock in a specially designed memory care neighborhood where they're able to safely stroll areas that resemble a small town plaza. Specially trained caregivers utilize the award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery program to help seniors retain their current abilities and enjoy a renewed sense of purpose. A program of exercises assists seniors in maintaining physical health, and residents live close to all activities and care services they may need. Flavorful, nutritious meals are served restaurant-style and are customized to fit individual preferences and dietary restrictions. Seniors can take part in daily activities such as bird watching, pet therapy, chair yoga and scheduled outings to restaurants, walking trails and museums. On-site amenities include a courtyard and front porch for outdoor relaxation, a library and a beauty salon.
Visitors to this community are impressed with the friendly staff and various programs and activities available. One reviewer states, "They have music therapists that come in and play instruments with and for the residents, which is important to my dad because he was a musician."
Atria Center City in Philadelphia, PA, offers memory care with a licensed nurse is available 24/7. Several special activities, including yoga and music, are specific to memory care residents. Emergency alert safety wearables are supplied, and emergency alert systems and secured entry and exits in the memory care neighborhood are in place for safety. Occupational and physical therapies are available, and there's a physician's office in the community. Assistance for tasks such is toileting and dressing is provided. Housekeeping, transportation, linen service, laundry service and worship services are available. The pet-friendly community has a library, salon and movie theater.
Family members appreciate the care Atria Center City provides their loved ones. One relative states, "Mom has been here for almost a year, and the staff here has been great. It is a relief to know that she is well cared for and that I do not need to check on her constantly to ensure she is being well cared for."
Fountain View at Logan Square is Center City Philadephia's only high-rise continuing care community with an integrated memory care unit. Residents enjoy sweeping urban views from the oversized windows of their secure upscale accommodations. Apartments feature individually selected color schemes, luxury finishes, expansive and easily navigable living spaces and abundant natural light. The community's hotel-style amenities include a club room with library and cocktail bar, several dining venues, a computer room and games room and landscaped gardens. Trained staff attend residents 24/7, delivering compassionate customized memory care plans that incorporate personal task assistance, wellness programming and medication management. Engaging activities include samba fitness classes, arts and crafts, gardening, themed dinners and socials and musical recitals to connect and stay cognitively and physically active.
Residents report favorably on the high level of care and dynamic lifestyle. One resident says, "The help is the top of the top. There is entertainment almost every night, and something is always going on. What makes this a wonderful place to be is that we have a fabulous administrator. The people here are warm and wonderful and gracious."
Nestled among tall trees and pristine gardens is The Terrace at Chestnut Hill memory care community in Wilmington, DE. The stone mansion features a careful layout that supports memory care residents with additional safety features, carefully chosen design aesthetics and wide walkways. The gardens provide a secure retreat with plenty of seating, and a community garden provides a great cognitive stimulant. Residents are served fresh, chef-prepared meals three times a day. Recreational activities include art classes, music sessions and the Discover Your Spark program to promote wellness. The community is pet-friendly.
Loved ones appreciate the extra effort from the staff of The Terrace. One writes, "This facility has been absolutely wonderful to my parents. They helped us get my parents transferred from their old facility. They got all their paperwork in order. There is always a nurse to talk to, and their meals are nutritious."
Meadowcrest at Middletown is home to the New Directions program in the Compass Memory Care neighborhood, which offers research-based, personalized care to residents with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. Music, fitness classes and religious services promote the well-being of residents while maintaining their physical, social, emotional and cognitive abilities. A dedicated team of compassionate staff is available 24/7 to cater to the interests and needs of the residents. They can enjoy solitude or socialize with friends in the beautiful, secure gardens and walking areas. Chef-prepared, family-style meals are served daily. On-site rehabilitation services, wellness checks and nutritional guidance are also available.
People love Meadowcrest at Middletown for the lovely and well-kept community, with one family member saying, "I toured Meadowcrest at Middletown, and I absolutely loved it.Everything in the entire facility was well-kept. I saw the people that were there. They were all happy, smiling, and talking to you. The staff was very pleasant."
Truewood by Merrill, Glen Riddle is a memory care, assisted living and independent living community in southeast Pennsylvania. Its memory care residents are served by Truewood by Merrill's Inspire Connection program, which focuses on identifying individual ways that seniors with cognitive issues can continue to live with intention and purpose. Various social activities, including movie nights, live music concerts and bingo games, help residents make meaningful connections and memories. As an animal-friendly community, Truewood by Merrill, Glen Riddle also offers pet therapy. The caretaking staff is available around the clock to assist residents with ambulation and other basic tasks of everyday living, including managing medication needs and taking meals.
Online reviewers point to the professionalism of the staff and the medical support provided to the residents. "Excellent care and services for 8 years here for my grandmother," writes one relative. "[T]he staff does a fantastic job of providing attentive care..."
Just outside of Philadelphia, Sunrise at Granite Run offers two levels of personalized memory care to seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's. The Terrace Club neighborhood provides care to those in the early to moderate stages of memory loss. Residents in this neighborhood can thrive as they receive assistance with personal hygiene, mobility and memory related tasks. Memory-impaired seniors benefit from specialized programming designed to enhance cognitive function, promote social engagement and keep residents physically active. The Reminiscence neighborhood is better suited to those in later stages of memory loss. Here, staff is intimately acquainted with each individual's personal preferences and seeks to make their daily life as predictable and comfortable as possible. Evidence-based programming, offered in small group settings, helps residents engage with their hobbies and peers. Both levels of care include housekeeping, laundry services, prepared meals and trash removal.
Families report their loved ones are happy and well cared for at Sunrise. The child of a resident states "Sunrise of Granite Run is outstanding. My father is very satisfied so far... I've noticed that the workers there seem to care about the residents. They're very kind. The facility seems well maintained from what I can see."
Sunrise of Newton Square provides personalized memory care in a convenient location, giving seniors easy access to nearby Riddle and Lankenau hospitals. Staff takes a compassionate approach, supporting residents with Alzheimer's and related dementias using evidence-based techniques, such as Validation Therapy. Highly trained caregivers are available 24/7 to assist residents with tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming, walking and medication management. Life enrichment managers help fill seniors' days with interaction, meaning and cognitive stimulation, connecting residents with the programming and activities that suit their interests. Within the Reminiscence neighborhood, seniors stay active through a daily schedule of small group and one-on-one activities. From exercise classes to art programs, games, trivia and off-site excursions, the calendar keeps residents busy. This specialized memory care environment features secure entrances and exits, emergency call response systems and a compact, easy-to-navigate layout.
Loved ones value the attentive team members. One grateful relative says, "Our family considers ourselves blessed with how well things have turned out. We went from having constant worry to peace of mind. Our mother is being cared for by professionals who understand her needs and have experience servicing them and the resources to do it properly."
Merrill Gardens at Glen Mills provides memory care support from a 24-hour staff that stands ready to assist with the basic tasks of daily living, such as getting ready for mealtimes, preparing for bedtime and taking any necessary medication. Merrill Gardens' unique Inspire Connection program encourages memory care residents to live with purpose every day, and its Montessori-based approach to cognitive care offers residents constant opportunities to participate in engaging group activities. Small pets are allowed in this animal-friendly community.
Merrill Gardens at Glen Mills draws generally positive reviews from both residents and their loved ones. "From the first contact to being one of the first to move in, our experience with the wonderful staff here at ... Glen Mills has been beyond great," writes a resident. "The facility, the amenities, the food, the activities have exceeded our expectations."
For seniors living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, Sunrise of Westtown offers a secure, stimulating environment with around-the-clock care. Caregivers are highly trained in the latest Alzheimer's Association-approved therapies and care techniques, using their knowledge to create personalized plans tailored around residents' needs. On-site 24/7, they support seniors with the activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, mobility and medication management. Physical and occupational therapy are also offered. The Reminiscence neighborhood is designed with seniors' security in mind, including extra touches such as emergency response systems, secured exits and entryways and a small, centralized layout that's easy for seniors to navigate. Contrasting colors and motion sensors aid in wayfinding, and personalized shadow boxes are displayed outside every suite. Engaging daily activities include music therapy, gardening, art projects, fitness classes and small-group programs to improve cognition.
Loved ones appreciate the way that staff personalizes care. "She almost never missed bingo, enjoyed every musical performance and dined with other residents," says one reviewer. "Staff made sure she had the opportunity to enjoy all of the activities, the foods that made her happy and her most cherished bath time. She truly felt cared for."
Wellington at Hershey's Mill provides award-winning, individualized memory care to seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's. The fully secured building and courtyard encourage residents to retain independence while ensuring their safety as they explore and exercise freely. Caregivers assist residents with hygiene tasks and medication management around the clock, and the community boasts an on-site physician's office for residents' basic medical needs. Recognizing that social connection and physical activity are protective factors for dementia, an Activities Director plans engaging programming for all interests and ability levels. A professional chef prepares three nutritious meals a day, which are served in the main dining hall, private dining room or bistro. Residents can enjoy maintenance-free living, as housekeeping and laundry services are included. Other amenities include an aquatic center, beauty shop, game room and library. Furry friends are welcome at Wellington at Hershey's Mill.
Families praise the hard-working staff and welcoming atmosphere of Wellington. One reviewer says, "The facility is beautiful, welcoming and clean. The staff is friendly, hard-working and kind. The director is a wonderful, welcoming individual who sets the tone for compassion, kindness and respect. Wellington is truly a home away from home."
The Watermark at Bellingham is located on over 15 acres of picturesque land filled with spacious outdoor areas and walking paths. The Thrive memory care program is designed to meet the needs of seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's. A team of trained caregivers is available at all times to support residents and guide them through their daily activities. Registered nurses and medical professionals are always on-site in the skilled nursing section. The community is pet-friendly and seniors are encouraged to bring their pets when they move in. A full schedule of activities is offered, including cognitive games, fitness classes, music therapy and art therapy.
Family members comment on the beautiful location and range of activities offered. One relative says, "The Watermark is in a beautiful location surrounded by green space, and based on our experience so far we would absolutely recommend them to other families. Our loved one is very happy with the meals and dining service, and they offer so many activities..."