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 Wilmington’s senior population continues to grow (27.6% growth between 2013 and 2018), 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 increased by 15.09% between 2013 and 2018, 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 (4.11% 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 nearly a dozen 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:
Dramatic palm trees and vibrant green lawns set the tone for residents and guests arriving at Arbor Landing at Hampstead. This facility offers residents state-of-the-art amenities, including a fitness center and soothing, nautically inspired common areas. Community members can relax and socialize in the luxurious main dining room, which features extra-high ceilings and a fireplace with a floor-to-ceiling stone hearth. Memory care residents at Arbor Landing live within a specialized neighborhood called Horizons. This area offers a higher staff-to-resident ratio and exclusive use of a secured courtyard and walking paths. The Horizons neighborhood also has a dedicated social director who helps residents stay engaged with activities specifically designed for those with dementia. Private studios and companion suites are available and feature modern wood floors, oversized windows and homey furniture in cheerful colors.
Residents at this facility enjoy high-end dining with familiar favorites offered daily. A reviewer writes, "My friend has lived at this facility for several months and has spoken highly of everything. Recently I had the opportunity to have a couple of meals here and I thought they were very good. One meal was pork tenderloin and stuffing with gravy "
Arbor Landing at Ocean Isle's Horizons memory care program offers seniors a secure environment with 24-hour support from a team of caregivers specially trained in dementia care. The full-time social director carefully plans activities designed to engage the senses and promote socialization. Seasonal entrees approved by a registered dietitian are served in the community dining room, and residents have the opportunity to influence the nutritious menus with their feedback and suggestions during the monthly food council meeting. Caregivers create personalized care plans and perform wellness checks every two hours. Weekly housekeeping helps residents keep their rooms clean and free of tripping hazards, while scheduled transportation ensures no one misses their medical or dental appointments.
In addition to the community's robust activities calendar, residents and their family members are particularly impressed with the facility's friendly and professional staff. One resident's child said, "The people working there are very friendly, very helpful, and very nice."
Courtyards at Berne Village is located in a quiet residential area off U.S. Route 17 in New Bern, North Carolina, conveniently close to CarolinaEast clinics and surrounding shopping centers, and easily accessible via Interstate 70. The community prides itself for receiving a deficiency-free state survey with its professional staff, quality care services and safe, comfortable environment. In addition to its welcoming amenities and standard range of services, Courtyards at Berne Village offers tailored therapy programs in partnership with carefully selected providers. The facilitys memory care neighborhood is purposefully designed with landmarks and special cues that support the residents independence and enable them to make choices. Its Village program takes a personalized approach to providing enriching activities, and establishing relationships with memory care residents. Some of these activities include music, arts and crafts, brain games, stretching exercises, sensory boxes and afternoon socials.
People are impressed with their overall experiences at Courtyards at Berne Village. One resident describes living in the facility as "like being on a cruise only on land, and family members rave about the perfectly cooked food, outstanding staff members and well-maintained premises. Special mention is given to the community activities that are plentiful and enjoyable.
Plantation Village is surrounded by two golf courses in the coastal community of Porters Neck, North Carolina, located about 12 miles from downtown Wilmington. The 56-acre campus of this Life Care Services continuing care community offers an idyllic setting with its nature pathways, landscaped gardens and tranquil fishing pond. Its state-of-the-art amenities include a fitness center, indoor saltwater pool, community auditorium, woodworking shop and artisan room. Independent living residents have priority access to assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and memory care services at The Davis Community of Plantation Village. The Champions Assisted Living of The Davis Community accommodates permanent assisted living and memory care residents. Its special care Alzheimers unit has a secure courtyard and comfortable living and dining areas, and it offers stimulating activities such as tai chi, Music & Memory, trivia and pet therapy.
Reviewers say that their loved ones are happy to call Plantation Village home. A long-time residents son shares, "My mother-in-law spent 9 happy years here. The team cares deeply about their residents and were incredibly supportive of our family at every step of the process. Zane and the team deserve every accolade that comes their way.
Trinity Grove is a senior living and memory care community in Wilmington, just a few miles from the North Carolina coast. Short- and long-term residents can choose from a variety of private and semiprivate rooms within this neighborhood-style facility. Skilled nursing care and physician coverage are available 24 hours a day, and a licensed dietitian and social worker are on hand to assist seniors as needed. The community offers specialized care to those affected by Alzheimers disease or memory impairment. Residents choose how to spend their time and can take part in a range of educational, recreational and spiritual activities available each day. There are a number of communal areas, including a courtyard and garden with childrens playground, where seniors can spend time with visiting family. Trinity Grove is a non-profit, faith-based community that provides a chapel, pastoral care and worship services.
People praise Trinity Grove for its dedicated and experienced staff. The relative of one resident writes, "The level of care they provide, along with the compassion, patience, friendliness, and respect they show to the residents is commendable." Online reviews also describe how clean the community is and the good quality of food served to residents.