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 Winchester’s senior population continues to grow (27.20% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Winchester, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 154.45% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 12.33%, 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 (9.26% in Winchester 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 Winchester. 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 Winchester, 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:
Situated near local highways, Commonwealth Senior Living at Berryville is adjacent to a local grocery store and minutes from other retail shops in the Berryville area. In addition to providing maintenance-free living, dedicated caregivers and staff have experience assisting seniors, who have Alzheimers and other forms of dementia, with their daily routines. Residents are encouraged to express themselves through painting and other artistic mediums. The Special Touch program is designed especially for memory care residents and incorporates small details that are known to increase appetite into their dining experience, such as warm, scented hand towels. Life stations are based on the residents past experiences and preferred hobbies. The staff can provide updates to families about residents' involvement in programs and share videos and photos on a daily basis.
Reviewers like the staffs dedication to the residents and the layout of the community. A relative of a resident wrote, "The room that my wife is in is decorated with her things just the way she wanted it. The staff are very friendly and helpful. My wife enjoys all of the activities, i.e.; church, crafts.
Located in the beautiful city of Winchester in northern Virginia, Commonwealth Senior Living at Front Royal provides memory care, assisted living, and respite care services. For the memory care residents, this community offers a specially designed care program known as Sweet Memories. New residents are guided through every step of the transition to this community. The care team will learn about the habits, preferences and emotional needs of each memory care resident by interviewing family members. A personal care plan will then be developed based on the knowledge gathered in the interviews. The care team will also capture the daily life of each memory care resident in photos and share them with family members. To keep its residents occupied, this community offers a wide variety of activities, such as fitness classes, arts and crafts, music, yoga and gardening.
Family members love this community. A daughter writes, "My mother has been at Commonwealth Senior Living in the memory care unit for 14 months. The staff at Commonwealth made [the move] as seamless as possible. My mother is happy now and gets lots of love, hugs and support.
Fox Trail Assisted Living Memory Care at Front Royal is nestled in a beautiful countryside town. Located close to the Blue Ridge Mountains and Shenandoah Valley, Fox Trail offers wonderful scenery and a strong sense of community for all its residents. The memory care program includes assisted living support and 24-hour personal care. Medication management and an around-the-clock security system give residents and families greater peace of mind, while housekeeping and laundry are also taken care of by staff. There's no shortage of amenities for residents to enjoy, with flat-screen TVs, internet access, programming and activities. Fox Trail provides meals prepared by a culinary chef and served in private or family dining rooms, and a library, sunroom, garden, and game room are available for residents' use. The pet-friendly facility has a beauty and barbershop too.
Residents and visitors appreciate the community's inviting atmosphere and range of activities. "It always feels warm and inviting. Its always friendly and caring as soon as you walk in," one visitor says. A family member writes, "They have daily activities for the residents also. The staff I met there was also very nice, and my mother seems to like the food."
Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg is dedicated to helping seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementias live happy, meaningful lives. The neighborhood-style community feels like home with spacious common areas and a secure back porch where residents can enjoy beautiful mountain views. Recognizing the many benefits of music, the community offers a piano in the common living area and regularly hosts live musical performances. Daily activities promote socialization and serve residents' mental, physical and spiritual needs, including exercise classes, educational seminars, intergenerational programming and art projects. To encourage residents to maintain independence, the community offers personalized care tailored to their individual needs and preferences, and specially trained staff members are available 24/7 for peace of mind.
People love the effort put forth by the staff at Greenfield Reflections of Strasburg to make residents feel like they're part of a family. As a family member of a current resident shares, "We found that we felt at home at Reflections of Strasburg. The staff is so warm and loving, and they truly seem to love the residents."
Harmony at Martinsburg is a picturesque senior living community. The design provides residents with a supportive environment. It offers an extensive memory care program that includes the "Best Friends" approach to encourage connections with others while promoting physical, spiritual and emotional well-being. The community also provides assisted living services with spacious apartments and individualized treatment options. Harmony living includes a variety of amenities for residents, such as restaurant-style dining, housekeeping and laundry services and medication management. Residents can also enjoy activities and events including low-impact exercise classes, bingo and movie nights.
Residents and families love the care at Harmony. One said, "I couldn't find a better place for my Mom! The staff are all dementia-trained and all activities are designed to offer a more hands-on, Best Friends approach. The community is beautiful and clean. Mom is more social now and in a safe environment. The staff are wonderful and so caring."
Hilltop is a comprehensive senior living community located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley. It offers a memory care program that includes supportive services from trained professionals based on each resident's needs. Hilltop community also provides independent living, assisted living and respite care services. Hilltop provides several amenities including laundry and housekeeping services, assistance with activities of daily living and medication assistance, as well as 24/7 staff monitoring. They can participate in a variety of events such as low-impact exercise classes, art classes and organized outings.
Residents and families love the compassionate care. One said, "My wife has been going to Hilltop for almost two years in the Memory Unit. I have been pleased with her care. The staff has always been courteous and helpful. I am also delighted with the way they treat my wife. They are compassionate and loving and treat her with dignity."
Lansdowne Heights is a secure senior living community focusing on memory care. Every team member, from administrators to housekeepers, is a certified dementia practitioner, delivering patient-centered care in a family-like atmosphere. Intuitive floor plans make it easy for seniors to navigate the community, and an emergency call system enables residents to summon help whenever necessary. Seniors receive aid with daily living tasks as outlined in their personal care plans and take part in stimulating activities ranging from exercise programs and art therapy to book clubs and off-site excursions. They can spend time outdoors on the secure patio or strolling on the walking paths to admire the gardens. Professional nurses are available 24/7, coordinating with an in-house geriatrician to address medical issues. Residents can have bloodwork, X-rays, podiatry and geriatric psychiatric services on-site, and the community offers scheduled transportation to off-site medical appointments and activities.
Reviews tout the supportive, compassionate care residents receive at Lansdowne Heights. The wife of a resident says, "Absolutely everyone � the administrators, the nursing staff, the aides, the activities director, the maintenance director � have all taken a personal interest in my husband and have found ways to connect with him and keep him engaged. The countless activities are creative and varied and geared to just the right level."
Poets Walk Leesburg, a dedicated memory care community, features a range of amenities for comfortable living, including beautifully landscaped grounds and enclosed courtyards, spacious recreation areas, a reflection room and a wellness center. The communitys Signature Touches program goes beyond simply providing for residents health care needs and focuses on programs that keep the body, mind and spirit stimulated. The program uses Signature Trends technology platforms to discreetly track and act on any potentially concerning changes in residents' behaviors. Additionally, the community's seniors benefit from regular wellness checks, and its on-site medical offices provide easy access to clinical services. Modern operational systems, such as a state-of-the-art emergency call system and detailed electronic health records, add to the communitys overall efficiency in senior care.
Visitors praise the community's positive, uplifting atmosphere. "Poets Walk and the staff are awesome," writes one relative. "My wifes parents are doing so much better with the care they receive here There are all kinds of activities to keep their minds stimulated. It gives us peace of mind knowing that Grampa and Grandma are being taken care of well.
Shenandoah Senior Living provides care for seniors in Front Royal, Virginia. Offering pretty views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and a landscaped yard, residents have a taste of the great outdoors. The Cherish memory care program offers a well-rounded support program for those with dementia, Parkinson's or Alzheimer's. Along with private units, companion suites are available for those in memory care. The community also offers the Proveer signature programs, which include a Green Thumb Gardener program to reinvigorate residents. Caregivers assist with daily dressing, medication management, housekeeping, individualized service plans and home health care coordination. Keeping residents active, the program offers morning walks, reading groups, gardening, arts and crafts, parties and scenic drives around Front Royal.
Reviews mention the stunning view from the dining room, nice sunrooms and being "on the ball in terms of care." One reviewer describes the caregivers and facility as "Wonderful compassionate staff that truly cares for you in a million dollar setting."
Spring Arbor of Leesburg is a senior living community that is conveniently located close to all that Leesburg has to offer. The memory care cottages offer a safe and secure home for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia-related disorders. A team of qualified caregiving staff is always on hand to offer emotional, spiritual and physical support. Residents of the memory care unit have monitored access to all the amenities of the community, including a fitness center, well-stocked library, on-site therapy and a full-service beauty salon and barbershop. The memory care cottages have access to a fully enclosed courtyard area where residents can relax in the sunshine or socialize with friends. A range of activities is scheduled each day to provide moments of enjoyment and laughter. Activities offered include art classes, fitness classes, musical entertainment and scenic bus tours.
Family members praise the wonderful staff, with one saying, "My father moved into the memory care and the staff is careful to make sure Dad is dressed nicely and involved in all sorts of activities. I like that he goes on trips once or twice a week on the bus. This is a real family."
Located in the idyllic hills of the Shenandoah Valley, The Retreat at Berryville is just a stones throw away from downtown Winchester, Winchester Medical Center, Harpers Ferry and countless shops and restaurants. This community provides memory care, assisted living and respite care services. Memory care residents live in the community's Signature Memory Care neighborhood, which creates a familiar homelike environment. Relevant home furnishings and memorabilia are carefully incorporated into this environment to project familiar surroundings. This community also offers many other services designed to ensure the well-being of its memory care residents, such as daily wellness checks, medication management, assistance with grooming and dressing, complimentary transportation to doctor appointments, and on-site physical therapy. Residents can reach staff members 24 hours a day via an emergency call system installed in living areas.
Family members love this community. A son-in-law writes, "The staff was nice, friendly, helpful They have a gym, a workout room, and they do some occupational therapy The rooms are private with a private bath and walk-in shower, which is nice They have a beauty shop, and somebody comes once a week to do haircuts.
The Village at Orchard Ridge is a memory care community located in a serene setting in Winchester. The community offers extended support and a homelike environment for people dealing with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory loss illnesses in a secure neighborhood at Orchard Woods Health Center. The community provides a 24-hour emergency response system for the residents scheduled and unscheduled needs. Trained staff assists with medication management and activities of daily living. Regular therapy sessions organized in the community help maintain the physical and mental well-being of residents. The community features an engagement center, aquatic center, fitness center and enrichment studios for residents to socialize and connect. Seniors can savor chef-prepared delicious and nutritious meals that adhere to their specific dietary requirements. A private dining room is available for celebrations with friends and family. Housekeeping and laundry services are also available.
Families appreciate the professional staff and continuing care provided in the community. One states, The staff is fantastic, and they have many activities. We like it is because it's a continuing care place, so the levels of care are delivered into your independent living place until you need to go to a memory care place.
The Willows At Meadow Branch provides seniors with personalized care that respects their individual needs and preferences. Willow Glen, the community's designated memory care unit, offers a secure living environment where seniors with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia can thrive through specialized programming and a hands-on level of care. Memory care residents enjoy the comfort of studio apartments equipped with private baths and state-of-the-art security features. Each door is color-coded and features a memory box to help residents easily identify which room is theirs. Community amenities include an enclosed garden walking path with a gazebo and picnic areas. Residents have daily opportunities to participate in social, recreational and educational programs designed specifically for seniors with memory impairments, including exercises, games, brain training and live entertainment.
People love the efforts made by The Willows At Meadow Branch to create a welcoming, social environment for its residents. One relative shares, "The thing that impresses me the most about The Willows is the fact that they care for each resident who lives there. My grandmother is happy and cared for, so me and my mom don't have to worry about her being alone."
Located within a vibrant town center near plenty of leisure venues, Tribute at One Loudoun provides high-quality residences for seniors needing various levels of care. For those requiring specialized memory care, the communitys patented Revere program combines the benefits of comprehensive clinical care with engaging personal programming. The neighborhood is thoughtfully designed to include plenty of elements that stimulate the senses, such as the scent of flowers and the feel of different types of fabrics. Therapeutic programming features music therapy, rhythmic dancing and animal-assisted activities. Those with mild cognitive conditions benefit from the Cadence Connections program, which provides nutritional support, In-Tune fitness classes, and other stimulating activities that help slow down cognitive decline. Tribute also provides support groups and engaging programs for families to help them maintain meaningful connections with loved ones.
Reviewers say the Tribute team goes above and beyond in meeting residents and families expectations. "[W]e are very pleased with Tribute! The staff is awesome, and they were such a big help with problem solving in dealing with the roadblocks we encountered while trying to get our mother moved, says a residents daughter.