The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Durham, NC

Brookdale Durham earns a spot on our top 10 list due to its unique person-centered approach to dementia care. Every day, residents undergo six gentle, structured programs designed to preserve current cognitive and physical abilities. These programs may include brain stimulation games, reminiscing circles, musical activities and tai chi. Residents also have access to trained staff that's available 24/7. In addition to providing services such as medication management and grooming assistance, caregivers aim to build personal relationships that promote trust and comfort. An extra layer of care, called the Solace program, is available for those with late-stage dementia; this program provides sensory activities and additional time for grooming.

We featured Carolina Reserve of Durham on our list because of its innovative Pathways to Discovery memory care program. Developed with the help of leading dementia care experts, the program gives residents with memory loss the support they need to lead fulfilling lives. This includes a team of specially trained caregivers, a high caregiver-to-resident ratio and several sensory therapy activities. Residents can engage in music therapy, art therapy and gentle exercises, all of which can help residents maintain their identity and dignity. When they're not engaged in a memory care activity, residents can spend time in their comfortable private rooms, which come with specially designed bathrooms. Utilities, including Wi-Fi and electricity, are also available at no additional cost.

With a resident capacity of 50, Seasons at Southpoint is a midsize community located in the heart of Durham. It features a cozy, secure environment decorated with memorabilia and comfortable furnishing to help residents feel at home. During a typical day, seniors partake in activities designed to boost holistic wellness, including physical, cognitive, social, emotional, occupational and spiritual wellness. Residents might practice light tai chi exercises, attend group gardening classes or join active reminiscing sessions. In addition to wellness activities, the home offers a team of trained caregivers who are available 24/7. Every caregiver wakes up with the same goal: to ensure each resident has a fulfilling, purposeful day.

Located about 15 miles from Durham, LiveWell @ Birchwood Lake Estates is a close-knit memory care community with a resident capacity of just six. Despite its small size, the home has plenty to offer when it comes to dementia-related care. For example, it features an award-winning memory care program designed by licensed Alzheimer's professionals. The program, which delivers personalized care based on residents' strengths and interests, has been proven to reduce behavioral symptoms such as aggression and agitation. What really makes this home one of the best memory care communities in Durham, however, is its hands-on support. It boasts a caregiver-to-resident of 1:3, which is significantly higher than the state's minimum requirement of 1:8.

Brookdale Cary is a cozy memory care community located in a residential town just 20 miles from Durham. Upon entering, residents discover a safe, homelike environment with trained caregivers who are available 24/7. A standard day consists of a structured routine, complete with activities designed to boost cognitive and physical function. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities, from exercise and art classes to sing-alongs and live musical performances. Some residents also participate in projects such as kitchen work and gardening, which can help provide a sense of purpose. At mealtimes, all residents have access to a dementia-friendly menu filled with familiar foods that appeal to the senses. Meals are served in a small dining room, helping foster a sense of community.

Brookdale Meadowmont earned a spot on our list for being a 2022 J.D. Power award winner, tying for number one in customer satisfaction among memory care and assisted living homes. Located a short distance from Durham in Chapel Hill, it offers apartment-like homes in a secure environment. Trained associates are available 24/7 to provide the home's exclusive brand of dementia care: Clara Bridge. Developed over 30 years ago, this style of care involves a structured daily routine that helps residents maintain their current abilities. For example, a typical day might include a morning cognitive workout followed by brain stimulation games and walking sessions. In addition to providing support, caregivers take the time to learn about residents and form connections with them.

Livewell @ Midenhall Way - Wessex is a small assisted living and memory care home located in Cary, a quaint town near Durham. It stands out due to its small community — it has a resident capacity of just eight, which gives residents an opportunity to form close bonds with each other and with caregivers. In terms of memory care, the home features an award-winning program that involves individualized care based on the personal strengths and interests of residents. The program, which was created by a team of experienced professionals with expertise in Alzheimer's, is designed to reduce aggression, irritation and other behavioral symptoms that can accompany Alzheimer's disease and dementia.

TerraBella Hillsborough made our top 10 list for its SHINE® Memory Care program curriculum, which has earned a National Certificate of Recognition from the Alzheimer’s Association. By incorporating the latest scientific research in Alzheimer's disease and dementia, this unique program helps residents maximize their abilities and comprehension. Through the curriculum, residents can expect a personalized book detailing their backgrounds, dementia-friendly dining designed to invigorate the senses and a variety of sensory therapies and activities. Residents also have 24/7 access to caregivers who receive ongoing training to help ensure they're up-to-date on the latest practices in dementia care.

LiveWell @ Governors Club in Chapel Hill offers concierge-style assisted living and memory care services within a gated community. Here, residents live in a cozy, homelike environment and experience a warm, close-knit community. By maintaining a small resident capacity, the home helps ensure that the unique needs of every resident are met. Care plans, which are individualized based on needs and interests, consist of organized daily routines. The familiarity and structure are known to improve dementia and Alzheimer's symptoms and reduce some of the negative behavioral side effects, such as depression and wandering.

Brookdale Chapel Hill provides a quiet, secure environment where memory care residents can age with respect and dignity. Through its exclusive brand of dementia care, the community supports residents as they navigate the unique challenges that accompany memory loss. A typical schedule might include taking a stroll through the enclosed courtyards, playing brain games with fellow residents and experiencing nature through gardening. All activities are designed to preserve physical and cognitive skills while also improving quality of life. In addition to a dementia-friendly activity schedule, residents can enjoy a diverse, nutritious dining menu. Individualized dining assistance is available if needed.