10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Pittsburgh, PA

Sunrise of McCandless made this list because it was awarded Best Memory Care 2023–2024 by a prominent U.S. media company. Sunrise has also received accolades for its assisted living and independent living communities. Its memory care unit is split into two levels. The Terrace Club is suitable for those in the early stages of cognitive decline, while Reminiscence offers more intensive care and support for seniors in the later stages of the disease. Each level offers around-the-clock care, tailored support, staff trained in validation techniques and ability-appropriate therapies. The Sunrise Live with Purpose program helps residents engage by providing them with activities and hobbies that appeal to their specific interests.

Located south of downtown Pittsburgh and just a few miles from St. Clair Hospital, Sunrise of Upper St. Clair provides care and support tailored to meet each individual’s needs. Aides and nurses are on-site 24/7, and the community runs research-backed programs to promote cognitive well-being. It made our 10 best list because of its wide range of signature programs. Live with Generosity creates a sense of purpose and offers familiar activities to help maintain life skills and independence, and residents complete a daily journal to prompt memory recall. The Live with Action program promotes physical fitness, strength and endurance. Nutritious meals are served daily.

Situated minutes from downtown Pittsburgh, Juniper Village at Forest Hills has 72 apartments. All staff in the memory care section are specially trained, and resident wellness is further supported by on-site rehabilitation therapies. Seniors also benefit from on-site nurse practitioners and laboratory and pharmaceutical services. The Catalyst program focuses on enrichment with an array of daily activities, such as church services, games and live entertainment. Enrichment programming for memory care residents also includes research-based creative arts experiences, such as music, painting and dancing, to encourage alternative means of expression. Through the H'art and Soul of Dining program, seniors can enjoy personalized meals catered for specific dietary needs, and all-day dining promotes independence for those with mild cognitive issues.

Northland Heights is a 123-capacity memory care and assisted living community in North Hills. The intimate memory care unit occupies its own floor and is secured to keep residents safe and prevent them from wandering. All members of the care team are trained to provide individualized support, and a nurse is available 24/7 for more critical needs. The community provides transportation to off-site medical appointments and offers a wide range of concierge services, such as on-site lab services and regular visits from dentists, podiatrists and psychiatrists. Residents have supervised access to all assisted living amenities, including a coffee bar, multipurpose activity room and computer room.

The award-winning Atria McCandless is spread across 8 acres of landscaped grounds and offers a full continuum of long-term care for seniors aged 65 and older. The separate custom-designed Life Guidance memory care unit provides structure, routine and comfort for those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Trained caregivers adhere to personalized care plans to meet the needs of each resident, and on-site physical, speech and occupational therapies are available to help preserve and obtain an excellent quality of life. Meals are served family-style to encourage socialization, and residents can join a wide range of activities and outings.

Juniper Village at South Hills made this list of top memory care communities for its innovative living solutions. Juniper Village’s Wellspring Memory Care communities use the small house model to provide a true sense of home. Residents live in private rooms within small-group easy-to-navigate homes. Homes are in a secure courtyard that's centered around a town hall where seniors can access shared amenities. Trained staff, specialized programming and the environmental layout help residents remain independent while ensuring help is nearby. Programs focus on art and music to prompt imagination and recall. The Connections program nourishes active bodies and brains through activities including dance, games and crafts. The community provides on-site medical and therapeutic services and 24/7 care.

Arden Courts - ProMedica Memory Care Community (North Hills) specializes in senior memory care. The campus was built with safety, security and comfort in mind. It features four self-contained homes with secure outdoor spaces and indoor communal areas. Houses have private and semiprivate rooms, each with a half bathroom. They also include a living room, dining room, kitchen and full bathroom. All houses share a wellness center, garden with walking pathways and a salon. Descriptive photos, color coding and symbols help residents navigate the community with ease, and various entrances and exits enhance a feeling of freedom while still being in a secure environment. The Namaste Care program uses soothing scents, soft music and pastoral scenes to stimulate the senses and promote calm.

Anthology of McCandless is a medium-sized senior care community with fewer than 100 residents. The Virtue Memory Care Neighborhood is designed to nourish physical, cognitive and emotional health and features nostalgic imagery to prompt memories. Each private room has a shadow box outside to evoke a sense of familiarity and help residents locate their own rooms. Daily activities nurture holistic well-being, with person-centered engagement provided through the iN2L system and Fit Minds program. The catering team prepares gourmet meals in accordance with dietitian oversight.

Located in a quiet residential area, Whitetail Springs Memory Care Community provides personalized care to people with all stages of Alzheimer’s and dementia. It’s close to AHN Brentwood Neighborhood Hospital. All staff has dementia training, and services include personal care assistance, medication management and health monitoring. We chose this facility for our 10 best-of list because of its Montessori-based HOPE BLOOMS life-enrichment program, which offers a robust schedule of activities that promote all-round well-being and happiness. Seniors can explore the world with virtual reality therapy, while the sensory spa provides other relaxing therapies that can ease agitation, depression and other negative emotions.

The Haven at North Hills earned its spot on this list because of its award-winning services and amenities. As a member of the Sunshine Retirement Living group, this community incorporates the HOPE BLOOMS enrichment program to cultivate joy and overall well-being. The program aims to stimulate residents, promote the preservation of essential life skills and foster a sense of happiness. Daily activities include exercises, games, puzzles and storytelling. Amenities include a sensory spa, a fireside lounge with calming décor, an activity room with a billiards table and a secure courtyard with outdoor seating. Nutritious meals are served in the restaurant-style dining room, with menus based on the MIND Diet.