How to Find the Best Alzheimer's Facilities Near You
When someone you love is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, it can feel like the ground shifts beneath your feet—bringing unfamiliar decisions, emotional challenges, and the urgent need to find compassionate, expert care that truly understands what they’re going through. As memory loss progresses and daily tasks become increasingly challenging, many families find themselves searching for dedicated memory care communities that can offer both the support and dignity their loved one deserves. But knowing where to begin, what questions to ask, and what makes one community stand out from another can feel overwhelming.
At Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living in Brookfield, Wisconsin, we understand this deeply personal decision and the countless factors that weigh on your heart and mind. Whether you're looking for a secure environment, specialized dementia care, or a place where your loved one will be treated like family, our hope is that this guide will offer clarity and confidence as you search for the best memory care facilities near you.
Understanding Alzheimer's Disease and Memory Care Needs
Alzheimer’s disease is more than memory loss; it impacts thinking, behavior, and the ability to manage daily living activities. As cognitive decline progresses, safety concerns, medical care, and emotional support become top priorities. That’s why memory care communities are uniquely designed to meet the complex and evolving needs of Alzheimer’s patients.
The right community provides a safe environment that helps reduce confusion and promote independence through structured routines, individualized care, and a compassionate, person-centered approach. This includes assistance with daily living, medication management, social interaction, and specialized services like music therapy, occupational therapy, and programs that support cognitive function. These services are tailored to support individuals living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, recognizing the unique symptoms and needs each condition presents.
How to Find an Alzheimer’s Facility Near You
One of the first questions families often ask is, “How do I find the best Alzheimer’s facilities near me?” Start by narrowing your search to senior living communities with a strong focus on memory care services. These communities are not simply nursing homes or assisted living facilities—they provide targeted care in settings specifically created for individuals facing cognitive impairment.
It’s helpful to create a list of your most important needs and preferences. Think about location, available health care services, access to medical appointments, proximity to visiting family members, and the overall atmosphere of the community.
Online reviews, referrals from healthcare providers, and in-person tours are invaluable tools. Pay attention not only to the features of the community but also to how staff interact with residents—warmth, patience, and respect should be evident in every exchange.
What to Look for in a Memory Care Community
As you begin visiting potential communities, knowing what to look for will help you make a confident choice. A high-quality memory care setting should feel like home. Look for a welcoming environment with inviting indoor spaces, personalized touches, and thoughtfully designed areas to encourage mental stimulation and active living.
Staff members should be specially trained in dementia support, with a deep understanding of the behavioral and emotional needs of residents experiencing cognitive decline. Ask about the ratio of staff to residents, the approach to care, and what kind of daily living support is offered. Quality memory care units often offer calm, predictable environments with visual cues and secure layouts that help reduce anxiety and enhance comfort.
At Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living, our team delivers person-centered care based on each resident’s lifelong routines and preferences. We offer private apartments, nutritious meals inspired by the brain-healthy MIND diet, and engaging weekly activities like armchair yoga, fitness classes, and crafts for a cause. Every program is designed to enrich well-being and support independence wherever possible.
Understanding the Cost of Memory Care
The average monthly cost of memory care varies depending on location, level of care, and included amenities. Many families have questions about the cost of memory care and what is covered. Typically, costs may include housing, meals, personal care assistance, supervision, medical oversight, and life enrichment activities.
Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living offers a comprehensive range of services designed to support residents and their families with peace of mind. We’re happy to walk you through our pricing structure and what’s included in our care. We can also assist residents and families in exploring private pay options and potential eligibility for veterans benefits or VA benefits, which may help offset some of the expenses.
When researching communities, be sure to ask for a detailed breakdown of what's included in the monthly rate and what services may incur additional fees.
How Family Involvement Shapes a Loved One’s Experience
Choosing a memory care community is not about stepping away—it’s about becoming a partner in your loved one’s journey. Family involvement plays a crucial role in maintaining emotional well-being and creating a sense of continuity and connection.
At Lakewood, we understand how valuable those moments together are. Our private dining room and special family gathering spaces are designed to support meaningful time with loved ones. Whether you're joining a weekend gardening session or celebrating a birthday in one of our welcoming common areas, you're always a part of our community.
Regular communication with staff, care planning meetings, and open-door policies for visiting family members ensure families stay informed and engaged every step of the way.
Supporting Emotional and Cognitive Wellness Through Specialized Services
A comprehensive memory care program should go beyond physical assistance to support the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. Look for care services that address emotional, social, and intellectual needs.
Lakewood’s holistic approach includes sensory stimulation therapy in our calming Sensory Spa, volunteer programs to promote purpose, and even virtual reality therapy that helps residents explore their bucket list adventures. These therapies are designed not just for enjoyment, but to reduce agitation, anxiety, and challenging behaviors that may arise as a result of progressive memory loss.
Safety Measures and a Secure Environment
For families, constant worry about safety can become an overwhelming part of caregiving. That’s why security measures and a secure environment are non-negotiable when choosing a memory care setting.
From physical design elements that reduce fall risk to advanced air filtration systems that protect resident health, Lakewood is committed to providing a safe, nurturing place to call home. Our community includes walking paths, garden plots, and indoor spaces that encourage freedom while maintaining safety.
Choosing a Community Over a Care Facility
The term care facility can sometimes feel clinical, but at Lakewood, our focus is on fostering a vibrant, caring community where every resident feels known, valued, and respected. The environment should never feel like an institution—it should feel like a home filled with warmth, compassion, and purpose.
From exercise classes to music therapy, from quiet spiritual support to lively social events, our community is designed to celebrate life, not simply manage care. The transition from home to residential care can be emotional, but when the community feels warm, personalized, and full of life, it can be a welcome relief for both the resident and their loved ones.
Finding the Right Place for Your Loved One
The decision to move a loved one into memory care is never easy—but with the right information and guidance, it can also be a step toward renewed comfort, safety, and joy. The journey of Alzheimer’s may be difficult, but your loved one deserves to live in a place where dignity, compassion, and quality care are the foundation of everything.
At Lakewood Memory Care and Assisted Living in Brookfield, Wisconsin, we invite you to experience the difference of a truly person-centered community. Whether you’re just beginning your search for an Alzheimer’s facility near you, or ready to find a new home that offers exceptional dementia care, we’re here to walk this path with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are pets allowed in memory care communities?
Policies vary, but many communities allow pet therapy visits or supervised animal interactions, which can be comforting and joyful for residents. However, pets are usually not permitted to live with residents full-time in memory care units.
How is memory care different from assisted living?
While both provide help with daily living tasks, memory care communities offer specialized environments and programming tailored to individuals with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. These communities typically include enhanced safety measures, structured routines, and staff members trained specifically in dementia care, which are not always available in traditional assisted living communities.
Can memory care help slow cognitive decline?
While memory care cannot stop the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, it can support residents in maintaining function for as long as possible. Through mental stimulation, physical activity, structured schedules, and therapies like music therapy and occupational therapy, residents often experience improvements in mood, engagement, and overall quality of life—elements that can help support cognitive function and promote meaningful daily experiences.
Can residents personalize their living space in memory care?
Yes, most memory care communities encourage residents to bring familiar items like photographs, artwork, or treasured mementos to create a comforting, personalized living space. This can help ease the transition into residential care and support emotional well-being by reinforcing identity and memory through familiar surroundings.
Can memory care residents still participate in community activities?
Absolutely. A well-rounded program should encourage social interaction, creativity, mental stimulation, and movement—tailored to each resident’s abilities. At Lakewood, we focus on meaningful engagement and active living for all.