The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Columbus, OH

The Woodlands of Columbus earned a place on our top 10 list for its signature Magnolia Trails program, which features specialized memory care framed by five pillars in a homelike environment. Its dedication to care first is apparent through a physical layout and design meant to cater to memory care residents. Through touch, taste, smell, sound and decor, a calming yet inviting environment is created to encourage engagement in a comfortable setting. Residents are encouraged to participate in responsive programming that allows them to select their activities. Specially trained staff provide assistance throughout the day and activities to keep residents stimulated and engaged. The community partners with local health care professionals to provide high-quality dementia care.

Westerwood is nestled amidst a nature preserve, offering beautiful surroundings just minutes from the city. The memory care community offers a homelike model with fourteen private and semiprivate suites in an open environment, encouraging socialization between residents. It features large windows to let in natural light, which can regulate circadian rhythms and improve moods and sleep quality. Residents can also venture into an enclosed courtyard for fresh outdoor air. Throughout the day, resident-centered activities encourage sensory engagement and a sense of individuality. These can include pet therapy, art therapy, music and dance, crafting and gardening. 24/7 nursing services are available, as well as physician services on-site and transportation to and from medical appointments.

Kensington Place Retirement Community provides individualized care plans with specially trained on-site nurses and care assistants around the clock. Each month, residents receive behavioral health visits and can receive transportation to and from local doctor appointments. The memory care neighborhood features a communal gathering area, where nutritious meals are provided three times per day, as well as an outdoor courtyard. The entire neighborhood is designed to be safe and secure, providing a setting for daily programming and activities designed to cater to memory loss. One such program is Senior Fit, which pairs residents with a personal trainer up to five times per week. All staff members are required to complete hands-on training for working with people with dementia to ensure high-quality care.

Brookdale Westerville's award-winning care earned it a place on our top 10 list. The memory care community takes a two-pronged approach, with different care levels depending on senior needs. Clare Bridge is suitable for residents with moderate needs, while Solace adds an additional layer of care to meet the needs of residents in the advanced stages of memory loss. It doesn't replace the Clare Bridge programming, but rather enhances services to include additional assistance and activities to engage the senses. The neighborhood is designed to be dementia-friendly, featuring wayfinding cues and personalized shadow boxes outside of each apartment. Residents can participate in the B-Fit program, which encourages physical activity such as walking and dancing throughout the day to maintain optimal health.

Featuring holistic memory care in a secure neighborhood, Danbury Senior Living provides assistance and attention to residents with Alzheimer's or other memory disorders. Residents are encouraged to enjoy numerous programs designed to engage and enhance motor skills and cognition. Care is provided by licensed nurses and caregivers, both of whom are on-site around the clock and easily accessible with 24-hour response systems and wireless pendants. Regular wellness checks and scheduled transportation for medical appointments keep residents in good health. Residents are encouraged to enjoy worry-free living, with three chef-prepared meals daily and weekly housekeeping and laundry services. The neighborhood is secure with locked exits and entry points to avoid wandering, and residents may use wander guards as needed.

Bickford of Upper Arlington's memory care program recognizes and honors residents' historical information by utilizing it during daily interactions. Caregivers receive regular advanced dementia care training, helping them seamlessly integrate personal information into individualized care for each resident. Part of this individualized care is offering Lifesong baskets and stations with items that match residents' interests and hobbies to encourage them to stay active. Residents receive one-on-one care and support to encourage them to engage in activities, and small-group specialized activities are also available. The community is pet-friendly and offers assistance with care for animals such as feeding, cleaning litter boxes and allowing pets time outside. Residents can also participate in regular pet therapy featuring traditional and non-traditional pets to alleviate anxiety.

Cherry Blossom Senior Living earned its spot on our top 10 list because it utilizes behavior-based ergonomics therapy (BBET) in its memory care program. This award-winning, non-pharmacological and personalized approach can promote engagement and reduce the need for medication. Residents can live independently within the memory care neighborhood, which is equipped with a state-of-the-art security system to prevent wandering. For added peace of mind, residents have access to emergency response system pull cords and pendants to call for help any time. Snacks are available between three daily meals served restaurant-style from a full menu. On-site activities range from music and arts and crafts to cooking opportunities, allowing residents to pursue what they love.

The Forum at Knightsbridge's award-winning Bridge to Rediscovery dementia care program earned it a place on our top 10 list. This program ensures each resident receives individualized attention to help them make empowered choices and feel safe. Residents can participate in strength and mobility exercise classes or Ageility speech, physical and occupational therapy. Other popular activities include pet therapy, arts and crafts and scheduled outings. The community employs an around-the-clock, specially trained team and licensed nurses to ensure high-quality care. Residents can receive in-house doctor visits to minimize the need to travel for medical care. The dining program features platters and butler-style services that empower residents to make choices while assistance is provided to maintain and build skills such as feeding themselves.

The memory care community at StoryPoint Grove City creates a secure environment with around-the-clock oversight and support in a thoughtfully designed building. With high ceilings and large windows to bring in natural light, the design helps regulate circadian rhythms and ease the effects of memory loss. Specially trained caregivers understand the challenges of a dementia diagnosis and can help residents navigate through them by providing assistance with daily activities and encouraging participation in specialized programming. Common memory care activities include movies, pet therapy, gardening and inspirational readings. The community offers personalized dining services that implement resident feedback, served restaurant-style and prepared by a chef with locally sourced ingredients.

Sunrise of Gahanna offers two levels of memory care: Terrace Club and Reminiscence. While Terrace Club supports those in mild and moderate stages of memory loss, Reminiscence is carefully curated to serve those in later stages of dementia. Life enrichment managers assist residents with familiar routines and daily living activities through personalized life skills programming based on past interests. These life enrichment managers are highly trained in the Validation method, which encourages them to meet residents in their own realities to reduce anxiety and promote wellness. All caregivers receive evidence-based Orientation Training, which is recognized by the Alzheimer's Association as incorporating its Dementia Care Practice Recommendations, and many are also certified in the Alzheimer's Association's essentiALZ training program.