The Best Memory Care Facilities in Waterloo, IA
Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Waterloo’s senior population continues to grow (13% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Waterloo, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 6% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 39%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4.19% in Waterloo 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 Portland. 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.
The Best Memory Care Facilities in Waterloo, IA
Table of Contents
How Memory Care Facilities Can Help
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.
Our Selection Process
To choose the best memory care facilities in Waterloo, 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:
- Spent over 20 hours researching memory care facilities in Waterloo
- Read more than 70 reviews written by residents and their loved ones
- Interviewed 5 representatives from local communities
Reviews of the 9 Best Memory Care Facilities in Waterloo
Birdee Cottage Assisted Living & Memory Care
- Resident Capacity:10
- Room Types:Studios
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice
- Base Pricing:$6,240 for Memory Care; $4,560 for Assisted Living
Birdee Cottage Assisted Living & Memory Care is a small senior community housed inside a retrofitted building that houses a maximum of 10 residents at a time. Two to three staff members are available during daytime hours to provide personalized care and assistance with the daily activities of living. Staff members receive continuing education in dementia and provide activities that suit the current interests of residents, such as cards, exercise, cooking lessons, crafts or painting on the patio. An in-house doctor provides care, and all meals are homemade and served to residents at scheduled times, with assistance available.
While limited due to its size, reviews of Birdee Cottage are positive, with one visitor noting that the staff "was friendly." Reviewers describe the community as "really homelike, the rooms and the facility itself were very clean, organized, and very welcoming. They specialize in Alzheimer's patients, more so than I think nursing homes do."
- Reviews:5 stars out of 5; 3 reviews
- Phone:(319) 300-5177
- Address:2221 Fairway Ln., Waterloo, IA 50701
- Web:www.birdeecottage.com
Oak Park Estates Assisted Living and Memory Care
- Resident Capacity:16
- Room Types:Private Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite
- Base Pricing:N/A
Oak Park Estates Assisted Living and Memory Care is a small, family-owned community where the staff is skilled in caring for seniors living with dementia. Specially trained caregivers, including registered nurses, are available around the clock to supervise and assist memory care residents in this safe community. The buildings are secured and can only be entered through PIN access, ensuring residents' security. Activities such as chair exercise and music therapy are planned twice a day to enrich residents' lives and encourage them to stay active and socially engaged. Residents may also socialize in the hair salon or restaurant-style dining room. Dining services are overseen by a professional chef, and the menu features fresh, local ingredients. Other services provided by the community include personal grooming assistance and medication management. Transportation is available for residents who need to travel to doctor appointments.
Reviewers praise the compassionate staff at Oak Park Estates Assisted Living and Memory Care and recognize the community's owner ?and director for being personally involved in the residents' care. Family members also appreciate the range of activities available to residents, with one family member praising the "endless opportunities for creativity through crafts, puzzles, games and fun activities."
- Reviews:5 out of 5 stars; 3 reviews
- Phone:(319) 535-2267
- Address:3212 Greenhill Cir., Cedar Falls, IA 50613
- Web:oakparkassistedliving.com
Waterloo, IA -Friendship Village Lakeview Lodge Assisted Living
- Resident Capacity:100
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Shared Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:N/A
Lakeview Lodge Assisted Living provides memory care and assisted living services for seniors. Licensed medical staff members provide 24-hour health services, including medication management and speech, physical and occupational therapies. Residents can get personalized assistance with activities of daily living such as grooming, dressing, bathing, toileting, meal preparation and mobility. The community provides a secure environment for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. State-of-the-art amenities include a beauty/barbershop, resident van, TV room, garden, courtyard and hiking trails, and chaplains are available. Residents can prepare meals in their in-room kitchenettes or eat in the community's shared dining rooms.
Residents like the wide range of services and amenities at the facility. One reviewer says, "I also went to Lakeview Lodge, and it had a lot of different things to offer. It has an aquarium, a theatre and an ice cream parlor. The staff were very nice, too."
- Reviews:4 out of 5 stars; 11 reviews
- Phone:(319) 291-1300
- Address:312 Southbrooke Dr., Waterloo, Iowa 50702
- Web:www.friendshipvillageiowa.com
CedarStone Senior Living
- Resident Capacity:120
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites, Private Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:$3,600 for Memory Care, $3,200 for Assisted Living
CedarStone Senior Living offers the Awakenings memory care program. Residents live in a secure community with full assistance according to their needs and regular safety and comfort checks. In the Grove Courtyard, seniors can enjoy walking paths, gardens and fountains in a safe environment. The Tranquility Room fosters quiet, while the Vitality Room offers space for exercise, games and arts. In the Media Lounge, seniors can use the iN2L touchscreen to enjoy interesting activities and learning experiences. The Prairie Grass Dining Room contains an open kitchen so seniors can enjoy the familiar smells and activities that surround a good meal before they retire to the Hearth Lounge for a cozy chat or their own private or companion suites for privacy.
Residents and their families appreciate the individual attention and customized care levels provided by CedarStone Senior Living's memory care community. Staff members work closely with residents and their families to provide the right blend of care and independence as well as opportunities for both social activities and calm privacy. Residents can choose what makes them most comfortable.
- Reviews:5.00 out of 5 stars; 3 reviews
- Phone:(319) 595-2060
- Address:4715 Algonquin Dr., Cedar Falls, IA 50613
- Web:www.cedarstoneliving.com
Arlington Place of Grundy Center
- Resident Capacity:80
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:N/A
Arlington Place of Grundy Center offers a specialized memory care program that honors the uniqueness of each individual by developing a personalized care plan. Staff members take the time to get to know residents' preferences, interests and history so that they can help them remain independent as long as possible. Programming and activities are available seven days a week and include everything from the "Daily Chronicle" to music therapy to exercise. Games are popular as well, including "reminisce dice," balloon volleyball and bingo. Ice cream socials, bread making and hand massages round out the calendar so that each resident has something special to enjoy throughout the week. The memory care community is fully secure with its own enclosed courtyard for outdoor activities and relaxation. Staff members supervise residents continually for safety and comfort.
Residents and their families are pleased with the caring staff, excellent food and fun activities at Arlington Place of Grundy Center. One reviewer, whose mother is a resident, says, "The staff are caring and always keeping me informed on her progress." The menus offer many delicious choices, and the activities provide a lot of variety and enjoyment.
- Reviews:4.83 out of 5 stars; 12 reviews
- Phone:(319) 242-7726
- Address:95 D. Ave., Grundy Center, IA 50638
- Web:www.jaybirdseniorliving.com
Arlington Place Oelwein
- Resident Capacity:54
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Townhomes
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:N/A
Memory care at Arlington Place Oelwein begins with an in-depth consultation between caregivers and family members to provide an individualized care plan that addresses each resident's unique needs. Specialized programs provide care for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia, and expert staff members are available 24/7 to provide support and assistance with daily living. An enclosed courtyard provides a safe environment for healthy outdoor activities. All amenities offered to assisted living residents are also offered to memory care residents. Additionally, memory care residents receive regular reminders, close supervision, safety monitoring and specialized coaching to maintain everyday living skills.
Family members of residents acknowledge the kind staff and their consideration for residents and families alike. One reviewer remarks, "In the final days of Dad's life, the staff of Arlington Place took such great care of Dad but also took care of us, too. Thank you, Arlington Place, for being such a great place for Dad to live. "
- Reviews:4.64 out of 5 stars; 10 reviews
- Phone:(319) 284-1413
- Address:1101 3rd St. SW., Oelwein, IA 50662
- Web:www.jaybirdseniorliving.com
Parker Place
- Resident Capacity:74
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$5,600 for Memory Care, $3,500 for Assisted Living, $3,500 for Independent Living
Parker Place is a senior community that offers memory care residents a cognitively stimulating environment. Residents are welcome to bring their furry companions with them, and a secured courtyard is accessible from the memory care neighborhood. Three daily meals are served at consistent times, and an activity is offered during meals to keep residents engaged. There is one staff member for every 15 residents in memory care. Each resident has a safety pendant and Wander Gaurd precautions can be used if necessary. Throughout the week, community members stay active via the Live to Be Healthy exercise program, music therapy and six daily activities coordinated to match their interests.
Residents and their families say the staff at Parker Place is kind and supportive. The daughter of a resident says, "[I'm] very happy with the staff and how they care for her.They have good activities. The staff makes sure her medications are there.They let her talk and help her with different things."
- Reviews:3.78 out of 5 stars; 23 reviews
- Phone:(319) 553-3663
- Address:707 IA-57, Parkersburg, IA 50665
- Web:www.jaybirdseniorliving.com
Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community
- Resident Capacity:30
- Room Types:Private Rooms, Shared Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:N/A
Evergreen Arbor is the dedicated memory care residence at Bartels Lutheran Retirement Community, which offers several types of senior care. Evergreen Arbor provides 24-hour supervision by CNAs and a supervising RN. The program helps residents to live as independently as possible with activities that use familiar skills. The activities specialist and music therapist are key staff members, and a psychiatrist, social worker and primary care physician make regular visits. Sunday services and weekly Bible study are led by the Bartels' chaplain. Residents live in private or shared rooms. Seniors who are just beginning to show signs of dementia can live in Aspen Cottage, an intimate assisted living residence on the Bartel campus. Aspen Cottage residents all have private rooms with their own bath.
?Visitors are especially impressed by the caring staff and "the personal touches of structure for each individual." They also praise "kind, helpful staff that answer any and all questions we have." One woman comments on the excellent care her twin sister receives, saying, "I have been very, very pleased, so I can give them the best rating. Very professional and warm."
- Reviews:4.60 out of 5 stars, 64 reviews
- Phone:(319) 352-4540
- Address:1922 5th Ave. NW., Waverly, IA 50677
- Web:bartelscommunity.org
Cedarhurst of Waterloo
- Resident Capacity:86
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Private Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:N/A
Cedarhurst of Waterloo enjoys a quiet, small-town setting that's a short drive from southwestern Illinois' Red Bud and Touchette Regional Hospitals, as well as medical facilities in St. Louis, Missouri. Its pet-friendly campus features parklike landscaped grounds, and its two single-floor buildings are wheelchair-accessible. The community's 30-bed memory care neighborhood has its own secured courtyard, community kitchen and private spa with whirlpool bath. Its specially trained staff honors memory care residents' strengths and offers meaningful interactions, daily sensory experiences and genuine relationships. Cedarhurst's Living TRUE life enrichment program benefits residents through tailored activities and dining options as well as supportive services that cater to their personal interests. The community features a movie theater, an activity room, tastefully decorated living and dining areas, and a therapy gym for on-site physical, occupational and speech therapies by EmpowerMe Wellness.
Families commend Cedarhurst of Waterloo for being a great community. One reviewer writes, "The staff are wonderful to work with, and they take notes to make sure all the staff know what's going on with my loved one. They're good at trying to get my loved one engaged in activities. The food has been good for my loved one."
- Reviews:4.53 out of 5 stars; 32 reviews
- Phone:(618) 243-0822
- Address:518 Legacy Dr., Waterloo, IL 62298
- Web:www.cedarhurstliving.com
