The Best Memory Care Facilities in York, PA | MemoryCare.com

The Best Memory Care Facilities in York, PA

Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As York's senior population continues to grow (15.28% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.

In York, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased 6.21% between 2014 and 2019. The number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 8.68%. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly lower than the rest of the nation (5.08% in York 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 York. 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.

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.

Overview of what memory care facilities provide

Our Selection Process

To choose the best memory care facilities in York, 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 42 hours researching memory care facilities in York
  • Read more than 150 reviews written by residents and their loved ones
  • Interviewed 12 representatives from local communities
Overview of our methodology

Reviews of the 19 Best Memory Care Facilities in York, PA

Memory care in York, PA

Senior Commons at Powder Mill

  • Resident Capacity:166
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$6,100 for Memory Care, $3,650 for Assisted Living, $3,800 for Independent Living

Arlington Court and Rosewood Court are the two memory care neighborhoods at Senior Commons at Powder Mill, which provides a nurturing homelike environment for residents living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. The caring staff, who provide nurturing care and support 24/7, are trained in the Teepa Snow Positive Approach to Care program. Comfortable rooms, delicious meals and supervised creative and physical activities are offered. Three delicious well-balanced meals are specialized to residents' taste and served restaurant-style in the dining room.

What Residents Are Saying

Family members continuously mention the caring and supportive staff. One family member says, "My father lived for two years in Rosewood Court and received tremendous care and support while he struggled through Alzheimer's. The facility offers a nice and comfortable living environment. I would recommend Senior Commons to anyone who has a family member with these needs."

  • Reviews:3.9 out 5 stars, 136 reviews
  • Phone:(717) 742-0084
  • Address:1775 Powder Mill Rd., York, PA 17403
  • Web:www.powdermill.com/

Autumn House West

  • Resident Capacity:132
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites, Private Rooms, Shared Rooms
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$3,500 for Memory Care, $2,000 for Assisted Living

At Autumn House West, residents can enjoy life on the beautiful grounds of the community where they are encouraged to socialize and make use of the patio garden and multiple common areas. Several lush walking paths are accessible for residents and surround the enclosed courtyard, which has been designed to encourage seniors to take part in physically stimulating activities. As part of Autumn House West's dementia care program, the staff is trained to assist residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, doing laundry and taking medications. Aside from providing mental stimulation through engaging activities such as art projects and social outings, the memory care program also provides services catered to the residents' interests and needs.

What Residents Are Saying

Reviews mention the great range of activities always available for residents. One online reviewer says, "Mom is so happy living here! And since the new director, Jen, joined the team there is always something going on. Lots of fun activities are available for the residents to join in on! We don't need to worry about mom being well taken care of and happy."

  • Reviews:4.23 out of 5 stars; 74 reviews
  • Phone:(717) 845-7214
  • Address:914 W. Market St., York, PA 17401
  • Web:www.livecardinal.com

Colonial Manor

  • Resident Capacity:270
  • Room Types:Private Rooms, Shared Rooms
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:Not Listed

Colonial Manor's memory care program strives to provide the best care possible for long-term residents with diligent nursing staff, nutrition management, wound care and personalized support depending on the needs of the resident. The staff also assists memory care residents with daily activities as needed. Colonial Manor also offers more short-term rehabilitation services that contain speech and physical therapy as well as any other treatments the resident may require. While negative feelings often accompany memory problems, Colonial Manor combats these issues with plenty of engaging activities and socialization for memory care residents. These activities include arts and crafts, singing and music activities, gardening in the on-site greenhouse and pet therapy to keep residents sharp. Residents can socialize over dinner or go to the salon whenever they please.

What Residents Are Saying

Visitors and family members of residents praise Colonial Manor for the professional staff and wonderful facilities. One resident's family member said, "The receptionist took my Uncle's lunch right to him as he knew it was hot. Thank you again Colonial Manor for you[r] professionalism and dedication to my Uncle."

  • Reviews:2.9 out of 5 stars; 21 reviews
  • Phone:(717) 845-2661
  • Address:970 Colonial Ave. #3498, York, PA 17403
  • Web:colonialmanoryork.com/

Providence Place Senior Living of Dover

  • Resident Capacity:150
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:Not Listed

Providence Place Senior Living of Dover offers memory care in a setting that promotes safety and social interaction with other residents. Residents receive assistance as needed with activities of daily living, including dining and medication management. Programming focuses heavily on preserving physical and cognitive function through group exercise using Biodex fitness equipment. There is also a walking club for memory care residents. Brain fitness is equally important, so the Never 2 Late computer system helps residents use touchscreen technology to engage in games and entertainment and to maintain connections with loved ones. The Club and The Connections neighborhoods are the two areas of the larger community dedicated to memory care residents. Each has easily navigable physical spaces and highly trained staff members that provide support for residents and their family members.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents and their loved ones discuss the quality of programming and diverse activities to promote social interaction. One notes, "Mom has moved in to Providence Place in September. The facility is very clean and well kept. The staff is very caring and very friendly. They keep the residents quite busy. They have music, programs, games and religious services."

Harmony at Hershey

  • Resident Capacity:187
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$4,490 for Assisted Living, $3,042 for Independent Living, $6,050 for memory care

Harmony at Hershey offers its signature Best Friends Approach to senior memory care services, a philosophy and practice that promotes emotional, physical and spiritual well-being through engagement with others. Residents receive personalized treatment plans that include daily community activities such as puzzles, reminiscing sessions, chair exercises and sing-a-longs, and have access to the on-site game room, beauty shop and garden and patio area. Hydration stations are situated throughout the grounds, and a state-of-the-art emergency call system keeps residents closely connected to staff members at all times. The pet-friendly community offers studio and one-bedroom memory care floor plans and housekeeping, linen and laundry services are provided.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents here enjoy three chef-prepared meals per day with a mix of resident favorite dishes and new in-house culinary creations. Multiple menu selections are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner that feature fresh, local ingredients.

Commonwealth Senior Living at Harrisburg

  • Resident Capacity:96
  • Room Types:Studios, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$4,350 for Memory Care, $3,300 for Assisted Living

Commonwealth Senior Living at Harrisburg offers residents a high quality of living that centers on diversity, memory retention and social interaction. The community offers a "Travel the World" program that brings to the community culture, music, food and art. Staff members undergo Virtual Dementia Tour Training, which takes staff members through the day of a memory care resident to better empathize with mental and physical issues. Residents have alert pendants that allow them to access staff assistance at any time. Programming is provided through the Sweet Memories community. Small touches, such as towels scented with essential oils to help with sensory stimulation and multi-colored dishes that allow residents to see their food easier, offer added support to residents. Residents also have access to art projects that help with expression and nostalgic music to help with memory retention. Memory care life stations also help with important memory markers.

What Residents Are Saying

Community reviews emphasize the relationships that staff cultivate with family members to keep them apprised of the progress of their loved ones. Communication is a common theme in reviews, as is the quality of the programming. One writes, "My father is at Commonwealth Senior Living at Harrisburg. It has been wonderful.They're really great to work with."

  • Reviews:4.11 out of 5 stars; 64 reviews
  • Phone:(717) 558-7771
  • Address:150 Kempton Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17111
  • Web:www.commonwealthsl.com

Palmyra Senior Living

  • Resident Capacity:36
  • Room Types:1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$5,000 for Memory Care, $3,650 for Assisted Living

Palmyra Senior Living provides a caring environment for both memory care and assisted living. The memory care wing is a secure unit to ensure that its residents remain safe and supervised at all times. Its team members undergo in-depth dementia training each year and are equipped to handle specialized treatments for dementia and Alzheimer's disease-related occurrences and challenging behaviors. Staff members oversee all resident medication management and administration needs, and a dedicated LPN performs ongoing health assessments. The caregivers sit with memory care residents throughout their meals and give cues to help them eat, when necessary. Residents are encouraged to participate in the community's bustling activities calendar, which includes live entertainment, religious services, cognitive-enhancement sessions and group exercise classes.

What Residents Are Saying

Family members are grateful for their loved one's joy here, with one saying, "My dad is a resident at Palmyra, and he is happy to be there. He had been in three other places this year and was very unhappy and not well cared for in any of them. He has finally found the perfect place for him."

Butler Street Senior Living

  • Resident Capacity:85
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites, Private Rooms, Shared Rooms
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:$3,300 for Assisted Living, $6,100 for Memory Care

Butler Street Senior Living's staff members provide a sense of routine, familiarity and structure for all its memory care residents. Trained to understand the challenges of its residents living with dementia and Alzheimer's, the caregivers continuously assess each senior's mental and physical health status and provide ongoing updated care that includes assistance with all aspects of daily living. Medication management and medical transportation are provided, and weekly housekeeping, linen and laundry services are performed. Residents are encouraged to participate in daily group exercise and brain health activities that focus heavily on personal artistic explorations, entertainment and cultural learning sessions.

What Residents Are Saying

Family members are impressed with the staff's services and the aesthetic of the community. One daughter says, "We're going to place my dad at Butler Street Senior Living when they open. It's beautiful. It isn't quite done yet, but it's beautiful. The staff member who accommodated me did a great job."

Frey Village

  • Resident Capacity:136
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite, Skilled Nursing
  • Base Pricing:Not Listed

At Frey Village, seniors receive the support of dedicated caregivers who have experience with dementia and the special needs of those with memory conditions. The memory care programs at this community help maintain the physical and emotional well-being of residents while caregivers help them with their personal hygiene and other routines. Skilled nurses monitor each resident's health and manage their daily medications. This community stops residents from wandering by using specialized locks and 24/7 security and surveillance. Secured indoor walking paths are available for leisure and exercise.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents and family members speak highly of the nursing staff at Frey Village. One person says, "The nursing staff there was great, very compassionate, and I can tell they are lead by an excellent director of nursing who really cares for the residents under their care. The therapy team was fabulous as well; they were on point and very encouraging."

  • Reviews:3.06 out of 5 stars; 52 reviews
  • Phone:(717) 930-1200
  • Address:1020 N. Union St., Middletown, PA 17057
  • Web:www.diakonseniorliving.org

Brookdale Grandon Farms

  • Resident Capacity:120
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$5,160 per month

Brookdale Grandon Farms, located next to Creekview Park, provides memory care services in an environment close to nature. Residents are supported within a community filled with caring staff and fun-filled activities. Caregivers are available 24/7, so memory care and personal care is always available. Person-centered memory care focuses on preserving identity and sense of self, and mental and physical exercises ensure the overall health of the residents. The homey apartments have safety features designed those with Alzheimer's or dementia.

What Residents Are Saying

Reviews of Brookdale Grandon Farms praise its memory care services and homey atmosphere. One resident says, "Brookdale Grandon Farms was the nicest place I've ever been in for memory care. I have a dog, which I'm allowed to take with me, and. I have Alzheimer's, so they're going to have to keep an eye on me. The staff [are] terrific. It's like my own house."

  • Reviews:3.99 out of 5 stars; 134 reviews
  • Phone:(717) 229-7181
  • Address:1100 Grandon Way, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
  • Web:www.brookdale.com

Harmony at West Shore

  • Resident Capacity:193
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$5,370 for Memory Care, $3,650 for Assisted Living, $2,965 for Independent Living

Harmony at West Shore offers independent living, assisted living and memory care with a focus on life enrichment. This community employs the Best Friends approach to memory care, which emphasizes meaningful, personal connections and interactions. A licensed nurse is on-site to attend to residents' health-related needs, and a state-of-the-art emergency call system is in place should a resident require immediate medical assistance. Each month, the calendar is filled with programs and activities designed to support residents' physical and mental wellness. Chef-prepared meals, featuring fresh, locally sourced ingredients, are served every day in an elegant dining room. Additional dining options include the on-site pub and bistro. Scheduled transportation is provided, and a beauty salon and barbershop are available for residents' convenience.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents and their families speak highly of the well-kept building, the caring staff and the variety of activities offered. One reviewer comments, "High-end finishes make this feel like a luxurious place to live. Great staff and tons of things to do."

Brookdale Harrisburg

  • Resident Capacity:65
  • Room Types:Studios, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$800 for Assisted Living, $870 for Independent Living, $2,795 for Memory Care

Brookdale Harrisburg is a memory care community providing daily assistance to its residents living with dementia and related conditions. Caregivers use a personalized approach to give each resident the amount and type of care needed while keeping them socially engaged through planned and spontaneous interactions. Each resident's apartment is maintained by staff members who clean their rooms, handle laundry needs and assist with personal hygiene. Brookdale Harrisburg is pet-friendly and also offers the enjoyment of several amenities such as walking paths, outdoor gardens, a swimming pool and a patio where ice cream socials are held in the morning. This is a secure community that keeps residents safe with state-of-the-art alarm systems.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents commend Brookdale Harrisburg for its accommodations and staff members. One person writes, "Great food and taking care of the residents wants and needs. Very nice atmosphere Super friendly management. Great activities."

  • Reviews:4.03 out of 5 stars; 55 reviews
  • Phone:(717) 671-4700
  • Address:3560 N. Progress Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17110
  • Web:www.brookdale.com

The Woods at Cedar Run

  • Resident Capacity:150
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:$4,204 for Assisted Living, $2,828 for Independent Living, $4,189 for Memory Care

The Woods at Cedar Run provides seniors with personalized memory care services within a cozy, home-like setting surrounded by numerous secure courtyards and resident gardening areas. The community's specially trained staff members focus on the remaining abilities and skills of each resident living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease and offer verbal and non-verbal communication methods that keep residents as engaged and connected to their caregivers as possible. The staff members reward memory care residents' positive behaviors regularly and create communal environments that make each senior feel a sense of belonging to the group. Families are invited to participate in the community's Life Stories memory care support groups and enjoy meals with their loved ones in the on-site dining room.

What Residents Are Saying

Family members applaud the excellent long-term care found here, saying, "Mom has been at the Woods for over 10 years and is now in Memory Care. It has been a great place for mom with so many activities and excellent, caring staff. They are like family to me."

  • Reviews:4.24 out of 5 stars; 72 reviews
  • Phone:(888) 265-0613
  • Address:824 Lisburn Rd., Camp Hill, PA 17011
  • Web:www.integracare.com

Arden Courts of Susquehanna

  • Resident Capacity:64
  • Room Types:Private Rooms, Shared Rooms
  • Care Provided: Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:Not Listed

Arden Courts of Susquehanna is physically designed to accommodate those with memory care conditions, offering visual cues that use symbols and colors to help with independence and navigation. The therapeutic approach used in this community is engagement therapy treatment (ETT), which combines life experiences from the past with present hobbies and interests to help residents socialize with others more effectively. Residents can explore courtyard spaces, paved walkways and a landscaped backyard space. Activity options for residents include word games, gardening and woodworking. Residents are also encouraged to continue engaging in daily tasks, such as light housekeeping or doing laundry, to keep them fully engaged in their own lives.

What Residents Are Saying

Reviews of this community discuss the efficacy of the memory care program, emphasizing the activities and amenities that aid in memory retention. One relative notes, "My husband has been placed into Arden Courts of Susquehanna. They are very caring and compassionate. The staff members pay attention to details about each individual resident."

Artis Senior Living of West Shore

  • Resident Capacity:64
  • Room Types:1-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:Not Listed

Artis Senior Living of West Shore is a dedicated memory care community that offers a caring and homelike environment. A memory display case is located at the entrance to every room to help residents to find their way home and trigger memories. The community has been specially designed to be easy to navigate to reduce confusion and frustration. Small home neighborhoods are all connected to the Town Center area which houses all the community amenities, including the dining room, creative arts studio, barbershop, beauty salon and health center. Hydration and snack stations are located throughout the community so seniors can independently choose what they would like to eat and drink. Residents are free to walk along the walking paths and enjoy the gardens as the entire perimeter of the community is secured and monitored. Daily activities include art classes, musical entertainment and gardening.

What Residents Are Saying

Family members praise the wonderful staff and range of activities offered with one saying, "Artis Senior Living has the most compassionate and caring staff. They are dedicated to caring for my mother and other residents in the most respectful manner. They provide outstanding and enriching activities throughout the day and early evening."

Evergreen Estates Retirement Community

  • Resident Capacity:125
  • Room Types:1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$5,500 for memory care, $3,700 for assisted living

Evergreen Estates Retirement Community works closely with memory care residents and their families to navigate the challenges associated with memory loss. Each care plan is personalized based on residents' specific memory-related needs. Residents can enjoy chef-prepared meals specific to their preferences and have access to laundry and housekeeping services. They also have access to 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living and can participate in mental stimulation activities. Activities include social gatherings, group fitness classes and planned workshops for a range of interests. An on-site beauty shop and scheduled transportation are also available.

What Residents Are Saying

Community reviews emphasize the convivial atmosphere found here and the wide array of amenities offered to residents. One writes, "Last year my Aunt moved into Evergreen Estates later than planned after an unexpected hospital stay. The Director.was so helpful.with the transition. The staff helped by being very welcoming and assisting my Aunt to adjust to her new home."

Legend of Lancaster

  • Resident Capacity:100
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:Not Listed

Legend of Lancaster offers a personalized approach to memory care in a quiet communal setting. Memory care residents participate in the Gold Leaf Dining program, which offers assistance with meals as needed. Residents have access to housekeeping and laundry services. Family members can also participate in on-site support groups centered on helping loved ones through memory care issues. Activity offerings are based on each resident's capabilities and emphasize physical movements that enhance mobility and sensory function. The community offers the Paro Seal program, which incorporates tenets of animal therapy with biofeedback technology to reinforce neuroplasticity to remember important memories and create new ones. Residents also create books with their life stories to reinforce memories about important events and interests.

What Residents Are Saying

Residents and their loved ones underscore the range of activities and unique approach to memory care offered in this community. Of this, one writes, "My uncle has moved into Legend of Lancaster. The staff is very friendly. He seems to like it, and he seems to be doing well there. It's a very nice facility, it's always clean."

  • Reviews:3.99 out of 5 stars; 81 reviews
  • Phone:(717) 208-8655
  • Address:31 Millersville Rd., Lancaster, PA 17603
  • Web:legendseniorliving.com

Magnolias of Lancaster

  • Resident Capacity:38
  • Room Types:Studios, Companion Suites, Private Rooms
  • Care Provided: Memory Care, Respite
  • Base Pricing:$4,681 for Memory Care

Magnolias of Lancaster provides senior memory care services in a serene environment featuring secure outdoor patios and courtyards. Residents here live in a residential-like setting that promotes a sense of belonging through daily activities that enhance each senior's skills and abilities. The community's dementia-certified care team is on hand 24/7 to assist residents with all aspects of daily living and address pressing issues quickly through strategic verbal and non-verbal communication methods. Seniors enjoy three freshly prepared meals per day, with reminders and eating assistance available from the staff. Physical, occupational and speech therapy sessions are available on-site, and weekly housekeeping and laundry services are performed.

What Residents Are Saying

Family members like the competent staff, clean community and dementia treatment here. One son writes, "My dad is at Magnolias of Lancaster. It's going well. The place is very good for dementia. The staff seems to be good. I'm there for every dinner and their food is OK. The dining area is very clean and very nice."

Providence Place Senior Living of Lancaster

  • Resident Capacity:125
  • Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
  • Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
  • Base Pricing:$4,600 for Memory Care, $4,100 for Assisted Living, $3,100 for Independent Living

Providence Place Senior Living of Lancaster offers customized memory care plans that help seniors with cognitive conditions continue to lead productive lives. Developed and managed by dementia care professionals, the community's two-tiered program provides the right level of memory support for varying stages of dementia. Members of its Connections Club, an exclusive group of seniors with early-stage conditions, have access to structured programs, companionship, daily reminders and small group activities. Residents diagnosed with mid- to late-stage dementia benefit from a nurturing, homelike environment offered at the dedicated Connections neighborhood. Thoughtfully designed living spaces open up to a secure outdoor area where seniors can safely wander while under the attentive watch of trained caregivers. Individual life stories, completed prior to move-in, lay the foundation for customized programming, which typically includes stimulating activities and brain fitness games.

What Residents Are Saying

Families and visitors admire the beautiful interior, clean surroundings and friendly staff. "The staff is always smiling and laughing," says a resident's daughter. "I can't say enough about how relieved my brothers and I are that Mom is being assisted with friendly, loving people. It really is a comfort to know she is living in a safe and friendly atmosphere."

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