Atlanta, Georgia is home to around 498,715 people, 11.6% of whom are seniors aged 65 and older. This age group is at high risk for developing Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Alzheimer’s is one of the leading causes of death for this age group. The CDC notes that Alzheimer’s-related deaths in Atlanta rose by 51.77% between 2014 and 2018, when in the same time frame the number of overall deaths increased by just 6.83%. The rapid rise in Alzheimer’s deaths is of increasing concern as the Alzheimer’s Association has predicted that by 2050 the number of individuals with Alzheimer’s will rise from 6 million to 13 million.
Luckily, Atlanta has a wide variety of memory care communities that offer a secure home-like environment for seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The staff are trained in caring for individuals with memory impairment and they are available 24/7. The communities also offer the latest therapies and treatments to slow down the memory loss process. This guide lists the pros and cons of living in Atlanta, the costs associated with memory care and the different options available to seniors.
Sunrise at Buckhead is an assisted living community in Atlanta, Georgia, just minutes from Interstates 85 and 75 and State Highway 400. With shopping malls, theaters and an extensive selection of rest
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Sunrise at Buckhead is an assisted living community in Atlanta, Georgia, just minutes from Interstates 85 and 75 and State Highway 400. With shopping malls, theaters and an extensive selection of restaurants close by, residents and visitors have convenient access to numerous dining, cultural and entertainment options. Sunrise at Buckhead receives positive reviews for its food quality and menu selection, knowledgeable and caring staff, scenic grounds and cleanliness. Families and residents also applaud the community’s social activities calendar that includes various games, music, crafts and indoor floral planting projects.
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Sunrise at Buckhead is an assisted living community in Atlanta, Georgia, just minutes from Interstates 85 and 75 and State Highway 400. With shopping malls, theaters and an extensive selection of rest
… (read more)
Sunrise at Buckhead is an assisted living community in Atlanta, Georgia, just minutes from Interstates 85 and 75 and State Highway 400. With shopping malls, theaters and an extensive selection of restaurants close by, residents and visitors have convenient access to numerous dining, cultural and entertainment options. Sunrise at Buckhead receives positive reviews for its food quality and menu selection, knowledgeable and caring staff, scenic grounds and cleanliness. Families and residents also applaud the community’s social activities calendar that includes various games, music, crafts and indoor floral planting projects.
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Summerset Assisted Living is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Visitors praise the facility’s grounds, mentioning the ponds, fountain areas, gardens and walkways, along with the well-maintained, attractive
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Summerset Assisted Living is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Visitors praise the facility’s grounds, mentioning the ponds, fountain areas, gardens and walkways, along with the well-maintained, attractive appearance of the building. Residents enjoy the extensive amenities the facility offers including Sunday church services, dances, monthly birthday parties, high-quality meals and an on-site barbershop. Residents also appreciate the comfortable, homey feel of the rooms, as well as the security the gated community offers. Visitors note that Summerset Assisted Living is accessible by public transit, providing easy transportation for a visit to a loved one.
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Summerset Assisted Living is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Visitors praise the facility’s grounds, mentioning the ponds, fountain areas, gardens and walkways, along with the well-maintained, attractive
… (read more)
Summerset Assisted Living is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Visitors praise the facility’s grounds, mentioning the ponds, fountain areas, gardens and walkways, along with the well-maintained, attractive appearance of the building. Residents enjoy the extensive amenities the facility offers including Sunday church services, dances, monthly birthday parties, high-quality meals and an on-site barbershop. Residents also appreciate the comfortable, homey feel of the rooms, as well as the security the gated community offers. Visitors note that Summerset Assisted Living is accessible by public transit, providing easy transportation for a visit to a loved one.
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Brighton Gardens of Buckhead is described by residents and visitors as a clean and beautiful place. This community is located in Buckhead, an upscale area of Atlanta, Georgia. Residents and visitors g
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Brighton Gardens of Buckhead is described by residents and visitors as a clean and beautiful place. This community is located in Buckhead, an upscale area of Atlanta, Georgia. Residents and visitors give high marks for the facility’s attentive, friendly staff, along with the delicious meals that are served. Residents enjoy participating in many activities such as exercise classes, cooking club, walking club and reading time. Residents also take group trips around Atlanta to points of interest like the Georgia Aquarium and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
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Brighton Gardens of Buckhead is described by residents and visitors as a clean and beautiful place. This community is located in Buckhead, an upscale area of Atlanta, Georgia. Residents and visitors g
… (read more)
Brighton Gardens of Buckhead is described by residents and visitors as a clean and beautiful place. This community is located in Buckhead, an upscale area of Atlanta, Georgia. Residents and visitors give high marks for the facility’s attentive, friendly staff, along with the delicious meals that are served. Residents enjoy participating in many activities such as exercise classes, cooking club, walking club and reading time. Residents also take group trips around Atlanta to points of interest like the Georgia Aquarium and the Atlanta Botanical Garden.
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In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, near Interstate 285 and Route 400, sits bright and cheerful Brighton Gardens of Dunwoody. Located near the popular Perimeter Mall, the community is located in a resid
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In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, near Interstate 285 and Route 400, sits bright and cheerful Brighton Gardens of Dunwoody. Located near the popular Perimeter Mall, the community is located in a residential area where residents can feel comfortable and at home. The facility boasts resident rooms that are warm and inviting with large walk-in closets for added storage. Residents and visitors also appreciate the extra benefit of having dining facilities on each floor for even more convenience. The lovely landscaped courtyard and gardens are nice spots to rest, read or meet friends and relatives for visits in pleasant weather.
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In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, near Interstate 285 and Route 400, sits bright and cheerful Brighton Gardens of Dunwoody. Located near the popular Perimeter Mall, the community is located in a resid
… (read more)
In the heart of Atlanta, Georgia, near Interstate 285 and Route 400, sits bright and cheerful Brighton Gardens of Dunwoody. Located near the popular Perimeter Mall, the community is located in a residential area where residents can feel comfortable and at home. The facility boasts resident rooms that are warm and inviting with large walk-in closets for added storage. Residents and visitors also appreciate the extra benefit of having dining facilities on each floor for even more convenience. The lovely landscaped courtyard and gardens are nice spots to rest, read or meet friends and relatives for visits in pleasant weather.
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Belmont Village Buckhead is a well-landscaped community nestled in the serene Sandy Springs neighborhood at the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. The facility is a short drive from world-class hospitals and
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Belmont Village Buckhead is a well-landscaped community nestled in the serene Sandy Springs neighborhood at the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. The facility is a short drive from world-class hospitals and shopping. Belmont Village Buckhead features elegantly designed common rooms complemented with an abundance of amenities and services, including a salon for men and women, scheduled daily transportation, a bistro with daily refreshments, chef-prepared meals with 24 daily choices, a library and housekeeping services, and small pets are allowed. The community has won various awards thanks to its compassionate caregivers and services offered.
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Belmont Village Buckhead is a well-landscaped community nestled in the serene Sandy Springs neighborhood at the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. The facility is a short drive from world-class hospitals and
… (read more)
Belmont Village Buckhead is a well-landscaped community nestled in the serene Sandy Springs neighborhood at the heart of Atlanta, Georgia. The facility is a short drive from world-class hospitals and shopping. Belmont Village Buckhead features elegantly designed common rooms complemented with an abundance of amenities and services, including a salon for men and women, scheduled daily transportation, a bistro with daily refreshments, chef-prepared meals with 24 daily choices, a library and housekeeping services, and small pets are allowed. The community has won various awards thanks to its compassionate caregivers and services offered.
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Staff is very professional and have expert training in dementia care. Activities are on a meaningful level and all residents are given priority. Staff answers texts and email promptly. Food is excel
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Staff is very professional and have expert training in dementia care. Activities are on a meaningful level and all residents are given priority. Staff answers texts and email promptly. Food is excellent with award winning chef on site. Owner is involved with all aspects of the community and cares deeply for the families.
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Staff is very professional and have expert training in dementia care. Activities are on a meaningful level and all residents are given priority. Staff answers texts and email promptly. Food is excel
… (read more)
Staff is very professional and have expert training in dementia care. Activities are on a meaningful level and all residents are given priority. Staff answers texts and email promptly. Food is excellent with award winning chef on site. Owner is involved with all aspects of the community and cares deeply for the families.
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Sunrise of Huntcliff Summit II is a senior assisted living and memory care facility conveniently located in Atlanta, Georgia, just minutes from downtown Atlanta and close to GA-400. Sunrise is also lo
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Sunrise of Huntcliff Summit II is a senior assisted living and memory care facility conveniently located in Atlanta, Georgia, just minutes from downtown Atlanta and close to GA-400. Sunrise is also located close to St. Joseph’s Hospital for emergency services, as well as local shopping centers and dining options. The facility sits on a beautiful 17.5 acres with scenic walking paths, a community rose garden and gazebo. Several levels of care including At Home Care and respite services are available. Memory care residents have access to an outdoor terrace with gardens where residents are encouraged to plant vegetables.
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Sunrise of Huntcliff Summit II is a senior assisted living and memory care facility conveniently located in Atlanta, Georgia, just minutes from downtown Atlanta and close to GA-400. Sunrise is also lo
… (read more)
Sunrise of Huntcliff Summit II is a senior assisted living and memory care facility conveniently located in Atlanta, Georgia, just minutes from downtown Atlanta and close to GA-400. Sunrise is also located close to St. Joseph’s Hospital for emergency services, as well as local shopping centers and dining options. The facility sits on a beautiful 17.5 acres with scenic walking paths, a community rose garden and gazebo. Several levels of care including At Home Care and respite services are available. Memory care residents have access to an outdoor terrace with gardens where residents are encouraged to plant vegetables.
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One of the hardest decisions a family will make is entrusting the care of a loved one to someone else. When my father could no longer be cared for at home, we chose Peachtree Creek. The staff cared
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One of the hardest decisions a family will make is entrusting the care of a loved one to someone else. When my father could no longer be cared for at home, we chose Peachtree Creek. The staff cared for him with respect, dignity, tenderness and love. He became more social, participated in activities, and thrived. We visited often, and were treated as close family by every member of the staff. The meals are surprisingly varied and of the highest quality, with seasonal vegetables, and large servings. Residents have freedom to wander to their heart’s content, not just confined to a small locked-down area. The grounds are beautiful, accessible to residents, and every area is safe and secure for them. There isn’t a whiff of an “institutional” feeling, but very homelike, with sections of the facility divided into living room, dining room, kitchen and bedroom “pods”. It would be hard for me to imagine a better environment for him. My father recently passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease, but our entire family will think of his stay at Peachtree Creek as a happy, loving experience, and we will forever be grateful to each and every member of the staff for their kindness, love and passion for their calling.
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One of the hardest decisions a family will make is entrusting the care of a loved one to someone else. When my father could no longer be cared for at home, we chose Peachtree Creek. The staff cared
… (read more)
One of the hardest decisions a family will make is entrusting the care of a loved one to someone else. When my father could no longer be cared for at home, we chose Peachtree Creek. The staff cared for him with respect, dignity, tenderness and love. He became more social, participated in activities, and thrived. We visited often, and were treated as close family by every member of the staff. The meals are surprisingly varied and of the highest quality, with seasonal vegetables, and large servings. Residents have freedom to wander to their heart’s content, not just confined to a small locked-down area. The grounds are beautiful, accessible to residents, and every area is safe and secure for them. There isn’t a whiff of an “institutional” feeling, but very homelike, with sections of the facility divided into living room, dining room, kitchen and bedroom “pods”. It would be hard for me to imagine a better environment for him. My father recently passed away from complications of Alzheimer’s Disease, but our entire family will think of his stay at Peachtree Creek as a happy, loving experience, and we will forever be grateful to each and every member of the staff for their kindness, love and passion for their calling.
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Thank you to Arbor Terrace at Cascade for your loving care of my my mother. She was there after my father passed in April 2019 until she passed in July 2021. Through the worst parts of covid you all
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Thank you to Arbor Terrace at Cascade for your loving care of my my mother. She was there after my father passed in April 2019 until she passed in July 2021. Through the worst parts of covid you all kept her safe and engaged! She thrived with your activities and engagement. Most importantly I have NEVER smelled urine on her, her room was ALWAYS clean and she never had a bedsore. Although she had dementia, she always had a happy light in her eyes. She regularly said ‘Take me back to where the people are so I can see whats going on" ! Thank you for providing Peace of Mind — Charlotte Hopkins
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Thank you to Arbor Terrace at Cascade for your loving care of my my mother. She was there after my father passed in April 2019 until she passed in July 2021. Through the worst parts of covid you all
… (read more)
Thank you to Arbor Terrace at Cascade for your loving care of my my mother. She was there after my father passed in April 2019 until she passed in July 2021. Through the worst parts of covid you all kept her safe and engaged! She thrived with your activities and engagement. Most importantly I have NEVER smelled urine on her, her room was ALWAYS clean and she never had a bedsore. Although she had dementia, she always had a happy light in her eyes. She regularly said ‘Take me back to where the people are so I can see whats going on" ! Thank you for providing Peace of Mind — Charlotte Hopkins
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Hollander Senior Living of Sandy Springs was nice, clean, and seemed to have good security. The staff members seem to be very attentive to the resident. It is very affordable for the memory care side.
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Hollander Senior Living of Sandy Springs was nice, clean, and seemed to have good security. The staff members seem to be very attentive to the resident. It is very affordable for the memory care side. The food looked good. They have a nice room, and it was nice sized. They had a private bath and shower area. They offer various activities, like bingo. They have a television and a little exercise room so that the residents can get some exercise.
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Hollander Senior Living of Sandy Springs was nice, clean, and seemed to have good security. The staff members seem to be very attentive to the resident. It is very affordable for the memory care side.
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Hollander Senior Living of Sandy Springs was nice, clean, and seemed to have good security. The staff members seem to be very attentive to the resident. It is very affordable for the memory care side. The food looked good. They have a nice room, and it was nice sized. They had a private bath and shower area. They offer various activities, like bingo. They have a television and a little exercise room so that the residents can get some exercise.
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I can’t say enough wonderful things about Alto Senior Living in Buckhead/Sandy Springs. My father was there in memory care just a short time, but the staff became like family and took amazing care of
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I can’t say enough wonderful things about Alto Senior Living in Buckhead/Sandy Springs. My father was there in memory care just a short time, but the staff became like family and took amazing care of him. And us. The community, which is privately owned and newly renovated, is gorgeous and feels more like a beautiful, cozy home than a typical facility. And special attention is paid to the colors, furniture, upholstery, lighting, etc to create a calming environment – something that made my dad’s stay more comfortable. I’m so grateful that we found Alto and can’t recommend it highly enough.
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I can’t say enough wonderful things about Alto Senior Living in Buckhead/Sandy Springs. My father was there in memory care just a short time, but the staff became like family and took amazing care of
… (read more)
I can’t say enough wonderful things about Alto Senior Living in Buckhead/Sandy Springs. My father was there in memory care just a short time, but the staff became like family and took amazing care of him. And us. The community, which is privately owned and newly renovated, is gorgeous and feels more like a beautiful, cozy home than a typical facility. And special attention is paid to the colors, furniture, upholstery, lighting, etc to create a calming environment – something that made my dad’s stay more comfortable. I’m so grateful that we found Alto and can’t recommend it highly enough.
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Earning a Caring Star means this community is among the best Senior Living commuities in America.
COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Atlanta
Since most COVID-19 rules for Memory Care Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Memory Care in Georgia. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Memory Care in Atlanta
The Department of Community Health licenses memory care communities and other long-term care homes. Facilities with memory care units and facilities that offer memory care must offer services, programs, activities, and devices specifically for residents with cognitive deficits that impact memory. The department inspects the communities and ensures they are compliant with rules and regulations.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Atlanta
On a 100-point scale where 100 is the national average, Atlanta scored 107.5 for the overall cost of living. This is markedly more expensive than the Georgia average of 93.4. However, the cost of health care in Atlanta is lower than both the national and state averages.
Georgia is very tax-friendly for retirees. The state doesn’t tax Social Security retirement benefits and it also provides a maximum deduction of $65,000 per person for all forms of retirement income. The sales tax and property tax are moderate and there is no inheritance or estate tax.
Atlanta is home to world-class hospitals, including Emory University Hospital which is highly ranked nationally for treating cancer, diabetes, gastroenterology, geriatrics, neurology and other specialties. There are 22 hospitals in Atlanta, and overall, the cost of health care is below national and state averages.
Atlanta has hot summers and short cold winters. Temperatures vary between 35 degrees to 89 degrees, with it rarely going below 22 degrees or above 95 degrees. Outdoor activities are best enjoyed in Spring and Fall when conditions are warm. During the hot summer months and cold winter months, seniors may prefer to spend more time doing indoor activities, although seniors can enjoy some outdoor time for most of the year.
MARTA trains, buses and para-transit vehicles provide transportation around most of the city. Senior citizens who are 65 or older or who have a Medicare card enjoy a reduced fare of $1. For seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia, a specialized senior transportation service may be more comfortable. Age Well Atlanta offers senior transportation services. Seniors can schedule transportation in advance.
The crime rates in Atlanta are high. Violent crime rates are 7.47 per 1,000 inhabitants, compared to the Georgia and U.S. average of 4 per 1000 inhabitants. For property crime, rates are also higher than average. The average rate per 1000 inhabitants in the U.S. is 19, while in Georgia 20.7 is the score. In Atlanta, the average rate is 37.37, much higher than the state average. Despite the high crime rates, seniors can still feel comfortable living in memory care communities in Atlanta. These communities take special measures to ensure residents are safe, such as video surveillance and 24/7 staffing.
Paying for Memory Care in Atlanta
Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we’ve estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
The cost of memory care varies significantly throughout Georgia. The average cost of memory care in Atlanta is $4,806 per month, which is slightly higher than the state average of $4,419 but significantly lower than the U.S. average of $5,625. One of the most affordable cities for care is Albany, where the costs are about $3,760 per month. Conversely, one of the most expensive cities for memory care is Brunswick where seniors typically pay around $6,625. In Savannah, care is around the state average at $4,391 and in Columbus care is more expensive than in Atlanta at $5,279.
$4806
Atlanta
$4419
Georgia
$5625
The United States
$3760
Albany
$6625
Brunswick
$4391
Savannah
$5279
Columbus
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
There are a variety of care options available to seniors in Atlanta. The most affordable care option is an adult daycare, which typically costs $1,327 per month. The next most affordable option is assisted living, which costs around $3,845. For seniors who prefer to stay living at home, home care costs around $4,290 per month and home health care costs $4,576. For nursing home care seniors pay about $7,528 in Atlanta for a semiprivate room.
$4290
Home Care:
$4576
Home Health Care
$1327
Adult Day Health Care
$3845
Assisted Living Facility
$7528
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Atlanta
In Atlanta, there are options for seniors who need financial assistance paying for Memory Care. For more information about other options, who qualifies, and how to apply, Memory Care in Georgia page.
More Ways to Pay for Memory Care
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:
Veterans Benefits
Life Insurance Policy
Long-Term Care Insurance
Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Georgia page.
Free Memory Care Resources in Atlanta
Seniors in Atlanta can take advantage of a wide variety of resources designed to support daily living. The following services may be helpful for seniors who live in memory care facilities and have issues with their providers or families who would like more information about memory care in order to support their loved ones.
The Long-Term Ombudsman Program improves the quality of life for residents of long-term care facilities such as memory care communities. An ombudsman is an advocate who regularly visits the communities to help resolve any issues residents may have with the facility or with the staff. They work to identify any problems and fight for change. The ombudsmen also educate the community about the needs of long-term care residents.
The Alzheimer's Association's Georgia Chapter assists memory-impaired seniors in Georgia in a variety of ways. It offers programs and services to support seniors and their families. The programs and services are designed to offer support, information and education for every stage of Alzheimer’s. Most of the programs available are free thanks to donors. Some of the programs include support groups, early-stage programs and legal and financial planning for Alzheimer’s disease.
Atlanta Legal Aid is a legal aid society that offers free civil legal aid for low-income individuals in Atlanta. They have some special projects including a senior citizen law project, a Georgia senior legal aid hotline and a pro bono program. Some of the cases that they typically help with include finalizing wills, estate planning and accessing benefits.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Atlanta
Atlanta Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in Georgia are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Georgia page for more information about these laws.
Thank you to Arbor Terrace at Cascade for your loving care of my my mother. She was there after my father passed in April 2019 until she passed in July 2021. Through the worst parts of covid you ...
Read more
Review of Hollander Senior Living of Sandy Springs- CLOSED
Hollander Senior Living of Sandy Springs was nice, clean, and seemed to have good security. The staff members seem to be very attentive to the resident. It is very affordable for the memory care si...
Read more
Review of Belmont Village Buckhead
My mother-in-law just moved into the memory care area of Belmont Village Buckhead. They are extremely organized and are attentive to the families and the residents' needs. They have great strategie...
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