In Gwinnett County, Alzheimer's affects an estimated 11.6 percent of seniors age 65 and older. Around 1,000 of Lilburn's more than 10,000 residents belong to this age group, who are the most likely to develop cognitive impairments. When the disease progresses, affected seniors may require more intensive care than families can offer at home. Memory care facilities may be able to help by providing compassionate care in a safe, home-like environment.
Georgia licenses these so-called memory care units as part of an assisted living community or personal care home. Although there are no memory care units in Lilburn, the city is served by 16 in nearby towns, including Tucker, Decatur and Atlanta.