According to the CDC, Alzheimer’s disease ranks as the seventh leading cause of death in the United States. Grand Rapids, Michigan, is home to 197,416 people, and 12.4% of those residents are age 65 and older. This age group is at an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s doubles every five years after age 65. Alzheimer’s fatalities rose by 38.46% in Grand Rapids between 2014 and 2018. With the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s projected to reach 12.7 million by 2050, caring for this vulnerable population is more important than ever.
Grand Rapids residents with loved ones living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia can take comfort in the fact that the city is home to memory care communities that provide safe and comfortable living environments. These facilities are staffed with trained professionals who understand the intricacies of caring for older adults with dementia and therapists who employ the latest therapeutic methods and treatment options for cognitive impairments ranging from mild to severe.
This guide will provide an overview of memory care options and alternatives in Grand Rapids, including cost information and the pros and cons of choosing the Grand Rapids area for memory care.
Memory Care Facilities in Lansing, MI
6429 Earlington Lane, Lansing, MI, 48917
Bickford of West Lansing is located in West Lansing, Michigan, close to a Kohl’s and Kroger, and three blocks from the Lansing Mall, offering convenient shopping and dining options. Residents apprecia
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Bickford of West Lansing is located in West Lansing, Michigan, close to a Kohl’s and Kroger, and three blocks from the Lansing Mall, offering convenient shopping and dining options. Residents appreciate that each floor of the facility has its own recreational and dining areas to make community life easy to enjoy. A robust schedule of activities, including group trips in the community, luncheons, concerts and theme weeks help keep residents busy. Residents are pleased with the facility’s transportation options, and also praise the staff’s willingness to respond to their needs and pay attention to details while providing care.
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Bickford of West Lansing is located in West Lansing, Michigan, close to a Kohl’s and Kroger, and three blocks from the Lansing Mall, offering convenient shopping and dining options. Residents apprecia
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Bickford of West Lansing is located in West Lansing, Michigan, close to a Kohl’s and Kroger, and three blocks from the Lansing Mall, offering convenient shopping and dining options. Residents appreciate that each floor of the facility has its own recreational and dining areas to make community life easy to enjoy. A robust schedule of activities, including group trips in the community, luncheons, concerts and theme weeks help keep residents busy. Residents are pleased with the facility’s transportation options, and also praise the staff’s willingness to respond to their needs and pay attention to details while providing care.
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3145 West Mount Hope Avenue, Lansing, MI, 48911
Grandhaven Living Center is located in a residential area in Lansing, Michigan, near major highways and medical offices. Family members of residents applaud the facility’s friendly and accommodating s
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Grandhaven Living Center is located in a residential area in Lansing, Michigan, near major highways and medical offices. Family members of residents applaud the facility’s friendly and accommodating staff, clean atmosphere and the charming, spacious apartments. The community also receives positive reviews for its impressive calendar of life enrichment activities that includes exercise sessions, special guest entertainers, social games and organized day trips. Residents can enjoy everyday livelihood while the facility treats them to amenities such as housekeeping/laundry services, whirlpool spa, meals/snacks and medication administration.
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Grandhaven Living Center is located in a residential area in Lansing, Michigan, near major highways and medical offices. Family members of residents applaud the facility’s friendly and accommodating s
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Grandhaven Living Center is located in a residential area in Lansing, Michigan, near major highways and medical offices. Family members of residents applaud the facility’s friendly and accommodating staff, clean atmosphere and the charming, spacious apartments. The community also receives positive reviews for its impressive calendar of life enrichment activities that includes exercise sessions, special guest entertainers, social games and organized day trips. Residents can enjoy everyday livelihood while the facility treats them to amenities such as housekeeping/laundry services, whirlpool spa, meals/snacks and medication administration.
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7235 Delta Commerce Drive, Lansing, MI, 48917
The rooms at Clare Bridge has everything my dad needs. It’s a memory care facility, so he has a bedroom and a half bath. They have meals, and they take care of all his personal needs. He’s got a docto
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The rooms at Clare Bridge has everything my dad needs. It’s a memory care facility, so he has a bedroom and a half bath. They have meals, and they take care of all his personal needs. He’s got a doctor and a staff nurse there, and he could get his haircut there too. They also have daily activities.
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The rooms at Clare Bridge has everything my dad needs. It’s a memory care facility, so he has a bedroom and a half bath. They have meals, and they take care of all his personal needs. He’s got a docto
… (read more)
The rooms at Clare Bridge has everything my dad needs. It’s a memory care facility, so he has a bedroom and a half bath. They have meals, and they take care of all his personal needs. He’s got a doctor and a staff nurse there, and he could get his haircut there too. They also have daily activities.
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210 Dori Lane, Lansing, MI, 48912
5340 Park Lake East, Lansing, MI, 48823
Kalkidan AFC 2 is located in a beautiful, quiet neighborhood in Lansing Michigan. Visitors compliment the facility’s high standards of cleanliness, as well as the quality of food offered. Residents ap
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Kalkidan AFC 2 is located in a beautiful, quiet neighborhood in Lansing Michigan. Visitors compliment the facility’s high standards of cleanliness, as well as the quality of food offered. Residents appreciate the freedom to engage in activities outside of the community. The kind, equitable staff at Kalkidan AFC 2 work hard to make sure each resident gets the care he or she needs and to maintain a loving atmosphere in which visitors always feel welcome. Private rooms and a resident’s "bill of rights" ensure residents feel safe, secure and respected.
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Kalkidan AFC 2 is located in a beautiful, quiet neighborhood in Lansing Michigan. Visitors compliment the facility’s high standards of cleanliness, as well as the quality of food offered. Residents ap
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Kalkidan AFC 2 is located in a beautiful, quiet neighborhood in Lansing Michigan. Visitors compliment the facility’s high standards of cleanliness, as well as the quality of food offered. Residents appreciate the freedom to engage in activities outside of the community. The kind, equitable staff at Kalkidan AFC 2 work hard to make sure each resident gets the care he or she needs and to maintain a loving atmosphere in which visitors always feel welcome. Private rooms and a resident’s "bill of rights" ensure residents feel safe, secure and respected.
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1634 Lake Lansing Rd, Lansing, MI, 48912
Robinwood Landing Alzheimer’s Special Care Center looks like a suitable place for my husband. It’s an all-exclusive Alzheimer’s and dementia center. Nothing else. Our tour was very good. The lady took
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Robinwood Landing Alzheimer’s Special Care Center looks like a suitable place for my husband. It’s an all-exclusive Alzheimer’s and dementia center. Nothing else. Our tour was very good. The lady took us all around and showed us the type of room that he would be in and the dining area. She was very helpful. They have patio areas that they can go out into and it’s a locked-down facility. I was very satisfied that I have made up my mind right away after I went out there.
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Robinwood Landing Alzheimer’s Special Care Center looks like a suitable place for my husband. It’s an all-exclusive Alzheimer’s and dementia center. Nothing else. Our tour was very good. The lady took
… (read more)
Robinwood Landing Alzheimer’s Special Care Center looks like a suitable place for my husband. It’s an all-exclusive Alzheimer’s and dementia center. Nothing else. Our tour was very good. The lady took us all around and showed us the type of room that he would be in and the dining area. She was very helpful. They have patio areas that they can go out into and it’s a locked-down facility. I was very satisfied that I have made up my mind right away after I went out there.
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2121 Hopkins Avenue, Lansing, MI, 48912
Kalkidan AFC of Lansing, Michigan has the advantage of being operated by a surgical ICU nurse who knows all the ins and outs of taking special care of people. With a total of six residents, this facil
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Kalkidan AFC of Lansing, Michigan has the advantage of being operated by a surgical ICU nurse who knows all the ins and outs of taking special care of people. With a total of six residents, this facility is small and homey, ensuring that your loved one is comfortable and that their individual needs are met. The facility takes pride in its cleanliness and also provides a wide array of healthy foods for its residents’ consumption. The staff also routinely creates opportunities that will keep your loved one sociable and active throughout the day.
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Kalkidan AFC of Lansing, Michigan has the advantage of being operated by a surgical ICU nurse who knows all the ins and outs of taking special care of people. With a total of six residents, this facil
… (read more)
Kalkidan AFC of Lansing, Michigan has the advantage of being operated by a surgical ICU nurse who knows all the ins and outs of taking special care of people. With a total of six residents, this facility is small and homey, ensuring that your loved one is comfortable and that their individual needs are met. The facility takes pride in its cleanliness and also provides a wide array of healthy foods for its residents’ consumption. The staff also routinely creates opportunities that will keep your loved one sociable and active throughout the day.
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1020 Eastbury Drive, Lansing, MI, 48917
My father moved into the Divine Life Assisted Living Center #5. I am very happy with them. It was kind of a last option, but they’re doing an excellent job in taking care of my father. They were my on
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My father moved into the Divine Life Assisted Living Center #5. I am very happy with them. It was kind of a last option, but they’re doing an excellent job in taking care of my father. They were my only option actually; it was the only place that he could afford with the level of care that he required. The staff is excellent. The owner is very compassionate, understanding, and thorough, and he definitely has a heart for what he’s doing. The care manager at my dad’s facility goes above and beyond, and she’s always kind and compassionate when I speak to her, because I live three hours away. So, they’re very accommodating, they’re very helpful, they’re very knowledgeable, and they definitely give me the sense that I can rest knowing that my dad’s well cared for.
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My father moved into the Divine Life Assisted Living Center #5. I am very happy with them. It was kind of a last option, but they’re doing an excellent job in taking care of my father. They were my on
… (read more)
My father moved into the Divine Life Assisted Living Center #5. I am very happy with them. It was kind of a last option, but they’re doing an excellent job in taking care of my father. They were my only option actually; it was the only place that he could afford with the level of care that he required. The staff is excellent. The owner is very compassionate, understanding, and thorough, and he definitely has a heart for what he’s doing. The care manager at my dad’s facility goes above and beyond, and she’s always kind and compassionate when I speak to her, because I live three hours away. So, they’re very accommodating, they’re very helpful, they’re very knowledgeable, and they definitely give me the sense that I can rest knowing that my dad’s well cared for.
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731 Starkweather Dr, Lansing, MI, 48917
1038 Eastbury Dr, Lansing, MI, 48917
2700 Burcham Dr., East Lansing, MI, 48823
Burcham Hills is nestled between Burcham Park and the East Saginaw Highway in East Lansing, Michigan. Residents and their loved ones praise the community for offering an array of engaging activities,
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Burcham Hills is nestled between Burcham Park and the East Saginaw Highway in East Lansing, Michigan. Residents and their loved ones praise the community for offering an array of engaging activities, such as bingo games, music recitals and quilting classes. Visitors compliment the 38-acre grounds, where residents can stroll along the flower-filled garden walkway. Residents also enjoy being pampered at the on-site beauty parlor and exercising in the workout room. Burcham Hills receives rave reviews for serving fresh, tasty food in a formal, restaurant-like dining area. The facility also gets high marks for having comfortable apartments and townhouses.
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Burcham Hills is nestled between Burcham Park and the East Saginaw Highway in East Lansing, Michigan. Residents and their loved ones praise the community for offering an array of engaging activities,
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Burcham Hills is nestled between Burcham Park and the East Saginaw Highway in East Lansing, Michigan. Residents and their loved ones praise the community for offering an array of engaging activities, such as bingo games, music recitals and quilting classes. Visitors compliment the 38-acre grounds, where residents can stroll along the flower-filled garden walkway. Residents also enjoy being pampered at the on-site beauty parlor and exercising in the workout room. Burcham Hills receives rave reviews for serving fresh, tasty food in a formal, restaurant-like dining area. The facility also gets high marks for having comfortable apartments and townhouses.
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3830 Okemos Rd., Okemos, MI, 48864
Bickford of Okemos is located on Okemos Road in Okemos, Michigan, just a short drive from Briarwood Recreation Park and Interstate 96. Residents’ loved ones praise the friendly, competent staff, and
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Bickford of Okemos is located on Okemos Road in Okemos, Michigan, just a short drive from Briarwood Recreation Park and Interstate 96. Residents’ loved ones praise the friendly, competent staff, and they give high marks to the food. They also like the garden area and the activities offered, which include games and exercise programs. This community has a beauty and barber shop on site, along with a spa and party space. Bickford of Okemos is a pet-friendly facility and has studio and one-bedroom apartments.
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Bickford of Okemos is located on Okemos Road in Okemos, Michigan, just a short drive from Briarwood Recreation Park and Interstate 96. Residents’ loved ones praise the friendly, competent staff, and
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Bickford of Okemos is located on Okemos Road in Okemos, Michigan, just a short drive from Briarwood Recreation Park and Interstate 96. Residents’ loved ones praise the friendly, competent staff, and they give high marks to the food. They also like the garden area and the activities offered, which include games and exercise programs. This community has a beauty and barber shop on site, along with a spa and party space. Bickford of Okemos is a pet-friendly facility and has studio and one-bedroom apartments.
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1177 West Solon Road, Dewitt, MI, 48820
4300 Keller Road, Holt, MI, 48842
I feel very fortunate that a good friend of mine recommend Prestige Way as a place for my husband. I have not had a second thought concerning my selection. In this time of COVID 19 you have to really
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I feel very fortunate that a good friend of mine recommend Prestige Way as a place for my husband. I have not had a second thought concerning my selection. In this time of COVID 19 you have to really depend on the staff to treat your loved one with care and expertise. The staff at Prestige Way meets these expectations.
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I feel very fortunate that a good friend of mine recommend Prestige Way as a place for my husband. I have not had a second thought concerning my selection. In this time of COVID 19 you have to really
… (read more)
I feel very fortunate that a good friend of mine recommend Prestige Way as a place for my husband. I have not had a second thought concerning my selection. In this time of COVID 19 you have to really depend on the staff to treat your loved one with care and expertise. The staff at Prestige Way meets these expectations.
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5250 Marsh Road, Haslett, MI, 48840
Brookdale Meridian was nice. The staff member who assisted me was very informative. She was really good. The residents were watching TV, playing cards, and playing board games. Brookdale Meridian was
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Brookdale Meridian was nice. The staff member who assisted me was very informative. She was really good. The residents were watching TV, playing cards, and playing board games. Brookdale Meridian was at the top of our list. The staff was excellent.
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Brookdale Meridian was nice. The staff member who assisted me was very informative. She was really good. The residents were watching TV, playing cards, and playing board games. Brookdale Meridian was
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Brookdale Meridian was nice. The staff member who assisted me was very informative. She was really good. The residents were watching TV, playing cards, and playing board games. Brookdale Meridian was at the top of our list. The staff was excellent.
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6350 Abbot Rd, East Lansing, MI, 48823
3500 Coolidge Road, East Lansing, MI, 48823
The Willows at East Lansing is located in northern East Lansing, Michigan, minutes away from Falcon Golf Course and Eastwood Towne Center. Visitors and residents describe the property as beautiful and
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The Willows at East Lansing is located in northern East Lansing, Michigan, minutes away from Falcon Golf Course and Eastwood Towne Center. Visitors and residents describe the property as beautiful and having a home-like atmosphere. The staff members receive high praise for their attentiveness and willingness to interact with residents, especially those who are less outgoing. Amenities include private porches, landscaped grounds and a game room, and residents engage in a wide range of activities, including card games, crochet classes and bus trips into the community.
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The Willows at East Lansing is located in northern East Lansing, Michigan, minutes away from Falcon Golf Course and Eastwood Towne Center. Visitors and residents describe the property as beautiful and
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The Willows at East Lansing is located in northern East Lansing, Michigan, minutes away from Falcon Golf Course and Eastwood Towne Center. Visitors and residents describe the property as beautiful and having a home-like atmosphere. The staff members receive high praise for their attentiveness and willingness to interact with residents, especially those who are less outgoing. Amenities include private porches, landscaped grounds and a game room, and residents engage in a wide range of activities, including card games, crochet classes and bus trips into the community.
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COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Grand Rapids
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 Michigan. 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 Grand Rapids
The Michigan Department of Human Services Bureau of Children and Adult Licensing licenses memory care facilities as either Homes for the Aged (HFA) or Adult Foster Care Homes (AFC). Both must adhere to services and accommodations to maintain their licenses.
In Michigan, the difference between Adult Foster Care Homes and Homes for the Aged comes down to the number of residents in the facility. Adult Foster Care Homes usually have 20 or fewer residents, while Homes for the Aged have 21 or more.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Grand Rapids
- There are 263 physicians per 100,000 residents in Grand Rapids, compared to the national average of 210, and a very high number of these physicians accept Medicare. There are nine hospitals in the Grand Rapids area, including Mercy Health St. Mary’s Campus, one of the top 20 hospitals in Michigan, and Spectrum Health-Butterworth and Blodgett Campuses, which rank in the top 5. Grand Rapids is also only a two-hour drive from Ann Arbor, home to the University of Michigan Health-Ann Arbor, Michigan’s #1 ranked hospital. Overall, the health cost index in Grand Rapids is lower than the national average.
- Only 12.4% of Grand Rapids’ citizens are seniors. However, there are 91 senior living communities within close range of the city to care for the elderly population. Memory Care costs in Grand Rapids are higher than the national average, but lower than many other cities in Michigan.
- The cost of living in Grand Rapids is 12.2% lower than the national average and 1.8% lower than Michigan’s statewide average. Grand Rapids ranks as the 11th most affordable place to live in the United States.
- In terms of weather and climate, Grand Rapids receives low levels of yearly rainfall. Winters are long and cold, and the city averages 64 inches of snow per year. The air quality in Grand Rapids is slightly below average. However, summers are generally pleasant, with temperatures averaging 70-85 degrees.
- Grand Rapids ranks above the national average for violent and property crime, but crime rates have steadily decreased after peaking in 2008. It’s important to note that memory care facilities are exceptionally secure, with 24/7 monitoring and security measures, so residents are at a much lower risk of crime than the general population.
Paying for Memory Care in Grand Rapids
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.
Memory care in Grand Rapids costs an average of $6,035 per month. This is higher than Michigan’s average of $5,313 and the national average of $5,625.
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
Grand Rapids is one of Michigan’s most expensive cities for memory care. The nearby city of Ann Arbor is the most costly overall at $7,616 per month. The state capital, Lansing, costs $5,391 per month, and Detroit costs $5,269 per month. At the end of the list, Battle Creek ranks as the cheapest city for memory care, with average costs of $4,250 per month.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
Several types of senior care in the Grand Rapids area are less expensive than memory care. Adult day care services cost an average of $2,221 per month, while an assisted living facility costs $4,828. Home care and home health care average $5,529 per month, and a semiprivate room in a nursing home is the most expensive option at $9,405.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Grand Rapids
In Grand Rapids, 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 Michigan 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 Michigan page.
Free Memory Care Resources in Grand Rapids
Navigating memory care can be confusing and overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. The city of Grand Rapids, the state of Michigan and other non-profit or government entities provide several free services for people with Alzheimer’s and their families. Michigan residents can take advantage of these services to assist with legal matters, long-term care planning, health care and more.
The Michigan Alzheimer's Disease Center is a multidisciplinary program that brings together researchers, doctors and advocates to support wellness initiatives and fund new research for Alzheimer’s patients. The center runs the Mitten Minds support group and educational series for seniors in the early stages of dementia and other cognitive impairments and support programs for families and caregivers. People with cognitive impairments can also participate in many research studies offered by the center.
The Michigan Long Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for the health, safety and wellbeing of individuals living in long-term care facilities such as nursing homes or memory care communities. Family members can contact the ombudsman if they believe their loved one is mistreated in a memory care community or report any other concerns. All ombudsman services are strictly confidential and provided free of charge.
National 24-hour helpline: 800-272-3900
Grand Rapids office contact: 616-459-4558
The Michigan chapter of the Alzheimer's Association provides community, support, advocacy and resources for people with Alzheimer’s and their families. The Alzheimer's Association also runs a national 24/7 hotline for caregivers and family members to talk with trained professionals about the care of their loved ones.
The Western Michigan Area Agency on Aging provides resources and community information for seniors throughout the Grand Rapids area, including those living with Alzheimer’s and dementia. The agency can connect seniors and their families with the information they need to make informed care decisions and navigate dementia care.
Legal Aid of Western Michigan provides free legal services and help for low-income residents and seniors. In addition, the program can help assist with civil matters like living wills, powers of attorney, guardianship and other issues that families may have to navigate when their loved one is diagnosed with dementia.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in Michigan are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Michigan page for more information about these laws.
