10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Birmingham, AL
Families with loved ones diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can often be left wondering what to do when it comes to care. A Place for Mom is here to help.
Currently, there are nine memory care facilities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Birmingham, many of which offer a variety of memory-enhancing activities, dementia therapies, medication management, security features, and extracurriculars for their residents — all in an effort to reduce confusion, minimize agitation, enhance wellbeing, and keep your loved ones safe.
In addition, memory care in Birmingham offers significant value to residents and their families. A Place for Mom’s proprietary data shows that the average cost of memory care facilities in Birmingham is $4,200. In comparison, the national average is $6,935.
In this guide, expect to find all the necessary information on memory care facilities in Birmingham. You’ll also learn about costs, regulations, services, and senior-specific local resources.
Birmingham Memory Care Facilities | 407 Reviews
She is very happy there - she enjoys the activities, the people and the food. Very positive! The staff members were very helpful and accommodating - the meals were very good and, although I did not meet a...
Moved my mother & stepdad into Assisted Living in [date removed]. This facility is a bit higher end and the rates reflect that. IF you have a couple to share a room, the rate becomes more "do-able". This...
I liked everything about the community and would highly recommend it. We picked this community because it was one level, clean, and reasonably priced for that area.
It just felt right. Everyone was very nice and it had what we were looking for. Also word of mouth...we heard good things from friends
Everything is great except they can be really slow with important maintenence requests such as the AC. Overall is it a great place, especially for our price point.
Our objective was to find a place for my 95 year old mother with the type of dementia that still allowed her to think rationally, but was incapable of retaining any new information, even during a brief...
This is our second year to have our mom at The Gardens. Initially, she was not an easy placement, but the staff at The Gardens made all the difference in the world. Now Mom loves The Gardens and thinks if it...
The dining room could be cleaner and swept between meals or at least at the end of the day. You will come in for lunch and shreds of dinner will be on the floor from the night before. It makes me wonder if...
The small size of this facility was an attractive characteristic. My mother felt immediately comfortable in the environment as soon as we walked through the door the first time. In fact, she noted the...
We were attracted to them because of the high ratings online. Definitely will recommend!! Staff and Nurses were of the highest quality and cost was a bargain. Best of the 4 places my sister stayed at. She...
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We have only been here a couple of weeks, this has been the most friendly facility we have looked at. The entire staff seem to be happy and friendly as well, answering questions that may or may not be their...
From the first time that I visited Galleria Woods, I knew that it was the place for me! I love my Garden Home and the privacy that it gives me overlooking the Cahaba River. I enjoy my walks up to the "Big...
I placed my mom here for respite care and received great service. She was provided great care by the staff. She has dementia and the staff were skilled with dealing with dementia patients. Thanks to [name...
I wanted to write a review for the Regency Retirement Village and share our experience. We planned an out-of-state move with my mother-in-law of 90 years. This was a very tough move for us to make but we...
My mother in law is happy there and that makes all the difference. Twice they have noticed and issue that needed medical attention that we could not see. They are very inclusive.
Greenbriar on Hanover is a lovely community. My mother is very happy here. The staff is very nice. The community is kept organized and cleaned. One thing i really like is that the meals are delicious. I...
My loved one has recently moved into this community and so far everything is going well for him there. The staff have been very friendly and I am comfortable with the quality of care they are providing him....
My mom is doing great as a resident in the community. She enjoys the meals and the activities are good. She has been happy so far and the staff are good with the care and good at giving my updates where it...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Birmingham community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Birmingham community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of memory care in the Birmingham area
- What families are saying about memory care in Birmingham
- How people pay for memory care in Birmingham
- Understand Alabama laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- What to expect from memory care living in Birmingham
- Birmingham memory care services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Birmingham? Highlights for seniors
Costs of memory care in the Birmingham area
The average cost of memory care facilities within our network in the Birmingham area is about $4,200, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This would include housing, meals, associated fees, and add-on service fees, such as specialized therapies, 24-hour supervision, and other ancillary services. This is the average, however, and the cost for the facility and its services will likely vary by location, floor plan, layout, level of care provided, and any additional service fees. Birmingham memory care communities offer great value compared to the national average cost of $6,935.[02]
The following figures represent the average baseline costs for the area and do not include additional fees for services.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Birmingham, AL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Birmingham, AL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Birmingham vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Birmingham, AL by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Birmingham over time
What families are saying about memory care in Birmingham
Recent reviews for memory care in Birmingham
Fair Haven Retirement Community in Birmingham, AL
The Fairways at Grayson Valley in Birmingham, AL
Kirkwood by the River in Birmingham, AL
Birmingham review score based on 136 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 136 reviews of 20 Birmingham memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Birmingham review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Birmingham memory care
When memory care residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 136 reviews of 20 Birmingham memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Birmingham resident and family memory care satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for memory care in Birmingham
Paying for a memory care facility and its associated services will often entail a combination of private and public resources. Below, you’ll find additional details on a variety of payment methods, including Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and private funds.
Many seniors and their families will find themselves using private funds to pay for memory care facilities. These might include personal savings accounts, pensions, Social Security benefits, distributions from retirement accounts, income generated from investments, inheritances, and any of the following resources:
Birmingham offers certain veteran benefits that could help offset the costs of a stay in a memory care facility. VA pensions can help cover assisted living expenses, which would include memory care. The VA Aid and Attendance (A&A) pension is probably the most common benefit (outside of the VA pension) used for memory care, as these funds have been earmarked for veterans who require assistance in bathing, dressing, eating, and other activities. To be eligible for this pension, veterans must have served during wartime and either have a disability, be at least 65 years old, be a patient in a long-term care facility because of a disability, or receive Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income.
Please note that the application and acceptance process for the A&A pension can be long and difficult, so it’s often advisable to contact one of the resources below for assistance. Seniors and their families in Alabama might also find it valuable to look into the United Way Priority Veteran, which is an assistance program that helps veterans obtain entitled benefits. These resources can also help answer other questions and connect seniors and their families with other services that may be of benefit to individuals with age-associated memory impairments. Other veterans service organizations can also provide information and assistance.
Number of veterans who live in Birmingham
14% of Birmingham veterans are 75+, according to the US Census Bureau
Resources for Birmingham veterans
Jefferson County Veterans Service Office
1515 Sixth Ave. S, Five West
Cooper Green Mercy Health Services
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 205-521-7305
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Birmingham VA Medical Center
700 S 19th St.
Birmingham, AL 35233
Phone: 205-933-8101
Hours: 24/7
VFW, Kelly Ingram Post 668
1801 11th Ave. N
Birmingham, AL 35234
Phone: 205-252-2696
Email: cmd@vfw668.org
DAV Birmingham Chapter 4
238 Second Ave. N
Birmingham, AL 35204
Phone: 205-202-4460
Priority Veteran Office
3600 Eighth Ave. S
P.O. Box 320189 Birmingham, AL 35232
Phone: 866-460-3827
Email: information@priorityveteran.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Local Veteran Service Officer
Angela Hunter
a.hunter@va.alabama.gov
In Birmingham, the Medicaid program is called Alabama Medicaid, which is health care for low-income residents that pays for services such as medical appointments, hospital stays, and rehabilitation. If your loved one requires memory care, it’s a helpful resource.
Alabama Medicaid benefits that could help pay for memory care facilities usually come in the form of waivers, which are then applied toward the overall cost of care. The following are just a few of the waiver programs available in the Birmingham area:
HCBS provides Medicaid beneficiaries waivers to help offset the costs of memory care facilities. Certain age, income, and care level requirements do apply.
ACT provides waivers to individuals with disabilities or long-term illnesses who seek to transition from nursing facilities to home or community settings, such as memory care. Certain restrictions do apply, and an assessment is required prior to distribution of funds.
Operated by the Alabama Department of Senior Services, the Elderly and Disabled Waiver offers services allowing seniors and/or people with disabilities who would otherwise need care in nursing facilities to live in community settings, such as memory care facilities.
Seniors and their families in Birmingham might also want to get in touch with the United Way Area Agency of Aging of Jefferson County, as this agency can help improve access to long-term care services in the state of Alabama, as well as those offered in Birmingham proper.
Birmingham resident Medicaid resources
Alabama Medicaid
600 Beacon Parkway W
Birmingham, AL 35209
Phone: 866-371-4073
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County
3600 Eighth Ave. S
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 1-800-243-5463
Alabama’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman
Phone: 1-800-AGE-LINE (1-800-243-5463)
Though Medicare doesn’t directly cover the cost of a memory care facility, this benefit can be applied toward approved services and/or programs associated with memory care. This could include physician fees, prescription drugs, physical therapy, and dietary counseling, among other services.
Seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia may be eligible for Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design (VBID) Model, which provides additional benefits, reduced cost sharing, and more flexibility in Medicare plans. And if a memory care facility qualifies as a “skilled nursing home,” Medicare may cover some of the costs. Certain restrictions do apply, so it’s important to know the facts prior to admitting any senior into a memory care facility if you plan to rely on Medicare.
For more information on what may or may not be covered, you can visit the official Medicare website or call 1-800-MEDICARE (633-4227). Seniors and their families may also want to contact the local Social Security office for more detail on memory care payment options or the Alabama State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP), which provides patient advocacy, insurance counseling, and legal assistance.
Birmingham resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration
1200 Reverend Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd.
Birmingham, AL 35285
Phone: 866-397-4238
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1972 Gadsden Highway
Birmingham, AL 35235
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Alabama Department of Senior Services
Alabama Office of the State Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program (Virginia Moore-Bell, Director)
RSA Tower
201 Monroe St.
Suite 350
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 334-242-5753
Email: ageline@adss.alabama.gov
United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County (UWAAA)
3600 Eighth Ave. S.
Birmingham, AL 35222
Phone: 1-800-243-5463
Birmingham ombudsman representatives (part of the UWAAA)
Contact: Sheree Head
Contact: Marc Newell
Contact: Lakinda Taylor
Understand Alabama laws and regulations for memory care facilities
In the state of Alabama, all memory care facilities must be licensed by the Alabama Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Health Provider Standards. The facilities are licensed as “Specialty Care Assisted Living Facilities” (or SCALFs). Once licensed, the facility must comply with all associated rules and regulations. These include:
- minimum staffing ratios
- training requirements
- nursing requirements
- care coordination
- resident rights protections
- specialized programming
- activities for residents
- health and safety standards
- annual staff and administrator continuing education
- single or double occupancy units
- secure facility boundaries
- exit door locks
- in addition to personal care staff, facilities must have an administrator, medical director, unit coordinator, and a nurse
Regular inspections are done by the Alabama Department of Public Health. This online database will show you facility inspection reports. These reports, along with license statuses, are also available to the public directly through the Alabama Department of Public Health.
Alabama Department of Health contact information
Alabama Department of Public Health
201 Monroe St.
Montgomery, AL 36104
Phone: 800-252-1818
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Birmingham memory care facilities
Birmingham follows the CDC’s guidelines on protecting ourselves and others from COVID-19. However, chances are good that family members and other guests of memory care residents will be screened for COVID-19 symptoms prior to entry and might even be asked to wear masks to protect vulnerable residents. You can learn more about Alabama’s COVID-19 guidance here.
Vaccinations. Vaccinations are not required but strongly recommended, especially for seniors.
Masking. Face coverings are recommended for immunocompromised and other vulnerable individuals and required in medical facilities in the state of Alabama.
Facility cleanliness. Regular cleaning and disinfecting of surfaces is strongly encouraged, though each location will have its own disinfecting practices.
What to expect from memory care living in Birmingham
Any facility in Birmingham that offers support to individuals with age-related memory impairment will provide intensive, specialized services to its residents. All facilities listed here offer 24-hour care and supervision.[01] Most locations also help with personal care, memory-enhancing activities, dementia therapies, medication management, and mobility assistance. For example, 78% of our listings are designed specifically to accommodate memory loss, and 89% have specialized memory care training for staff.[01]
The facilities themselves also provide a safe, structured environment, as seniors with dementia can benefit from routines and are prone to wander. As such, most of our listings provide restlessness, pacing, and wandering care, as well as redirection, cueing, and disorientation care.[01]
Tailored Health Care Services
Beyond memory-enhancing activities and memory-specific care, memory care facilities offer services to help with general health care needs. For instance, 78% of listings provide full medication management to residents, and nearly all have on-call doctors.[01] Residents may also receive diabetic care, ambulatory care, and incontinence care. It’s important to consult the specific facility to determine the specific services offered to residents, as each one varies.
Engaging Facility Activities
With 89% of our partner facilities employing activities directors, residents can engage in special events for those struggling with dementia. Each listing contains indoor common areas where residents can be in community with each other and their families and friends. In addition, all of our partner facilities have libraries, so residents who still enjoy reading or visiting loved ones can have easy access to books or a quiet place to relax. Just as many locations have outdoor common areas and patios so residents can get some fresh air and enjoy the sunshine.[01]
In addition, many memory care communities facilitate devotional activities for residents. Often, these will be offered off-site, but arrangements can be made to get residents back and forth from the place of worship.
Also, several facilities schedule communal time for their residents, where seniors can participate in various games, hobbies, and other activities of their interests. Many of our listings even have barber shops or beauty salons where residents can be pampered. After all, memory care is about enriching the lives of people with age-related memory impairment.
Birmingham memory care services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Birmingham memory care
Availability of select dementia care services in Birmingham memory care
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Birmingham memory care
Availability of select dining options in Birmingham memory care
Availability of select programs and activities in Birmingham memory care
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Unfamiliar with Birmingham? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Birmingham, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Birmingham population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Median annual income for Birmingham seniors 65 and older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau
Health care for seniors in Birmingham
Though the senior community may be small by comparison to other generations, Birmingham offers many healthcare options for the aging population.
University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Hospital
UAB is ranked 36th in the nation for Geriatrics.
Birmingham VA Health Care System
The VA Health Care System in Birmingham offers a variety of programs, services, and resources, including community-based outpatient clinics, for veterans in several locations throughout the area. The goal is to provide more accessible care to veterans.
Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham
Ascension St. Vincent’s Birmingham is regionally ranked as #3 in Alabama. It’s known for its cardiology program, orthopedics program, and cancer center, though other specialties are also available.
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center
Brookwood Baptist Medical Center is another area hospital known for its cardiology and orthopedics programs. It also specializes in women’s health services.
Grandview Medical Center
Grandview Medical Center is known for its cancer center, heart and vascular center, and orthopedics program.
Princeton Baptist Medical Center
Princeton has received numerous awards and distinctions for cancer care, heart and stroke care, and radiology.
Transportation for seniors in Birmingham
While most memory care facilities provide transportation for their residents should they require medical care or participate in a group outing, it’s still important for seniors and their families to know their options for transportation — and there are many in the Birmingham area.
- The Birmingham Regional Paratransit Consortium (ClasTran)The Birmingham Regional Paratransit Consortium is a nonprofit company that provides specialized transportation services for individuals with disabilities. Rides are subsidized, costing $4.00 for one-way travel or $8.00 for a round trip.
- MAX TransitMAX Transit also offers paratransit services to seniors and individuals with disabilities. However, this is a door-to-door service should someone require assistance, and all drivers are trained to work with people who have mobility or cognitive limitations, which would include dementia. The cost is $2.50 per ride.
- SilverRideSilverRide is a private transportation service, specializing in door-to-door transit for seniors. Much like MAX Transit, drivers have been trained to work with people who have mobility or cognitive limitations. Prices vary.
- UberASSISTUberASSIST is a service that Uber offers to better accommodate seniors and individuals with disabilities. It, too, is door-to-door transit, with all drivers having been trained to work with individuals who have either mobility or cognitive limitations.
Senior activities in Birmingham
Birmingham is the seat of the most populous county in Alabama, so it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that there is plenty to do in the area. From gardens and parks to museums and zoos, more than a few of the attractions and activities are perfectly suited for seniors and their loved ones. In fact, many of the memory care facilities in our listings will take advantage of what the area has to offer by scheduling group outings for their residents.
The Birmingham Botanical Gardens, in particular, offers a serene and relaxing environment that seniors with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia can enjoy, with its beautiful flowers, plants, and sculptures along the walking paths. The same can be said for the Birmingham Museum of Art, which offers a range of exhibits and historical pieces that may be of interest to seniors and their families. If one is looking for a bit more of a tactile experience, there’s also the McWane Science Center. It’s a hands-on museum that offers a number of interactive exhibits and activities around topics such as physics, biology, and space exploration — perfect for seniors and their younger family members. Plus, visitors can enjoy its on-site IMAX theater.
For those who really want to get out in the open air, Birmingham also has no shortage of parks. The Oak Mountain State Park, for one, offers a variety of activities that seniors and their families might enjoy. Bird-watching, fishing, golfing, and strolling through its petting zoo are just a few of the options. If not that, then there’s always Railroad Park, which can be found in the very heart of downtown Birmingham. Walking paths, picnics areas, festivals, fitness classes, and simply the view make a visit to this attraction worth the trip.
For motorcycle enthusiasts, the Barber Vintage Motorsports Museum has the world’s largest collection of motorcycles and Lotus race cars. History buffs can visit the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and Southern Museum of Flight.
Seniors and their families may also enjoy the Christenberry Planetarium, Birmingham Zoo, or the Market at Pepper Place, which is the local farmer’s market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Danberry at Inverness, Gardens of Pelham and Monark Grove Greystone are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Birmingham, AL. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Birmingham is $4,209 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 24 memory care facilities near you in Birmingham, Alabama typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Birmingham, Alabama, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Birmingham, Alabama, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Birmingham, Alabama ranges from $1189 to $9990. The average Memory Care cost in Birmingham, Alabama is $4,209. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Birmingham, Alabama typically starts at $1189. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Crouch, M. (2021, December 6). Memory Care: Specialized Support for People With Alzheimer’s or Dementia. AARP.
U.S. News. (2023). U.S. News Best Hospitals. U.S. News & World Report L.P.
World Population Review. (n.d.). Populations of counties in Alabama (2023).
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