10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Fort Wayne, IN

Most seniors who move to memory care facilities in Fort Wayne rely on a combination of payment methods to cover their basic living expenses. The most common ways to pay for memory care in Fort Wayne or offset memory care costs include private pay methods, VA benefits, Medicaid, or Medicare.

Memory care facilities are licensed by the Indiana State Department of Health (IDOH) under the classification of a Residential Care Facility (RCF). In fact, the IDOH routinely inspects all memory care facilities about every 9-15 months. All nine of A Place for Mom’s memory care partner facilities in Fort Wayne include assisted living care in some capacity, and these parameters for RCFs apply to assisted living facilities as well. The rules that govern these communities ensure not just the safety of the residents, but the safety of staff, vendors, and visitors as well.

Some of the regulatory functions that are included during inspections include:

• Making sure that the facility is staffed at appropriate levels with professionals who have met specific licensing and training requirements
• Being certain that all residents are receiving dignified care in a communal living setting
• Ensuring that all aspects of the memory care facility from housing and meals to housekeeping and leisure activities are safe and meet any pre-described requirements
• Making sure all residents have care plans and that those care plans are being followed and that the facility is being transparent in its contracts with residents and their families

Because seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s require more specialized care than a general RCF, there are more specific requirements of these facilities, which include the following:

• All memory care units must be under the supervision of a director with special training and at least one year of working with seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s
• All personnel assigned to the unit must receive special in-service training and be up to date on dementia and Alzheimer’s best care practices

You can find inspection reports for all RCFs online. It’s worth mentioning that memory care facilities in Fort Wayne must follow the Americans with Disabilities Act, which ensures that senior care facilities are providing a safe, dependable place where all residents are treated equally.

Indiana Department of Health contact information

Indiana Department of Health
2 N. Meridian St.
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Phone 317-233-1325
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Fort Wayne memory care facilities

There are no specific COVID-19 regulations that Fort Wayne memory care facilities must follow since the spread of COVID-19 in Allen County remains low. Nonetheless, individuals and professionals working in the medical field are advised to put precautionary measures and best practices in place as outlined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Each Fort Wayne memory care facility has its own unique environment. From campuses with white picket fences and lush green spaces to those with more modern architecture and amenities, Fort Wayne has a wide range of memory care facilities.

Six of the memory care facilities listed in this guide are combined assisted living and memory care facilities. Combination communities such as these can be ideal for couples with varying needs and limitations. The three remaining memory care locations have even more aging in place options, as they combine assisted living and memory care with independent living.

Safety and freedom

Because memory care communities focus on serving residents with different cognitive conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s, they include many safety features.

Around one-third of all Fort Wayne memory care facilities we partner with have wander prevention systems in place. These gated areas keep seniors from going outside of the community without a trained caregiver while still allowing them freedom to roam in secure areas. Although memory care facilities have safety limitations in place, your loved one will have room to get the space they need. All memory care facilities in Fort Wayne feature enclosed courtyards so that everyone can get a breath of fresh air whenever they want.

Activities to stimulate the mind and body

Memory care facility staff members don’t just help with medication management, exit-seeking behaviors, or cognitive therapy. Many trained professionals who are hired by memory care facilities concentrate their efforts on keeping residents busy, engaged, and inspired.

All memory care communities in Fort Wayne in a Place for Mom’s network have a full-time activities director. When you start exploring possible places for your loved one, ask about the kinds of activities offered there. You’ll probably hear about everything from arts and crafts and fitness classes to movie nights and picnics. Plus, most memory care facilities arrange for outings that you can attend when you are visiting your loved one.

Cuisine to encourage a healthy lifestyle

It’s not unusual to find an on-site cafe or bistro in a Fort Wayne memory care community (two-thirds of our partner communities have them). More and more memory care facilities aren’t just providing private dining spaces; they’re finding ways to turn their campuses into locations where residents and visitors can go for a bite to eat or a cup of coffee. Not only will this wide variety of dining options help your loved one settle in faster, but you can rest assured knowing they will get diverse meals to support their health and preferences.

Health care for seniors in Fort Wayne

Transportation for seniors in Fort Wayne

Seniors with memory-related issues should not be taking public transportation on their own as it is not safe. The good news is that 89% of the memory care facilities that are partnered with A Place for Mom offer free transportation to residents. Forty-four percent of transportation services are provided at cost. This means your relative can take advantage of rides as long as he or she is accompanied by you or another caregiver.

If you’re visiting and want to try a different way to get around Fort Wayne with your loved one, you can always find the nearest Citilink Bus stop. The Citilink Bus operates on a fairly regular six-day schedule (every day but Sunday) and has an accessibility policy to make reasonable accommodations for those in need of extra assistance. They also have wheelchair-accessible ramps and lifts.

The Community Transportation Network (CTN) is another good resource if you are visiting your loved one in Fort Wayne. The CTN is specifically designed for seniors and persons with disabilities as well as children and youth.

Senior activities in Fort Wayne

The majority of your loved one’s activities in Fort Wayne will be arranged by the coordinators and activity directors at their memory care facility. However, that doesn’t mean that you and your loved one can’t explore the area’s neighborhoods, green spaces, landmarks, shops, and events when you visit. Fort Wayne has a lot to offer.

Get outside and close to nature

Did you know that Fort Wayne has more than 80 parks? Each park has its own appeal, too. Some are located along rivers, lakes, and streams. Others are in more rustic, rural settings. Many have wonderful places to sit and picnic in the shade or watch birds and other native wildlife.

If you’re looking for a more structured outdoor experience, consider heading to the Botanical Conservatory, which is open all year and features a wealth of plants and flowers. It’s accessible for those in wheelchairs or those who use walkers and canes. After sightseeing, you can grab a beverage and a bite to eat at the on-site coffee shop.

Why not see the zoo?

Is your relative someone who loves not just their pet but all creatures big and small? Make plans to visit the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo. Not only are there membership discounts for seniors, but there is a military discount if you or your loved one qualifies.

Cheer for the home team

Sports fans love to take seasonal visits to Parkview Field to see the minor league Fort Wayne TinCaps, the Class A affiliate of the San Diego Padres. Be sure to find out about the other events happening in Parkview Field, too. It’s a magnet for year-round experiences including concerts, festivals, and the always-tasty Fort Wayne Farmers Market.

Entertainment and education at its finest

Performance art lovers can sit back and enjoy some live shows at The Embassy Theatre. The theater brings in touring companies, comedians, and concerts all throughout the year.

For a little mental and visual stimulation, head out to any of the museums in the area. Artlink is an innovative gallery to look at art exhibits and join in on special events. You can also drop into the Greater Fort Wayne Aviation Museum for a journey through the history of flight.

As a final note, remember that you don’t always have to leave the memory care facility to make real memories with the person you care about there. Sometimes, the best way to enjoy Fort Wayne’s scenic ambiance is to just sit outside on a bench and spend time with your loved one.