When your loved one needs support for Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, the right memory care in Marietta, GA, will put their joy first. Families in Marietta, Kennesaw, and throughout Cobb County may experience a complex mix of emotions, from relief that professional care is available and guilt about the transition, to confidence in making the right choice and uncertainty about what quality care truly looks like.
This guide will help you understand these emotions and so much more about memory care you can trust. The right community combines medical excellence with genuine compassion. It should feel less like a healthcare setting and more like a welcoming neighborhood where your loved one can thrive, regardless of where they are in their memory loss journey. Next, we’ll help you identify what truly defines exceptional dementia care Marietta, GA, and how to find an environment that honors your loved one's individuality while providing the tailored support they deserve.
The essential elements of award-winning memory care that go beyond basic safety
How specialized programming and staff training impact daily life and well-being
Why person-centered care approaches make a measurable difference in quality of life
What questions to ask during tours to evaluate true care quality
How The Arbor Company's 30+ years of expertise translates into better outcomes for families in Marietta
Perhaps the most important factor in any memory care community is the compassion and expertise you’re surrounded by. Look for communities where dementia training isn't just a requirement but a commitment that extends to every staff member who interacts with residents.
At Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory in Marietta, caregivers receive ongoing education in person-centered dementia care approaches. This means understanding how dementia progresses and adapting care techniques accordingly. Staff trained in methods like GEMS™ (created by Teepa Snow of Positive Approach, LLC) learn to recognize different stages of cognitive decline and respond with appropriate communication strategies that reduce anxiety and preserve dignity.
Ask specific questions during your tour. What types of training do staff receive beyond regulatory requirements? How often does training occur? Does it extend to everyone, from nurses and caregivers to dining staff and housekeepers? A truly excellent memory care community ensures that every person your loved one encounters understands how to create positive, meaningful interactions.
The difference this makes is profound. When a caregiver recognizes early signs of frustration and knows how to redirect with gentle encouragement rather than correction, your loved one experiences less stress. When dining staff understand that it's not disrespect but disease that makes eating challenging, mealtimes become pleasant rather than fraught.
Safety is paramount in Alzheimer's care in Marietta, GA, but it should never feel institutional. The best memory care neighborhoods balance security with an environment that feels open, comfortable, and just like family.
Look for communities with secure exits that prevent wandering while maintaining a residential feel. Electronic locks should be discreet. Outdoor spaces should be enclosed yet inviting, and where residents can enjoy fresh air and nature without risk. Pathways should be clearly marked with visual cues that help residents navigate independently.
Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory's Evergreen neighborhood was thoughtfully designed for residents with mid- to late-stage dementia, while the Bridges neighborhood supports those in early-stage cognitive decline. Each space is intentionally created to reduce confusion and promote confidence. Familiar design elements, appropriate lighting, and consistent routines help residents feel oriented and secure without constant reminders of their limitations.
Security shouldn't mean isolation. Your loved one should still be able to participate in activities, enjoy community spaces, and maintain connections, all within an environment structured for their safety and well-being first.
Too often, memory care activities focus on what residents can no longer do rather than celebrating what they still enjoy. Exceptional communities create "failure-free" activities and events where every resident can participate successfully at their own level.
Look for memory care communities offering cognitive programs multiple times throughout the day, not just one or two activities. These should work different parts of the brain in ways that feel natural and enjoyable, not clinical. Music therapy, art programs, events with friends, sensory stimulation, reminiscence activities, and gentle movement should all be part of the daily rhythm.
Programming should also adapt to the natural patterns of dementia. Stimulating activities work best earlier in the day, while calmer, more soothing programs help reduce late-afternoon agitation. Ask how the community structures its day and whether programming is individualized based on each resident's interests and current abilities.
At Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory, residents in our Evergreen neighborhood benefit from purposeful activities designed to promote wellbeing at every stage of memory loss. Our Bridges program, specifically designed for early-stage cognitive decline, offers residents opportunities to maintain autonomy while receiving the right level of support to meet their needs.
Eating difficulties are common with dementia, making specialized dining programs essential in quality senior living in Marietta, GA. But exceptional memory care goes beyond ensuring adequate nutrition—it makes mealtimes pleasurable, dignified experiences that foster social connection.
The Arbor Company's award-winning Dining with Dignity® program exemplifies this approach. Chefs use special preparation techniques to create meals with similar nutritional value to traditional dishes but presented in ways that support independence. Food prepared in appetizing, bite-sized portions eliminates the need for utensils that some residents can no longer manage. Ground ingredients make chewing and swallowing easier without sacrificing flavor or presentation.
Beyond the food itself, the dining environment matters. Smaller, quieter spaces reduce overwhelming stimulation. Consistent mealtimes create comforting routines. Staff trained to provide gentle assistance ensure residents maintain dignity even when they need help.
Ask during tours: How does the community adapt meals as needs change? What does mealtime look like? Rushed or relaxed? Do residents eat in a separate dining room or with the broader community? How does staff handle challenges like refusing food or difficulty using utensils?
Transitioning a loved one to memory care means becoming part of a larger care team. The right community treats families as essential partners, keeping you informed and supported throughout the journey.
Look for communities with clear, consistent communication practices. How often will you receive updates? Can you reach the care team easily with questions or concerns? Are family education opportunities available to help you understand dementia progression and how to maintain meaningful connections?
Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory maintains open lines of communication with families, recognizing that you know your loved one best. Care plans should incorporate your insights about their life history, preferences, and patterns. Regular updates should keep you informed about changes in health, behavior, or needs. And you should always feel welcome to visit, participate in activities, and remain actively involved in your loved one's life.
Beyond the basics, truly award-winning memory care in Marietta, GA, reveals itself in subtle details families often overlook during initial tours:
Staff consistency and longevity: High turnover disrupts relationships crucial for residents with memory loss. Ask about staff retention rates and how long team members have worked there. When residents see familiar faces day after day, they feel safer and more connected.
Individualized approaches to personal care: Does the community honor each resident's lifelong routines and preferences? If your mother always showers at night, will staff work with that rather than insisting on morning care? These small accommodations make enormous differences in reducing anxiety.
Flexibility in care as needs change: Dementia progresses at different rates for different people. Can the community adapt to support without requiring a move to a different neighborhood? Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory offers both Bridges early-stage support and Evergreen memory care on the same campus, allowing seamless transitions as needs evolve.
Authentic relationships, not just task completion: Watch how staff interact with residents during your tour. Do they make eye contact, use names, and engage in real conversation? Or do they rush through tasks without genuine connection? Memory care should feel personal, not institutional.
Specialized training for all staff members, not just nurses, ensures consistent, compassionate dementia care throughout the day
Security features should provide safety without feeling restrictive or institutional
Person-centered programming honors current abilities rather than focusing on limitations, creating failure-free engagement
Dining programs like Dining with Dignity® at Arbor Terrace adapt to changing needs while preserving independence and dignity
Family communication should be open, frequent, and collaborative – you remain an essential part of your loved one's care team
Choosing memory care for someone you love is one of the most difficult decisions you'll face. But it's also an act of profound love – recognizing that your loved one deserves specialized care you can no longer provide alone, in an environment designed specifically for their changing needs.
At Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory, we've been supporting families through this transition for years. Located at 920 Burnt Hickory Road in Marietta, our Evergreen and Bridges neighborhoods provide compassionate, person-centered care backed by The Arbor Company's three decades of expertise in senior living.
You don't have to navigate this journey alone. Download our Dementia Care Checklist for a comprehensive guide to evaluating memory care options, or contact us at 770-343-3818 to schedule a personalized tour. We'll answer all your questions, address your concerns, and help you determine if Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory is the right fit for your family.
Memory care becomes appropriate when cognitive decline creates safety concerns, when your loved one needs prompting for daily activities like bathing or dressing, when wandering or agitation occur regularly, or when social isolation increases at home. If you're noticing these signs, a memory care evaluation can help determine the right level of support. Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory offers both Bridges (for early-stage cognitive decline) and Evergreen memory care, allowing care to match current needs.
Memory care provides specialized programming, secure environments, higher staffing ratios, and staff specifically trained in dementia care approaches. Unlike assisted living, which supports general daily living needs, memory care addresses the unique challenges of cognitive decline, including confusion, anxiety, wandering, and communication difficulties. The Care approaches are all specifically designed for residents living with dementia.
Memory care costs in Georgia typically include apartment accommodations, 24-hour staffing, specialized programming, meals, and personal care assistance. Pricing varies based on apartment size, level of care needed, and specific community amenities. At Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory, we provide transparent pricing information and help families understand exactly what's included. We also discuss payment options and can connect you with resources for veterans' benefits, long-term care insurance, or other financial assistance programs.
Yes, one significant advantage of Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory is that we offer both Bridges early-stage support and Evergreen memory care on the same campus. This means your loved one can transition seamlessly as their needs evolve without leaving the familiar community, staff, and friends they've come to know. We work closely with families to determine the right time for any transition and ensure it happens as smoothly as possible.
Family involvement remains incredibly important in memory care. At Arbor Terrace Burnt Hickory, we encourage regular visits, participation in activities and special events, attendance at care plan meetings, and ongoing communication with our team. We also offer family education programs to help you understand dementia progression and learn strategies for meaningful visits. You'll always be a valued part of your loved one's care team – memory care simply provides additional support so you can focus on being their family member rather than their sole caregiver.