Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Bayonne's senior population continues to grow (9.3% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Bayonne, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 34% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 54%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (3.3% in Bayonne vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent dozens of hours researching senior living communities in Bayonne. In addition to an overview of the communities’ best features, this guide highlights the best memory care facilities in the city, and gives information about pricing, types of care provided, residents’ reviews, and more.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time-consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Bayonne, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
Atria Cranford is located in a peaceful setting while still being conveniently close to everything New York City has to offer. The Life Guidance Memory Care Program is situated in a secure section of the community, and is easy to navigate thanks to open floor plans that encourage residents to move around independently. Support and guidance are provided by specially trained staff members who are on-site at all times. The program offers a range of daily activities and therapies to enrich the lives of seniors with memory-related illness and promote wellness. Each resident has a care plan that's tailored to their unique care needs, personal preferences and therapy requirements. Seniors have access to a secure courtyard area with shaded seating areas and raised garden beds. On-site amenities include a movie theater and a library.
Family members appreciate the compassionate caregiving staff, with one reviewer saying, "My grandma currently lives at Atria and my family couldn't be more pleased. She's in memory care Life Guidance and my family was always very nervous about her being in the care of others - but the staff treats her very well and treats us like family."
The Waterford on the Bay Senior Living is a luxury senior community that provides specialized memory care services. The Serenity floor for memory care residents is located on the upper floors of the building and offers magnificent waterfront views. The program caters to seniors with mild to moderate memory impairments, staffed by specially trained caregivers, social workers and therapists. All staff members partake in ongoing training programs conducted by dementia care professionals. Each resident has a unique care plan that includes exercise programs, individual behavior care, therapy sessions, cognitive programs and assistance with the tasks of daily living. Three gourmet meals are served restaurant-style each day and an on-site beauty parlor helps residents look their best. Residents have access to a communal lounge area where they can socialize or participate in daily recreational activities.
One family member noted the professional care provided to their mother-in-law, saying, "They've been wonderful. They allowed us to pick out what food she likes and they allowed us to bring her clothes. Every time we see her, the aides seem to be feeding her, dressing her or changing her and they're very busy with the other people, too."
Sunrise at Sheepshead Bay offers two levels of memory care for seniors with dementia: Terrace Club and Reminiscence. The Terrace Club neighborhood provides a more structured environment for older adults with early stages of dementia, ensuring they continue doing what they love. When seniors' needs progress, they can move to the Reminiscence neighborhood where they can focus on cognitive skills through one-on-one or small-group activities. The community also uses the Validation method with an emphasis on asking open-ended questions or rephrasing to effectively communicate with seniors. Residents can participate in cognitive-enhancing activities such as gardening, arts and crafts and music to keep them engaged and active.
Reviewers appreciate the nurturing staff and the homelike environment. One notes, "They're very nurturing, and the people looked happy like they were at home. They have a little lounge area if residents want to watch their own TV shows... It seemed like it was all-inclusive, and it made [the residents ] comfortable."
Sunrise at Mill Basin in Brooklyn, NY, offers two levels of memory care for its residents. Those with early to moderate stages of Alzheimer's or dementia can live in the Terrace Club, designed for seniors who need extra support due to memory loss. These individuals benefit from structured care provided by well-trained staff members. Seniors with moderate-to-advanced dementia are a part of the community's Reminiscence Program, which pairs residents with activities that align with their interests and trigger memories from favorite moments in their lives. All memory care residents can participate in walking clubs, fitness classes, painting, meditation classes and other activities. Additionally, trained staff members are available around the clock to assist residents. The dining room uses tableside dining technology to ensure residents are offered meals that align with their dietary needs.
Reviewers are impressed by the care provided by Sunrise at Mill Basin's staff. One states, "The staff members that I met were incredibly friendly, outgoing, certainly caring, and at the same time, ... honest with regard to what the expectations may be as far as the level of care that they may offer, are able to offer and strive to offer."
At Sunrise of Staten Island, seniors can enjoy a hassle-free lifestyle while having access to the daily support they need. This includes specialized memory care for individuals with Alzheimer's or other dementias. Two distinct memory care neighborhoods are offered. The Terrace Club is ideal for individuals with early stage and moderate dementia, while the Reminiscence neighborhood provides enhanced care for those with later-stage diagnoses. Care services are personalized to residents' individual needs and preferences, and staff are specially trained in research-based memory support techniques. Thoughtful programming, such as art and music therapy, games and gardening, promotes cognitive engagement and helps residents to find purpose in their daily lives. Secure courtyard areas offer spaces for seniors to safely enjoy the outdoors, while dining areas feature warm colors and contrasting dinnerware to stimulate appetites and encourage independent eating.
Sunrise of Staten Island receives praise for its upscale amenities and vibrant social calendar. As one reviewer shares, "The place is absolutely beautiful and elegant. It's like a resort. They have lots of activities for the residents like arts and crafts, movie screenings and Bible studies. The staff is very attentive. They have meals there. The food is really good."
Harbour View Senior Living offers a continuum of care to accommodate residents as their specific requirements change. The memory care unit provides a homelike, secure setting. It caters to those with all levels of memory loss, and caregivers are trained to work with seniors in the late stages of cognitive impairment disorders. The building has been designed to enable seniors to safely explore on their own and provide a level of independence. Daily activities are curated to bring a sense of joy and purpose and may include cooking, gardening, physical exercises and cognitive games. The community uses the research-based Tovertafel Magic Table, which projects interactive games onto a flat surface. Designed for seniors with memory loss disorders, the games are controlled by hand movement.
Family members are impressed by the communication from staff members and excellent care services. "They seem to be very organized," writes one. "Anytime there has been a change, we have received a phone call. They have excellent facilities for everyone. They looked great, and we saw people doing activities during the initial tour. They even had a physical therapy room."
Sunrise of New Dorp is a pet-friendly assisted living and memory care home conveniently located on Staten Island, NY, near Manhattan. The community's Reminiscence memory care program offers a secure, intimate and socially engaging neighborhood and appropriate activities for seniors living with dementia, Alzheimer's and other forms of cognitive impairments. A registered nurse visits the home once a month to perform wellness checks, and caregivers are available 24 hours a day to assist with dressing, bathing and taking medications. Life-enrichment managers encourage residents to participate in meaningful activities, such as music, gardening and fun events. A dedicated culinary team and waitstaff prepare and serve a variety of delicious meals daily, and seniors are always welcome to join their friends for a quick bite at the bistro.
Residents and their families laud the care provided by the staff as well as the variety of activities available. A relative of a resident writes, "My mother-in-law is a resident at Sunrise of New Dorp, and we couldn't be happier with the care and services she receives. The care team is attentive, kind and respectful."
Located right in the heart of Manhattan, Coterie Hudson Yards is an upscale senior living community offering abundant amenities, curated culinary experiences and the right level of service to suit seniors' individual needs. This includes highly personalized, forward-thinking memory care for individuals with dementia. The community's 24/7 nursing staff can provide assistance with bathing and grooming, medication management, mobility aid and escorts to meals and activities. The environment is purposefully designed with secure indoor and outdoor spaces that allow residents to move around freely, and shadow boxes with personal mementos are placed outside residents' rooms to help them easily identify their apartments. Each week, more than 50 engaging programs are offered to support seniors' physical, spiritual and intellectual well-being, including art therapy, exercise classes, educational wellness seminars and events focused on family bonding.
Residents of Coterie Hudson Yards appreciate the community's efforts to create a welcoming environment with upscale amenities and compassionate caregivers. One reviewer comments, "Staff is incredible - friendly, hospitable and so knowledgeable about the needs of its clients. The apartments are beautiful, well-designed and comfortable, and the views are stunning! The common areas are unique and just so creative."
The Brielle is a nonprofit community that offers assisted living and memory care to seniors. Conveniently located next to Seaview Hospital, the 10-acre campus provides a calm environment in wooded surroundings. Memory care residents take part in Heartfelt Connections, designed to provide a personalized approach to care. Caregivers assess the interests and abilities of individuals and adapt the program to meet each person's needs, decrease agitation and increase cognition and engagement. Activities include pet therapy, an art and music program and Legacy Kits to support long-term memory. All team members, including dining and housekeeping staff, take part in industry-leading training programs to ensure they can support the needs of residents.
Residents mention the high quality of care provided by staff, and families appreciate the regular communication. One reviewer states, "They go above and beyond not only for the residents but for the families too. They utilize a mobile app to keep in constant touch with the family and provide frequent updates."
Situated in the heart of New York City, Sunrise at East 56th provides memory care in surroundings that match the glam and grandeur of nearby Park Avenue. It follows the Reminiscence neighborhood design, which allows residents to find comfort in their surroundings and encourages independent living. Caring staff, including skilled nurses, assists residents with their daily care needs, from personal care to medication management. Staff members are also trained in the Validation Method, which equips caregivers to treat residents with memory challenges in a dignified manner. This method builds rapport and trust and enables those with Alzheimer's and dementia to express themselves in a safe environment. On-site amenities include salon, barber and massage services, a fitness center and a yoga and Pilates studio. Dining areas include a cafe, bistro and a formal dining area.
Residents' family members appreciate the high level of care provided by staff. One writes, "Excellent staff, excellent food, ample high-quality activities and comprehensive, attentive personal and medical care. Back to the staff - they are amazing, from the "care managers" who help my mother dress and shower to the nursing staff, the visiting physicians and building directors and executives."
Located on New York's Upper West Side, The Apsley is a 19-story community offering assisted living and memory care for residents. The community's Reminiscence neighborhood creates an engaging environment for residents with dementia. Staff members are trained in the Validation method to reduce residents' feelings of anxiety and enhance their self-worth. Rooms are equipped with Amazon Alexa devices, integrated with Avia Technology, ensuring residents can connect with staff 24/7. Additionally, circadian rhythm lighting is used to simulate natural light, fostering a restful night's sleep. Residents can explore their interests through one-on-one activities with staff members or small group events. Daily walking classes, book clubs and guest lectures keep residents further engaged. The Apsley's dining room, which overlooks Broadway, offers three daily meals catering to each resident's nutritional needs. A private dining room accommodates visits from family and friends.
Residents appreciate The Apsley's well-designed community and how well the facility is maintained. Additionally, residents remark on the high-quality care delivered by the staff. One commenter states, "The Apsley is a very nice place, clean and organized. Friendly staff and excellent hospitality."
Located in a peaceful, residential section of New York, 80th Street Residence focuses on meeting the needs of seniors with memory loss disorders. Each floor of the building accommodates a small group of seniors with similar cognitive abilities. These groups are cared for by teams of caregivers to ensure personalized care at all times, and each resident has a care plan tailored to their specific requirements. Therapists on-site provide daily one-on-one physical and occupational therapy sessions. Daily activities are centered around the interests of each individual and may include art classes, musical entertainment, writing and dancing. Three gourmet meals are served each day in the elegant dining room. Residents have a choice of meal options, and meal assistance is available for those who need extra help.
Family members praise the wonderful and caring staff members, with one reviewer saying, "My mom had been a resident there, and not a day or night went by that I wasn't thankful and reassured by the respectful care the staff rendered, the safety of the [community ] and their unique understanding of this special population."
305 West End Assisted Living is a senior home on West End Avenue in New York between 74th and 75th streets, with views of the Hudson River. The home's Reflections Memory Care program provides support and specialized care for those living with dementia, Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss. The memory care community, which is housed on two secure private floors, employs a team of trained care staff to assist aging adults with daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing and taking medications. Residents are welcome to participate in engaging on-site activities or take advantage of outside activities via motorcoach transportation. Every day, three heart-healthy meals are prepared and individually served in the country club-style dining room.
Families emphasize community cleanliness and an inviting atmosphere. One reviewer writes, "305 West End is an assisted living facility that I finally feel comfortable entrusting the care of my mother to. Their facilities are clean and spacious, and more importantly, they address every need and request efficiently and quickly."
The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights is a senior living community that provides a comforting environment for Brooklyn seniors who need customized assistance and care due to Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The Watermark employs caregivers who embrace Naya, the spirit of wisdom and have specialized training from the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners. Care for daily tasks is complemented by immersive virtual reality experiences, integrative wellness offerings and award-winning Watermark University programs. These activities promote mental health and may even slow cognitive decline. When out about in the common areas, residents have opportunities to explore a secure environment with soothing circadian lighting. Special attention is also given to each resident's nutritional needs, with customized dietary options and the community's signature Gourmet Bites Cuisine.
Many reviewers praise The Watermark at Brooklyn Heights. They compliment the community's luxurious amenities, tasty food and attentive staff. One family member writes, "An absolutely fantastic experience for my parents. Their staff has been extremely helpful from top to bottom."
Brighton Gardens of West Orange offers a vibrant environment for seniors of varying needs. Its memory care program focuses on creating a nurturing, engaging and secure environment for those coping with the challenges of Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. The community offers two levels of memory care: the Terrace Club neighborhood for seniors with mild-to-moderate symptoms and the Reminiscence neighborhood for those with more advanced stages of memory loss. Caregivers are specially trained in dementia care and practice the Validation Method to enhance communication and connection with individual residents. An array of enriching programs, including music therapy, gardening and art classes offered in small-group and one-on-one settings, helps make each day meaningful. Nutritious daily meals ensure seniors' diets support their overall health and cognitive function.
Reviewers praise the community for its caring staff, homelike atmosphere and well-maintained surroundings. One comments, "My family is very happy with the care that my father is receiving here. The environment is warm and welcoming. The building is clean, and his room is always organized and clean too. The staff is always friendly and helpful, and they treat you like family."
Brookdale West Orange is a welcoming and homelike senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care. Located in a secure section of the community, the Clare Bridge Memory Care neighborhood has been designed to meet the needs of seniors with cognitive impairments. The walls are painted in soothing colors, and visual cues help seniors find their way independently. The community offers consistent care assignments when possible to enable seniors to build relationships with their caregivers. Daily activities offered include aromatherapy, cognitive games, music therapy and yoga sessions. The Solace section is specifically for seniors in the late stages of dementia. The program provides all the activities and therapies of Clare Bridge but includes additional support and therapies.
Family members appreciate the excellent care provided, with one reviewer saying, "My siblings and I have been thrilled with the care that she [my mother] receives there. The responsiveness of the staff and their attention to our mother's physical healthcare needs, as well as personal hygiene and her emotional well-being, has been outstanding."
Arden Courts of West Orange offers four memory care houses equipped with color-coded visual cues to make it easier for seniors to move from one place to another. Each house is fully secure and has a wellness center, arts and crafts studio and beautiful walking paths, allowing residents to socialize with others without sacrificing their safety. Residents are also encouraged to furnish their own accommodations with personal belongings to evoke positive memories and improve cognitive health. The community uses the Engagement Therapy Treatment that integrates past experiences with present interests, helping seniors maximize their abilities. Its lifestyle programming helps residents complete life skills such as folding laundry and light housekeeping to make them feel productive.
Family members are happy with the level of care their loved ones receive. One of them writes, "My aunt is now at Arden Courts Of West Orange. My experience has been outstanding. The residents are active and engaged, which is very important. The security is excellent. The staff is kind, attentive and caring. I'm extremely pleased."
Sunrise of Wayne is a close-knit community that offers memory care, assisted living, short-term stays and hospice coordination. The campus is filled with natural light, and the Reminiscence Neighborhood for memory care residents promotes socialization and encourages independence. One-on-one and small-group activities keep seniors engaged and include brain workouts, music therapy and intergenerational activities. Team members form close bonds with residents and use empathy and communication to provide tailored care. Meals are served in inviting dining rooms, with menu items presented visually to give residents the information and time they need to make their own choices. A family engagement app keeps families up-to-date on their loved ones' lives, and electronic health records allow care plans to easily be adjusted to meet changing needs.
Reviewers are appreciative of the work team members do to tailor care to their loved ones' needs and desires. One says, "They've been very accommodating in adjusting my loved one's care to suit her needs. ... They've been great about working with us to make sure she is comfortable and happy. ... The staff is all very friendly! "
Brookdale Wayne is located in a peaceful residential area but is conveniently close to all the amenities and medical options of New York City. Situated in a purpose-built part of the building, the memory care neighborhood is completely secure and has been designed to meet the needs of seniors with memory loss disorders. Residents have safe access to an outdoor courtyard with raised garden beds and a community kitchen. Whenever possible, the same caregivers are assigned to residents to foster friendships and a feeling of familiarity. The Clare Bridge Daily Path Program uses a gentle structure of six programs, and activities may include physical fitness classes, hands-on activities, mental workouts and music therapy. The Solace section caters to seniors with late-stage memory loss, adding an extra layer of care that includes additional caregivers, aromatherapy and more time for relaxation.
Visitors are impressed by the layout of the community and the number of activities offered, with one reviewer saying, "They have lots of activities planned out throughout the month; they have a calendar of activities. The apartments that we saw were very nicely laid out with little kitchenettes and were easily accessible into the main areas where the activities are. "
Located in Paramus, NJ, Juniper Village at Paramus is a warm, inviting senior community that provides residents with a healthy, stimulating lifestyle, rich in meaningful social connections. The community's memory care neighborhood is designed following the acclaimed cottage model, resulting in an intimate homelike ambiance and happier residents. Clinical care, which is individualized according to the needs of each individual, is coordinated by licensed nurses. Dedicated caregivers, trained in the best practices of memory care, provide 24/7 assistance with the tasks of everyday living. While the community's common areas are designed with security in mind, landscaped courtyards and walking paths provide opportunities for exercise and safe exploration. A carefully created activity schedule focuses on well-being and creativity.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the friendly, engaging atmosphere. One reviewer writes, "This really is a fine place. The staff, especially, is kind, efficient and very human. I recommend this place highly. We picked this community because it felt warm and welcoming."