Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer's, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Blackstone’s senior population continues to grow (16.48% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Blackstone, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased by 18.68% between 2014 and 2019. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4.02% in Blackstone 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 Blackstone. 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 Blackstone, 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:
Tucked away in a quiet, residential neighborhood, Avita of Needham is the region's first community dedicated to providing memory and dementia care. Its holistic approach recognizes each resident as an individual and offers personalized care programs focused on their needs and preferences. The secure environment is specifically designed for seniors with cognitive impairments, with apartments grouped in small neighborhood-like configurations that are familiar and easy to navigate. Residents can safely enjoy the outdoors in the secured courtyards, which feature sensory and meditation spaces as well as areas for gardening. To promote daily engagement, the community offers a robust calendar of activities and events, such as morning exercises, tea-time socials, movie nights and scenic drives. A variety of memory-focused programs, including brain games, painting classes and music therapy, strengthen memory recall and cognitive function.
Family members appreciate that Avita of Needham provides a "happy place" where their "loved ones feel nurtured, respected and engaged." Regarding her mother's experience, a daughter shares that she has been "delighted with the care and attention she has gotten as her disease has progressed. Her aides are loving and compassionate and the activity team appropriately includes residents per their capabilities."
Benchmark Senior Living at Shrewsbury Crossings is an assisted living community that caters to seniors with all forms of dementia and memory impairments, including Alzheimer's disease. Its research-based memory care program includes individualized and group activities designed to foster creativity and enrich physical, intellectual, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. The community's activities calendar includes exercise classes, community outings, art workshops, gardening clubs, volunteer opportunities and reading groups. Staff is available 24/7 to assist with daily living activities and organize transport to off-site medical appointments. Residents benefit from on-site aromatherapy, sensory dining and secure living spaces with contrasting color schemes. Tactile furnishings and special lighting designed to stimulate memory are also placed throughout the community for optimal memory care.
The daughter of one long-term memory care unit resident says, "The staff has been very kind to Mom, appreciates her personality, knows her likes and dislikes and treats her respectfully. The rooms are generously sized and cleaned frequently."
As part of one of the largest memory care providers in the state, Benchmark Senior Living on Clapboardtree provides innovative dementia care services in its specially designed neighborhood. Led by a certified dementia practitioner, memory care programming makes use of research-based techniques, utilizing a whole-person approach that incorporates the physical, social, emotional, intellectual, purposeful and spiritual dimensions of wellness. Safety and comfort go into the design of the living spaces, with visual cues, familiar furniture, color themes and special lighting helping residents move around freely. Entrances and exits are electronically secured to prevent wandering. Structured activities offered through the Live Now, Live Well program help seniors maintain a sense of productivity and belonging, with planned schedules that include outdoor events, cognitive exercises and music therapy as well as scenic outdoor trips and volunteer projects.
Family members find peace and comfort knowing loved ones are properly cared for by a kind, knowledgeable team. One writes, "Mom needed attention and individual care and reminders. We moved her to Benchmark Senior Living on Clapboardtree. What a great decision! Cant express the relief to know mom is eating regular meals, taking her medication and exercising!
Atria Draper Place provides luxury assisted and independent living and memory care services in a historic town. Included in the cost of each apartment is a full range of activities and events offered, a housekeeping service, 24/7 staff, utilities and chef-prepared meals. The events offered include low-impact and aerobic exercise classes, happy hours, movie nights, word games, craft evenings, The Price is Right game nights and colorful meditation. Memory care at Atria Draper Place is held to a rigorous standard above state requirements and includes a family support program to help loved ones as well as the resident living with dementia. Residents in the memory care program are encouraged to dine with their neighbors and participate in their lives and decisions, allowing for community-based care.
Residents value the high quality of care and lifestyle at Atria Draper Place. According to one, "The food and activities are all excellent, I was very impressed. They really seem to care a lot about the residents; happiness matters here. They really came through for me when I needed it. Atria is definitely worth the price!"
Brookdale Eddy Pond West is a community focused on assisted living and memory care. This pet-friendly community features a concierge service, daily housekeeping, an on-site greenhouse, a fireside living room, a community kitchen, a therapy room and beautifully landscaped grounds. Secured exterior doors and enclosed courtyards allow residents living with dementia to explore indoor and outdoor areas safely. The exclusive Clare Bridge program has guided memory care at Brookdale Eddy Pond West for 30 years. This compassionate program features support from the initial transition into memory care to advanced stages of dementia or Alzheimer's. A licensed nurse oversees every resident's care plan and the structured daily schedules can include morning cognitive workouts, brain games, aromatherapy, music performances, and fitness classes.
Family members appreciate the care with which staff attend to their loved ones. According to one online review, "We are very pleased with this community, my father is doing very well here. Everyone is really friendly and accommodating. They do offer great activities for the residents throughout the week. I like the way they encourage my father to participate."
New Pond Village is an assisted living, independent living, and memory care community located in a beautiful, vibrant New England town. The Harbor Neighborhood is dedicated specifically to memory care, and each resident receives an individualized care plan aimed at connection and purpose through the arts, daily fitness and social activities. Special lighting themes, familiar furniture and an easy-to-navigate neighborhood provide an environment residents can feel safe and comfortable in. Everyone who works with Harbor Neighborhood residents, from nurses to servers in the on-site restaurant, is trained in dementia care. The flagship Mind and Memory program focuses on activity and connection and a resident's tailored personal schedule may include gardening, sing-along nights, walking, cooking, poetry and art.
Residents particularly appreciate the level of support the programs and amenities provide. One family member says, "The quality of care and attention to detail at New Pond Village is quite special. No matter what stage of the process you are in you will be met with kindness, patience and supported every step of the way."
Sunrise of Norwood is a community that provides memory care and assisted living in a calm and secure environment tailored to each resident's needs. In the Reminiscence neighborhood devoted to memory care, residents are paired with a designated life enrichment manager who is trained in memory care techniques and validation therapy. Together, they create a schedule that can include visits with children or pets, multisensory experiences, music therapy, exercise and group activities as well as whatever assistance with daily living the resident needs. There are a variety of common areas for the resident to enjoy, including a sunroom, a 24-hour bistro, media rooms and private dining rooms for meals with family and friends.
Residents and families praise Sunrise of Norwood for the care, attention and homelike atmosphere. One notes, "There's not a better place. My loved one thrived and socialized at Sunrise for the first time in years."
Tatnuck Park at Worcester is a community that provides assisted living, memory care and respite care with cognitive care activities, beautiful outdoor events and a benchmark Live Well, Live Now program based on what residents would like to learn, do and try. Memory care at Tatnuck Park utilizes a unique Mind and Memory approach based on 20 years of experience. The community is designed to provide cognitive support and stimulation, common areas featuring color contrasts and special lighting to reduce the effects of sundowning. Aromatherapy, tactile stimulation and sensory dining experiences help residents connect. Specialized activities for memory care residents include art therapy, chair yoga, dancing, musical programs, games, themed events and scheduled outings to local attractions.
Residents and family members praise the beautiful campus and top-of-the-line services and activities. According to one family member, "We selected Tatnuck Park at Worcester for my brother because it's excellent. It's bright and cheery. The staff is very good and the activities are very good."
The Overlook is a spacious community on 450 acres of New England countryside where residents can enjoy independent living, assisted living, and memory care services. The grounds boast a 280-seat performing arts center with a resident chorus, a woodworking shop, creative arts studio, heated indoor pool, fitness clubs and sprawling walking paths and gardens. Memory care programs take place in a peaceful familiar environment and family members are encouraged to participate in activities and decisions regarding care. Activities available include a Friday mingle for residents to enjoy drinks and conversation, a summer concert series in the courtyard, tennis and gardening clubs, a lecture series from visiting scholars, beer brewing, woodworking and a choir where residents learn new songs and put on winter and spring concerts.
Residents and guests are impressed by the beauty and amenities The Overlook offers, with one family member noting, "My parents moved into The Overlook; it's probably the best there is. The dining room is restaurant-like, and they have everything from shows and people coming in to entertain. The care is excellent, and I couldn't find a better place."
Bridges by EPOCH at Westwood is a memory care community located in Westwood, MA. Residents live in private or companion suites that open to a communal living area, reducing the confusion of long hallways and offering a homelike environment for enhanced daily familiarity with surroundings. Residences are decorated with pleasing colors and accented with personal belongings to enhance the suite's comfort, and each features private bathrooms with walk-in showers. Trained staff design individualized wellness and engagement plans using residents' life stories, hobbies, and health histories, providing 24/7 care and assistance with daily needs, and creating personalized engagement programs such as targeted art classes for former painters and singers, and pet therapy for dog lovers. Additionally, customized life stations allow residents to experience the daily activities from their lives, which promote mental well-being through feelings of accomplishment and familiarity.
Residents and their families praise the caring staff, as well as the welcoming environment. One family member said, "They were wonderful, the staff was phenomenal, always willing to help us out with anything, and the place was spotless. They're awesome, the food was delicious, and there's a beautiful dining place."
Brightview Canton is a well-appointed senior community that sits amid beautifully landscaped grounds with putting greens and walking trails. The Wellspring Village memory care neighborhood features cozy and comfortable accommodations and plenty of gathering areas that encourage social interaction. Living spaces are designed to support independence, with helpful visual cues strategically placed around the building for easy navigation. The village-like environment helps promote a sense of belonging among residents, combined with comprehensive supportive services, including personalized service plans, around-the-clock nursing services, hands-on specialized care and chef-prepared meals that feature custom and diet-specific menus. Stimulating activities keep residents active and engaged. For instance, the Mind and Music program brings out individual creativity through singing events, awakens happy memories through personalized listening and creates a relaxing ambiance around the common areas.
Families describe the community as outstanding and welcoming. "My mother has been a resident of Brightview Canton Above and beyond the day to day care, we often receive short videos, pictures and texts letting us know how my mother is doing and how she is being engaged. Those touch points are a great source of comfort and joy to her friends and family, says a residents son.
Brookdale Eddy Pond East is a senior living community found in Auburn, MA. Residents live in one of several apartment styles, filled with personal touches to create a warm and inviting home. Community members are kept safe by 24-hour security systems and specially trained memory care staff who follow individualized care plans and provide daily living assistance. Through the Clare Bridge Daily Path, residents follow a customized and structured daily program of events designed to engage both body and mind. Exercise classes and musical presentations are offered, and residents can relive cherished memories through stories and continued education of favorite topics. Dining is engaging, featuring scented hand towels and attractive table settings to create a comforting atmosphere, in addition to personalized menu choices to ensure enticing and easy-to-choose options.
Residents and their families commend the caring staff. One family member said, "The people there are friendly, the staff is treating her well, and I've had positive interactions with the staff as well. They seem to be caring people.Her apartment is kept clean, they do her laundry once a week, and they're very kind."
Oasis at Dodge Park prides itself on creating a comfortable, home-like environment for residents. Through music therapy and enhanced family involvement residents are encouraged to remain engaged and socially active. Memory care programming is centered on ensuring residents remain independent and comfortable. Individual care plans emphasize the necessary skills for each resident's cognitive condition. Enclosed courtyard spaces allow residents to get outdoor recreation and fresh air, while spiritual elements of the program promote a sense of calm. The activities coordinator creates activity options for memory care residents that enhance their cognitive skills, while regular safety checks and medication management are two elements that help to keep memory care residents safe. Scheduled transportation is also offered to ensure residents attend regularly scheduled appointments and engage in outings with the rest of the community.
Reviews from residents and their loved ones underscore the comfort and care offered. Amenities and clear and effective communication with family members are also points of note. One writes, "The owners are great.The staff is not only great with the patients, but their families too. They are extra communicative.I couldn't recommend this place enough."
The Linden at Dedham offers a unique memory care program known as 'Opal,' which includes a holistic approach with the seven pillars of wellness: physical, social, experiential, emotional and spiritual, creative and artistic, therapeutic and sensory. This approach contains a dementia-friendly menu, support groups, music and art therapy and life skills stations. Residents can also enjoy a variety of activities and amenities designed to foster community moral, such as arts and crafts, group activities and outings.
Residents and their families love the caring staff and the importance of safety at The Linden. One said, "The staff at Linden truly care for their residents. We have seen firsthand their kindness and compassion with my mother-in-law. Our family knows she is safe. The staff is easily accessible and available. The Linden does an excellent job communicating."
Located about 10 minutes from the Northwoods Medical Center in Easton, The Residence at Five Corners is adjacent to Whistlestop Plaza and down the road from Highlands Plaza. The staff is trained by the National Institute for Dementia Education (NIDE) to care for and understand the needs of seniors with memory impairment issues. In addition to performing personal care and assistance with daily tasks, dedicated caregivers coordinate scheduled activities for residents that cognitively stimulate and provide plenty of opportunities to build social connections. Morning exercise classes, such as chair yoga, are often followed by group meditations. Social activities range from karaoke to put-put golf. The restaurant-style dining room offers gourmet meals any time of the day, and the bistro has plenty of grab-and-go lunch options as well.
Family members like the communitys kind staff and the dining experience. One writes, "My mom has been living at The Residence in Easton for about 2 1/2 years now. We very much like the flexibility of the all-day dining. They have great in-house activities and events and creative ways to keep the residents engaged.
Senior living at The Residence at Orchard Grove offers a mix of beautiful surroundings, premium services and hospitable amenities. Residents living with Alzheimers and other cognitive conditions can live a full life through the Reflections, the communitys non-pharmacological approach to memory care. Anchored on the physical, social, cognitive and emotional pillars of engagement, the program provides well-planned activities that encourage connections and help manage challenging behaviors. Daily schedules include music, cooking, sensory experiences and cognitive exercises that help create perfect moments of joy for residents. The environment is secure and relaxing, with seniors having access to sitting areas and outdoor recreation spaces. Caregivers undergo training from the National Institute of Dementia Education, allowing them to properly understand and manage the complexities of memory-related conditions.
Personalized care, kind and patient staff and a homelike environment are just some of the positive things that reviewers mention. A residents son writes, "My 90-year-old mom has a new lease on life since moving to Orchard Grove! It's a beautiful facility, well run All the staff treat the residents with lots of love and care, even an occasional grumpy resident, its truly a family.
Located in peaceful, historic Blackstone, The Village at Willow Crossings is a senior community that offers extensive services, including memory care, assisted living and independent living. Its memory care program, Mind & Memory, combines aromatherapy, sensory dining, tactile stimulation, contrasting colors and special lighting to provide a comforting environment for residents with age-related memory loss. Residents can also enjoy a variety of activities organized and led by staff, such as tai chi, art classes, gardening clubs and group outings. Laundry and housekeeping services are included, and the Village also provides a 24/7 emergency monitoring system to keep residents safe.
Residents and their families love the compassionate care and welcoming environment at The Village at Willow Crossings. "Wonderful community with caring staff members," writes one reviewer. "Great activities are always going on, and the grounds are beautiful."
Traditions of Dedham is a senior living community located in Dedham, MA. Residents live in a variety of apartment styles and floor plans, chosen to best suit their needs and kept safe by emergency call systems and 24/7 staff, who also provide full personal care and medication management. Residents in the Reflections memory care program receive daily assistance and targeted engagement from specially trained staff, including group exercise and tai chi classes for physical involvement, and mindfulness sessions for mental calmness and to help reduce confusion and anxiety. Additionally, residents have ample access to mentally engaging activities, such as painting classes and technology learning sessions that teach residents how to use the computer. On-site chefs use fresh and healthy ingredients to create delicious meals and custom menus based on personal health and dietary needs, served in a fine restaurant setting.
Residents and their families commend the staff's personable care, and the welcoming environment is often praised. One family member said, "This is a loving and caring community, while maintaining a high level of professionalism. The staff is considerate, accommodating and responsive. The facilities are impeccable and the grounds are beautiful."
Windrose at Weymouth caters exclusively to seniors with memory loss, allowing the staff to focus on these special needs and receive regular training in techniques specific to Alzheimers and related disorders. With licensed, dementia-trained nurses onsite, this community is one of only two in New England to offer the award-winning Behavior-Based Ergonomics Therapies program, which has been clinically shown to reduce falls and the need for behavioral medications and to increase participation in activities. Because consistency is vital for the residents, each day follows a personalized routine that incorporates physical and mental activities along with nutritious meals and relaxing music. Meals are freshly prepared from a mix of fresh vegetables, whole grains and proteins to optimize health, and include options for those with limited dining abilities.
Residents and their families appreciate the attentive staff and dedicated care options. One reviewer states that they were "so impressed with the ThriveCare and BBET therapy program. Finally, a truly thoughtful activity and therapy program that seniors with memory loss need and deserve."
An award-winning senior retirement community, Wingate Residences of Needham offers a blend of luxury, comfort and security across all levels of care. The community works with a multidisciplinary team of dementia care experts to develop The Neighborhood memory care program. This person-centered approach to care values residents unique traits and capabilities through dynamic, customized plans that can adapt to changing needs. Spacious and unobstructed, The Neighborhood features specialized lighting and color schemes that promote safe, independent navigation. Coupled with luxurious and relaxing amenities, the environment helps create meaningful daily experiences for residents. Additionally, Wingate helps families understand and cope with loved ones conditions by providing useful dementia-related resources. With its proximity to Newton-Wellesley Hospital and other medical facilities, the community can quickly respond to residents urgent health concerns.
The quality of care earns positive feedback, with family members praising the responsive staff and engaging activities. One says, "For my mom, they have done an exceptional job since she is suffering from dementia. Exceptionally good at getting them up and active and engaging them with the other residents. So, my mother is very, very comfortable there. The nursing care has been exceptional.