The Best Memory Care Facilities in Cape May County, NJ
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 Cape May County's senior population continues to grow (30.27% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Cape May County, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased 50% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 25.57%, showing that Alzheimer's is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly higher than the rest of the nation (7.51% in Caldwell 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 more than a dozen hours researching senior living communities in Cape May County. 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.
The Best Memory Care Facilities in Cape May County, NJ
Table of Contents
How Memory Care Facilities Can Help
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.
Our Selection Process
To choose the best memory care facilities in Cape May County, 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:
- Spent over 15 hours researching memory care facilities in Cape May County
- Read more than 55 reviews written by residents and their loved ones
- Interviewed 4 representatives from local communities
Reviews of the 7 Best Memory Care Facilities in Cape May County, NJ
United Methodist Communities at The Shores
- Resident Capacity:255
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite
- Base Pricing:N/A
The philosophy of the United Methodist Communities at The Shores is to allow seniors to age in place with as much dignity and independence as possible, with customized care services escalating as residents' needs change. Specialty neighborhoods are available for seniors living with various forms of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease, so they can access higher levels of care and attention. The Tapestries Memory Care Residence provides a safe environment for seniors experiencing cognitive changes. Residents are monitored around the clock by specially trained staff members, including aides, nurses and administrators, who provide care, companionship and activities that emphasize the strengths of each individual. A few of the scheduled activities that keep residents socially, physically and cognitively healthy include crafts, bingo and exercise programs. The nutritious, delicious meals served in the brightly lit dining areas are thoughtfully prepared by professionally trained chefs and served restaurant-style, with menus including varied, made-to-order options daily.
Residents and their families rave about the food, staff and social activities offered in this community. The daughter of a memory care resident says, "I LOVE The Shores! Our Mom has dementia n she is loved n taken care of 24/7!."
- Reviews:4.70 out of 5 stars; 52 reviews
- Phone:(609) 236-8868
- Address:2201 Bay Ave., Ocean City, NJ 08226
- Web:theshores.umcommunities.org
Brookdale Cape May
- Resident Capacity:146
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:N/A
Brookdale Cape May provides memory care in a stimulating environment with a highly trained support team. Caregivers are available to offer residents 24/7 assistance with bathing, grooming and medication. The community's Clare Bridge approach is specially designed for seniors living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, with two distinct programs tailored around physical and cognitive needs. Crossings, for seniors with early-stage dementia, focuses on boosting self-esteem and improving socialization, with lively activities such as art and dance classes, journaling and excursions to local museums. Solace, for later stages of memory loss, dedicates more time to multisensory programming that incorporates aromatherapy and music. The neighborhood has cozy common areas and easy-to-navigate floor plans with walls painted in cheerful colors; deluxe safety features include a 24-hour security system, enclosed courtyards, and doorbells that monitor in/out movements.
Visitors like the dining experience and activities. "Brookdale's dining room is set up as a restaurant where residents order their meals off a menu," says one reviewer. "Brookdale also has a bistro that residents can go to 24/7. Brookdale offers a variety of activities. They have a bus that takes residents shopping and on other excursions."
- Reviews:4.49 out of 5 stars; 33 reviews
- Phone:(609) 463-6344
- Address:591 S. Rte. 9, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210
- Web:www.brookdale.com/en/communities/brookdale-cape-may.html
Autumn Lake Healthcare at Oceanview
- Resident Capacity:120
- Room Types:Studios
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Hospice, Respite, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:N/A
The inviting atmosphere at Autumn Lakes Healthcare at Oceanview provides for a wide range of specialty care delivered to short- and long-term residents on-site by a team of aides, nurses and board-certified medical specialists. Seniors have access to a wide variety of planned daily activities, such as crafts, baking, music, dancing, gardening and games. Residents can take advantage of the community's beauty salon, library, well-stocked library, enclosed sunroom and television lounge. An outdoor courtyard, gazebo and walking paths let seniors relax and exercise in the fresh air. Sensory-focused activities help seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease live life more fully and retain their present skills for as long as possible. Three gourmet meals are served daily, with dietary restrictions and personal tastes taken into consideration.
Family members have great things to say about the caring staff members at Autumn Lakes and their loved ones' experiences living within this community. One resident's thankful daughter writes, "I sleep well at night knowing my mother is in their very capable hands!"
- Reviews:4.08 out of 5 stars; 64 reviews
- Phone:(609) 624-3881
- Address:2721 U.S. 9, Ocean View, NJ 08230
- Web:autumnlakeoceanview.com/
AssistedLiving - Spring Oak
- Resident Capacity:115
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:N/A
Seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease live in a safe, structured environment in the Bridges Memory Care neighborhood of this community. Residents obtain 24-hour personalized assistance from specially trained caregivers and licensed nurses in addition to receiving wellness and support services, such as scheduled transportation, support groups and medication management programs. Tasty, nutritious meals are served in a home-like dining room where small groups of residents gather around dining tables to help stimulate conversation, with staff nearby to offer cues during mealtimes. A lovely outdoor garden and patio with a shady gazebo provide seniors with opportunities to enjoy fresh air and sunshine as they socialize or relax. The tastefully decorated private and shared apartments feature individually controlled thermostats and a modern emergency response system for residents' comfort and safety. Card games, musical entertainment, a television media room and visiting pets round out some of the fun activities residents can take part in.
Visitors to Spring Oak remark positively on the bright accommodations, the facility's cleanliness, friendly, attentive staff and resident-oriented atmosphere. One resident's family member writes, "My father lives at this facility. They offer great care while allowing the residents to live independent lives."
- Reviews:4.73 out of 5 stars; 24 reviews
- Phone:(856) 507-1505
- Address:1611 S. Main Rd., Vineland, NJ 08360
- Web:www.springoakvineland.com/
Brandywine Living at Brandall Estates
- Resident Capacity:100
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:N/A
Brandywine Living at Brandall Estates offers quality care within close proximity to Atlantic City and the Jersey shore. Residents living with Alzheimer's and related dementias receive personalized, around-the-clock support from experienced caregivers, including assistance with tasks such as eating, transferring and bathing. Licensed nurses are also on-site 24/7, administering medications, monitoring health and offering medical consultations. This secure environment is specially tailored for memory care residents, with staff encouraging independence, promoting family involvement and aiding connections with fellow residents. Innovative programs include Karaoke Knights for singing and socialization, Artist's Palette with creative arts and crafts classes, Curtain Call featuring live theater performances and Reelz & Review to catch up on the latest films. Cooking classes, lifelong learning opportunities and fitness programs are also available. Dining features fresh, chef-prepared meals available all day, with choices available for a range of dietary needs.
Loved ones appreciate the caring, responsive team. One reviewer says, "The professionalism of the staff, the cleanliness of the facility, and the activities provided are all excellent. My mother is more active, healthier, and happier than she had been while she lived with an aide. She tells me each day how happy she is."
- Reviews:4.63 out of 5 stars; 32 reviews
- Phone:(609) 926-4663
- Address:432 Central Ave., Linwood, NJ 08221
- Web:www.brandycare.com/our-communities/brandall-estates
Seashore Gardens Living Center
- Resident Capacity:191
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Private Rooms, Shared Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:N/A
Seashore Gardens Living Center is a nonprofit continuum of care community with a 40-bed assisted living and memory care neighborhood. The community features an Atlantic City Boardwalk-themed lobby that regularly hosts live entertainment, ballroom dancing classes, holiday parties and other special events. This indoor Boardwalk lobby also has a cafe, gift shop, children's play area and songbird atrium. Other amenities include a therapy room, library and computer center, full-service salon, four-hole putting green and the Alzheimer's Sensory Trail and Healing Garden. The Comfort Care residences at Seashore Gardens is dedicated to memory care and staffed by certified dementia practitioners. Comfort Care residents enjoy recreational therapies such as Eldergrow gardening, Music and Memory playlists, drum circles and Opening Minds Through Art. Free Alzheimer's support groups are also held monthly.
Family members love the vibrant atmosphere at Seashore Gardens. A resident's daughter writes, "It is clean, friendly and respectful of all. Every day, professionals take care of the residents' health, emotional and social needs. They celebrate life with music, art and special events, whether it is a walk in the garden or watching the beautiful finches in the aviary."
- Reviews:4.79 out of 5 stars; 63 reviews
- Phone:(609) 404-4848
- Address:22 W. Jimmie Leeds Rd., Galloway, NJ 08205
- Web:seashoregardens.org/
Brandywine Living at Brandall Estates
- Resident Capacity:100
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:N/A
Nestled in a lively community near Atlantic City and the Jersey Shore, Brandywine Living at Brandall Estates provides a high level of care paired with a vibrant lifestyle. Licensed nurses monitor residents 24/7, offering tailored medical assistance, prescription management and health care monitoring. Seniors living with Alzheimer's and related dementias also have the support of around-the-clock caregivers for assistance with bathing, grooming and mobility. Escapades For Life! Programming features diverse opportunities to keep residents engaged, from cooking classes and exercise programs to card games and tailgating events. Seniors can pursue their creative interests through Artist's Palette or catch a live performance with Center Stage. Through Reelz & Review and Curtain Call, they can watch theater shows and films in a social atmosphere. With all-day dining, residents enjoy chef-prepared meals whenever they please, enjoying artisan-crafted selections served in a restaurant setting.
Visiting family members appreciate the lively lifestyle. "She has made so many friends and the staff is so warm and friendly and helpful," a resident's daughter says. "She loves her room her girls as she calls them (the aides), her friends and all the numerous activities. I could not have envisioned a better life for her."
- Reviews:4.63 out of 5 stars; 32 reviews
- Phone:(609) 926-4663
- Address:432 Central Ave., Linwood, NJ 08221
- Web:www.brandycare.com/our-communities/brandall-estates
