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 Dartmouth's senior population continues to grow (12.65% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Dartmouth, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 33.92% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 5.38%. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly lower than the rest of the nation (5.42% in Dartmouth 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 Dartmouth. 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 Dartmouth, 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:
The Residence at Cedar Dell offers a non-pharmacological memory care program, known as Reflections Memory Care, that promotes dignity and quality of life through four pillars of engagement: physical, social, cognitive and emotional experiences. Residents can participate in a wide range of therapies, including cognitive and sensory exercises, music therapy and art therapy. They can also choose from numerous activities, such as tai chi classes, cocktail hour trivia competitions, chef cooking demonstrations and flower arrangement workshops. All members of the memory care team are dementia professionals certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education. They're available 24/7 to help residents with various activities of daily living, including escort to meals, medication management, laundry, bathing, dressing, grooming and continence care. Residents enjoy many community amenities, such as a library, bistro and beauty salon.
Family members love the responsive and supportive staff. A resident's daughter writes, "Cedar Dell staff made my mother and I feel welcome and confident. The transition was smooth. She immediately felt at home. The staff are friendly and reach out to be sure that her needs are being met. Mom is very happy at Cedar Dell."
The Cottages at Dartmouth Village places a high priority on comfort and health, providing comprehensive care and convenient amenities delivered with the community's "a whole lotta love attitude." The Cottages' innovative Opal program utilizes a holistic approach to memory care, ensuring that residents receive well-rounded support. PrimeFit focuses on strengthening physical abilities, while music and art therapies encourage creativity and self-expression. Social activities, such as holiday events and group excursions, foster social connections, and devotional programs enhance spiritual well-being. Additionally, residents engage in sensory activities that help them make positive interactions through sight, smell, taste, hearing and touch. With residents' safety in mind, the community features dementia-friendly accommodations, equipped with smoke detectors and sprinklers, emergency communication systems and access to a secure courtyard.
Positive reviews mention the warm, hospitable environment and the staff's genuine care and professionalism. A resident's daughter writes, "We love this place so much it has been a huge life savior for us. The staff here is amazing with the way they care for all their residents, it really puts my mind at ease knowing my mom is in good hands."
Brookdale Sakonnet Bay is a memory care, assisted living and independent living community that also offers skilled nursing and hospice services as needed. Memory care residents can benefit from a daily schedule of research-based activities that include art therapy, exercise, music, dance, gardening, sensory activities and outings to museums. The community's Clare Bridge program offers specialized services for memory care residents in the early stages of dementia and Alzheimer's, helping to boost self-esteem and reduce fear and uncertainty. All staff are trained regularly on the most up-to-date dementia care guidelines.
Residents love the active lifestyle and supportive staff. One loved one writes, "The staff is very cooperative and gets back to me very quickly if I have questions. I'd call or email, and I'd get an answer within hours. They are very responsive. Mom does exercise in the gym and group exercises every day."
Atria Fairhaven is a cozy, pet-friendly senior living community providing memory care, assisted living and independent living options for residents. All apartments come with housekeeping and linen services as well as a kitchen or kitchenette and a walk-in shower. Emergency call services in every apartment help ensure resident safety. To help support those with memory care needs, Atria Fairhaven offers at least two exercise opportunities per day, musical events, and physical, speech and occupational therapy. Support groups for Alzheimer's and dementia exist to allow residents to connect and care for one another. Secure indoor and outdoor spaces are decorated with peaceful, nostalgic paintings, and each resident's door is decorated with a personalized memory display to help them find their way home.
Residents love the blend of excitement and comfort. As one review notes, "He loves it! Food is excellent. They have music, shows, trips, and transportation to wherever you want to go. What I like best about this place is that it is small but enough for socialization. I would definitely recommend this place."
Autumn Glen at Dartmouth is an assisted living, independent living and memory care community near scenic Buzzard's Bay and the historic town of Dartmouth, MA. Located near hospitals and situated on 16 beautiful wooded acres, Autumn Glen at Dartmouth offers a supportive care environment in a setting modeled after a country inn. Caregivers provide individually tailored programs for memory care residents, with skilled nurses on-site, medication management and room service dining. Residents can enjoy a wide range of activities, including book clubs, lectures, fitness, yoga, gardening and off-site trips to nearby venues. Private rooms give residents peace and independence with all the benefits of a socially active community.
Residents at Autumn Glen love the dining options and social setting. One reviewer writes, "My family cannot say enough good things about Autumn Glen. We moved from another community in the Dartmouth area to Autumn Glen and are very pleased. From the dining staff to the CNA's they are beyond what we hoped for. It's like a little family here."
Brandon Woods of New Bedford is a family-owned and -operated memory care and assisted living community in a quaint mixed residential and commercial neighborhood. Memory care residents at Brandon Woods receive a thorough initial examination to identify their specific requirements and create an individualized care plan. The examination includes X-rays, an electroencephalogram and lab work, after which a doctor consults with the resident's family to choose the best care options for their loved one. Long-term, a variety of programs, including religious services, holiday-specific celebrations and birthday celebrations keep memory care residents entertained. They can also rest on the patio, and visits from pets are encouraged.
Family members are pleased that their loved ones are taken good care of. One writes, "Fortunately, the hospital helped me find Brandon Woods of New Bedford. The staff are very nice and good to him. My husband seems calmer and quiet now and he even laughs and smiles. He is doing well already."