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 Dover's senior population continues to grow (11% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Dover, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 126% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 18%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (10% in Dover 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 Dover. 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 Dover, 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 Silver Square offers elegant accommodations to seniors in a dedicated memory care community. Staff is trained in the Reflections Memory Care Program, which emphasizes empathy and mindfulness to ensure residents have as many independent and engaging experiences as possible. Dementia caregiver associates are certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education and assist memory care residents with their daily activities of living and oversee medication management. Resident checks are performed hourly, and housekeeping and laundry are included for every memory care resident. In their free time, seniors can explore common areas, such as an outdoor courtyard and common living areas.
Many people mention the elegant accommodations and the caring staff in their reviews. One family member writes, "Silver Square is a very special place that made my dad blossom in the last two years of his life. Every person on the staff in all departments is incredibly kind and caring. The facilities are great, help for anything is readily available, as well as therapies for residents."
Johnson Creek Village is an intimate memory care community nestled along a peaceful country road. The holistic memory care program addresses physical, social and spiritual needs within familiar spaces that foster joy. Flexible care plans are tailored to each senior's daily rhythms, involving music, exercise, stimulating therapies and interactive stations that enable recall. Indoor amenities, such as the cozy den with books and a gaming table, create a village-like feel. Seniors can also relax in a screened sitting area and an enclosed courtyard featuring flower and vegetable gardens. Outings are held for seniors who want to explore Dover's cultural attractions. Homelike meals are prepared according to the Mediterranean diet, with dietary restrictions and eating schedules accommodated. Additionally, the dining room is designed to soothe and reduce confusion. Warmly colored apartments come with large windows and step-in showers.
Residents and their families appreciate the community's professionalism and high quality of amenities, especially the food. They regard the staff as exceptionally caring and dedicated to the seniors in their care.
Tucked away on 15 quiet, wooded acres, Brookdale Spruce Wood offers quality care for dementia and Alzheimer's residents. Those who are in the early stages of memory loss benefit from Clare Bridge, which focuses on providing a structured daily routine tailored to their individual interests. Those in later stages of dementia receive Solace care, which focuses on sensory awareness, comfort and joy. Both have access to nursing staff that's on-site 24 hours a day, and professional caregivers provide around-the-clock support with tasks of daily living, medication management and incontinence care. The building and grounds are fully secured to allow memory care seniors the opportunity to explore safely and independently. Enriching activities, designed to keep seniors active both physically and mentally, are offered daily. Housekeeping, meals and laundry are included.
Families praise the well-kept community and kind staff. One reviewer says, "It's a very bright, warm, and welcoming facility. The staff is very caring and involved on a personal level with the residents. They try to meet all of their individual needs. They have a beautiful [community] with a wonderful dining area and very good food. The upkeep and cleanliness are good."
Atria Merrimack Place, near downtown Newburyport, MA, lies just about 31 miles from Dover, NH, across the New Hampshire-Massachusetts border. Its memory care neighborhood, with secured entries and exits, features a Life Guidance program that caters to the daily needs of seniors with Alzheimer's or memory loss. A dementia-trained staff is available 24 hours to attend to health and wellness needs, from assistance with bathing, dressing and toileting to bed/chair transfers and escorts to and from meals or activities. Licensed nurses supervise medication management as medication reviews and consultations with physicians help with prescription orders. A family-style dining room, where the staff monitors residents on low-sugar and low-salt diets, is designed for engagement during meal times. Housekeeping and laundry/linen services are provided, and the daily activity calendar is planned with respect to personal interests.
Family members appreciate the caring and supportive staff. One states, "Just had a visit with my mother-in-law. I am very impressed by the care, attentiveness and responsiveness of the employees at Atria Merrimack Place. Service is excellent, food is very good, the place is beautifully maintained and my beloved family member is happy, safe and well-cared for. Very well done."
Avita translates to "for life", and this memory care program embodies the concept of maintaining a quality of life that gives residents hope for the future. Northbridge Communities, to which Avita of Newburyport belongs, makes a positive impact in the lives of its residents by providing a safe, accepting and welcoming community where people of all backgrounds can thrive together. Family members can benefit from the peace of mind of knowing all memory care program staffers are dedicated, compassionate and have expert knowledge of the conditions leading to memory loss. Avita Memory Care's Wellness Team prides itself in customizing a care plan for each and every resident. The community offers amenities and services including chef-prepared meals, intellectually stimulating activities that are failure-free, healthy guided exercise classes, medication management, assistance with daily activities, continence care, laundry, housekeeping, transportation to and from appointments or engagements and more.
Reviewers praise the quality of care at Avita. One writes, "I am a therapist who visits many different facilities as part of my occupation. In my experience, Avita of Newburyport is exceptional in a multitude of ways. The clinical staff is knowledgeable and professional and kind, as is the staff that cares for residents directly. The facility is very clean, well-lit and friendly.the residents seem happy and upbeat."
Harmony Homes by the Bay is a senior living community that provides a warm and inviting homelike environment. It's designed with Alzheimer's and dementia care specifically in mind. Its large windows and skylights allow in natural sunlight, which helps reduce feelings of depression and anxiety, a great benefit for those with memory impairments. The contrasting colors on the walls and doors help residents orient themselves and navigate the property efficiently. A staff consisting of a full-time Certified Dementia Practitioner and 24-hour nurses and caregivers is on-site to provide individualized care and assistance. The community's Memory Care Program offers complete activity programs tailored to each resident's interests and abilities to promote a sense of purpose, self-confidence and socialization. Seniors can take advantage of a full complement of amenities and activities, such as art therapy, music and live entertainment, exercise programs, spiritual expression and community involvement. These activities provide social engagement while mentally and physically stimulating the residents. Harmony Homes by the Bay also offers regular outings, delicious meals and comfortable rooms.
The community has received excellent feedback for its loving and caring staff. One reviewer says, "I recommend Harmony Homes to many families I work with. Especially those struggling with dementia. Their team is compassionate, professional, and dedicated to helping our aging population."
Avita of Wells is a memory care community located just over the New Hampshire border in Wells, ME. Memory care residents are engaged daily by a dedicated Wellness Team who customizes care plans based on needs and interests. Trained caregivers are always nearby to assist with the activities of daily living, and residents are encouraged to assist in meaningful tasks, such as cooking recreationally. Medication management is provided for all residents, and escorts accompany memory care residents to various programs and amenities on-site. Freshly prepared meals are served three times a day, and eating assistance is available. Daily activities include Zumba classes, movies, brain gym, book clubs and bowling.
Many reviewers write about the dedicated staff at Avita of Wells, with one family member stating, "Avita of Wells is a great place for a family member or a loved one. The compassion and care they show is above and beyond and if you have ever been in a position to have to place a loved one, there is such a level of comfort to know you are leaving your loved one in their hands."
Spring Village at Dover is a dedicated memory care community that utilizes a Montessori for Dementia approach to ensure all residents are engaged and living a life with purpose. Trained staff members are available for assistance with the daily activities of living, but also encourage residents to complete household chores with discrete assistance. All caregivers complete the Alzheimer's Association Habilitation Training program and receive continual training. Memory care residents receive chef-prepared meals, which can be adjusted based on dietary restrictions and feeding assistance accommodations. Small pets are allowed, which helps make the transition easier for some residents. Throughout the day, residents stay busy participating in the Present Moment Program, which encourages them to engage in activities and tasks that interest them, such as gardening, cooking, aromatherapy, massage, exercise, board games or pet therapy.
Many reviewers mention the beautiful accommodations and the caring staff. One family member writes, "The facility is very up to date. The residents are treated very well. The staff stays on top of medical challenges and works with family members to ensure each individual gets the care they need. The staff is so helpful and friendly. "
Benchmark Senior Living at Haverhill Crossings is a charming two-story community with well-manicured grounds and a huge balcony. It is conveniently located just off Route I-495 and near to medical facilities, malls and drug stores. The community offers the Benchmark Memory Care program, which includes daily living assistance. Memory care residents live in secure, comfortable studios and apartments that feel like home. Qualified staff and healthcare providers are on-site to offer medical supervision, manage medication and monitor general health. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals that cater to their individual dietary needs. Other services include housekeeping, laundry, assistance with financial matters and tracking medical appointments. Memory care activities include music, arts, crafts and fitness. Residents can take a visiting pet for a stroll or attend picnics held in the landscaped gardens.
Reviewers appreciate the attentiveness and compassion of caregivers. One relative of a resident says, "My brothers and I are thankful every day for the care, respect, and personal attention our mom receives at Haverhill Crossings."
Wingate Residences has a Memory Care program called the Neighborhood, which was designed in line with recommendations from the Alzheimer's Association. Care is person-centered with an emphasis on security, independence and dignity. Secure private studios with a private general entrance can be rented along with companion suites, so familiar faces can be near. A range of innovative approaches are used to stimulate memories, including cooking up retro dishes, listening to curated music from the past and playing iPad games. Residents partake in Namaste Care, which involves sensory-based meditation. Assistance with dressing, grooming and incontinence is included. Residents can relax in the sunroom and dine on three meals a day served in either the formal or casual dining room.
Reviewers appreciate the quality of caregiving. One impressed daughter of a resident says, "The people who work there give their all, every day, toward the health, well-being and safety of their residents. I can honestly say that mom was always in good health and good spirits during our visits " the peace of mind provided by Wingate was a godsend."
The Rannie Webster Foundation, which built Webster at Rye, is dedicated to providing seniors a place of rest and belonging where they receive the best quality of care and services among friends. Residents are initially assessed by health care experts so they can be placed in the best program for their needs. Webster at Rye has an assisted living program, memory care, and skilled nursing care program. All three programs at Webster have full-time activity staff to keep residents happy, mentally and spiritually healthy and physically fit. The memory care program incorporates It's Never 2 Late (IN2L), a computerized interactive program for users with memory care challenges. Standard amenities are provided, including three meals per day, assistance with ADLs, medication management and more. The activities department works with the interests and hobbies of the residents to create an appropriate activity roster that's simultaneously therapeutic and fun.
Reviewers appreciate the quality of care and attention from staff. One reviewer says, "The staff here are the best in the Seacoast area."
Benchmark at Rye is located in Dover, just west of Portsmouth and the Atlantic Ocean. The community offers a memory care program that provides daily assistance with living, including bathing, grooming and dressing. Memory care residents live in comfortable carpeted studio apartments in a secure building. Soothing music and aromatherapy lessen agitation among residents. The staff is certified in memory care, and healthcare providers are on-site to help manage medication and monitor general wellness. Benchmark at Rye is part of the Benchmark network of communities, which specializes in offering a comfort level that feels just like home. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals that are tailored to their individual requirements, and there is a party room for events. Concierge services include laundry, housekeeping and groundskeeping, as well as help with billing. There are spacious patios and gardens with shaded space for supervised residents to stroll in. Memory care activities include music, arts, crafts and fitness classes. The lush grounds are located just a mile from the beach.
Reviewers praise Benchmark at Rye's professionalism. One says, "The executive director has been very open, very willing to help on different questions, and very willing to respond to questions."