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 Framingham’s senior population continues to grow (18% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Framingham, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased 10% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 22%, 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 (3.9% in Framingham 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 Framingham. 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 Framingham, 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 Valley Farm is a secure community for seniors living with memory loss. All staff members are certified by the National Institute for Dementia Certification and trained in making residents's daily lives easier, including assistance with continence, bathroom breaks and hygiene reminders, as well as facilitating doses of vital medications. Residents receive hourly safety checks and regular, convenient housekeeping and laundry services. Chefs prepare three healthy meals per day, and caregivers remind residents to eat and monitor hydration. Common areas are large and comfortable, enabling seniors to roam freely while security protocols ensure their safety. The Residence at Valley Farm uses expressive art therapies involving visual arts, movement, storytelling and music to engage the senses and evoke pleasurable memories, as well as provide consistent social opportunities.
Residents and relatives have high praise for the friendly, devoted staff. One writes, "Everyone on staff is happy, compassionate, upbeat and always there with a smile. This is evident when you see how happy the residents are."
The Mary Ann Morse at Heritage community provides memory care services to residents with the benefit of being situated on many verdant acres. To suit various memory care levels and budgets, there are a range of floor designs, from modest studios to roomy one- and two-bedroom apartments. The community takes pride in its Homestead Program, rendered in a safe and secure community by specially trained nurses and caregivers who are on call around the clock. The program enhances individual strengths and cognitive status through engaging activities such as arts and crafts, yoga and music sessions. Caregivers encourage social interaction among memory care residents and identify specific goals to appropriately stimulate and support their abilities.
Residents at Mary Ann Morse at Heritage praise their pleasant experiences. One resident remarks, "I could not have picked a better community to live in; my experience has been absolutely wonderful. The activities they provide range from exercise classes, wine and cheese dining, and a variety of concerts. The meals they serve are delicious, and the chef is always giving the residents an excellent dining experience. I would absolutely recommend this facility."
St. Patrick's Manor is a senior living community offering memory care in a homelike setting. Seniors living with Alzheimer's and other dementias reside in The Lourdes Center, where they receive resident-centered care focused on instilling joy and purpose in each day. Caregivers are specially trained in memory loss and equipped to provide assistance with activities of daily living. All residents have a private room and bath that is distinctly colored to improve navigation, and residents are encouraged to furnish their spaces with treasured personal items. The same distinct color schemes are used to differentiate different neighborhood areas within the secured memory care unit, including an enclosed courtyard, a dining area and other common areas. Skilled nursing is available to all memory care residents, and specialized dining programs are available along with meal assistance. Staff encourages residents to share their life stories, and family participation is welcome, with supportive and educational counsel always available.
Reviewers are grateful to the staff and warm environment at St. Patrick's Manor. One writes, "My siblings and I couldn't find a better place for our mom to have wonderful medical care, caring aides, social workers and nurses and other terrific support staff. Our mom enjoyed the camaraderie of wonderful fellow residents."
The Branches of Marlboro is a senior care community situated in Marlborough, MA, conveniently located along Route 85 with easy access to Route 20. A team of compassionate caregivers provides residents with personalized, 24-7 needs-based care and assistance based on the results of a nursing assessment. The community's memory care program is divided into various Mind & Memory Care levels, with each level offering increasingly comprehensive Alzheimer's and dementia care suited to each resident's needs. Residents are provided with nutritious chef-prepared meals and snacks served in a restaurant-style dining room, with special dietary accommodations and support available as needed. Residents also have access to a range of cognitively stimulating activities and events such as music, crafts, exercise classes, arts, movies and parties. Amenities include scheduled local transportation, recreation rooms, libraries, computer labs, weekly housekeeping and laundry and linen services.
Residents and relatives are grateful for a tight-knit community: "My dad moved to the Branches after living in another assisted living residence; he had been 'okay' at his prior community but always felt that he didn't 'fit in.' After his first couple of weeks at the Branches, he told me, 'This is the place.'"
Carriage House at Lee's Farm has a unique environment that creates an exceptional lifestyle experience. Avita Memory Care on-site offers personalized care in a safe, secure environment that allows residents the freedom to go about their day, enjoying a sun-filled indoor courtyard or being escorted to activities and meals. Memory care residents can choose from spacious, beautifully appointed studio apartments or companion suites, and all options include housekeeping, linen and laundry service and a 24-hour emergency response system. Memory care residents enjoy restaurant-style dining and chef-prepared meals. Personal assistance is available as needed to ensure days filled with enjoyable, failure-free activities and programs designed to encourage cognition.
One family member says, "Staff members are ready with smiles, and considerable care for residents and extended families alike. The Carriage House team puts together an extensive offering of activities on and off the campus, scaled for different need levels so the maximum number of residents can participate appropriate to their skill levels. There is always a warm community to welcome you during what can be a really challenging time, and they will work with you to ease the transition."
Maplewood at Weston offers a memory care program that empowers seniors in cognitive decline to enjoy holistic comfort and long-term stability. The community assigns the same caregivers to groups coping with similar age-related dementias, enabling the team to foster social connections and identify any cognitive changes. This approach also allows staff members to create a flexible daily schedule that suits each resident's abilities and interests, encouraging them to engage with a sense of familiarity and belonging. The memory care programming utilizes various games, music sessions and worship services to reduce agitation and boost mental fitness. Personalized gourmet meals served in an open kitchen concept help enhance residents's moods and appetite while encouraging social interaction. The culinary staff uses white tableware and linens to enhance multisensory and depth perception for seniors living with dementia and other forms of memory loss.
Reviewers are impressed with the community's attentive, compassionate staff. One writes, "The staff at this location are not only very professional, they are also empathetic with all the residents and visitors they encounter. I couldn't wish for a better place for my family member to be cared for."
Wingate Residences at Needham is a community designed specially for residents past the early stages of cognitive decline. Upon arrival, seniors receive a person-centered memory care assessment that caregivers use to build their personalized care plan. The community engages residents with the Three Ws: Wingate Wisdom, Wingate Wellness and Wingate Warmth. Wingate Wisdom stimulates the mind, offering avenues for memory recall, engagement and socialization. Wingate Wellness is tailored for exercise to promote strength, balance and independence, while Wingate Warmth cares for the soul. Residents with more intensive medical needs can benefit from medication management and assistance with daily tasks. The community also features on-site physician visits, dietitian services and 24-hour emergency response. Residents's families can expect open communication for easy planning and support.
Residents and relatives appreciate the quality accommodations and excellent dining at Wingate Residences at Needham. One family member writes, "[My mother is] very happy there. The rooms are very nice, and the food is very good."
With six levels of memory care, residents at Benchmark Senior Living at Billerica Crossings receive highly-rated, 24-hour personalized care depending on their needs. The community encourages seniors to live as independently as they can for as long as possible, with safe, secure neighborhoods featuring indoor and outdoor environments designed for sensory and memory stimulation. Memory care residents live in spacious, well-appointed studio apartments with housekeeping, linen and laundry services. Seasonal, chef-prepared meals are served in a restaurant dining environment, with modified diet and dining options as needed. Seniors enjoy days filled with activities and social gatherings to encourage active living, and Benchmark provides concierge and transportation services for outings and medical appointments.
Family members appreciate the expert level of memory care at Benchmark Senior Living at Billerica Crossings. One reviewer writes, "The staff [here] has, from my very first contact, been extremely compassionate and professional... [they've] provided me with tremendous emotional support and advice throughout my mother's transition."
Atria Marina Place offers a peaceful senior living community just a short drive from all the amenities of Boston. The Atria Life Guidance program provides a personalized approach to memory care, with a dedicated memory care neighborhood custom-designed to meet the specific needs of seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. All entry and exit points are monitored or restricted with keypad access to ensure the safety of residents. Daily activities are designed around the interests and abilities of each individual, with some offerings including cognitive games, yoga classes, walking groups, music therapy and art therapy. Meals are served family-style to encourage socialization. A team of trained caregivers is on-site 24-7 to provide compassionate support and assistance, and family members are encouraged to partake in daily activities or attend social events with their loved ones.
Family members are impressed by the engaging environment and caring atmosphere: "Everyone who works there is kind and compassionate to the residents and families. The health care staff is very attentive, the food is outstanding and there are plenty of amenities and activities to participate in."
Seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia at Atria Longmeadow Place receive 24-7 personalized care and medication support under the community's Life Guidance program, which hinges on customized support from highly trained dementia practitioners. The memory care neighborhood is thoughtfully designed to promote seniors's safety and allow for easy navigation. Staff escort residents to and from meals and monitor those on special diets. Seniors with cognitive decline can access the Engage Life program, which provides opportunities for residents to remain mentally active through activities such as restorative yoga and dancing. The program helps stimulate cognitive function and sparks creativity by encouraging residents to socialize, learn and stay fit. Social outings are hosted to familiarize residents with their present world and awaken past memories, and music is incorporated to reduce stress, improve mood and promote focus for residents with memory loss.
Residents applaud the community's amenities and standard of care. One reviewer writes, "Atria Longmeadow Place is excellent and the staff has been very good, helpful and accommodating. The place and amenities are beautiful and [quality]."
Memory care residents at Brookdale Cushing Park live in a secure neighborhood that is attended to by trained caregivers who utilize the Clare Bridge approach. The holistic approach to memory care includes a wide variety of daily activities such as daily cognitive activities, the B-Fit exercise program, and the creation of a structured routine that helps memory care residents retain some personal autonomy. All memory care residents receive dignified assistance with the daily activities of living and can enter the Solace Program when appropriate. Solace offers specialized care for advanced stages of dementia and Alzheimer's. Brookdale has an enclosed outdoor courtyard so that memory care residents can safely get fresh air and emphasizes consistent care by assigning staff members to each resident.
Most reviews for Brookdale Cushing Park are positive and mention the staff or suitable accommodations. One reviewer states, "My mother is in memory care at Brookdale Cushing Park. The services are pretty good and they provide everything I need. The people in the memory care portion seem to be very attentive and they make sure that my mom is cared for and has everything she needs."
Residents of The Branches of Framingham have access to comprehensive care services and programs. The community's mind and memory plan provide six varieties of care ranging from helpful cues and reminders, to full assistance with every aspect of care, mechanical or electrical lift transfers, and extensive emotional and behavioral support. Furthermore, they offer sensory-based therapeutic experiences and specially designed living spaces that promote mental processing. A recreation room and common areas encourage residents to interact. An outdoor patio with gardens provides fresh air and healing effects. A chef prepares gourmet meals, which are served in a formal dining setting with plates with contrasting colors to stimulate appetites. A hair salon is on-site for residents to maintain their appearance, while aromatherapy services are available to relieve symptoms and enhance mental function.
Cleanliness and a positive vibe played a major role in the decision to move their loved ones to the community. One reviewer writes, "We chose The Branches because of how clean it was, everyone seemed to be happy, and I was just happy from the minute we walked in."
At Sunrise, life at the golden age is all about comfort, adventure and making each day meaningful. The community is guided by expertise to leverage proven techniques that help personalize care for each resident. Residents are engaged in activities and evidence-based programs that appeal to their passions and interests. The thoughtfully designed activity program keeps residents engaged in gardening and fitness. Music and art, also part of the memory care program, helps them nurture social connections. A team of talented chefs is always at work curating a variety of nutritious dishes. Alongside the vast family of caregivers, staff and other residents, residents get to tangle themselves in the coziness of the pets of their choice. Additionally, the community is committed to keeping residents connected to their family, friends and community through meet-ups and via the family engagement app.
Residents and their loved ones have a positive experience with the amenities and staff. One resident's family member says, "Sunrise of Wayland is the best place I have ever seen; we had a very positive experience. They made everything better for as long as they could, and he thrived here. They have a resident dog and that was a very good thing and really helped cheer the residents up. All the staff were caring and went above and beyond."
Bridges by EPOCH at Sudbury is a dedicated memory care community where the residents' independence, joy and sense of purpose are prioritized. The community is divided into three households, each featuring its own common spaces, to create a home-like atmosphere. Residents can read and partake in quiet activities in the library and spend time outside enjoying the landscaped walking paths or gardening in raised bed planters. The community room hosts a wide variety of dementia-friendly activities such as movie nights, art classes and crossword hours. Light fitness activities include Tai Chi, golf and walking for wellness. Bridges by EPOCH communities offer the innovative iN2L digital programming system and Eversound wireless headphone technology, which help residents participate in meaningful social, educational and inspirational activities. The Essential Care program provides expert memory care and support for the adapting needs of residents. Services include assistance with daily living tasks, medication management and laundry and housekeeping services.
Family members of residents appreciate the attentive staff and thorough care. One says, "This community has saved my life. They have been great at all the basics but have also helped us with many other professionals that are needed to care for my loved one. Communication is good and keeps us well informed."
The Residence at Paine Estate is a luxury senior living community that is surrounded by peaceful woodlands. The Reflections memory care unit is located in a separate section of the community and it features spacious common areas, a secure courtyard and recreational areas. The program focuses on the five principles of vitality which are continued learning, physical fitness, arts and culture, self-care and community connections. A daily schedule of activities is offered each and the activities are designed around the five principles. Daily activities may include yoga, social events, spa time and cognitive games. The community offers expressive arts therapy to help stimulate memories and allow residents to tell their stories through music, dance and painting. All of the caregiving associates in the community are certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education. Staff members provide compassionate assistance at all times.
Family members praise the beautiful location and excellent care provided by this community with one reviewer saying, "The setting is idyllic, located in a renovated mansion overlooking conservation land on the Sudbury River. The staff is friendly and professional; they go out of their way to be helpful and treat the residents as family. "
New Horizons at Marlborough offers three levels of care for dementia and Alzheimer's residents. Level One is best suited for early stages of memory loss and includes hourly safety checks, assistance with personal hygiene tasks, escorts to dinner or activities and limited medicine administration. The Level Two plan adds incontinence management services every 4 hours. Residents with more significant needs may benefit from the services added in Level Three, which include more frequent incontinence care and options for two-person assistance with tasks. All three levels include laundry services, daily bed making, trash removal and restaurant-style meals. Enrichment activities, designed to help residents maintain skills and bolster cognitive abilities, are offered daily to all residents. Since physical activity is correlated with improved cognitive function, staff intentionally encourages residents to use the fitness center, indoor heated pool or on-site professional fitness coaching to maintain physical and mental well-being.
Residents and their families praise the many activities and kind staff. One reviewer says, "[My mom] can exercise every morning, she plays bridge once a week, and when they have something like Irish step dancing or somebody coming to sing, she always takes part. So the activities are very good. The staff is so friendly. They're very nice."
Benchmark Senior Living at Waltham Crossings provides a welcoming and home-like environment. The memory care section offers a range of research-based therapies to slow or halt the progression of memory loss disorders. A team of highly-trained caregivers is always on-hand to guide residents through their daily activities and redirect any difficult behaviors. The community offers different care levels for seniors in the memory care section. Residents are evaluated on a regular basis and may be moved to a higher level of care as the disorder progresses. The memory care neighborhood has been specifically designed to encourage seniors to explore the common areas independently. Seniors have access to a fitness center, a hair salon and a secure courtyard area. Additional support and special meals are available at meal times.
A reviewer praises the compassionate care provided to her husband by this community, saying, "I am so appreciative of the great care that the Harbor (Memory care) staff are giving my husband. Their patience, kindness, and gentle ways have reduced his difficult behavior which has led to him getting out of bed and into a wheelchair for the first time since he arrived about one month ago."
The community seeks to provide a homey environment for them memory care residents. The private bathroom, kitchenette and ample living space in pet-friendly apartments create a sense of privacy, allowing residents comfort. The Falls takes a qualitative approach to treatment from their devoted staff members dedicated to assisting residents with memory loss to preserve their emotional health and cognitive function. Residents have access to amenities, including outdoor dining, walking trails and stunning waterscapes where they may live to the utmost. Along with the community's convenient access, the community provides transportation arrangements to residents looking to explore Newton. This secured community organizing socializes activities and events such as cooking classes and trivia games, making it easier for residents to socialize and develop deep connections with friends and loved ones as well as other residents.
Residents appreciate the living options offered at The Falls at Cordingly Dam. One resident remarks, "My experience at The Falls at Cordingly Dam was very good. It was a very helpful and knowledgeable community. The rooms are good, and the location wasn't too far out."
Windsor Place offers safe and compassionate memory care in its Special Care and Carlysle Suites neighborhoods, which are both fully secured with outdoor access to enclosed patios and gardens. Recognizing that no two seniors are alike, every resident receives a personalized wellness plan with goals for maintaining independence and skills as much as possible. Caregivers, who are specifically trained in dementia and Alzheimer's care needs, provide supervision around the clock and assist residents with tasks of daily living, incontinence care and medication management. A full calendar of daily enrichment activities encourages residents to stay physically active and socially engaged with their peers; some of these activities include exercise classes, brain games, crafts and supervised outings. Other features of the community include a library, communal dining room, beauty salon, and whirlpool spa.
Families praise the excellent staff at Windsor Place. One reviewer says, "My mom was 90 years old when she passed and I can say the last year of her life at Windsor was quality. I directly attribute that to the all of the Windsor staff from the caregivers to the activity director as well as the hospice team and [doctor] staff."
Chestnut Park at Cleveland Circle offers residents a number of programs and services tailored to its memory care residents' unique needs. Living spaces have been designed with comfort, security and autonomy in mind. The community's extensively trained caregivers provide support and assistance with activities of daily living based on each resident's individual needs. Mechanical lifts are provided to make caring for residents more manageable and more comfortable, and those living in the community have the freedom to choose their preferred care providers or utilize suggested on-site providers. A fitness center, wellness center, outdoor patio and walking paths with benches are available in the community. Families can come together over meals in private dining rooms. Residents benefit from memory-stimulating activities while interacting with other residents, and pet therapy, chair yoga and tai chi programs help calm their minds.
Visitors to the community appreciate the effort staff put into getting to know their residents, from caregivers to directors. One reviewer commented, "Great staff. Everyone knew the residents' names and really seemed to know and like people. The director knew the residents."