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 Huntington’s senior population continues to grow (11.8% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Huntington, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 29.25% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 9.51%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (3.29% in Huntington 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 Huntington. 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 Huntington, 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:
Atria East Northport provides memory care, assisted living and independent living to residents in a renovated historic schoolhouse. With its outdoor garden, patio space and courtyard, residents can enjoy a laid-back lifestyle and the fresh air. Seniors with Alzheimer's and forms of dementia get individualized care from the trained staff, and local artwork provides a connection to the outside community. The community also has access to amenities such as a fitness center that has equipment designed for seniors, a salon and spa, a pub and a movie theater. The restaurant offers full table service with vegetarian options, as well as a private dining room that can be reserved for special events. The 24-hour staff can also help schedule transportation to run errands or to get to appointments.
Family members and visitors like the range of amenities on offer, with one saying, "I was very impressed with the staff that interviewed us and showed us around. I saw some physical therapy exercises. The dining area looked very nice, but we didn't taste any of the food. The apartment was nicely appointed and clean, and everything looked fresh.
Located minutes away from the South Shore of Long Island, the upscale Atria Lynbrook offers a warm and relaxed atmosphere. Its memory care community focuses on social and physical enrichment activities shown to improve mood and memory, such as music therapy and exercise classes. Its secure and open layout promotes safety and interaction, while its nostalgic art and decor are designed to comfort residents. Staff members are available around the clock to help with medication, mobility and enrichment. Residents can take advantage of a transportation service and an escort and transfer assistance service to help ensure their safety as they travel around town.
Reviewers are especially impressed by the staff's friendly nature and excellent communication skills. "All of them and the staff work together as a team!" said a family member. "They have made my mom feel at home and special. In addition, theyve kept me abreast of everything, going on regularly to keep me calm and relaxed knowing that mom is safe!"
Atria Park of Great Neck is a luxury senior living community that offers a welcoming and homelike atmosphere. The Life Guidance Memory Care section provides a safe space for residents with access to secure outdoor and indoor spaces where they can socialize or relax. A memory display that features personal mementos and pictures is located outside each room to assist residents in navigating back to their own apartments. The team of dedicated caregiving staff is always on hand to provide compassionate care and assistance. All of the staff receive mandatory additional training each year in the latest methods of caring for seniors with cognitive disorders. The Life Guidance program offers at least two physical and social activities each day to promote health and limit cognitive decline. Some of the activities offered include walking, yoga, dancing, movie time and group discussions.
Family members and residents are impressed by the professional staff and welcoming environment with one saying, "Consistent excellence. is the key ingredient Atria of Great Neck represents. The community of staff will make you feel like family." Another notes, "Atria Park of Great Neck has the most wonderful, loving and understanding staff."
Brandywine Assisted Living at Huntington Terrace is nestled on a 12-acre beautifully landscaped property. With its range of living options, seniors can choose the lifestyle they want, from carefree independent living and vibrant assisted living to specialized memory care. Seniors facing the daily challenges of cognitive conditions can find peace and comfort with Brandywines Reflections memory care program. This state-of-the-art approach to care provides long-term care solutions through personalized care and signature wellness programs set in a family-like environment. Art and music classes help residents express their creativity, and card and trivia games help stimulate the mind. Cooking and life skill exercises help maintain abilities and functionality. Complementing active living is a comprehensive wellness program managed by in-house physicians, therapists and licensed nurses, who make sure that residents health care needs are consistently met.
Families are impressed with the homelike environment and comprehensive services, with one satisfied daughter saying, "Everything was perfect. Brandywine is very attentive to dad's needs at ALL times. I have been relieved of the constant worry over dad living on his own and take comfort in the staff, service, care and happy residents surrounding my father!
Harbor House Assisted Living helps residents maintain their independence by offering programs and levels of care tailored to meet their medical, social and mental needs. Dedicated to Alzheimer's and dementia care, the community provides three spacious floors that are fully staffed with nurses, personal care aides and medical technicians. Daily activities, which include music, art, games, gardening and sports, encourage seniors to engage with their peers, foster reminiscence, improve cognition and enhance motor skills. Residents can also enjoy organized social events on campus and outings to local events and shops. Caregivers provide 24-hour assistance with personal care, housekeeping and laundry, and around-the-clock gourmet food service is also available. Medication management and a pharmacy are available on-site, as is medical care that includes physical and occupational therapy, X-rays, laboratory testing, podiatry and gerontology.
Reviewers mention the compassionate caregivers and warm atmosphere. A resident's family member says, "From the moment you walk in, the place gives you a warm and comfortable feel. Everyone is friendly and willing to go the extra mile to make your loved-one comfortable and cared for. The activities and meals are great too!"
The trained staff members at The Country Cottage at Maple Pointe at Rockville Centre assist residents 24/7 with basic living needs and the encouragement and stimulation they need to live comfortable, dignified lives. Each resident undergoes a comprehensive initial memory care assessment that includes the recommendations of board-certified geriatric psychologists, social workers and nurses. Once the personalized care plan is in place, ongoing recommendations from the resident's health care providers determine their ongoing treatment plans that include specially designed therapeutic memory programs and individual and group activities. All memory care residents here have their accommodations furnished with familiar photographs and personal items. The community chefs also prepare meals according to residents' individual needs.
Family members praise this community. One says, "My father likes the room and the staff has been good. What he likes the most is it's a small environment. He's in the cottages, which is their memory care. When we went there to check it out, my daughter asked about the food and they brought the head chef over who talked to us for 20 minutes."
Orchard Estate of Woodbury offers assisted living and memory care options. The community has modern decor and thoughtful design that features wide hallways and open plan areas to assist those with mobility issues. Memory care residents participate in the Mind and Memory approach, which encourages self-expression and creativity and promotes intellectual, physical, purposeful, social, emotional and spiritual wellness. Personalized individual sessions and group activities include book discussions, gardening and exercise classes. The Live Now, Live Engaged program that promotes brain exercises and meaningful interactions designed to preserve memory. The community also invites family members to participate in group sessions.
Family members praise the range of activities and caring staff. One relative says, "Each day is filled with art projects, socialization, exercise, and she raves about the food. I couldn't be more grateful for the dedicated staff and their commitment to the residents."
Set in a beautiful, peaceful area close to Oyster Bay and the marina, Rosewood on the Sound is an assisted living community offering seniors 24-hour care by a caring, dedicated staff. Residents can take advantage of the recreational and therapeutic activities available on-site that help foster socialization, physical fitness and mental stimulation. Some frequently scheduled activities include movie nights, games, barbecues, yoga, concerts and crafts. The professional staff is trained in dementia care, and a memory loss program is in place to help seniors retain their cognitive abilities for as long as possible. Residents are served three delicious, chef-prepared meals daily in a lovely dining room that overlooks Long Island Sound. Some amenities include comfortable outdoor seating areas, spacious activity rooms, off-site excursions, a computer room, a beauty/barber shop and walking paths.
Visitors to Rosewood on the Sound are impressed with its warm, friendly staff, the lovely accommodations and the community's serene atmosphere. A resident's loved one writes, "She has early onset Alzheimers The staff there is EXCELLENT. For my mom's condition, this has been a godsend."
Somerset Gardens Senior Living provides assisted living, memory care and respite services and is a great option for families looking to stay close to their loved ones. To provide seniors with continued independence, the community makes frequent bus trips to places like shopping centers, the post office and other amenities. Residents have access to professionally trained staff, including a full-time nurse, as well as 24-hour care for those with memory care requirements. There are landscaped gardens, a large courtyard, outdoor sitting areas and lounges to enjoy the fresh air and spend time in nature. There are also nutritional menu choices that can be enjoyed in a private dining room with family members or for special events.
Residents are enjoying the range of amenities, with one family member saying, "We liked Somerset Gardens. We were looking at a private, small studio and the two-bedroom companion suite. The pricing was fine and good. They serve three meals and if you want snacks and coffee, you can get that in-between. The place was clean."
Sunrise of Dix Hills provides residents with a combination of high-quality services, enriching amenities and a positive environment. Residents with memory care needs can take a stroll through the enclosed garden or take part in cooking or painting classes, and three well-balanced meals and snacks available throughout the day keep them well-fed. There are daily fitness classes and other social and learning activities to cater to the varying interests of the community. Other services such as monthly wellness visits from a licensed nurse are also included. Family members receive access to the family engagement app, which allows them to stay up to date with their loved ones through photos and videos as well as schedule resident and family meetings.
Residents can't say enough about the services and amenities, with one family member mentioning, "Sunrise of Dix Hills was absolutely excellent. The people that we spoke with were just top-notch. They did have a myriad of activities. Every day they were doing something different. It was really impressive."
Sunrise of East Meadow offers a full spectrum of care near the areas top shops, restaurants and cultural attractions, with a convenient location just off Meadowbrook Parkway. Its Reminiscence neighborhood is purpose-built for residents with Alzheimers and related dementias. Residents have 24/7 support from life enrichment managers, licensed nurses and specially trained caregivers who utilize the latest evidence-based care practices. Easy-to-navigate floor plans, community dining and special common areas just for memory care residents make this neighborhood comfortable and familiar. Residents can relax in the softly lit reflection rooms with soothing music, have coffee in the country kitchens or stroll through secured outdoor spaces. The communitys personalized approach includes programming crafted around residents' interests and skills, with multisensory experiences, visits from children and pets, group activities and community outings occurring every day along with cognitive opportunities, such as puzzles and art projects.
Visiting family members like the spacious rooms and welcoming ambiance. "It's clean, easy to get to, and excellent," says one relative. "They had great, loving staffing. The grounds were very nice. He was in a nice-sized and very roomy one-bedroom. They also had a studio with a bed and lots of activities Everything looked fine."
With its personalized care approach, Sunrise of North Lynbrook offers quality senior living on Long Islands South Shore, just 30 minutes outside New York City. The award-winning community features life enrichment managers, caregivers and 24-hour nursing support. In the Reminiscence memory care neighborhood, staff members receive Alzheimers Association-approved training, so they utilize evidence-based techniques to help seniors living with cognitive impairment. Theyre available 24 hours to assist seniors whenever they're needed, from offering support with daily dressing and grooming to monitoring behavior. This neighborhood is specially designed, with easy-to-navigate floor plans, adjacent living and dining areas and innovative spaces, such as softly lit reflection rooms with soothing music and relaxing elements. Residents can expect lively, individualized activities ranging from multisensory activities to exercise classes, outings, visits from children and cognitive programming, such as puzzles, crafts and art projects.
Loved ones appreciate the caring team and ambiance. "The style and structure of this community is fantastic, the staff works as a team," one reviewer says. "Always on top of things, they are extremely helpful towards each other. Their main focus for this community is to keep the residents active and engaged. They are very accommodating."
An award-winning community located just off the Long Island Expressway, Sunrise of Plainview offers a high level of care with close access to health care facilities and physician offices. Its Reminiscence neighborhood is designed for seniors with Alzheimers and other dementias, so residents have the support of a specially trained team 24 hours a day, including life enrichment managers. In this stimulating environment, seniors receive the assistance they need with bathing, dressing, hygiene and medication while enjoying a full schedule of therapeutic activities. Programming is personalized for each resident, with daily exercise, outings, multisensory experiences and visits from children and pets. Nutritious meals are served in the community dining room, and residents can help prepare meals in country kitchens. Reflection rooms feature relaxing elements and soothing music. Seniors can also enjoy sunrooms, media rooms with TVs and a 24-hour bistro.
Visiting loved ones like the memory care-specific programming and caring team. One reviewer says, "We needed to make sure that the facility had a program for my grandmother that would allow her to interact with other Alzheimer's patients and keep her brain in use, which it did. The staff was friendly and caring, and very accommodating."
With a convenient location near Long Islands top beaches, shops and cultural attractions, Sunrise of West Babylon provides an all-inclusive lifestyle paired with quality care. The community has three in-house doctors, along with medical support from nearby Good Samaritan and North Shore Hospitals. It features a Reminiscence neighborhood for residents with Alzheimers and related dementias " a secure environment specially designed to keep them stimulated and active. Here, each resident is paired with a life enrichment manager who consistently cares for them. Using evidence-based approaches like validation therapy, caregivers offer 24/7 help with the activities of daily living, behaviors and communication. Therapeutic activities feature social, educational and recreational programs designed around seniors unique talents and abilities. Memory care residents can also utilize diverse common spaces, such as soft-lit reflection rooms, country kitchens, media rooms with TVs and a sunroom.
Loved ones like the diverse programming and quality meals. "They have a lot of activities like book club, crafts, exercise, and a lot of different things," one family member says. "They also have outings and different social gatherings. They have a nice selection of food and you can pick from the menu like in a restaurant."
Sunrise Senior Living of Huntington offers assisted living and memory care in a convenient location off Jericho Turnpike near US Route 110, close to shops, dining, entertainment and medical centers. Staff works with each resident to design a personalized care plan which is regularly updated as needed. The community's Reminiscence neighborhood was designed with the needs of seniors living with Alzheimers and other forms of loss in mind, with security and easy access to dining and common areas. Memory care services include assistance with personal hygiene and everyday tasks, daily exercise, mobility, social activities and outings, and medication management. The Live With Purpose activity calendar enriches residents' lives through art and music, exercise, community service, education and spiritual pursuits. Residents are provided three home-cooked meals a day made from fresh ingredients and with residents' preferences taken into account and pureed options available.
Residents and their families consistently praise the exceptional staff and spacious living areas. As one reviewer writes, "Sunrise of Huntington has proven to provide a safe, loving, competent, nurturing environment for my mother. The time, effort, patience and kindness that I have witnessed multiple times continually impresses me."
Conveniently nestled into the heart of town, The Bristal at East Meadow offers a high level of care just minutes from the areas top amenities. The community features a secure Reflections neighborhood for residents living with Alzheimers and other dementias, in which they receive customized care from a highly trained, 24-hour staff. Caregivers learn the latest approaches in dementia support, and they receive ongoing sensitivity training to address cognitive challenges and help residents manage their symptoms. Programming is designed by a certified dementia practitioner, with an emphasis on social interaction and goals-based activities. From art classes to Jazzercise, live music, puzzles and creative storytelling, theres something for everyone to enjoy, with rotating options available every day. The community also features 24-hour security surveillance, transportation to local attractions, country club-style dining, emergency response systems in every apartment and a memory cafe.
Loved ones praise the caring team and social atmosphere. "The staff try very hard to accommodate his needs and keep him busy," one relative says. "I feel he is safe here and he has people like him, with common interests and pasts, to chat with and make his time here easier and comfortable."
The Bristal Assisted Living at East Northport brings vibrancy to seniors everyday living with its beautifully appointed common areas, robust activity programming and customized care. For seniors with memory-related conditions, daily activities are individually paced to encourage engagement. The communitys Reflections memory care program uses the latest methods in dementia care, with the experienced care professionals going through The Bristals Hands-on and Hearts-In training to effectively manage residents challenging behaviors. Safety is a priority, with the memory care units designed with familiar, manageable layouts and equipped with electronic security features. The community also has an Alzheimers Day Care program, which provides the same quality care as the long-term program. Spaces for socialization include an outdoor patio, putting green, country kitchen and creative arts studio.
People describe the community as top-notch and the staff as friendly and helpful. "I knew that this was the place most suitable for my Dad," says a residents family member. "EVERY member of the Bristal team is involved in overseeing the daily needs of the residents. They all go above and beyond the requirements of their appointed jobs.
Located on Long Islands South Shore, The Bristal Assisted at Massapequa offers quality care in a peaceful setting. The community features a private, secure Reflections neighborhood for residents living with memory loss, with individualized care provided by an experienced 24/7 team. All caregivers receive ongoing sensitivity training, so they learn to address the cognitive challenges that residents face. Designed to help foster familiarity and purpose, the Reflections program offers residents a comforting circle of care, with daily activities to keep them engaged, including art and music classes, reading circles and physical fitness programs. A certified dementia Practitioner develops programming, with therapeutic, goal-based options available. The environment is electronic keypad-protected for extra peace of mind, and loved ones can stay involved through the Memory Cafe on-site. Numerous shops, restaurants and amenities are all conveniently located nearby.
Loved ones note the kind staff and high level of care. One reviewer says, "The facility was fantastic and equally the staff. They were super super attentive to my aunt. The food, the care and the service were first class. I would absolutely recommend the Bristal for anyone considering placing a loved one there."
The Bristal at Lake Success is an innovative memory care community that combines cutting-edge research with customized care. By working closely with the Feinstein Institute of Northwell Health, residents benefit from the latest techniques and approaches facing those living with Alzheimers and dementia. The community uses the Foresite Predictive Health and Fall management system, which combines wireless sensors with artificial intelligence, deep machine learning and other technologies to help predict risks of falling and provide instant alerts. All caregivers are specially trained in dementia care and receive ongoing sensitivity training, and theyre available 24 hours to assist residents with the activities of daily living while helping manage symptoms and cognitive challenges. With programming designed by a certified dementia practitioner, residents enjoy engaging activities like creative writing, fitness classes, gardening, bingo and movie nights.
Loved ones praise the dedicated staff and diverse programming. "She enjoys the activities which include cooking classes as well as the music programs," says one. "I cannot say enough about the staff, they are kind and compassionate. I have visited at different times and never seen anyone treat the residents with anything but respect."
Whisper Woods of Smithtown has provided senior memory care services for more than 20 years. Led by a dementia care specialist, the community's Live Now Live Engaged program enhances the capabilities of residents through individualized and group activities that encourage self-expression and creativity. The secure community uses visual themes and cues, special lighting and contrasting colors to help residents identify their surroundings. Familiar furniture is situated strategically around common areas and accommodations to help seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia feel more comfortable and secure. Staff members help residents with all aspects of daily living, and seniors are served three thoughtfully prepared daily meals that are texture-modified to support each resident's eating capabilities.
Family members compare this community favorably with others and commend the overall feel of it. One says, "My mother was in Whisper Woods of Smithtown and it was amazing. It couldn't have been better."