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 Manahawkin’s senior population continues to grow (7.7% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Manahawkin, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 18.71% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 2.08%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly lower than the rest of the nation (4.62% in Manahawkin 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 Manahawkin. 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 Manahawkin, 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:
Just a few blocks from the Manasquan River is Alcoeur Gardens at Brick, a boutique-sized memory care facility. Nearby amenities include religious facilities and retail centers. Hospitals such as Hackensack Meridian Health Ocean Medical Center and United Healthcare are a few miles away. The facility focuses on memory care and has designed the facility to provide a safe community for its residents, with access control gates and a secured garden. The schedule is packed with activities designed to encourage social interactions and cognitive stimulation, such as alphabet games and trivia nights. Residents are encouraged to join in on cooking classes and physical activities such as beanbag tic-tac-toe and stretching.
Relatives appreciate when their loved ones enjoy some autonomy in a safe environment. On writes, "It's everything we wanted for her. It's clean, homey and set up perfectly as my Mom is in the wandering stage, and she is able to do so safely here where she wasn't able to at home or at some of the other facilities I visited. She is happy and able to hold on to her independence in a safe environment."
Located in a quiet, scenic, residential neighborhood, Alcoeur Gardens at Toms River is a privately owned, senior living community that exclusively serves those suffering from cognitive impairments, including Alzheimer's disease. Its immaculate interior features smooth, wooden floors that minimize any tripping hazards while stylish grab rails are strategically installed throughout the community to maximize each resident's independent mobility. Residents are always free to wander as secure external exits ensure they're never endangered. The community offers an alternative to the sterile, segregated memory care units found in many larger, institutionalized senior living facilities. With just 19 residents, 24/7 on-site staff can always provide personalized care and home-cooked meals in line with individual taste preferences and physician-ordered diets. Seniors can participate in engaging daily group and individual activities, including arts and crafts and games. They may also attend religious services and receive medical, dental and beauty services without leaving the premises.
Reviewers frequently praise the individualized care, homelike environment, excellent food and compassionate caregivers. A relative of a past resident says, "My mom laughed again and enjoyed herself I visited almost daily, and each time I left I felt comfortable that my mom would be cared for." A visitor reports, "It was small and private. The residents were treated as individuals rather than as patients."
Artis Senior Living of Brick is a secure memory care community featuring small neighborhoods to ensure familiarity and consistency for residents. Within each neighborhood, residents reside in private studio apartments that can accommodate any furnishings from home to create a recognizable living space, with the peace of mind of 24/7 nurse oversight and assistance with daily tasks at any time of the day. The entire community is secure and designed to promote safe mobility, as visual cues are prominent throughout to help facilitate greater independence and reduce confusion while navigating. Family-style meals allow residents to use all of their senses when deciding their food options. Residents are engaged in both body and mind through routine exercise classes, secured walking paths and a creative arts studio.
The staff and pleasing community design are often highly praised. The daughter of one resident said, "The team at Artis Senior Living of Brick is a group of caring and compassionate individuals who put their residents first. What an amazing addition to the community! Highly recommend the beautiful building and staff who are knowledgeable and highly certified."
Situated next to a sprawling green space with flowers and shade trees, Bella Terra is as aesthetically pleasing on the outside as it is comfortable indoors. Memory care focuses on independence and safety. The interior space of the memory care segment is designed for easy navigation with added layers of security. Individual therapies, highly structured mealtimes and programming to reinforce cognitive function are aspects of memory care here. Residents have the opportunity to learn new skills, take technology classes, enjoy group fitness and engage in hobbies, such as gardening or sewing. Social groups help encourage resident interaction.
Resident reviews of this community emphasize the professional staff, good food and comfortable environment. One writes, "We're moving into Bella Terra. It looks wonderful. They have cozy small rooms where you can go, sit, and read. They have a very nice library. It is more welcoming and more homey; it is just lovely."
Brandywine Living at Brandall Estates is located near Atlantic Citys boardwalk and offers memory care residents a safe and secure environment in a warm and comforting setting. Its care staff provides assistance with daily tasks including medication management, personal grooming and housekeeping. Individual assessments are conducted on all residents and licensed nurses are available 24/7 to monitor their health. The community's signature programs promote residents' independence and provide a stimulating environment. These include individual wellness plans that utilize the on-site gym and water aerobics center, an all-day dining experience that serves delicious and nutritious meals and programs that keep residents socially engaged and active. Brandywines Escapade program also offers arts and crafts classes, games evenings and cooking classes.
Family members appreciate Brandywine Living for the care and devotion of the caregivers. "My mom has been at Brandall for two years now " I can't say enough about the loving caring environment. She loves the aides that help her and the nursing staff. The facility itself is maintained beautifully. The landscaping and flowers that are planted in the spring and summer are always breathtaking.
Brandywine Living at Reflections offers a family-like, warm, caring environment where residents can truly feel at home. A team of certified caregiving staff is always on hand to provide compassionate care and assistance or to gently redirect difficult behaviors. There is a registered nurse on-site to oversee the medical side of the senior's care and to carry out regular wellness checks to monitor their health. Each resident has a personalized care plan that includes a detailed life history, likes, dislikes, careers and hobbies to help caregivers provide tailored assistance that matches the residents' needs. All-day dining services are provided to let seniors dine at a time that suits their medical needs and personal preferences. Meal assistance is available to those who require help. A range of activities is scheduled each day, including music therapy and dancing.
Family members appreciate the level of care provided with one reviewer saying, "Reflections is the best place for my father. My family and I are at peace knowing he is so well taken care of, in every way. Every individual on their staff is caring and attentive, enthusiastic and compassionate."
Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson provides 24-hour nursing supervision and a structured environment in a caring, family-like atmosphere with activities geared to assist residents who require specialized memory care. The hotel-quality furnished accommodations include private rooms that allow seniors to bring their pets to live with them, and the compassionate, dementia-certified staff provides residents with personalized care. Some of the specially curated memory care activities offered on-site include Dakim BrainFitness, a brain-training program developed by scientists to help with improved mental functioning. Art therapy, physical exercise, parties and outings help round out residents' days as they enjoy stimulating social and recreational activities. Musical entertainment and structured reminiscing sessions also help community members with dementia issues. The outdoor areas at Harmony Village at CareOne Jackson are beautifully designed, with an enclosed courtyard, walking paths and a butterfly garden helping to ensure residents' safety, wellness and enjoyment.
Visitors to this community often remark on its cleanliness, beautiful outdoor common areas and dedicated staff of caregivers. A member of one resident's family is impressed with this community, saying, "My aunt has been at Harmony for over a year and I couldn't ask for better care and staff."
Leisure Park emphasizes active living through a constantly evolving array of activities based on the needs of the residents. Memory care programming is individualized, and The Bridge to Rediscovery program is the construct through which these services are provided. It emphasizes hands-on activities for residents and encourages them to participate in activities that match their personal interests. This may include gardening, music or cooking. The community cultivates activities based on these interests and encourages residents to participate in amenities and activities already on the calendar that align with their hobbies. Amenities include an on-site library, group fitness area and billiards room. Chef-created meals cater to personal preferences for memory care residents.
Reviews from residents and loved ones underscore the quality of care provided as well as the good food and the numerous amenities and activities that keep residents engaged. One notes, "The food is excellent. The portions are large and can be customized to exactly what the resident wants. Leisure Park fosters a caring environment for the residents and the employees seem to have fun interacting and enjoying the residents, giving them the support and care they need at this time in their lives."
Magnolia Gardens is a senior living community with a warm, welcoming atmosphere. Caregivers are always available to help residents with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and transfers. The Village is the community's secured memory care neighborhood designed to promote close relationships between residents and staff. Each senior has an individualized care plan to ensure the provision of necessary care and support while encouraging independence. A medical and nursing team reviews and administers medications. Residents enjoy three home-cooked daily meals in the communal dining room, and they can access snacks and beverages throughout the day. Escorted transportation is available for appointments. Daily activities are planned to provide structure, encourage cognitive stimulation and foster engagement with members of the community.
Relatives praise attentive staff and frequent activities. One relative says, "My mother lived there four years as both private pay and Medicaid resident. She loved the staff, they were very attentive and had many recreational activities. She was very happy there and any question or concern was addressed immediately by the staff."
Located in a quiet, residential area, Millennium Memory at Ocean specializes in difficult medical and behavioral memory care residents. The intimate community provides a safe, secure and homelike environment for seniors, with a layout designed for safe wandering. Additional features include secure exits, handrails for safety, smooth wooden floors to minimize tripping risks and plenty of light-filled spaces in soft and soothing colors. Secure outdoor spaces, a greenhouse and walking paths allow residents to enjoy the fresh air. Staff members highly trained in memory loss techniques provide 24/7 care, along with an on-site geriatric nurse practitioner and always-on-call nurses. Therapies and programs are tailored to each individual resident, based on their history, needs and preferences. A signature sensory stimulation program engages residents through six different senses, with corresponding therapies and exercises.
Family members appreciate the quality care the loved ones receive. "Their professional attitude is only excelled by the great level of care that they give to the residents. Your loved one will be in the best care, writes one. "Rayna and her staff do an excellent job taking care of her. Their compassion and professionalism is quite remarkable, adds another.
Spring Oak Assisted Living of Forked River is a senior living community focused on assisted living and memory care lifestyles. The Bridges Memory Care Program, featuring 24/7 security to keep each resident protected, creates a safe community for residents with Alzheimer's and other memory care needs. The trained memory care nurses and staff recognize the specialized needs of the residents and provide familiar settings and faces to reduce confusion. They pay extra attention to residents' personal hygiene and grooming to encourage their continued confidence and peace of mind. Meals are served in the intimate dining room, where residents dine with neighbors and assisting staff to encourage socialization and enjoyment. Amenities, including group craft projects and gardening in the secured courtyard, are designed to engage each resident physically and mentally.
Residents and their families commend the caring staff and the welcoming atmosphere. One family member said, "The staff seems very committed to the patients, and I think that's the main thing that we noticed about it. They really make everybody feel comfortable. It's a clean, well-kept place. Every day, there are multiple things that they do."
Spring Oak of Toms River fosters a sense of independence among its residents. The beautifully finished interiors and attractive grounds make for a welcoming and homelike community. The Bridges Memory Care neighborhood has a team of professional staff who provide care with respect and kindness. Medication is managed through the Wellness Center, and community members receive the assistance they need with daily living activities. Chefs and kitchen staff accommodate dietary requirements and tasty, nutritious meals tempt even those with low appetites. Small-group tables encourage socialization and staff is always ready to assist residents. Scheduled transportation lets residents attend medical appointments. Events and activities are on offer every day of the week, so residents remain engaged and content.
Caring staff and clean living spaces are the norm at this community according to reviews from family members. One daughter states, "Very clean. The staff is very caring and taking excellent care of my mother." Another family member comments, "They take wonderful care of my father, it is a very clean facility and the staff is very caring, I couldn't ask for anything more! Highly recommend!"
Located in the historic township of Jackson, a short drive away from the Jersey Shore, Sunrise of Jackson provides memory care, assisted living and short-term care for seniors. The community is conveniently situated near highways, shops, restaurants, parks and medical facilities, including CentraState Medical Center. Indoor and outdoor spaces, including a fireside sitting room and a courtyard, allow residents to relax and socialize. Residents receive an individualized care plan, along with services such as meals and housekeeping. Memory care residents live in a separate and secure Reminiscence neighborhood that's designed to be comforting and easy to navigate. Staff is trained in the latest memory care techniques and available to help at all hours. Memory care residents are encouraged to take part in memory-focused activities tailored to their abilities and needs, as well as a wide range of social, educational, physical and spiritual activities and programs.
Family members praise the caring staff. One reviewer writes, "The level of commitment the staff has for their residents is outstanding. Everyone always went above and beyond to make sure my mom was well taken care of, had everything she needed, was happy, and respected. Adds another, "The staff is wonderful, they have met and exceed our expectations.
About 60 miles south of New York City, Sunrise of Wall is located in the beautiful, welcoming community of Belmar, NJ. A dementia-certified staff works 24/7 to help seniors with their daily tasks and medication management, and those with Alzheimers disease or other cognitive impairments live in a secured memory care unit, the Reminiscence Neighborhood, which is specially designed to prevent wandering and be close to all the amenities residents need. Other medical services include physical and occupational therapy. An in-house chef serves three daily meals in a restaurant-style dining room, and healthy snacks are provided throughout the day. Seniors can participate in a variety of cognitively stimulating activities from the Life Enrichment Program, including free classes, card games, bingo and social outings. A fitness room and beauty salon are also available, and transportation to doctors appointments is offered at no charge.
Residents often praise the communitys warm, friendly team of professionals. One reviewer writes, "Sunrise at Wall is welcoming and run very efficiently, and most importantly, with excellent caregiving. Each staff member that we have encountered is qualified and carries out their job with a smile and is always ready to assist. You could not find a better place for your loved one.
The Chelsea at Brick offers seniors a comfortable, supportive and secure environment where they can live with dignity and be as independent as possible. Caregivers, including registered nurses, are available 24/7 to implement customized care plans that allow residents with memory impairment to receive the encouragement and stimulation they need to enhance their physical and emotional wellbeing. A calendar of engaging recreational and social activities provides opportunities for residents to make new friends, awaken past interests and learn new skills with a range of activities, such as educational sessions, art classes, monthly guest speakers and special events to reminisce. The Chelsea at Brick also organizes group excursions to local shopping centers and restaurants and regular day trips to Monmouth Park Racetrack, Brick Park Beach and Atlantic City.
Residents and families praise The Chelsea at Brick for its attractive campus and the variety of activities on offer. One relative writes, "My mom is at the Chelsea at Brick and she likes it. Care is good and the staff take a sincere interest in the residents. They have many activities and the food is good and varied.
The Chelsea at Toms River provides senior living services anchored on independence, socialization and an active lifestyle. Services at all levels of care include around-the-clock professional care, nurse services, on-site therapy and access to restaurant-style dining that offers diverse menu choices. Seniors with Alzheimers and dementia receive specialized care at The Country Cottage neighborhood, which features relaxing common areas, secure outdoor spaces and comfortable accommodations. Residents can decorate their personal spaces with personal mementos and furniture to create a homelike setting. The care team provides innovative, individualized care and partners with nurses, psychologists, social workers and geriatric professionals for comprehensive assessment services. The Chelseas comprehensive wellness program provides activities that stimulate the body, mind and spirit, with regular physical activities, cognitive exercises, religious services and recreational activities. Family counseling and educational resources are available to provide a better understanding of loved ones conditions.
People are impressed with the social activities, beautiful layout, clean surroundings and the staff who treats residents life families. One reviewer writes about their mother, "The care that she receives is absolutely incredible. I know in my heart that when I am not there, she is cared for by everyone as if she was their mom, too.
The Pines at Whiting is nestled in a forested campus close to Keswick Lake in Crestwood Village. This continuing care retirement community is conveniently located near Crestwood Village Shopping Center and is minutes from Community Medical Center in Toms River. It features three community restaurants, namely the Fireside Room for elegant dining, 509 Grille for casual fares and the Cranberry Grove for on-the-go selections. Theres an on-site health center, game room, library and activity center with a country kitchen. The Pines Connections memory care neighborhood is designed with color-coded spaces and visual cues, and its Montessori-based philosophy of care promotes independence and holistic wellness. Its Music & Memory program lets residents enjoy personalized playlists that bring joy and foster social interactions. Other stimulating memory care activities include one-on-ones, gardening, interactive touchscreen entertainment and simple everyday tasks that engage muscle memory.
Loved ones highly recommend the communitys supportive environment. One reviewer says, "Pines has a friendly and very helpful staff and a good selection of comfortable and well-maintained apartmentsThe food is good and the menu has ample variability. We have experienced a very smooth transition when my wife had to be moved from the independent living section to nursing care.
Helping residents engage in life to the fullest extent possible, safely and with dignity, is at the core of The Residence at Stafford's philosophy. The community's staff takes a whole-person approach to memory care that focuses on seniors' physical, social, cognitive and emotional health and well-being. NIDE-certified dementia professionals provide a variety of cognitive-strengthening therapies, such as music, art, cooking and sensory experiences, that can help residents with greater social engagement, increased mental clarity and wider independence. In addition to personalized assistance with the activities of daily living, residents in this community have access to a number of relaxing indoor and outdoor common areas, delicious meals served in a lovely room, group outings and clean, comfortable accommodations.
This community impresses visitors with its beautiful outdoor spaces and abundance of daily activities available for seniors to participate in. One resident's family member states, "The staff was very caring and patient. The place has a safe environment for people who are in memory care."