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 Morristown's senior population continues to grow (11.54% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Morristown, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 48.63% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 5.42%, showing that Alzheimer's is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly higher than the rest of the nation (6.65% in Morristown 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 Morristown. 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 Morristown, 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:
Sunrise of Morris Plains provides assisted living and memory care services in Morristown, NJ. The community is only a short drive from two hospitals and multiple health care providers. The Sunrise Reminiscence program provides each resident with a personalized care plan that includes help with personal hygiene and bathing, continence management, assistance with eating and a life enrichment manager who focuses on the mental and physical well-being of each patient. Memory care suites are located next to dining and community areas, making them easy for residents to navigate. Studio or one-bedroom apartments are furnished, come with a kitchenette, and can be custom-designed to fit each individual. Additional amenities include laundry, housekeeping, medication management, religious services and off-site activities.
Relative of residents at Sunrise of Morris Plains love the customized, comfortable rooms and caring staff. One relative says, "Sunrise of Morris Plains has different levels of care. It's really a nice place -- very clean -- and the air conditioning was great. The staff seems very good, and the rooms were nice. The food is good, too. Everything about Sunrise is on the highest level."
Arbor Terrace Morris Plains offers all comforts of home for seniors in a serene and calm setting in the heart of Morris Plains. A separate dedicated Evergreen Memory Care neighborhood supports residents living with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory loss ailments, and the Bridges Neighborhood is available for seniors with mild cognitive impairments. A highly trained memory care team provides personalized interventions based on the seniors' preferences, history and interests. Seniors are encouraged to participate in stimulating activities and programs to keep them physically and mentally active. The dementia-friendly design of the community promotes a productive, peaceful and safe environment for all seniors. Residents also receive on-site therapy and rehabilitation services to help build up their agility and strength. The Dining with Dignity Program offers a dignified dining experience and meal assistance for all seniors. Additional amenities include scheduled transportation, housekeeping and laundry and linen services.
Families appreciate the plentiful amenities offered by the community. One writes, "Arbor Terrace Morris Plains is an absolutely immaculate, attentive, well-run, brand new facility. The type of activities my mother does is everything from outings to church, to the theater, to activities internally, everything from word games, to news and events, to cooking activities, and exercising."
The Country Home is a community offering specialized memory care services to seniors living with dementia. Caregivers assist residents with activities of daily living and address the psychological or behavioral challenges they face. People in this community receive three meals daily and have their medication managed by nurses while receiving routine checkups from doctors and medical specialists. Caregivers ensure that residents maintain their personal hygiene routines and perform laundry and housekeeping services for them. The Country Home organizes robust activities for memory care residents that range from social events to activities tailored to their individual capabilities. Therapeutic activities, such as pet therapy, are also offered.
Reviews compliment The Country Home for the quality of care it offers. One says, "My father is happy at The Country Home. The rooms are very nice, it's not cluttered, and I think there are only 30-something residents there. The rooms are always clean, I go at different times, and my father is always clean when I'm there."
Brighton Gardens of Florham Park helps seniors with memory loss lead full and independent lives. This care community has been awarded the Bronze National Quality Award by the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living. It's also located near amenities such as the YMCA and the Morristown Medical Center. The building is organized into Reminiscence Neighborhoods, which are specially designed areas to foster familiarity and help residents feel safe. Each community member is assigned a designated Life Enrichment Manager who learns their personal history and preferences to ensure they receive comprehensive and inclusive care. Residents also can participate in activities such as art and fitness classes to help maintain cognition and physical fitness.
Residents love what Brighton Gardens of Florham Park has to offer. "Brighton Gardens is beautiful!!! It's like nothing we could have imagined. Right away I felt at home with their dog sleeping by the fireplace," one reviewer writes.
Brookdale Florham Park is an assisted living community located in the heart of Florham Park, offering easy access to stores and other amenities. The community is large and spacious with a variety of apartment floor plans. Each apartment features a kitchen or kitchenette for residents who enjoy cooking their own meals. Residents receive personalized care from dedicated staff who help with the activities of daily living, including bathing, eating, laundry and housekeeping. Seniors are encouraged to remain as independent and active as possible. A calendar of social activities and events is offered to help residents make new friends and stay connected within the community. Regular meals are served in a shared dining hall, and guests are welcome to participate in meals. A beauty salon/barbershop is located on-site. Other amenities include a spacious garden and patio area and resident transportation.
Residents praise the facility for being clean, modern and inviting. One family member notes, "My parents are in a nice studio room that's in perfect shape. The kitchen is really modern and decently sized, the bathroom is big with a walk-in shower." Reviewers also speak highly of the staff, calling them "friendly and kind."
Conveniently located in the charming town of Parsippany-Troy Hills in New Jersey, Care One at Morris Assisted Living sits on a plot of lush ground surrounded by verdant trees and offers easy access to the shops, restaurants, churches and medical facilities in the area. This community offers a memory care program, Harmony Village, that focuses on helping seniors living with dementia feel safe and fulfilled. Each resident receives an individualized care plan based on their unique needs to optimize independence and quality of life. The care staff, including certified dementia practitioners and registered nurses, is available 24/7 to help with activities of daily living, such as grooming and medication management. An on-site health center staffed with primary physicians and specialists such as oncologists and cardiologists provides more specialized care services. Physical, speech and occupational therapies are available seven days a week.
Family members love the personable staff. One writes, "The entire staff is tremendous. They are all amazing people inside and out, with a lot of heart and soul. They are all personable and approachable. Never without something nice to say and a smile. I am extremely satisfied with the care my mother has received."
Less than 45 miles west of New York City, Sunrise of Randolph is a senior living community located in Randolph, NJ, offering memory care and assisted living in a beautiful, homelike setting. Using an approach that focuses on the individual, the community provides a stimulating environment for seniors suffering from dementia, Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss. The community's Live With Purpose signature activities program brings enrichment and stimulation to community members through artistry, learning, melody and reflection. Residents can play bingo, watch movies and participate in community-planned offsite excursions to various locations, such as the casino, the theater and Horseshoe Lake. Caregivers include registered nurses and a designated Care Manager assigned to each resident. A community pet lives in the building.
Family members rave about the cleanliness of the community and the care their loved ones receive, with one person saying, "I can sleep at night knowing my mom is safe." They also mention the homelike feel of the community, with another noting, "It's a house with beautiful landscaping. Extremely clean, beautiful furniture."
A stress-free lifestyle and nurturing environment await seniors at Sunrise of Madison. Through its wide range of living options, the community provides care solutions for individuals with different needs. In the Reminiscence memory care neighborhood, residents dealing with cognitive conditions experience security and comfort in the hands of individually assigned life enrichment managers. As an Authorized Validation Organization, Sunrise trains its caregivers in evidence-based dementia practices, allowing them to communicate effectively with residents and manage challenging behaviors. Residents thrive in the thoughtfully designed neighborhood, which features large, open spaces, vibrant activity areas and comfortable private or semiprivate accommodations. Licensed nurses conduct monthly wellness visits, and regular updates are available through the Sunrise CareConnect electronic health record system. Additional medical services are easily accessible at the nearby Morristown Memorial Hospital.
Families praise the staff for making the transition stress-free for loved ones. "The staff have been wonderful at helping [my parents] get adjusted and feel comfortable in [their] new living environment," writes a daughter. "They have had no complaints with the food and have enjoyed participating in many of the activities they have to offer throughout the week."
Memory care residents at The Chelsea at Montville live in The Country Cottage, a secure and comfortable neighborhood specially designed for the unique needs of seniors with dementia. Each apartment is decorated with personal photos and other familiar objects to stimulate memory and evoke feelings of home. The outdoor areas are safely secured to prevent residents from wandering. The care staff, including registered nurses, are available 24/7 to assist with activities of daily living, including bathroom assistance, grooming, hygiene, medication management, dressing and bathing, based on each resident's individualized care plan. This community offers scheduled transportation to residents who need to go off-site for doctor's appointments, and it serves three delicious and nutritious meals every day in the restaurant-style dining room. Amenities include a well-stocked library, a beauty salon and landscaped walking paths.
Family members praise the attentive staff. A reviewer writes, "My mother has been a resident of The Chelsea at Montville. The staff was helpful when I was there. They would go around and make sure the people had some snacks. They're very attentive to people, and my mother likes them. The value for money is excellent."
Centrally located off of Route 287 and near Morristown is LIVIA at East Hanover. Memory neighborhoods are equipped with smart technology such as Amazon Alexa and Wi-Fi stations, and cozy living and reading areas invite residents to cozy up with a good book or enjoy a conversation with friends. Outdoors, secure courtyards offer residents views of a water feature and shaded lounge seating for relaxing. Occupational, physical and speech therapy are offered, as are specialized programs and special social events tailored to meet residents' interests and needs.
Reviewers routinely praise LIVIA (formerly known as Sycamore Living) for its caring staff who respond quickly to their needs and the needs of their loved ones. Says one relative, "I am forever grateful to the staff and administrators of Sycamore for their exceptional care of my father and their consideration of us."
Fox Trail Senior Living is located right off Route 206, near to the shopping and dining found in nearby Chester, and equally close to parks and wildlife areas with views of nature and trails for walking. Specialized care is offered for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia as well as Parkinson's disease. Programs are tailored to meet the needs of the various stages of memory loss, and physical layouts are designed specifically to allow those who wander to do so safely. Staff help residents process, articulate and cope with the feelings that arise from dementia. The community is pet-friendly, and residents can also enjoy beauty, barber and massage services.
Family members comment on Fox Trail Senior Living's small size, cleanliness and the team feel that exists between staff. Says one, "This is what is most important there: smaller and personalized, encourage independence open communication and available medical attention, friendly caring staff."
Arden Courts of Whippany focuses on caring for seniors with memory loss disorders. The community is divided into four separate houses linked by walking paths. Each house features a living room, dining room, kitchen, laundry and full bathroom. Visual cues help seniors independently navigate the secure property. Instead of signs, descriptive photos point seniors in the correct direction. Residents are free to move around the community, and they're always safe and discreetly monitored by staff. A team of caregivers is on hand 24/7 to assist seniors and provide compassionate care. Communal facilities shared between the different houses include a craft studio, barbershop and beauty salon and wellness center. Three home-cooked meals are served family-style each day, and special diets can be accommodated.
Family members appreciate the caring staff and range of activities offered. "This is a wonderful place with caring, compassionate nurses and caregivers," says one reviewer. "The activities are very engaging, and each resident is treated with dignity and respect. Family members are encouraged to visit and participate in events.
Brightview Randolph has a quiet, accessible location off New Jersey Route 10, and it's about 2 miles from Saint Clare's Dover Hospital. Its Wellspring Village memory care neighborhood offers a secure homelike environment and has its own courtyard and accessible common areas. In addition to receiving a full range of assisted living services, memory care residents benefit from specialized programming which promotes self-reliance and purposeful living. Wellspring's Mind & Music program features personal playlists, live entertainment and daily background music which enhances the neighborhood's ambience. Memory care residents are served chef-prepared meals with options for lighter continental breakfasts, as well as all-day snacks and coffee.
Families love the warm environment at Brightview Randolph. A loved one writes, "Their dining room and common areas are very nice with lots of sunshine. It was just a very bright atmosphere and the people were wonderful. The lighting helps with the sundowning. The place itself is very well cared for, everything was clean, bright and nice."
Memory care residents of Brookdale West Orange can enjoy six daily activities through the Daily Path program. Residents can join neighbors in the walking club, play memory games, bake and watch evening movies. To preserve residents' sense of purpose, many activities focus on life skills, such as cooking and gardening, in secure areas under staff's guidance. Care plans feature assistance with activities of daily living, medication management and dementia-friendly menus through the Clare Bridge dining program. The easily navigable menu of familiar meals features community favorites, including pot roast and honey mustard ham steak. Through the Personal Solutions program, families can have care products delivered directly to their loved ones.
Residents' loved ones praise the staff for ensuring all residents have activities they enjoy. One writes, "The activities are wonderful, we did not think our loved one would ever participate in them but the women who are working there have done a great job getting our loved one involved. The manager and workers are just unbelievable."
Brighton Gardens of West Orange is located in an easily accessible area that's just minutes away from Saint Barnabas Medical Center and Mountainside Hospital. As a Sunrise Senior Living community, Brighton Gardens provides comprehensive memory care for those living with Alzheimer's and other cognitive conditions. The team utilizes evidence-based dementia care practices recognized by the Alzheimer's Association, ensuring that residents receive person-centered support from individually assigned caregivers. Seniors can choose from private accommodations or companion suites, both of which feature comfortable furnishings and emergency call response systems. Everyday living is vibrant, with plenty of common gathering areas for group activities or family celebrations. Seniors can spend some relaxing time in the reflection room, which features special lighting, soft music and other soothing elements. Residents benefit from monthly wellness checks and therapeutic social and educational programs.
Positive reviews indicate families' satisfaction with the community's level of care. "My uncle moved into Brighton Gardens of West Orange," shares a resident's relative. "They've been very good. After settling in we have established a line of communication, and they've been willing to work with us and keep us informed if he has medical issues. I think he's as happy as he can be."
The Reminiscence Neighborhood at Brighton Gardens of Mountainside fosters a nurturing, positive environment that helps individuals dealing with dementia and Alzheimer's thrive. The self-contained neighborhood has an easy-to-navigate layout with a communal living room, an eat-in country kitchen, a soothing reflection room and specially designated areas for arts projects, singalongs, storytelling and other activities. A Life Enrichment Manager (LEM) creates and implements an individualized plan of care that includes the type of medical assistance and daily living support seniors receive as well as the activities most likely to interest and stimulate them. Staff undergoes training in the Validation Method of care that involves asking questions, making eye contact and matching emotions to effectively communicate with people showing symptoms of memory loss. Local children visit frequently, and the neighborhood has a family pet that interacts with seniors.
Reviews describe how the memory care program has led to improvements in residents' overall health and well-being. One family member shares, "My estimation of them is based on sort of our dealings with the staff who have been very responsive, my father-in-law sounds stronger and better, and he says he's happy. The care manager has been just amazing."
Sunrise of Westfield is a senior living community, offering all comforts of home to its residents in a peaceful and serene setting in Westfield, minutes away from Overlook Medical Center and Kindred Hospital New Jersey Rahway. The community features a specialized memory care neighborhood, Reminiscence, to serve the unique needs of seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory loss issues. Trained staff is available 24/7 and assists seniors with their medication administration and activities of daily living. Every senior in memory care has a dedicated life enrichment manager trained in validation therapy and other special memory care techniques. Families remain connected with their loved ones and track community events and announcements through the family engagement app. Residents are encouraged to participate in empathetically engaging activities to bolster their cognitive ability and skills. Seniors receive three chef-prepared delicious and nutritional meals daily in restaurant-style dining.
Families appreciate the caring staff of the community. One writes, "Sunrise of Westfield is literally right down the street from me. I always admire how beautiful it is. The people in it are unbelievable. They're great and very good to my mother. They treat her well, and we're very happy with this place. It's very nice."
Families can find peace of mind with Arbor Terrace Roseland's comprehensive senior care services. From the professional care, beautifully appointed living spaces and specially designed programs, the community offers a wealth of services and amenities for stress-free retirement living. For seniors living with dementia and other forms of cognitive conditions, the Evergreen memory care program keeps them safe, comfortable and engaged through custom plans that incorporate their preferences, passions and past experiences. The memory care neighborhood is secure and boasts dementia-friendly elements, such as secure entrances, lovely outdoor areas, spacious apartments and cozy common areas. The team strives to create meaningful connections among residents by encouraging active participation in daily programs, which typically include wellness exercises, sensory activities and group tours. Arbor Terrace welcomes families to community events and dementia support groups.
Families like the regular communication and coordination and are happy to see loved ones' condition improve. "It is more than adequate for my mom," observes one family member. "They had a lot of ways to show that they care for the residents as well as the family because they include me with everything. In two months, she is making progress and gaining independence."
The Reminiscence Program at Sunrise at West Essex uses clinically proven care techniques and a specially designed environment to help individuals impacted by dementia and Alzheimer's lead safer, happier lives. Rooms allow seniors to complete tasks independently and are equipped with a 24-hour call system to ensure assistance is provided quickly throughout the day. Communal living and activity rooms provide opportunities to socialize, and the secure courtyard offers fresh air and sunshine. Softly lit reflection rooms stimulate the senses to calm anxiety and soothe stress. Delicious, healthy meals are served in an eat-in country kitchen within the neighborhood. Care is guided by an individualized plan of medical, social and recreational interventions created by a Life Enrichment Manager. All staff undergoes training based on the Alzheimer's Association's Dementia Care Practice Recommendations.
Reviews positively describe the upkeep of the community and the quality of care provided by staff. One relative reports, "Sunrise at West Essex is a clean and well-managed community. My dad's accommodation there is spacious, has good lighting and many windows. And my dad likes the food there, I've also tried it and I think it's good. They provide good communication."