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 Nashua’s senior population continues to grow (21.45% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Nashua, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 11.92% between 2014 and 2019, 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 (6.5% in Nashua 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 Nashua. 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 Nashua, 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:
Benchmark Senior Living at Nashua Crossings makes life comfortable for residents with its spacious accommodations, cozy gathering spaces, landscaped grounds and restaurant-style dining. The community's secure memory care neighborhood features dementia-friendly elements, such as special colors, lighting and visual cues that support safe, independent navigation. Residents and families can decorate private or shared suites with personal items to create a homelike setting. Dining is stress-free, with the seniors having access to dietary support, feeding assistance and texture-modified diets. Benchmark's Mind and Memory program follows a tiered approach to care, starting with a minimal level of assistance, such as cueing and reminders, for those with mild cognitive conditions. Those living with advanced-stage conditions benefit from total care, mobility assistance and extensive emotional and behavioral support.
People love the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. A family member shares, "We already have my mother-in-law in Benchmark Senior Living at Nashua Crossings. The place is nice and clean. The people working there are super. They are always smiling. They know all the people that live there by their first name. They all say Hi to them, and they are always very nice to me."
Bridges by EPOCH at Nashua offers highly specialized memory care to residents in Nashua, New Hampshire. Bridges communities focus on offering an enriching lifestyle that works to promote choice and independence, alongside a safe place to live. This community is divided into residential households, each with common spaces, and are designed to be easily navigable with familiar, homelike decor. Common spaces allow residents to socialize and feel at home. A fully secured outdoor courtyard with walking paths, sensory gardens and open spaces for fitness classes offers opportunities to get outdoors. Activity programming is fully personalized based on each resident's interests and skills, taking into consideration their opinions and desires, and is designed using research on memory loss. Sensory therapies, conversation-based activities, exercise and community outings offer opportunities for cognitive, mental, social and physical stimulation.
Residents and their loved ones love Bridges by EPOCH at Nashua's caring staff and impactful services. One reviewer says, "The workers are incredibly kind, and took great care of my great aunt. Bridges has left a lasting impression on my family, and I can say without a doubt that more of us will be coming to live here in the future."
The Residence at Freeman Lake is located in western Lowell, close to Merrimack River as well as a variety of useful amenities, including Lowell General Hospital. Residents can socialize in the secure landscaped grounds or relax with a good book in the library. The community offers memory care residents the latest technology, such as wireless Eversound technology that enables residents to enjoy movies, lectures and music. The Reflections program features a range of therapies that promote dignity and holistic wellness. Caregivers offer 24/7 care, tailored to the unique needs and abilities of each resident. Residents can enjoy a variety of enriching activities, such as tai chi classes, flower arrangement workshops and baking clubs. Mealtimes are important, which is why the culinary team prepares gourmet food every day for residents to enjoy together.
Visitors praise the kind staff, with one reviewer saying, "My mother was a resident of The Residence at Freeman Lake. It was excellent, the people are very good there, they're thorough, they're helpful, they're kind, and they're caring. I have nothing but good things about them. The rooms are well equipped, everything is there that is necessary to live, there are connections for TV, telephone, and closet space is good."
Well-connected by major highways, The Atrium at Drum Hill offers personalized memory care in a nurturing environment. Caregivers trained in the Connect First communication program provide around-the-clock assistance to residents, with visits from licensed nurses, rehabilitation professionals and physicians further ensuring senior health. The easy-to-navigate community features color-themed areas and visual cues, as well as soothing aromatherapy and special lighting to reduce the effects of sundown syndrome. Research-based activities nourish overall well-being, including art and music therapy, excursions, fitness classes, gardening, reminiscence sessions, games and seasonal celebrations, and seniors can relax in the secure courtyards. Nutritious chef-prepared meals are modified to stimulate the appetite and the communal dining setting encourages socialization.
Residents value the compassionate care and enjoy the tasty meals. One family member says, "She's enjoying the attention and many of the staff have been very kind to her, above and beyond expectations. She has commented that the food good, and she was a picky eater, and the meals I have seen look nutritious and varied."
Benchmark Senior Living at Billerica Crossings offers six levels of dementia care. The first level caters to seniors with mild cognitive impairment and limited behavioral issues who primarily require reminders and cueing. The highest level is designed for residents who need extensive behavioral support and total assistance with every facet of care. The 24/7 staff provides medication management and helps with activities of daily living, such as dressing and bathing, based on needs determined by nursing assessments. This community offers a secure neighborhood featuring an enclosed courtyard, special lighting, calming colors and pervasive visual cues to support cognition and help residents find their way. Art and music therapies, treasure chests, gardening programs, journey stations and audio programs are available to stimulate memories and increase engagement. The culinary team serves three gourmet meals daily with feeding assistance and texture-modified diets available.
People love the caring staff and clean environment. A reviewer writes, "Everything is going very well for my mother in this community. They are caring for her very well and seem to really adore her. They keep the community very clean. The staff is great, they give the residents one-on-one care. I highly recommend this community."
Bridges by EPOCH at Westford is a dedicated memory care community that honors each resident's unique life history and personality. Care is customized for seniors at any stage of memory loss, creating fulfillment and addressing behavioral issues through care plans that uplift residents based on their daily moods and preferences. Daily activities kindle joy and nostalgia, involving sensory therapies, dementia-friendly technologies, classes, games, community outings, exercise and projects based on residents' past vocations. Seniors live in households designed for navigability and calmness, featuring a homestyle kitchen, a dining room, a community room and other spaces that create a familylike setting. Outdoors, a pastoral courtyard invites residents to take quiet strolls, tend to wildlife and plant gardens. Dining relieves anxiety through healthy, easy-to-manage foods served three times per day. Suites include safety features, housekeeping and daily living assistance.
Residents and family members praise the specialized programming and trained, attentive caregivers at Bridges by EPOCH at Westford. One family member writes, "The team of staff members there are absolutely incredible, their dedication and commitment to the residents is amazing. The programming and activities they have are so unique, they keep the residents involved in the greater community."
Giving Tree Senior Living is located 4 miles north of Lowell in a residential area, close to shops, medical facilities and parks. The community has various amenities, including a barbershop and a private dining room for enjoying special events with loved ones. The community has a designated memory care program for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia that includes 24/7 personalized care tailored to each resident's needs, abilities, and interests. The staff team also takes care of services such as housekeeping and laundry. Residents can participate in daily planned activities designed to slow down memory loss and enrich body, mind and spirit. The in-house chefs prepare three nutritious meals per day for residents.
Residents appreciate the bright community, with one reviewer saying, "I liked the openness of the Giving Tree Senior Living. It's got windows, it's not dreary, and not confined. There's sunshine coming in. The place is very clean too. They have a fenced-in courtyard where they can go out and sit, and we just fell in love with it."
Benchmark Senior Living of Robbins Brook offers specialized memory care to residents in Nashua, New Hampshire. Benchmark focuses on providing amenities designed to maximize quality of life while fostering a sense of belonging and purpose in residents. Memory care at Benchmark is offered at six different levels, depending on each resident's level of memory loss, which allows for more individualized care and lets residents maintain as much independence as possible. Staff are available 24/7 for support, and the Benchmark memory care neighborhood is secured with plenty of living spaces to keep seniors safe and engaged. Common areas, such as lounges, a wellness center, a private dining room available for family and loved ones and a library make this community feel homelike and inviting. Activities, such as chair yoga, concerts and lifelong learning seminars, keep residents cognitively, socially and physically engaged.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the activities and staff at Benchmark. One reviewer says. "They have more public/private spaces for residents to use than anyone else, their food is superior to the competition, the variety of activities is very impressive, and last but not least, I can't say enough about the staff."
Bayberry at Emerald Court offers memory care to seniors in a supportive, safe environment. Its trained care associates are available 24/7, and they assist residents with activities of daily living, such as grooming, eating and medication management. For safety, the building contains an emergency response system that immediately alerts a staff member to a distressed resident. Staff members in the program are specially trained to work with patients with Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory loss conditions. Bayberry's Avita Memory Care Community empowers seniors with memory loss to live their best lives through stimulating events, engaging group activities and nutritious meals. Housekeeping and linen services are provided on a complimentary basis.
Residents and their loved ones are pleased with the care provided at Bayberry at Emerald Court. One reviewer says, "It was very clean, friendly, and had a lot of activities for the residents. They had nice food and outdoor areas like nice little courtyards for them to sit outside in. The staff is excellent, very friendly. The place is excellent, pretty, and very clean."
Billerica Senior Assisted Living & Memory Care provides residents the attentive care they need in an environment that encourages self-reliance and belonging. In Wellspring Village, a neighborhood designed specifically for memory care residents, seniors can participate in activities including the Mind and Music program. All social programs are tailored to each memory care resident's unique skills and interests. Apartments are designed to be stimulating and easy to manage so memory care residents can live as independently as possible. Every memory care resident receives a highly personalized care plan that includes 20 hours of one-on-one care each week. Reliable nurses are on call 24/7, and a dedicated care team is available on-site to assist with everything from daily housekeeping to bathing.
Residents and their families are pleased with this community. One says, "We chose Brightview Concord River for my mom. It had good price, good community, and caring staff. I saw both care levels: assisted care and memory care. We liked the quality of the environment, the community services, where it was located, and the care level that I observed."
Located in a scenic residential community, Sunrise of Burlington offers personalized memory care within minutes of shops and medical venues. Its Reminiscence neighborhood is designed especially for seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's and related dementias, with an easy-to-navigate layout, separate living and dining areas and enclosed outdoor spaces. Caregivers learn the latest evidence-based dementia care practices, and they're available for around-the-clock assistance with bathing, dressing and clothes selection, mobility, socialization and medication management. Life enrichment managers become trusted care partners who learn about residents' needs and preferences for individualized, person-centered support. Therapeutic activities keep seniors stimulated, with social, educational and recreational programs all on the schedule. In the activity areas, residents gather for art projects, puzzles, crafts and cognitive activities. Soft-lit reflection areas, a country kitchen, media room and sunroom offer ample space to relax and socialize.
Loved ones praise the kind staff and active schedule. "Best decision our family made," says one reviewer. "Dad loved living here. Gave him his independence. Became more social. Very Happy. Clean facility. Staff awesome. Food great. Tons of stuff for residents to do - parties, entertainment, family cookouts. Staff knows everyone's names from resident to families."
Nestled in a charming wooded area, Atria Longmeadow Place promotes active, vibrant senior lifestyles in an elegant setting. The Life Guidance memory care program provides tailored programming and an Alzheimer's and dementia support group in a secure neighborhood. Trained caregivers engage residents in social and physical activities, involving music, art, live entertainment, light exercise, educational events, religious fellowships and community engagement, that promote cognitive well-being, reduce anxiety and rekindle positive memories. Artwork, memory displays and furniture are arranged throughout the building to create familiar, navigable spaces. Residents are encouraged to connect socially during mealtime in the dining room over healthy, chef-prepared dishes made from scratch. A fitness center, a cafe, a media room, a library, outdoor gardens and a patio offer spaces for leisure and socializing. Accommodations include a kitchenette, housekeeping, utilities, assistance with daily living and scheduled transportation.
Residents and family members praise the supportive, compassionate environment at Atria Longmeadow Place. One family member writes, "The staff are all wonderful and have helped [my aunt] cope with her progressive decline as she ages. The staff also know all the family members who visit regularly and work with us to make my aunt's 'home' a safe and happy place."
Located in the heart of town, Stonebridge at Burlington is easily accessible from Routes 3 and 95. It offers a variety of senior living options, including the Avita Memory Care program. Through this program, the community strives to create positive life experiences for those dealing with the challenges of memory loss. In the Avita neighborhood, residents have access to specialized services, including meal assistance, medication management and continence care. The team ensures prompt response to urgent issues with an emergency response system in place. Memory Making Baking, a Northbridge signature program, provides stimulating activities focusing on residents' sense of smell and taste. Residents engage in therapeutic baking activities, and the scent of aromatic ingredients helps bring back pleasant memories. Stonebridge uses fresh, local ingredients in its recipes, sourced from the surrounding communities.
People like the bright, clean surroundings and friendly atmosphere. A resident's daughter recommends the community saying, "My mother is now settled at Stonebridge. We chose it as it was the nicest one. I thought that the residents and the staff were exceptionally helpful and friendly. It just seemed to suit my mom well. I would absolutely recommend the place. Everything is great."
Windsor Place of Wilmington Assisted Living is a stylish senior community that features comfortable home amenities, environment-friendly living spaces and advanced technologies built into every room. Residents have access to high-speed internet connection, personal emergency response call systems and motion monitor safety systems. Memory care at the community's Carlysle Suites offers a thoughtfully designed environment, featuring cozy common areas, a relaxing outdoor patio and garden and secure entrances and exits. The neighborhood's design boasts lighting, colors, textures and shapes that help promote engagement and stimulate memory. The team regularly reviews personalized wellness care plans and incorporates changes and updates to meet changing needs. Residents are assured of professional care, with The Carlysle staff specially trained in behavioral psychology, nutritional management and health and wellness.
Family members praise the staff's pleasant, friendly ways. "We have been extremely happy with the care my brother has received at Windsor Place," says a resident's sister. "After touring several facilities we decided on this one because of its feeling of community. From the initial visit and tour it was clear that this was a place that respects and cares about its residents."
Benchmark Senior Living at Waltham Crossings offers six levels of memory care, ranging from the first level catering to seniors with mild cognitive impairment and limited behavioral issues to the highest level designed for residents requiring complete assistance and extensive emotional support. The highly trained staff develops an individualized care plan for each resident after a comprehensive assessment of their needs and preferences. Multisensory stimulation, physician and rehabilitation services are available on-site, while the 24/7 caregivers help with activities of daily living, such as dressing and grooming. Residents live in a secure neighborhood featuring specialized lighting, visual cues and color-coded themed areas to reduce confusion and support navigation. Treasure chests, engagement boxes and journey stations are placed throughout the neighborhood to spark reminiscence. Seniors can participate in music therapy, gardening and audio programs, and scheduled transportation is available for off-site medical appointments.
Family members love the kind and respectful staff. A resident's wife writes, "I am so appreciative of the great care the memory care staff is giving my husband. Their patience, kindness, and gentle ways have reduced his difficult behavior. I have seen how careful and respectful the staff is when changing and cleaning him."
The Residence at Pearl Street puts a premium on hospitality and service, striving to make residents feel at home and comfortable through expert care, a family-like environment and vibrant lifestyle. Seniors living with Alzheimer's and other cognitive conditions benefit from compassionate support from NIDE-certified dementia practitioners who use a nonpharmacological approach to care. The community's Reflections memory care program focuses on promoting residents' physical, social, cognitive and emotional well-being, offering a range of engaging programs, such as music, art and cooking, as well as sensory and cognitive exercises. Residents can enjoy relaxing moments with friends and families in the spacious common areas, beautifully landscaped grounds, walking paths and restaurant-style dining room. Additionally, the team uses modern technology to enhance its services, such as the full Wi-Fi coverage, Eversound audio system and Connected Living digital signage.
Family members like receiving timely updates from the communicative staff. One writes, "When we had some issues with my bother-in-law, the staff was right on top of it and wonderful. They were even the ones who brought the concern to our attention and since then have been very on top of it. They have been in constant communication with us."
The Reflections Memory Care program at The Residence at Melrose Station preserves dignity and improves life quality for seniors with dementia by providing compassionate, person-centered care. Every day, it creates opportunities for residents to connect with other people and experience joy and success through cognitive and sensory exercises, cooking classes, music and art. This community focuses on four pillars of engagement -- social, physical, cognitive, emotional -- to help reduce confusion and promote connection. All caregivers are dementia professionals certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education. They provide medication management and help with activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing, grooming, escort to meals and continence care. Maintenance, housekeeping, laundry and linen services are available. Amenities include a library, beauty salon and entertainment room, and a chef prepares gourmet meals daily using fresh and local ingredients.
Family members love the considerate staff and delicious food. A resident's daughter writes, "My father is at The Residence at Melrose Station. They're excellent. He loves the food. He thinks he's in a five-star hotel, and he's very happy. They've been very accommodating with everything, and my dad seems to be very happy there. It's beautiful."
Benchmark Senior Living at Woburn is situated 11 miles north of Boston, close to various useful amenities, including Winchester Hospital. The community has walking paths and secure outdoor courtyards for residents who enjoy the fresh air. The designated memory care neighborhood is designed with comfort and security in mind to ensure residents always feel at home. There are multiple levels of memory care available, so care can be tailored to each individual. Caregivers provide 24/7 assistance with personal care and provide services such as housekeeping and laundry so residents can focus on doing what they enjoy. There are various enriching activities available for residents to take part in, including art therapy, gardening and music therapy. Residents can also get involved in off-site trips into the local area to visit shopping, attractions and restaurants.
Visitors appreciate the care that has been put into the community, with one reviewer saying, "I felt like at Benchmark, they really value the memory care side of things and put a lot of thought and energy into it whereas at some of the other places the memory care side seems like a little bit of an afterthought."
Located conveniently close to public transportation and several medical facilities, Sunrise of Arlington offers a comforting environment for seniors. Providing a range of lifestyle options, the community caters to elderly individuals with varying degrees of care needs, including those needing specialized memory care. Sunrise's Reminiscence program provides a long-term care solution for seniors living with cognitive conditions. It offers a dedicated, thoughtfully designed neighborhood, featuring dementia-friendly elements, such as soothing music, special lighting and bright open spaces that are ideal for safe, easy navigation. Everyday life at the Reminiscence neighborhood is filled with fun, engaging activities, including creative projects, multisensory experiences, cognitive exercises and intergenerational programs. Residents needing higher levels of care have access to mobility support, medication management, meal assistance and continence management. Sunrise also offers social and educational programs for family members.
Families like seeing loved ones actively engaged in the community's memory care activities "My mom is at Sunrise, and we love it," shares a daughter. "I like their program and their care for dementia patients. They let them participate in anything that they possibly can. They do some memory work, arts and crafts, and memory games with them."
Wood Haven offers compassionate memory care to elders. This pet-friendly community employs the Montessori Moments in Time program, and staff are fully trained to serve residents according to their needs and abilities. Caregivers, in conjunction with families, learn about the life stories, preferences and current talents of the individuals under their care. Life Engagement programming helps reduce anxiety and encourages social interaction at meal times and in communal spaces. Cognitive, spiritual and physical needs are met within the community. The indoor areas include the use of warm, welcoming colors and simple furnishings. Outdoor spaces are secure with pretty gardens and walking paths.
Family members have positive things to say about this community. A sibling states, "It's very clean, very modern and very appealing with their furnishings in the room. The staff is very, very friendly and professional." This daughter comments, "This community is actively engaging her all day, getting her up, strongly encouraging participation in all activities"