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 Nassau County’s senior population continues to grow (10.65% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Nassau County, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 64.26% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 4.52%, 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 (4.28% in Nassau County 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 Nassau County. 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 Nassau County, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
The Amber Court of Westbury offers its residents several living options including a memory care program. For memory care residents, Amber Court has created a separate and private wing called The Alcove, which is specially designed to offer safety and security for residents with cognitive difficulties. Memory care residents are offered mental stimulation and medical supervision by an on-site nursing staff that provides physical therapy and medication management as needed. Seniors are also given personalized daily support for their grooming and personal care needs. More generally, Amber Court offers a wide range of amenities that include restaurant-style dining, front desk concierge, fully private room options and a rooftop conservatory for relaxing in the sun. There are also several lounge and recreation areas along with an onsite hair & beauty salon. Basic services at Amber Court include laundry, housekeeping, linen service and regular in-room maintenance.
Client and resident opinion of Amber Court of Westbury is overwhelmingly positive. As one reviewer says, "Amazing attention to detail the staff is polite and caring. The activity director, ginger is full of life and energy and puts a smile on every resident's face.
Atria Lynbrook is a continuum of care senior living community that offers a comfortable and relaxing environment. The Life Guidance memory care program is housed in a separate section that has been designed to be easy to navigate for seniors with memory loss disorders. The indoor and outdoor communal spaces are secured allowing residents to move around on their own and retain a sense of independence. A memory display box is located outside each resident's room to make it easy for them to find their way home. The dedicated team of caregiving staff receives specialized training in dementia care plus 15 additional hours of mandatory care training on an annual basis. The caregivers are always on-hand to provide compassionate care as required. The program focuses on physical activities and social connections with musical entertainment, walking groups, yoga and ice-cream socials.
Family members praise the wonderful care offered by the professional staff in the memory care section with one saying, "I just wanted to say that the staff at the Memory Care Unit are the most loving, kind, caring people I have ever met. The love they have for their residents is beyond words."
Located in the heart of the city, Atria Park of Great Neck enhances the lives of older adults who need memory care and assisted living services. The licensed nurses and wellness staff assist residents with medication and everyday needs while creating an environment where residents feel at home. Health care workers monitor residents' health at the on-site wellness center, and physical therapy services are available when needed. The full-service salon and spa are open to residents for styling, manicures and massage therapy. The Life Guidance events calendar features dementia-friendly activities, including stretch classes, Irish step dancing, a book club and sculpting sessions. As for nourishment, residents can look forward to well-balanced meals prepared by the in-house chef.
Families praise the accommodating and adept staff. One says, "The wonderful nurses and other wellness professionals know my parents well and keep on top of their health concerns. The community is beautiful and well-kept and has lovely public areas, including outdoor terraces and a bistro that has light refreshments available."
Harbor House Assisted Living is a memory care community located in Oyster Bay, NY. Residents live in private or shared furnished studio apartments with emergency call systems and motion sensors for safety, divided across three secured floors based on cognitive levels. Trained nurses and specialized staff provide 24/7 health and wellness monitoring and assist with personal daily tasks. Additionally, many specialized clinical benefits are available including podiatry and occupational therapists. Delicious and healthy meals are available at all times, and the family-style dining room creates a familiar atmosphere to enhance mealtime. A structure of daily activities features active and relaxing events, such as resident-favorite nostalgic games, poetry sessions and gardening groups as well as art and music therapies for peaceful sensory sessions. Many common areas are located throughout the community, allowing residents plenty of safe areas to walk and relax.
Residents and their families praise the welcoming community and the compassionate staff. One family member said, "They have patients with all stages and functioning. The care is tailored to this. The staff at Harbor house is like part of our family. Mom has a lovely room. And we decorated it the way she likes it."
The Chelsea at Maple Pointe is a pet-friendly senior living community focused on fostering a welcoming environment. Caregivers are available at all times to help residents with activities of daily living, and a licensed nurse is on-site 24/7 to supervise care and medication management. Memory care residents receive comprehensive assessments to create individualized care plans coordinated with multidisciplinary teams, including psychologists, social workers and nurses. Central common areas, lounges and parlors are designed to encourage socialization, and trained therapeutic staff organize recreational activities for residents with memory impairment. A restaurant style dining room offers multiple menu choices for each meal, and each neighborhood has a private, secure patio for outdoor activities. Other on-site amenities include a library, game room, movie theater and beauty salon.
Families appreciate attentive caregivers and a welcoming environment. One relatives says, "Everything about Maple Pointe at Rockville Centre has been great. 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."
Located in Woodbury, New York, Orchard Estate of Woodbury is a senior living community with assisted living and memory care options. The community's secured memory care neighborhood is staffed by certified memory loss specialists who provide 24/7 personal care and compassionate assistance with daily tasks. Residents live in private or shared apartments available in several layouts and designed with soothing color schemes and easy-to-navigate layouts. Parallel programming allows residents to choose personal activities from a structured offering, which helps enhance independence while guaranteeing targeted physical and mental stimulation. Art therapy and continued technology education develop greater connectivity with family and help to hone mental sharpness; physical exercise groups such as chair yoga and dancing groups help residents remain active. Residents eat in safe and inviting dining rooms accompanied by gentle music and comforting table settings, while easy-to-read menus showcase healthy resident-favorite meals that are specifically prepared to encourage proper eating.
Residents and their families praise the well-appointed community and its welcoming environment, and the caring staff is highly commended. One resident says, "I think the staff is excellent. The community is beautiful and brand new."
Rosewood on the Sound is situated on a lovely property in Bayville decorated with flowerbeds and mature shade trees. Its robust recreational calendar includes off-site outings into the local community and mentally engaging activities, such as concerts, arts-and-crafts projects, religious services and social events. Chefs prepare three daily meals as well as snacks, and the healthy offerings include a wide variety of fresh fruits, salads and baked goods. Living arrangements include private and semi-private studios, and daily housekeeping ensures the areas stay clean and comfortable. Individuals with dementia are enrolled in the community's memory care program, which offers residents 24-hour supervision by caregivers skilled in dementia care, incontinence assistance, medication management and on-site therapy.
Family members love the community's friendly caregivers and plentiful amenities. One resident's nephew states, "Great place. Amazing helpful staff, great food, great trips. Nice accommodations. My aunt really loved everything about the place." Another reviewer agrees, commenting "The food is very good. The best part of it all is the grounds and how much they care for each resident individually."
Located in the heart of Nassau County, Sunrise of East Meadow provides memory care and assisted living for seniors. The community is located near highways, the LIRR, restaurants, shops and multiple hospitals. Residents have a choice of floor plans, along with a variety of indoor and outdoor common areas. Chef-prepared meals and snacks are provided. Additional services include housekeeping, laundry, maintenance and transportation. Memory care residents live in a dedicated Reminiscence neighborhood, specially designed to be comforting, secure and easy to navigate, with life skills stations to assist residents with maintaining their abilities. Trained staff and on-site nurses are available 24/7 to provide personalized care. The community also offers numerous memory-specific activities and events, including a monthly caregiver support group for family members.
Family members appreciate the great care their loved ones are receiving. One writes, "The facility is beautiful, and the care that my mother receives is extraordinary! She tells me all the time how much she loves living at the Sunrise and I love that she is surrounded by caring and compassionate people." Adds another, "Extremely happy with the care given to our mother and the communication between the staff and ourselves."
Located on Long Islands North Shore, Sunrise of Glen Cove provides memory care and assisted living in a luxurious setting. Conveniences such as shops and restaurants are nearby, and the Glen Cove Hospital is just a few blocks away. Residents have a choice of floor plans, and services such as meals, housekeeping, laundry and transportation are all provided, in addition to a robust calendar of daily activities and events. Memory care residents live in a dedicated Reminiscence neighborhood, with secure and comforting areas, including an enclosed porch and a living room, that are easy to navigate and promote social interactions. Staff members are trained in the latest memory care techniques, including validation therapy, and provides 24/7 personalized care. Residents can also take advantage of a wide range of memory-focused activities tailored to their skills and interests.
Family members praise the caring staff. One writes, "The staff is wonderful and are very compassionate and empathetic. The care is good and they have been very accommodating with her needs. Adds another, "Our experience with Sunrise @ Glen Cove far exceeded our expectations. She loves her caregivers. She has made many new friends and loves to participate in the activities.
Sunrise of North Lynbrook is a community set on gorgeous landscaped grounds and offers personalized care to its residents. The focus of the Reminiscence memory care neighborhood is on overall wellness and encouraging community members to stay as independent as possible. The environment is safe and calm, with living suites adjacent to communal areas for easy navigating. Trained, professional staff provides customized care for each resident, with validation methods that involve genuine focusing and emotional connecting. Group and one-on-one activities include exercise, music therapy and social programs. Carers, available 24/7, give assistance with daily living, and medication management ensures the correct meds are dispensed to and taken by residents. The dining room staff serve nutritious meals prepared on-site with local, fresh ingredients. Puree diet options are available for those who require them.
Family members are impressed by the care and setting of this community. A daughter comments, "Sunrise is an extraordinary facility; the care, attention and compassion the entire staff has shown my mother has been wonderful." This relative states, "The style and structure of this community is fantastic, the staff works as a team."
Sunrise of Plainview is a pet-friendly senior living community in a quiet neighborhood near Plainview Hospital and several other medical care providers. The secured Reminiscence neighborhood is designed to encourage community engagement for residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Staff in the memory care unit are specially trained in evidence-based dementia care. Caregivers are available around the clock to help residents with activities of daily living, such as medication management, bathing and dressing. Daily meals, as well as snacks and beverages, are available in the communal dining room throughout the day. Residents have access to on-site amenities, including spacious patios, a hair salon, community living rooms and the wellness center. Life Enrichment managers create and update personalized care plans for each resident. Reminiscence offers learning activities, games, clubs based on personal interests and supervised group outings. The community also hosts Christian and Jewish religious services.
Families praise friendly, attentive staff. One relative says, "They all seemed to get good personaL CARE.The place was always very cheerful, I was always greeted by the staff. He was kept clean and comfortable. When his condition worsened he was fed his meals and though he hardly spoke the staff always spoke to him and encouraged him."
Located in the heart of Nassau County, The Bristal Assisted Living at East Meadow provides memory care, assisted living and independent living for seniors. Conveniences such as shopping, dining, recreation and health care facilities are all located nearby. Residents have a choice of floor plans, along with plentiful indoor and outdoor common areas and amenities. Meals, housekeeping, laundry and transportation services are all provided. The community provides memory care in a dedicated and secure Reflections neighborhood. Overseen by a certified dementia practitioner, the staff is trained in the latest memory care techniques and provides 24/7 supervision. Specialized memory care programs are designed to create a sense of purpose for residents. Daily activities, such as art and music classes and reading circles, engage residents and provide support and connections.
Family members appreciate the great care their loved ones receive from helpful staff. One writes, "The staff is professional, friendly and responsive. Housekeeping, maintenance and food service are top notch. Adds another, "The staff is wonderful, the facility is well maintained and clean, and we have peace of mind every day that our family member is well taken care of.
The Bristal Assisted Living at Garden City is a senior living community located in Garden City, NY. Residents in the Reflections memory care program live in private apartments featuring personal bathrooms and emergency call systems, surrounded by 24/7 care and assistance from specially-trained staff within a secured memory care neighborhood. Three delicious and healthy meals are served every day, with nutritious snacks and drinks available all day long. Structured and individualized plans provide familiar routines and engaging programs for physical and mental stimulation, such as art and music classes, creative writing groups and exercises in the fitness center. Additionally, a full calendar of scheduled events ensures days are filled with plenty of stimulating activities and peaceful moments of relaxation, including baking demonstrations and interactive lectures, as well as calming tea socials and classic movie nights to recall pleasing memories.
Residents and their families praise the caring staff and welcoming community. As one family member said, "From the moment we first met with them to moving my mother in and getting her settled, the staff is as first-rate as the surroundings. Everyone wants to make sure you're comfortable and getting involved in the myriad activities."
Offering a variety of lifestyle options. The Bristal at Lynbrook is a senior living community tucked in an easily accessible location, close to the South Nassau Communities Hospital. Elderly adults living with cognitive conditions can find peace and comfort in the communitys Reflections memory care neighborhood. It has a secure, nurturing environment supported by a caring staff trained in The Bristals Hands-On and Hands-Hearts program. This equips caregivers with the proper understanding and management of unique traits and behaviors related to cognitive conditions. Led by a programming specialist, therapeutic recreational programs, such as reading circles, creative writing, arts and music classes, help enhance memory skills, promote independence, improve well-being and encourage interaction. Residents, families and caregivers can gather in the Our Place Memory Cafe for group forums and fun social activities.
Favorable reviews mention the secure location, clean surroundings and sincere, accommodating staff. Family members feel confident with the professional care, as one says, "From day one [mom] was treated with utmost care and dignity. Each member of the staff did everything they could to make her stay comfortable and they were always on top of any issues that needed family intervention such as medication issues.
The Bristal Assisted Living at Massapequa is a two-story retirement community with elevators for ease of access. The community's memory care program, Reflections, ensures residents with Alzheimer's disease and other advancing cognitive decline conditions receive compassionate, specialized care services in a safe, secure, homelike environment. Activities in the dementia care unit include music therapy, creative writing, art workshops and reading groups. Trained caregivers provide personalized, discreet support and encourage independence. The community's front lobby area boasts a grand piano and water fountain feature. On-site amenities include a cinema, billiards table, private dining area and children's arcade room for visitors with young families. The community also has an enclosed courtyard where seniors can enjoy the outdoors and socialize with fellow residents.
The niece of a resident says, "My aunt has been a resident for two years. The facility is beautiful, elegant and exceptionally clean. All staff with whom I have been in contact have been attentive, professional, responsive and kind."
Located in the heart of Long Islands Gold Coast, The Bristal Assisted Living at North Hills is a memory care, assisted living and independent living community. Residents have a choice of floor plans, all with private bathrooms, kitchenettes and emergency response systems; the community also features numerous indoor and outdoor common areas and amenities. Meals, housekeeping, laundry and transportation services are all provided. The community's dedicated Reflections neighborhood provides 24/7 care for seniors with early- to mid-stage memory loss. Staff is trained in the latest memory care techniques and overseen by a certified dementia practitioner. Residents can take advantage of specialized memory care programs designed to engage them and reinforce a sense of purpose and place, including creative writing, reading circles and art and music classes.
Family members appreciate the caring staff. One reviewer writes, "Rooms are immaculate, staff attentive and engaged, activities varied and meals excellent. Adds another, "From the first day the staff was wonderful -caring, friendly, attentive. They got to know my parents and their needs right away. Staff always greets residences with hellos and smiles on a first name basis when they see them.
Located on the banks of a lake in a residential neighborhood, The Bristal Assisted Living at North Woodmere provides memory care, assisted living and independent living in luxurious surroundings. Conveniences such as shopping centers and restaurants and medical facilities are all close by. Residents have a choice of floor plans with private bathrooms, kitchenettes and emergency response systems, along with numerous indoor and outdoor common areas and amenities. Meals, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance and transportation services are all included. Seniors with early- to mid-stage memory loss live in a dedicated and secure Reflections neighborhood, where the trained staff is available 24/7 to provide care. A certified dementia practitioner oversees the communitys signature program, which offers a wide range of cognitively enriching daily activities, such as creative writing and art and music classes.
Family members praise the caring and helpful staff. One reviewer writes, "The accommodations and the entire staff are warm, engaging and 100% responsible for their roles at the Bristal What a special TEAM.My mother is happy, healthier and most of all safe!! Adds another, "Not only is it so bright and cheerful, but the staff and all of the aides are so nice and helpful.
The Bristal Assisted Living at Westbury is an upscale neighborhood that provides an exceptional quality of life for seniors. Staff is available 24/7 to assist residents with personal care including dressing, bathing, grooming and eating. The community has a special area for residents with cognitive disorders, giving them a safe space to relax. Memory care residents are encouraged to participate in fun and personalized daily activities that enrich their lives and maintain mental stimulation. Examples include art and music classes, reading and creative writing. Participating in therapeutic recreational activities provides residents with a sense of independence, enhanced well-being and social interaction. A familiar environment and daily consistency help residents stay focused and engaged. The community offers gourmet dining with three nutritious meals served daily in the country club-like dining room. Drinks and snacks are available all day in the bistro.
People praise the caring staff, the delicious food and the beauty of the building, with one reviewer saying, "The Bristal at Westbury would be my first choice. It has everything. When you walk in, you smell the food and want to eat it. It's a beautiful community, absolutely stunning. The staff is very nice."
The professional staff at Chelsea at Somerset Gardens, including a full-time registered nurse, provides residents with compassionate, expert care on a 24-hour basis. The comfortable, well-appointed living accommodations are accented with seniors' personal items for a home-like, familiar atmosphere, and lovely common areas add to residents' enjoyment. Residents dine on three healthy<strong>,</strong> delicious meals each day, with changing seasonal menu selections that utilize the freshest ingredients. A stimulating social environment includes specialized recreational activities overseen by a trained therapeutic staff to help stimulate cognition and enhance confidence in seniors with memory impairment. A personalized program designed to help residents with dementia issues live as independently as possible addresses the physical and emotional health of each individual. In addition to receiving assistance with life's daily activities, seniors also are provided with housekeeping and laundry services. Relaxing outdoor spaces are secured for residents' safety.
Visitors to this community are impressed with its clean, spacious rooms, some of which have patios or balconies, and the beautiful grounds, as well as the cheerful, dedicated staff. A visitor whose family member is a resident says, "The caring is amazing. Dad's room is perfect."
The Regency has over a quarter of a centurys worth of experience offering memory care in Long Island. The community keeps older individuals with special cognitive needs and Alzheimers engaged with their daily lives and safe from harm. A certified dementia practitioner offers behavioral support and therapy, and a trained caregiver staff helps residents with practical daily needs such as grooming, personal hygiene and meal times. Daily activities include reminiscence therapy, socialization with neighbors and chances to meet others from different generations. Amenities and services for all residents at The Regency include extensive patio and garden spaces, fully furnished apartments, a sunroom and daily fresh meals. Laundry, housekeeping and linen service are regularly available.
Overall, residents and clients of The Regency love it. As one relative mentions, "My mother was a resident at this facility for a short time. During this time, we found all the employees to be caring, interested and proactive towards Mom's well-being. Her apartment was great, and we just felt so secure and happy to have Mom there."