Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Pawtucket's senior population continues to grow (6.8% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Pawtucket, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 14% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 24%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (8% in Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket. 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 Pawtucket, 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:
Brookdale Attleboro, a bright and elegant senior living community, is located on the Rhode Island-Massachussetts border just 9 miles northeast of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. Seniors experiencing dementia are offered support through the Clare Bridge Daily Path, which maintains their abilities through six daily programs tailored to their level of memory loss. A wide range of scheduled activities, such as B-Fit exercise classes, sensory tables and Flex Your Brain sessions, offer plenty of choices for whole-person enrichment. Fun socials and intergenerational events allow seniors to engage with a wider community. Additionally, the secure and easy-to-navigate campus features warm living rooms and lush walking paths that encourage seniors to meet with friends and loved ones. Dementia-friendly menus are designed through resident feedback and are served restaurant-style in the dining room. Accommodations come with housekeeping, concierge services and campus-wide Wi-Fi.
Residents and family members appreciate the inviting atmosphere. One family member writes, "The staff really went out of their way for my loved one and for all of the residents here. [...] The dining area was set up nicely, and they really tried to seat the residents so that they could interact and mingle/get to know each other."
Located just off the Providence Beltway, Chapel Hill Senior Living provides seniors with a safe and secure environment where they are treated with respect and purpose. The community's Montessori Moments in Time program focuses on building relationships with seniors to better understand their specific needs and preferences. Skilled caregivers provide around-the-clock care and assist seniors with everything from medication management to grooming. Seniors living with Alzheimer's or other memory loss issues have supervised access to all on-site amenities, such as the fitness center and outdoor walking trails, and can participate in activities that match their interests. Residents can enjoy daily meals in the main dining room and transportation services are available.
Residents are pleased with the staff and friendly environment at Chapel Hill. One family member states, "Dad is happy, safe and getting the medical attention that is needed to keep him healthy. This is one of the nicest places that my dad has lived in during his long life."
Tucked away into a residential community just 10 miles outside of Providence, RI, Atria Lincoln Place offers personalized care in a peaceful environment. With independent living, assisted living and memory care under one roof, seniors have a large number of attentive caregivers available to help them 24 hours a day. These compassionate professionals craft individualized plans designed around seniors' unique needs. For those living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, this includes support with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing, eating, mobility and medication management as needed, day or night. The thoughtfully designed Life Guidance neighborhood helps memory care residents feel comfortable and secure with personalized attention, routine safety and wellness checks and 24-hour access to nurses. Secured entryways and exits monitor the neighborhood. Dozens of engaging classes, activities and events are scheduled daily to help seniors stay active.
Loved ones appreciate the varied programming. "My 82-year-old mom, who is still very active, really enjoys all the activities and the friendly community," says one reviewer. "They treat her with respect and dignity and go out of their way to encourage her love for cooking... She is so much healthier in body, mind and spirit."
The Branches of North Attleboro is a memory care unit in North Attleboro, MA. The community is designed to be comfortable and easy to navigate. A nursing assessment determines which level of care is required. Caregivers assist with daily living care such as personal grooming or medication management. The staff can coordinate care with residents' offsite doctors, and onsite doctors are also available. Caregivers are trained with the Called to Care program, which provides specialized memory care training. The Connect First program provides intimate socialization. Three meals a day and snacks are provided, and residents receive mealtime assistance as needed. The dining room provides a sensory experience to encourage appetite. Residents can improve their balance and endurance at the fitness center. Caregivers provide scheduled transportation and weekly housekeeping or laundry services.
Visitors appreciate the openness of the community and the caring staff members. One writes. "The Branches is a beautiful facility, many areas for socialization or quiet time. The outdoor area has safe and comfortable places for walking, sitting and visiting. The staff is exceptional. The nurses and home health aids are so caring and attentive."
Anchor Bay at East Providence is a memory care neighborhood in East Providence, RI. Trained caregivers help residents with personal grooming, ambulation and continence care as needed. Each resident's care plan is personalized to address their specific needs, and caregivers coordinate additional care with off-site health providers. The Daypulse program provides structured activities to help seniors feel more at ease, and there's always something to do in the community, be it participating in chair yoga groups, playing group games or attending live musical entertainment. Religious services are hosted on-site, and the community hosts scenic drive field trips to local restaurants. Each resident's room is pet-friendly and includes an emergency alarm system. Caregivers provide weekly housekeeping and laundry and can arrange scheduled transportation to medical appointments. The staff can provide mealtime assistance, with three chef-prepared meals served each day and dietary accommodations available.
Visitors appreciate the caring staff and immaculate campus. One writes, "Anchor Bay at East Providence was very clean, very well-kept, and very well-maintained. The staff who assisted me was very pleasant and knew all the people there... it was a very good, positive environment."
Located in Providence, Rhode Island's historic district, Wingate Residences on Blackstone Boulevard offers memory care residents multiple levels of individualized care. Those in the earlier stages of memory loss live in The Terrace alongside the assisted living community and enjoy the same active, engaged lifestyle with additional support to encourage independent living as long as possible, and can transition to different levels of care should needs change. Residents requiring additional memory care support are part of The Neighborhood, a secured environment with indoor walking paths and lushly-designed outdoor areas,including a serene butterfly garden,designed to stimulate memory and encourage independence. Residences at Wingate include housekeeping and laundry services and 24-hour care. Three seasonal, chef-prepared meals a day are offered through Wingate's Mindful Dining Program, all planned with locally sourced foods that assist with cognitive function.
Family members frequently comment on the activities and engagement Wingate Residences provides for its memory care residents. One family member says, "We picked this community because they had a special wing for dementia care support, and offered special activities geared towards people with dementia. Also, the staff to resident ratio was smaller, and they had extra amenities, which was a more reasonable rate than other places. They were a more open and brighter community."
Located just a block away from Roger Williams Medical Center and specialist clinics, the Capitol Ridge at Providence community provides memory care, assisted living and respite. There's a bus stop just outside the community, which may be useful for visitors who don't drive, and I-95 is under 1 mile away for those who do. Memory care is provided at several customized levels in an environment that promotes comfort, safety and independence. Help is available 24/7, and caregivers are trained in the use of transfer equipment. The community has an outdoor courtyard, raised gardens and walking paths, as well as a terrace for relaxation and seasonal dining. Health care coordination is available for external services, such as mental health, rehabilitation and social services.
Family caregivers of people with Alzheimer's appreciate the dedicated areas and staffing for their loved ones. After touring Capitol Ridge, one visitor says, "They had a separate memory center and the apartments were nice. They understand the plight of the caregivers when it comes to a family member that's got dementia in later stages, so they were very understanding."
At Anchor Bay at Pocasset, seniors experiencing memory loss have access to all the comforts of home. On-site amenities include a salon and spa, a movie theater and a billiards room. Residents can tend vegetables in their own garden beds, take out a book from the library or relax in the courtyard. All rooms are equipped with a 24-hour emergency alert system, and housekeeping and linen services are included. The DayPulse approach to care and engagement ensures that residents have a consistent daily routine that aligns with their energy patterns, which helps to stabilize mood, alleviate anxiety and improve sleep. Memory care residents receive help with dressing, bathing and hygiene, and medication management and transfer assistance are available. Daily activities at Anchor Bay are varied and focus on clear, distinguishable choices. Residents get exercise by walking, stretching and playing flexibility and mobility games, with sensory stimulation in the form of music, art and outings.
Residents feel at home with the warm staff and elegant accommodations: "Pocasset Bay Retirement Living is going very well so far. I'm really happy here. They are very helpful and accommodating... My apartment is lovely."
Wingate Residences on the East Side provides an individualized care plan and considers each resident's passions, social circumstances and family situations to help ensure they get the best care. Certified nurses are available around the clock to assist with activities of daily living including bathing, dressing, grooming and medication management. 24-hour emergency systems and hourly and overnight checks help ensure residents' safety. Seniors can care for a pet, attend fitness programs to stay fit, have a relaxing aromatherapy or socialize with other residents in the outdoor garden.
Family members like the compassionate staff, the group activities available for seniors and the amenities provided. One writes, "Everyone has been helpful from the start. They listen to my concerns and share developments that have seen. They are patient. The place is very clean and the staff is steady, meaning they have worked there many years, which I find reassuring.
The Highlands on the East Side is a memory care provider in Providence, RI. The community's signature Reflections program caters to the individual interests of seniors living with Alzhemer's, dementia and other conditions related to memory loss. Caregivers help with daily living needs, including grooming and ambulation, and nurses are on-site 24-7 to provide health monitoring and medication management. Additional care is coordinated with trained physicians. Residents can watch cooking demonstrations and attend live musical entertainment, and social events, such as bingo and card games, encourage residents to spend time with friends or family. The community hosts scenic field trips and provides scheduled transportation for seniors to run errands. Chefs prepare three seasonal and fresh meals each day, and baked snacks are available all day at the bistro. Secure entryways and emergency alarm systems keep residents safe and help to prevent wandering.
Family members highlight a warm environment and spacious accommodations at The Highlands: "I noticed how happy everyone seemed and how friendly all the caregivers were. The rooms were nice, pleasant, and roomy... [it's] more than enough room."
The Lighthouse provides an array of memory care services and amenities to help its residents live their best life. The community believe that providing quality care and services to our residents with memory impairment is of the utmost importance. At The Lighthouse, the memory care services are designed to help residents live comfortably and safely while maintaining their dignity and sense of purpose. Its memory care services includes a dedicated and trained staff who are experienced in providing care to those with memory impairment. The staff also provides assistance with activities of daily living and can help with adaptive equipment and supplies to make living more comfortable. Its amenities include a secure and comfortable environment, where residents can receive the highest quality of care. Its activities are designed to promote socialization, physical activity and mental stimulation. It also provide an array of recreational activities, such as bingo, music therapy and art classes.
Family members are amazed with The Lighthouse's memory care services. One says, "I can't say enough about the level of care, warmth, and engagement at Lighthouse. Naturally, we were nervous about placing my mother in a new residence, but rest assured, Lighthouse is amazing. ALL of the staff members are extremely friendly, attentive, and genuinely concerned about the residents."
The Courtyard Memory Care at Tockwotton on the Waterfront cultivates a safe, secure environment for seniors experiencing memory loss. The community provides round-the-clock care, and staff focuses on getting to know the residents beyond their health care needs, taking the time to learn and embrace individual interests and preferences. Elegant accommodations come in the form of a private studio with views that overlook the courtyard's herb garden or the nearby waterfront. Residents in memory care participate in The Journey Club, where they get to enjoy a variety of daily activities, events and entertainment. Music is a cornerstone of the fun, relaxing atmosphere, with plenty of physical and mentally stimulating activities to choose from throughout the day.
Families commend the care team for their attentiveness and professionalism. One reviewer writes, "I would tell my friends that I feel that my loved one is well taken care of. Her basic needs are meet... I am very pleased with how the staff and how they care to seem about the residents."
Benchmark Senior Living at Forge Hill is a large assisted living and memory care community located around 14 miles to the north of Pawtucket, RI. The community is surrounded by woodlands, which helps create a peaceful atmosphere, and residents can enjoy the fresh air in a secure outdoor area with gardens and walking path. There are five levels of memory care available, with each personalized to an individual's needs and overseen by a registered nurse. Help with everyday tasks and medication management is provided by compassionate caregivers trained in brain health. Supportive programs such as music and horticultural therapy help maintain and improve cognitive abilities, while senior-friendly exercise classes promote flexibility, balance and strength. Residents can keep their current health care providers or receive on-site rehabilitative and physician services.
Family members often comment on the helpful staff, as well as the range of activities available both on and off site. The son of a resident says, "We liked the activities that they provide her during the day. Overall, we're very happy with the staff. They are very caring and attentive."
Smithfield Woods is a memory care neighborhood near Pawtucket, RI. The staff recognizes each individual's needs and personality to provide personalized care. The Montessori Moments in Time program provides holistic care in five different areas of well-being, including health, life engagement and family time. Caregivers help residents with daily living activities, and residents can improve their mobility with physical therapy and exercise classes. Life engagement programs allow residents to enjoy wine tastings and scenic drives with hot cocoa. The community is pet-friendly, and guest rooms include trash and laundry service. Chefs prepare three restaurant-style meals daily, which guests can enjoy through room service.
Family members say the staff is pleasant, and the well-kept community provides many activities. One says, "My parents moved in a week ago and have had a wonderful experience. The staff is so friendly and caring, the facility and grounds are beautiful, and there are so many activities! I highly recommend this Senior Living facility."