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 Schenectady's senior population continues to grow (10% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Schenectady, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 71% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 14%, 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 (6.3% in Schenectady 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 Schenectady. 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 Schenectady, 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:
New memory care residents at Peregrine Senior Living at Shaker have a care team assigned to them to help develop a plan of care. These plans include access to an on-site primary care physician, pharmacy, lab services, podiatry clinic and dental care. Staff at Peregrine are certified in dementia care and undergo a continuous program of education and improvement. Core programs include The Peregrine Way and Walk in Their Shoes. The first program combines group and one-on-one sessions to stimulate residents' minds with a series of cognitive exercises, while the second program encourages empathy among staff with special training exercises. Services include caregiver assistance with bathing, toileting and grooming, and escorts to meals and medical appointments. Meals are planned by a dietician and may be customized for medical and cultural needs. Behavior management and spiritual care are provided on-site.
Residents' family members praise the friendly, welcoming atmosphere. One reviewer said, "I couldn't imagine my mom living anywhere else. The director and staff are wonderful. My mom often comments on how friendly and kind everyone is. I sleep well at night knowing that my mother's needs are being met with the utmost care by very capable, conscientious people."
Promenade at University Place uses LiveWell programming to address residents' needs for nutrition support, financial services, community activities and social engagement. Memory care residents have access to the services of a nurse, chef, housekeeper, hairdresser, driver and recreation advisor. The community has a receptionist who provides concierge services, and transportation is available for medical and personal trips off-site. The community schedules a full calendar of events, including movie nights, live entertainment, bus trips to local points of interest, and on-site events such as parties and holiday celebrations. Residents receive weekly physical and occupational therapy, and podiatrist and physician visits. A staff nurse oversees the medication management. Rooms have wall-to-wall carpeting, public spaces are wheelchair-accessible and staff caregivers are on hand to escort residents through the landscaped garden and patio areas.
Residents' family members like the care their loved ones get. One reviewer writes, "The Promenade at University Place is great. My mom has been a resident here since December. The administrative staff has gone above and beyond to get to know Mom and to help her get settled in her new home. Every staff member is friendly, attentive and compassionate."
Loudonville Assisted Living Residence strives to maintain a low 6:1 ratio of residents to staff. This encourages residents to form strong connections with staff caregivers trained in dementia care. The community offers a structured life-enrichment program full of physical and mental health exercises, which are split between group and individual activities. Residents are encouraged to maintain a life memory book that's entirely personalized and built around their memories of family, friends and life events that are important for them to remember. The program manager is in weekly contact with family members to give updates on their loved ones. Wellness activities include aromatherapy, healing touch, Reiki, guided meditation massage and music therapy. Religious services and physician visits are provided on-site, as is pet therapy with the community's own puppy.
Family members describe an excellent senior care environment. One reviewer writes, "I've often said that one of the reasons my mother has lived to be 103 is because of the people who work at Loudonville and the care and services they provide. If you have a loved one in need of assisted living care I would strongly recommend Loudonville."
Peregrine Senior Living at Colonie is a dedicated memory care community that uses the Walk In Their Shoes program. Staff members receive training in what it feels like to be an older adult with dementia who relies on caregivers. This dovetails with the community's overall program of continuing education and memory care training for caregivers who assist residents with bathing, toileting, meals, medication and behavioral management. Special care is given to spotting nonverbal signs of pain and distress to help seniors with physical issues that prevent full enjoyment of life. The Peregrine Way is a comprehensive program of mentally and physically stimulating exercises geared toward slowing the progress of memory loss and maintaining as high a quality of life as possible. Spiritual care, comfort care and family services are provided for both residents and their extended family network.
Residents' families praise the community in glowing terms. One reviewer says, "Peregrine Senior Living at Colonie is overall a WONDERFUL atmosphere for residents and staff. It is an upbeat, warm, and loving place to send your loved one."
Peregrine Senior Living at Guilderland is a senior community in Slingerlands, NY, that improves seniors' quality of life through exceptional care. The community's signature memory care programs include Time Capsules, where residents keep a box full of photos and memorabilia to uplift their spirits. In Radio Days, classic radio programs or music are played to elicit memories and positive emotions. Residents can also join entertaining lectures on familiar topics to boost cognitive function or get help writing their personal biographies to maintain their identity and enhance memory. They can get assistance in cultivating new hobbies or renewing old interests to keep them engaged and active.
Visitors appreciate the welcoming community and the helpful staff. One writes, "The staff were nice and helpful. The room was clean and nice. It's a large room for one person. They were playing bingo when we were there. They showed us the chart of what was going on through the weeks. The place was upbeat."
Brookdale East Niskayuna's residents have access to two specialized memory care programs: Clare Bridge and Solace. The Clare Bridge program is a distinctive dementia care brand that offers seniors six structured daily activities to enhance their current cognitive and physical abilities. These can include brain games, music programs, dancing and art classes. The Solace program, for individuals in the later phases of dementia, offers support with personal grooming and integrates captivating activities involving music and aromatherapy. The community features secured entry and exit points, an emergency alert system, enclosed outdoor spaces and round-the-clock trained personnel for emergency response. Community members are provided with dementia-friendly menus, easy-to-manage selections and personal dining assistance as needed.
Families value the staff's efforts to engage their loved ones with a variety of activities. One reviewer says, "My wife is at Brookdale East Niskayuna and so far, so good. They seem to be occupying her with activities. Her care seems to be good. ... The place is very, very nice, very clean and very well maintained."
The Marjorie Doyle Rockwell Center is a devoted memory care community that provides a cozy, secure living environment designed to promote safety and independence for individuals with early to mid-stage memory impairment. Caregivers and licensed nurses trained in dementia care and communication techniques provide 24-hour support for activities of daily living, administer medications and address various medical needs. The secured building has an interior courtyard and outdoor garden pathways that offer residents a safe environment to socialize with their neighbors. A resource center that provides educational programs, on-site support groups and family forums is open to families and friends of residents, along with access to an Alzheimer's specialist to discuss any questions or concerns. The community provides regular fitness and nutritional classes to enhance physical strength and balance and to encourage residents to make healthy menu choices.
Families are grateful for the staff's dignified and respectful approach to caring for their loved ones. One reviewer comments, "The staff at Marjorie Doyle Rockwell Center do a wonderful job caring for the members of their Memory Care Community. They treat my brother with dignity, respect and compassion."
Ingersoll Place provides a supportive and therapeutic setting for those experiencing mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment. Residents are accommodated in a secure, self-contained wing that enables risk-free roaming and communal engagement. The apartments have private and spacious bathrooms with walk-in showers, safety rails, emergency pull-cords and individual heating and cooling systems. The community's memory care staff receives ongoing training to help them manage challenging behaviors, such as agitation and anxiety. Music, games, group activities and daily exercise sessions are integrated into the residents' daily routines according to their respective interests and abilities. The upkeep of apartments is handled by housekeeping staff, meals are served three times a day and transportation is available for medical appointments.
The families feel grateful for the staff's treatment of their loved ones as one of their own. A family member says, "My mom is a resident here, and the staff couldn't be more helpful and wonderful to her. It's truly a blessing to find people who treat your family like their own."
Peregrine Senior Living at Clifton Park is an intimate memory care community that delivers personalized care for those living with Alzheimer's and related cognitive impairments. Highly-trained staff is always on-site to provide support for daily tasks and emergencies, as well as signature programs designed to explore meaningful life experiences and enhance long-term memory retention. Staff and residents work together to create a memory chest filled with mementos to document the life stories of each resident in writing, with the goal of bringing comfort and joy. The activities calendar also includes regular lectures on topics that engage residents, and monthly cultural exploration activities to perpetuate diverse learning opportunities. Family sensitivity training is also provided to loved ones to maximize their support. The community boasts extensive grounds and enclosed courtyards that offer a secure and enjoyable environment for outdoor activities and barbecues. Along with restaurant-style meals, residents have access to a private dining room for family celebrations.
The staff's approachable nature regarding residents is appreciated by families. One reviewer writes, "Everyone at Peregrine Senior Living is very friendly and what is most important is that our loved one is happy there. The staff members are very knowledgeable when it comes to caring for the residents as well as interacting with them."
Situated on a sprawling, modern campus, Kingsway Manor Assisted Living and Memory Care Center provides tailored programs to residents that promote independence. Seniors can improve memory and communication skills by participating in intergenerational programs, while pet therapy sessions are offered to promote further engagement. Community outings are also part of the activity schedule to allow residents to safely explore the neighborhood and surrounding areas. Safety is paramount, as medical conditions are monitored by on-site physicians and each room and bathroom is equipped with an emergency pull cord. Residents can use transportation for medical appointments, enjoy restaurant-style dining and reserve a private dining area for special occasions. Arts classes and baking demonstrations are offered to cultivate new skills, while secure exterior spaces allow residents to spend time outdoors.
Visitors remark on the impeccably maintained community and its cozy ambiance. One reviewer says, "One of the cleanest facilities I have ever seen, and the staff is so personable. It gives the residents a feel of home, and a living feel like a gated community."