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 Stamford’s senior population continues to grow (13.21% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Stamford, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by .4% between 2014 and 2019. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (5.12% in Stamford 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 Stamford. 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 Stamford, 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:
Atria Briarcliff Manor, located in Briarcliff Manor, NY, helps seniors living with dementia and Alzheimer's live satisfying and purposeful lives. Its signature Alzheimer's and dementia program, Life Guidance, centers on personalized care programs in a safe, comforting environment. Its well-trained nurses and caregivers offer round-the-clock support to residents, and its wellness center is available for regular checkups. Seniors are encouraged to socialize and engage in stimulating activities, such as nature walks, daily stretch classes, brain games and creative sessions. Three home-style meals are professionally prepared and served in the dining hall. Residents can also take advantage of the on-site library, movie theater and salon.
Relatives value the high-quality staff and landscaped environment. One says, "My mother is in Atria Briarcliff Manor. They help with medication and have been very supportive. The staff is friendly and kind. They have beautiful grounds located close to a village. The rooms are small but very nice. She goes to meals and sometimes bingo."
The Life Guidance Memory Care neighborhood at Atria Stamford offers specialized care to those living with dementia. Specially trained memory care staff are on hand 24/7 to provide cognitively stimulating programming and an environment that encourages social engagement and physical activity. Secure spaces, including outdoor spaces, allow residents to navigate the area with minimal restrictions while protecting their well-being. Residents in the memory care neighborhood can bring their pets with them, and they have access to the community's movie theater, salon, spa and library. The memory care portion of the community has just 14 apartments, ensuring that residents get individualized attention to help with activities of daily living, such as medication management or dressing. Atria Stamford also offers assisted living and independent living services.
Reviewers often note the attentive staff as a benefit of this community. One says, "The staff at Atria Stamford has been very nice and very kind. My relative is in the memory care section. They have activities to keep the residents busy like arts and crafts, bingo."
Bridges by EPOCH at Norwalk provides memory care in an assisted living setting on quiet, beautifully landscaped grounds in West Norwalk, CT. Architecturally designed with specific lighting and paint schemes to reduce anxiety, Bridges is dedicated to the mental health and safety of residents. The amenities provided for residents include spacious, welcoming common areas for gatherings as well as a cozy library for reading and quiet time. Restaurant-style dining is available three times daily and healthy snacks are provided. Outside, residents can enjoy the courtyard along with sensory gardens, bird feeders and comfortable seating. Highly skilled, compassionate teams put together meaningful life enrichment programs and therapies designed for each individual. Nursing staff are on-site, and medication management is offered.
People love the compassionate, informative staff, personalized care, beauty of the community and visitor friendliness. One reviewer writes, "Bridges by Epoch is extremely friendly, accommodating and one is warmly welcomed at every visit. This facility is top-notch."
Nestled on a beautiful, 10-acre campus surrounded by trees and courtyards, Brighton Gardens of Stamford offers a holistic yet individualized approach to memory care, assisted living and short-term care. The community is located just minutes from downtown Stamford, with its cultural offerings, shopping and dining, and easily access to several hospitals. On-site amenities include restaurant-style dining, salon, fitness room, library and garden, as well as a wide range of activities. Resident nurses are on-site and available 24/7, along with various rehabilitation services and therapies. A specially designed memory care Reminiscence neighborhood, located on the first floor, features a secured patio and walking paths. Staff members are trained in cutting-edge memory care techniques. Residents with Alzheimers and dementia are encouraged to socialize and stay active with activities and programs expressly designed for memory care.
Reviewers praise the community for its supportive staff and beautiful grounds. As one family member notes, "I cant say enough about the staff and administrators. They are kind, patient and supportive. According to another reviewer, "If we could give the staff a 10 out of 10 stars we would, they are great. The grounds at this community are absolutely beautiful.
Brightview on New Canaan provides assisted living and memory care to its residents in the beautiful coastal town of Norwalk, Connecticut. The Wellspring Village community focuses on memory care and provides a safe space for those with Alzheimer's or dementia. Apartments are designed to help seniors get around and stay independent, while the Mind & Music program keeps seniors mentally active. Seniors are provided luxurious amenities such as a movie theater, full-service barber/beauty salon, library and welcoming outdoor spaces. Residents enjoy active lives utilizing the SPICE in Motion resident program, which encourages fall prevention and healthy lifestyles. This resort-style community prioritizes meeting the memory care and assisted living needs of seniors.
One family member appreciated the high quality of care, beautiful setting and healthy meals his mother is provided and specifically mentioned the many trips and activities she has participated in. He said, "I feel a sense of relief, knowing my mom is safe and enjoying making new friends."
Brookdale Wilton creates a nurturing environment for seniors through carefully designed memory care programming and 24-hour support with personal needs. The community follows a structured daily activity plan that helps encourage personal growth and fitness in individuals with cognitive impairments. Seniors are treated to three delicious meals each day, and menus feature a dementia-friendly format that promotes ease of use. Cozy sitting areas, such as a fireside living room, courtyard and porch, invite residents to relax and socialize with other members of the community, and an arts and craft studio, a theater and a library are available to encourage personal hobbies and engagement. Personal safety is enhanced by an electronic security system, and residents have access to computers and the internet, which makes it easy to stay connected with out-of-state relatives.
Family members appreciate the considerate staff members at Brookdale Wilton. One resident's son comments, "It is a fabulous place. The people are caring, loving, and very attentive, and they listen to the residents and follow them. They go up to their room to give their medications instead of making them wait in line.
Located on 22 wooded acres in the heart of Lower Fairfield County, Edgehill offers quality senior care in a lush, park-like setting. It's conveniently situated near a number of shops, restaurants and entertainment options, and the community offers frequent outings and day trips so seniors can explore the local area. The community offers a full continuum of care, including a national recognized memory care program, so residents can easily transition between care levels as their needs change. Through the memory care program, seniors with dementia receive personalized attention and individualized care in the community's secure Harbor neighborhood. The innovative dining program features freshly prepared meals served in a private setting on colored plates to stimulate appetites. Special Mind & Memory Care activities are available each day to support cognitive wellness and promote engagement, including meditated stretches, gardening, educational lessons and volunteer programs.
Edgehill is known for its upscale amenities, elegant decor and facilities that are "clean and well-cared for." As the daughter of a resident shares, "When it comes down to it, the people at Edgehill are what make it feel like home. The staff goes above and beyond to meet the residents needs and wishes."
Maplewood at Darien emphasizes cultural and social engagement for residents through the use of technology, from wireless headphones to promote group participation for the hearing-impaired to a virtual reality platform that allows residents to see sights around the world. Services include housekeeping as well as laundry and linen care. Memory care programming caters to all stages of memory impairment, offering an emotion-based approach to care. High-level activities to promote brain function include book discussions and foreign language learning. The whole-person approach to wellness for memory care also includes physical activity and on-site physician check-ups.
From the friendliness of the staff to the organic food used to make meals, reviewers emphasize attention to detail and comfort level. One notes, "Maplewood at Darien is small, and you feel comfortable. Everybody seemed happy. They have a movie room, library and places where people do projects like arts to keep them occupied with guidance."
Maplewood at Southport is situated in a coastal hamlet, and the architecture and nautical charm of the community is inspired by its surroundings. The full-time activities team plans plenty of outdoor and indoor recreation for residents; residents can choose from pet therapy to art classes to trivia night and more. The memory care program uses the HEART (humor, empathy, autonomy, respect/reaching out and trust/triumph) approach to care. The Tides portion of the program is for those with early-stage memory conditions, while the Currents program is for those with advanced memory care conditions. Both have access to the brain fitness center as well as common areas with added security for memory care residents to freely interact with others in the community.
Reviews of this community emphasize the quality of life garnered by residents through personalized care plans and plenty of opportunities for social interaction. One notes, "Residents are able to enjoy interactive activities with other residents that are engaging and great for socialization. I recommend this community for anyone's loved one who needs assistance in their everyday life."
Maplewood at Strawberry Hill provides memory care, assisted living and respite care in East Norwalk, Connecticut. The senior living community is in a residential neighborhood and only a short drive to many conveniences, including churches, pharmacies and delis. There are several private studio and one-bedroom floor plans available, or residents can opt for the Lifestyle Suites, which consists of a shared two-bedroom apartment. Depending on their specific needs, memory care residents are part of one of two neighborhood areas: Tides or Currents. When residents aren't eating seasonal, locally sourced ingredients that are part of the dining menu, they're able to engage in activities like going to the spa and salon, participating in a book discussion group, sitting outside in the sun or taking a class. Maplewood at Strawberry Hill utilizes technology such as a wireless headphone system and virtual reality to improve the community experience.
Family members are happy with the staff and many other aspects of Maplewood at Strawberry Hill. One expresses, "We chose Maplewood at Strawberry Hill for my dad because of the staff and proximity to us. The staff seemed very confident and caring. The room sizes were adequate. The food was above average. I would recommend this community to a friend or family remember. The service was outstanding.
Set on a beautifully landscaped campus, Sturges Ridge of Fairfield provides a welcoming environment where seniors have access to daily assistance while still maintaining a sense of independence. The community offers a concierge living experience and a wide range of upscale amenities for residents' comfort and enjoyment, including a fully-stocked library with computer stations, theater-style screening room, art studio, resident lounge and on-site art gallery. A special neighborhood is available for seniors in need of memory care, where they can receive enhanced assistance based on a unique Mind & Memory program. Through its research-based programming, the community develops special group activities and individualized experiences to benefit each resident's physical, social, intellectual, emotional and spiritual wellness. Some of these include book discussions, art workshops, exercises, gardening club and group outings.
Beyond the beautiful facility and robust amenities, what people love most about Sturges Ridge of Fairfield is the overall experience. As one reviewer shares, "What makes it so spectacular is the staff. Every single person. From the fantastic communication they keep with the family to the individualized care they show the residents, every staff member seems to go above and beyond for their residents."
Sunrise at Fleetwood provides a relaxed family atmosphere to its residents, allowing them the balance of independence and support they need. Located in a quiet peaceful neighborhood in Mt. Vernon, NY, Sunrise offers the convenience of the Metro-North railroad station only five minutes away. The safety of residents is a priority at Sunrise, and highly-trained staff are available 24/7 to work with residents in assisted living, memory care, and short-term respite or rehab stays. Those in the memory care program live in the Reminiscence Neighborhood, a safe and secure area located next to the dining hall. Each resident in this program has a dedicated Life Enrichment Manager who specializes in validation therapy and an evidence-based memory care approach. Daily activities include physical fitness, creative projects and learning, social and spiritual experiences. Sunrise also plans group trips for the residents.
Overall, the family is VERY happy with Sunrise and the level of care provided to our family member, expresses a resident's loved one.
Sunrise of Crestwood is situated in an urban setting and still promotes a sense of calm and peace within the community itself. Resident amenities include shaded walking paths, an on-site library and plenty of communal spaces to promote social interaction. Reminiscence, the memory care portion of this community, is specially designed for residents with memory loss conditions. It features an added layer of security and memory-focused programming. Life Enrichment Managers work with memory care residents using Validation Therapy techniques to help them retain existing cognitive skills and build new ones. This therapy emphasizes making eye contact with residents, matching their emotions and rephrasing information to ensure comprehension.
Resident reviews point to the well-kept grounds, wide range of memory care and assisted living services and interactive amenities. One notes, "Sunrise is lovely, more traditional and posh. They had a library, TV rooms and little nooks and crannies where people could read a book if they want."
Located in north Stamford, CT, Sunrise of Stamford provides memory care, assisted living and short-term care in a beautiful, park-like setting. The community is walking distance to shopping, dining and public transportation and just minutes from downtown Stamford. Medical facilities, such as Stamford Hospital and Greenwich Hospital are easily accessible. On-site, residents can choose from a robust calendar of social, educational, recreational and spiritual activities, such as book arts and crafts, yoga and book clubs. Freshly prepared meals cater to individual tastes and diet needs, including pureed diets. A specially designed Reminiscence neighborhood provides a secure and comforting environment for Alzheimers and dementia patients, with staff trained in the latest memory care techniques. Dedicated life enrichment managers, who are trained in validation therapy, also engage Reminiscence residents with memory-specific activities and programs.
Sunrise at Stamford gets praise from reviewers for its helpful staff and the overall looks of the community. According to one family member, "The community looks great, they keep everything very nice and clean. The staff have been more than helpful. Adds another reviewer, "The staff and the care in the memory care unit is wonderfulThey take very good care of her.
Nestled in the Norwalk River Valley, Sunrise of Wilton provides a warm, homelike environment for seniors in the Stamford area. Its holistic approach to senior care seeks to ensure that each resident receives highly personalized care and attention specific to their individual needs. The community's Reminiscence neighborhood is specially designed to be a safe and stimulating environment for seniors living with dementia. It's thoughtfully designed with well-appointed apartments that make it easy for residents to navigate between rooms and function as independently as possible. Residents have access to a number of comfortable common areas, including a cafe, sunroom, 24-hour bistro and media room. Each day, residents have the opportunity to participate in activities for the mind, body and spirit, including memory-focused activities and therapeutic programs such as exercises, educational classes, devotional services, games and music therapy.
Above everything else at Sunrise of Wilton, people agree "their staff are the defining extraordinary attribute." As one person shares, "From the concierge, to the nursing staff, the care attendants, maintenance staff, physical therapy professionals, dining staff and administrators - we could not provide a more positive reference for this caring, thoughtful, well run and high standard assisted living facility."
The Ambassador of Scarsdale offers memory care and assisted living and is located next to Saxon Woods Park in White Plains, New York. Its Kindred Memory Care neighborhood has accommodations with high ceilings, and the apartments are designed to let in plenty of natural light. Memory care residents can spend time outside in the enclosed garden, which is both visible and accessible from the neighborhoods communal spaces. Seniors may enjoy customized exercise classes and one-on-one fitness sessions with the communitys exercise physiologist. They may also participate in the Music and Memory program, which uses personalized playlists to connect residents musical histories with their shared experiences and feelings.
The Ambassador of Scarsdale earns high marks from families for its kind, compassionate staff members. One residents loved one remarks, "My mother who has Alzheimer's is treated with understanding, love and respect in this beautiful setting. She's been there more than a year " we feel nothing but gratitude towards the very caring administration and staff.
The Bristal at Armonk provides assisted living, independent living and memory care services in an elegant community not far from Greenwich, CT, and New York City. When arriving at the community, residents enter a spacious lobby with an inviting fireplace and a baby grand piano. At this community, residents have many on-site amenities, including a swimming pool, a putting green, shuffleboard courts and an internet cafe. The Reflections memory care neighborhood provides personalized attention to residents dealing with memory concerns. Programming, such as art and music classes or reading circles, helps provide consistency, engagement and mental stimulation. The neighborhood focuses on safety with electronic keypad protections, caring staff and secure indoor and outdoor areas.
The elegant facilities stand out to visitors here. One reviewer said, "The wellness staff, kitchen staff, and all members of the cleaning and activities staff were 100% committed to making this experience a joyful and comfortable one for my parents. The room was spacious and, due to the high ceilings, felt more like a hotel than a health care facility."
Cannondale Senior Living is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community nestled next to Allens Meadows Park in Wilton, Connecticut, approximately 17 miles from the city of Stamford. The community's Evergreen program focuses on keeping memory care residents socially engaged and maintaining their cognitive abilities by cultivating a comfortable, secure environment where each individual's needs are respected. The memory care staff has received Alzheimers Association Dementia Training Program certification and cares for residents using a variety of specialized approaches, such as aromatherapy, certified music therapy and sensory exercises. Seniors can also spend time in the garden courtyard, take part in crafts activities and classes, and attend Sunday brunches and off-site outings designed to encourage socialization.
Reviewers compliment Cannondale Senior Living for being an attractive community that has tasty food and organizes plenty of activities. One writes, "They have a dementia unit, assisted living and independent living It's a wonderful place with a good, caring staff and lots of activities. It's a beautiful and nice facility. The layout is fine, and the food is quite good.
The Greens at Greenwich is an award-winning memory care community that incorporates creative arts therapies into the daily care plans of its residents. Caregivers attend training sessions on dementia-related topics twice per month, enabling them to connect more deeply with residents and their family members throughout each stage of their care. Residents receive help with all aspects of daily living, and they can participate in events and activities designed to enhance their mental and physical well-being. Each resident apartment is situated near secured outdoor patios and pathways that allow seniors to meander through the grounds independently as desired. Fresh, chef-prepared meals are served every day in the communal dining room.
Family members praise the caring staff here. One says, "They are supportive and kind to the residents but also exceptionally communicative and supportive with family members. I moved my mom from a large assisted living in Philadelphia to here and notice their 100% dedication to compassion and communication."
The staff at The Kensington White Plains understands the severe impact of memory care not only on residents but also on their families. They honor the past of each resident while finding ways to make the present more comfortable and peaceful. The memory care part of this community handles all levels of dementia, helping residents with additional physical needs, such as feeding tubes or oxygen. This community is Eversound-certified, providing residents with audio technology that makes it possible to hear group activities better. Residents work with many local groups, including Pace University and Mercy College, to participate in therapy, computing classes, music activities and even a robotic pet therapy program.
The individualized care at this community stands out to guests. One says, "My grandfather is at the memory care lane of The Kensington. We chose it because of the individualized level of care and the attention that he receives. Everything is immaculate."