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 Staten Island’s senior population continues to grow (16.17% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Staten Island, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by 81.48% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 9.12%, 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 (3.37% in Staten Island 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 Staten Island. 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 Staten Island, 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:
Amber Court of Westbury, based on Long Island, offers memory care and assisted living services to senior citizens. Less than a mile away from the Cantiague Park and Golf Course, residents have a great opportunity to enjoy themselves outside without traveling very far. Its memory care program is equipped with lighting plans, developed with help from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute engineers, that provides residents with a relaxing atmosphere and promotes comfort. The memory care program keeps residents safe by ensuring residents can only leave the grounds with direct supervision from caregivers. Residents are routinely taken to physicians for medication refills and other needs, as well as specialists who deal exclusively with dementia. Caregivers provide incontinence care, dressing assistance and bathing help, ensuring memory care residents remain in good shape around the clock. The community also offers financial guidance on VA benefits and home sales, as well as other personal finances issues.
Reviewers like the upbeat, personable staff members who work at this community. One says, "My Aunt lived at Amber Court for 2 years. We were all very happy with the care that she received. She always had plenty of activities to keep her busy. The staff was always cheerful, and the place was very clean. I highly recommend Amber Court!"
Brighton Gardens of Middletown is a memory care facility providing residents with high-quality, dignified care. Residents are cared for by trained staff members who are available to provide assistance 24/7. Individuals with memory loss-related conditions are placed in safe and secure living suites that are in close proximity to the communal areas and dining room for easy access. Various programs are available to residents to promote healthy lifestyles and social interaction, including music therapy, nature walks and small group activities. For mealtimes, residents are always offered several options, and menus are regularly updated based on their feedback and suggestions.
Residents enjoy the calm atmosphere and scenic features of Brighton Gardens of Middletown. One reviewer says, "Extremely friendly and helpful staff, there's a nice, private visiting room complete with a lovely porch that makes you feel like you're at the beach. There are some nice gardens you can walk around in and the whole place is made to feel as homey as possible."
Centrally located, Fox Trail Memory Care Living at South River offers memory care services for those with Alzheimer's and other memory conditions. Seniors are protected by a 24-hour security system and staff is also available 24/7 for personal care and ADL assistance. Residents have cable TV and internet access in every room and are kept entertained by the numerous activities that are run in the community, including tea parties, karaoke, bingo, arts and crafts, Wii games, and cooking. Puzzles, gardening, Sittercise and Zumba are also available to help keep residents sharp. Meals are chef-created and designed to help support the residents' health. Staff can take seniors for special activities off-site such as bowling, concerts, car shows and cinema movies. Residents are allowed to keep small pets with them for companionship.
Residents and families rave about the staff, with one writing, "I highly recommend this memory care facility. The facility feels and looks like a home The aides attend to each resident as if they were helping family members. The house manager is conscientious, professional and very concerned about all of her residents. I know I made the right choice".
Millennium Memory Care at Matawan is dedicated to serving individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. This community is located in a quiet, residential area with easy access to major highways. Residents live in a secure setting with multiple safety features, such as specially designed flooring to prevent falls and a large fenced-in backyard space. Residents with memory-related challenges can participate in the facility's Sensory Stimulation Program, which is designed to help them decrease agitation and depressive symptoms and increase engagement and cognition. At Millennium Memory Care at Matawan, residents enjoy three homemade meals per day made with fresh produce from the on-site greenhouse.
Residents like that they're cared for by compassionate and helpful staff. One family member says, "My mother has been a resident of the Millennium Memory Care in Aberdeen for close to a year now and I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I am with the attention of care my mother receives from their dedicated staff."
Millennium Memory Care of Holmdel focuses on providing a welcome environment for those with a huge range of memory loss. A holistic approach is taken to ensure each patient can focus on their complete health, both mental and physical. Amenities include an indoor balcony for physical therapy, assistance with personal care and outdoor walking paths. Millennium Memory Care also hosts a wide array of fun activities and clubs such as Zumba, tabletop games, bingo, arts and crafts, movies, yoga, baking club, Rosary club, meditation, basketball and comedy hour. Three square healthy meals are prepared daily with local ingredients and vegetables from the on-site greenhouse and all are planned for each resident according to their nutritional needs and overall food preferences.
Residents enjoy the clean, bright atmosphere and its staff. One says, "I can't say enough good things about MMC in Holmdel. The caregivers and staff are all so wonderful, attentive and caring. The home is filled with tons of light, and is clean and welcoming. The residents receive great meals and snacks. It is a wonderful facility!"
Seniors residing at Sunrise of Lincroft can participate in many daily scheduled activities, including exercise programs, gardening, and creative arts and crafts. Music therapy is especially helpful to residents with memory impairment, as it improves the mood and calms the restlessness some seniors experience. Residents have a choice of delicious menu items and snacks throughout the day and reside in lovely accommodations on multiple floor plans. The staff receives special training in caring for dementia residents, with a separate memory care neighborhood, Reminiscence, that is safe and secure. Transportation is provided for scheduled outings. The residence is locked in the evening, with a 24-hour staff available at all times. The community is set on a large, beautiful property with a walking path around the building for seniors to get some outdoor exercise and relaxation.
Family members and visitors to Sunrise of Lincroft rave about the excellent care and responsive staff who quickly attend to residents' needs. The wide variety of activities available and spacious accommodations are highly appreciated. One reviewer states, "The people are also nice, everything is clean and beautiful."
Sunrise of East Brunswick provides assisted living and memory care in a tranquil wooded area of New Jersey. Its staff is specially trained in tried and tested memory care techniques, such as Validation Therapy. The care staff also provides personal care services 24 hours a day. Residents at Sunrise of East Brunswick are emboldened to participate in memory-focused activities, including puzzles, word searches and light gardening. Residents can also take full advantage of the music therapy and physical therapy available in the community. The restaurant-style dining room serves three nutritious meals daily with meal options for those with dietary restrictions. A from-scratch cooking philosophy ensures the in-house chefs use fresh, local ingredients.
Loved ones describe the staff as very friendly and praise the sense of community. One family member states, "Mom has thrived here, making new friends and involved in so many activities. The baking club and singing are her two favorites. The staff is top-notch with their care and respect."
The Chelsea at Marlboro is a community that provides memory care services to residents. Seniors have many opportunities to keep healthy and active through various activities, including art, dance and music therapy. The community is located in a scenic and secure environment, which means residents can often go on supervised walks through the garden and courtyard areas. Staff members at The Chelsea at Marlboro are specifically trained to care for individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia. Residents in the specialized Reminiscence Program can participate in regular group outings and activities. They are also partnered with a Life Enrichment Manager who develops strategies and plans to enhance their dignity and quality of life. Each resident receives a monthly wellness visit from a licensed nurse and all suites within the facility are equipped with an emergency call system.
Residents' family members feel like their loved ones are well-cared for at Sunrise of Marlboro. One reviewer says, "They had little buses for the seniors to take them to doctors' appointments. They served three meals a day. They had a studio, two-bedrooms, and one large apartment. They were spacious enough, very nice, and very clean."
Sunrise of Staten Island offers a holistic and customized approach to senior care that is based on scientific research and aids independence and well-being. This assisted living and memory care community is located on the north shore of Staten Island, allowing many of our residents to enjoy trips to the local picturesque locations and attractions, such as Clove Lake Park, Snug Harbour and the St. George Theatre. Sunrise of Staten Island also offers enriching music therapy, gardening and artistry activities, as well as daily conditioning club challenges to improve strength and mobility. Residents can also enjoy a 24-hour on-site bistro where they can find hot drinks, homemade cookies and fresh fruit. The staff at Sunrise of Staten Island are dedicated to superior care in the form of weekly and monthly medical visits, three daily well-balanced meals, 24-hour assistance and housekeeping services.
We chose Sunrise of Staten Island because of availability, as well as the care services, we have had no complaints. The room sizes are perfect. The food is excellent, they have a lot of variety. My favorite part about the community has been the staff members. I would recommend, explained one resident's family member.
The Brielle at Seaview is located in a beautiful leafy suburb of Staten Island. Surrounded by scenic parks, the community is great for nature lovers while still being close to local amenities. There are also some great on-site amenities for residents to enjoy, such as a beauty salon, walking trails and a fully-equipped gym. The wellness team takes a holistic approach to health, which aims to enrich the body, mind and spirit. Activities include self-expression through drawing and playing music, as well as creating bonds through pet therapy. Residents can enjoy three homemade meals a day with new friends and loved ones. All levels of staff, from housekeeping to wellness, enjoy assisting and engaging with residents to create a sense of community.
Visitors praise the caring staff, with one reviewer saying, Every single department at this facility is beyond supportive, kind, sensitive, and empathic towards my dad and all our family members. My biggest worry was safety in light of COVID, and I can confidently say guidelines are followed to the letter of the law.
The Chelsea at Manalapan provides senior memory care services in a quiet community setting with views of farmland and the countryside. The community's secure Country Cottage staff members offer residents 24/7 assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and medication management. The staff also incorporates specialized services and cooperative care techniques for residents suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia-related illnesses. Residents enjoy three nutritious meals per day, and the specially-trained therapeutic staff schedules numerous on and off-site activities throughout each month. Housekeeping, linen and laundry services are provided.
Family members say that their parents are happy here. One says, "The dementia had progressed and she wasn't doing well and she's a new woman there. She's happy, she's participating in activities. They have a nice schedule of activities going on every day both in the facility and trips out. They have an exercise class in the morning several days a week."
The Solana Marlboro provides memory care services in a posh, upscale atmosphere. The community grounds include a fireside lounge, fitness room, beauty salon, movie theater, library with computer access and multiple outdoor patio areas. Memory care residents live within the secure Country Cottage at Solana Marlboro, where the trained staff provides 24/7 assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management and toileting. Personalized specialized services are available for residents with Alzheimer's or dementia-related illnesses, and housekeeping, linen and laundry services are performed for residents regularly. Small pets are welcome to live with their owners here as well.
Visitors note the small, caring feel of this community. One says, "Residents can go out to it without being able to get out to the exterior, so it is safe. Their care ratio is 6:1, plus they have a med tech. They have many different activities, and they go on trips."
At The Villas, the John Lloyd Health Care Center offers memory care services to seniors across the Manalapan region. It uses the Revita Wellness program to combine nutrition, physical activity, medicine and mental activity into individualized plans for seniors. Clinical nutritionists and exercise physiologists craft plans that support the residents' physical health, while activities and events are held to engage residents. A movie theater, card room and a library provide residents with entertainment opportunities, as do the TV and internet throughout the community. The Villas also holds concerts for seniors to enjoy, and presentations and topic lectures are held to utilize their cognitive abilities. Staff and licensed nurses are on hand 24/7 to assist residents with their needs, and each apartment has an emergency response system.
Residents and family members alike rave about the amenities, with one writing, "The Villas offers services above and beyond any other place around could not be happier. She has made new friends, eats wonderful meals, and has become very active a five-star hotel. We are so happy that she has a place that she now calls "home."