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 Suffern's senior population continues to grow (7.6% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Suffern, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 55.31% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 14.75%, 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 (3.94% in Suffern 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 Suffern. 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 Suffern, 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:
Sunrise at Fleetwood is a comfortable, relaxing senior home located in a calm residential neighborhood in Mount Vernon. The community offers individualized care programs to seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory loss problems in a stimulating and safe environment. Trained care managers assist with medication management and provide personal care services 24/7. Accommodations in the memory care Reminiscence neighborhood are near the living and dining areas to encourage seniors to socialize with fellow residents. Validation Therapy keeps residents active and engaged, and the community maintains electronic health records under the Sunrise CareConnect program to provide better medical services. Facilities include a private dining room for celebrations with family and guests, a tea/cafe room, a sun room and living room areas.
Residents appreciate the professional staff of the community. One writes, "I visited Sunrise at Fleetwood, and I looked at the memory care unit. The director was incredibly warm and friendly, and the staff member who showed me around was very involved, friendly, knowledgeable, experienced, and caring. It was a lively place, and I was very impressed."
Every memory care resident in Atria Riverdale has a spacious open-plan apartment with a kitchenette, individual thermostat controls and regular housekeeping and laundry services. Built-in display cabinets at the entrances provide somewhere for residents to exhibit personal photos and items; a crucial part of the facility's individualized approach to care. There are also three dining options to satisfy all tastes; the Uptown Grille, Hudson's Pub and The Van Cortlandt, which offers a kosher menu supervised by the Va'ad. There's a secure and lovely outdoor terrace where residents socialize, dine and relax with friends and family. Entertainment is provided in the movie theater, art studio and library, while the wellness center holds regular fitness classes. Families can be assured of 24/7 security and there's no need to go off-site for styling services as there's an on-site beauty salon and barbershop.
Staff at Atria Riverdale are frequently praised, particularly for their help during the transition to memory care. One family member wrote "The staff is very friendly and supportive. They came to our house and met with mom, explained their services and helped her settle in. They're also very accommodating, letting mom pick her meals for a better diabetic diet."
Atria Woodlands is a senior care community that fosters a supportive and nurturing environment for those living with dementia. Aside from assisting residents with basic activities of daily living, such as hygiene or medication regimens, this community is particularly known for its robust wellness program. Dobbs Ferry Hospital is located on this campus, and a multitude of medical professionals and specialists is available should anyone need attention or face emergencies. Atria Woodlands offers many enriching activities, especially involving the arts, and it frequently treats residents to live entertainment. Caregivers wash laundry and linens and do housekeeping for residents so they can relax in comfort.
Loved ones emphasize the kindness of staff members and the quality of the food and activities. One says, "A dear family friend couldn't be happier. She receives wonderful attention, very much enjoys the food and enjoys the activities. [The staff is] extremely caring, compassionate and are very dedicated to their residents and the families."
The Kensington White Plains sets itself apart by offering senior living plans enhanced by a wide range of medical support. Its memory care program caters to seniors dealing with all levels of cognitive issues, with staff also trained in handling special clinical needs such as wound care, oxygen and feeding tubes. Care is based on the degree of memory loss, with the Connections neighborhood catering to those with early- to middle-stage conditions and the Haven neighborhood dedicated to those with middle- to late-stage conditions. Innovative programs provide therapeutic activities for cognitive stimulation: Robo-Pet therapy uses robotic pets to reduce anxiety and encourage interaction, and Eversound audio systems and music therapy programs provide mood-soothing benefits. The team also works with third-party providers and universities for reminiscence therapy, cognitive stimulation exercises and intergenerational programs.
The community's pleasant environment and personal touch earn praise from family members. "The warmth and caring that is evident at The Kensington, really makes it feel like home for the residents," says one resident's daughter. "Everyone is known by name, and their likes and dislikes, and preferences are all taken into account in every aspect of the day."
Sunrise of Cresskill sits within its own picturesque grounds in a desirable neighborhood only 10 minutes from Englewood Hospital and Medical Center, which provides medical support to the memory care community. Additional health services include on-site visits from a physician, monthly wellness visits from a licensed nurse and 24/7 care provided by qualified staff. The spacious rooms are cleaned weekly and include a kitchenette so residents can prepare drinks and snacks themselves (although chef-prepared snacks are available all day). The chefs also prepare three nutritious meals per day, including pureed options. A typical day begins with gentle exercising and stretching, followed by educational classes, such as flower arranging. After lunch, it's common for residents to join in games, such as bingo. Evenings are often spent in meditation followed by drinks and snacks before retiring.
Reviews of Sunrise of Cresskill focus on a range of positive aspects of the facility, such as the quality of staff, care programs, food and general atmosphere. A resident wrote, "It feels like a resort and yet homey and comfortable. The staff is immaculate and so helpful. We just love it here."
Sunrise of Crestwood, a senior living home, is nestled at Crisfield Street and Central Park Avenue in proximity to Lawrence Hospital Center and St. John's Riverside Hospital. A dedicated secure memory care neighborhood, Reminiscence, provides extended support and comfort for individuals with Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory-related ailments. Trained caregivers offer 24-hour service and assist seniors with their activities of daily living and medication management. A comprehensive schedule of engaging activities organized under the Sunrise Life with Purpose Program helps stimulate the mind, body and soul of residents. Daily fitness and creative classes, spiritual sessions and social activities keep seniors physically and mentally active. Regular maintenance of electronic health records of seniors using Sunrise CareConnect and monthly wellness visits by a licensed nurse help maintain well-being. Three delicious nutritional chef-prepared meals are served daily.
Residents appreciate the professional staff of the community. One writes, "Everything has been great at Sunrise of Crestwood for my in-laws. The staff is very caring, and they accommodated our wishes to best that they could. They seemed to have excellent care there. They have bingo, karaoke, and painting. They have ice cream Sundays and movies."
The Chelsea at Greenburgh is a senior community providing a safe and secure environment for people who need memory care. Its associates oversee residents 24/7 and help when they have trouble doing things, such as during their personal care routines or when they face mobility issues. They also provide medication reminders and oversee dosages to keep residents safe. Many secured spaces are available for activities, social time, or relaxation, including a sunroom, library, various common areas and landscaped walking paths. The Chelsea at Greenburgh curates activities that memory care residents can engage in, such as exercise and wellness programs and cultural and educational activities. This community serves three restaurant-style meals each day and offers special options to those with health restrictions. An emergency call system and anti-wandering mechanisms keep this community secure.
Residents and loved ones like the management, health services and quality of care provided here. One says, "The facility is brand new, well appointed and beautiful. The staff is concerned with and considerate of their residents' families and, so far, our loved one has received meticulous, compassionate memory care."
Residents of Atria Norwood dealing with cognitive decline find a community that tailors its approach to care, delivered by qualified staff who receive a minimum of 15 hours of training every year. The community's care typically includes daily physical exercise known to help slow down memory loss, such as restorative yoga, and a wealth of activities that enhance social engagement, including music to reduce stress. Individual and community spaces are thoughtfully designed to limit confusion while stimulating memory through the placement of familiar artwork. The restaurant provides full table service, with chef-prepared meals suited to dietary needs, including gluten-free and kosher. The pet-friendly community also includes a fitness center, movie theater and beauty salon with spa. For safety, each resident is issued an emergency alert wristband or pendant.
Family members praise the quality of Atria Norwood's staff, especially their contacts with residents' loved ones. One says, "They are all very friendly and very accommodating. They communicate with our family all the time, especially during covid they were constantly sending us emails, texts with pictures of our loved one. They also would call us immediately if something came up."
Fox Trail Memory Care Living at Cresskill provides seniors dealing with memory loss with productive care programs in safe and comfortable surroundings. Staff work around the clock, ensuring residents receive the correct medications on time and are regularly treated to relaxing hand massages. The well-tended lawns enclosed in a white picket fence provide a pleasant and relaxing area for residents to take a stroll while the 24-hour security system ensures they're safe and under the watchful eyes of the staff. The community is pet-friendly and provides three home-cooked meals daily and three snacks in the shared dining room. Housekeeping staff regularly clean the rooms, all of which have cable, and do residents' laundry. Personal care services also include beauty treatments and a barber and residents who wish to can use the computer room.
The high levels of care and attention provided by the manager and staff are frequently mentioned by family members. One wrote "The house manager and her staff have been incredibly understanding towards my dad. He looks great, loves the food and is very fond of the staff. We have ongoing discussions about medication changes and his physical needs."
Five Star Premier Residences of Yonkers is located next to the Hudson River with several health care facilities nearby, including St. Joseph's Medical Center. Residents can enjoy river views, landscaped gardens and spacious common areas in a secure community that's designed to feel like home. The memory care program includes personalized medical support, social interaction, spiritual wellness and intellectual stimulation. Care plans are tailored to each resident and include 24/7 support with daily tasks and medication administration. Residents can take part in scheduled activities that are designed to slow down memory loss and give residents a sense of purpose and autonomy. The on-site culinary team creates three delicious meals per day made with locally sourced ingredients that residents can enjoy together in the elegant dining room.
Visitors praise the accommodations and staff, with one reviewer saying, "The rooms at Five Star Premier Residences of Yonkers were nicely laid out. The food was delicious. The staff was very thoughtful, energetic and young. The place was clean and well-maintained. I saw an exercise room and a theater."
The Fountains at RiverVue provides assisted living and memory care in a small, metropolitan neighborhood setting designed to be both comfortable and familiar. Education seekers will appreciate the wide variety of skills to be learned from Watermark University, including conversational Spanish, how to use VR and jewelry making. Physical wellness for seniors with limited mobility is skillfully addressed through seated fitness classes, dance and yoga. Residents are surrounded by natural light, nature, enticing aromas and reminders of things to look forward to. The caregivers are available 24/7 and are specially trained to engage with memory care residents using validation to show support and understanding. Together, staff work side-by-side with residents to complete cooking, cleaning, meal preparation and other daily tasks that helps provide a sense of purpose.
Many relatives agree that the staff is welcoming and accommodating. One spouse writes, "I chose The Fountains at RiverVue for my husband because of the location. The food is excellent and the aides and the serving people are excellent." Another relative expressed, "couldn't be happier with my decision to move my mom here. They have been so welcoming and honest."
Willow Towers Assisted Living is within the 7.5-acre United Hebrew's Campus of Care, located close to Titus Millpond and only over a mile from Montefiore New Rochelle Hospital. Its five-story apartment building houses the Phoenix Memory Care neighborhood. Thoughtfully designed with visual cues and contrasting colors, Phoenix fosters a supportive and stimulating environment that keeps residents' surroundings easy to identify. Phoenix residents can move safely and access the neighborhood's dining and living spaces, entertainment area and secured courtyard. In addition to enriching therapeutic activities such as Music and Memory, they also benefit from 24-hour nursing services, including customized case management, daily personal assistance, medication administration, incontinence care and. For assisted living residents with mild memory impairment, the Griffin Activity Program promotes cognitive stimulation and social engagement.
Families are completely impressed with Willow Towers. One writes, "The community was always clean even when we visited unannounced. They had people almost every day offering some sort of activity. They did a lot in terms of the care of my dad. We never had any issues and if we did bring up issues they would address it immediately."
H.O.P.E. Center at The Osborn is an award-winning homelike community prepared to meet the needs of individuals dealing with the effects of dementia and Alzheimer's. The name is an acronym representing the concepts of home environment, optimism, passion and empathy and summarizes the four principles that guide the highly trained staff's interactions. A secure all-in-one neighborhood with an eat-in kitchen, an inviting sunroom and a cozy great room with a fireplace allows residents to navigate with more independence. Direct access to the enclosed Betty Neagle Perennial Garden ensures that seniors get plenty of fresh air. Every day, staff leads artistic, music, educational, cooking and gardening activities that stimulate the mind and keep the body active. Social events also provide time for much-needed socialization.
Residents often describe the warm, positive atmosphere of the community. One family member says, "Every time I have visited, I have always felt welcome by the staff. One of the most important things about the Osborn is that they really care about the elderly people staying there. My mother truly grew to be friends with many of the caretakers."
Featuring 94 apartments, a full-service beauty shop and a pub, Brightview Tenafly is a vibrant, boutique-style senior living community located near the Hudson and about 20 miles southeast of Suffern, NY. It contains a small secure signature neighborhood, Wellspring Village, where seniors living with dementia can benefit from safe, purpose-built studios and social programs adapted to individual interests, abilities and gifts. In Wellspring Village, seniors also receive chef-prepared meals in a familiar family-like atmosphere three times a day. The neighborhood's 24-hour memory care team partners with residents, families and physicians to develop personalized support plans designed to help those diagnosed with progressive disorders, such as Alzheimer's, maintain maximum privacy, independence and dignity as they age. In addition, a full-time Vibrant Living Director plans recreational activities and events for residents that promote emotional and physical well-being.
Many online reviews mention the bright and clean rooms, caring staff, and engaging daily activities at Brightview Tenafly. "We are positively thrilled with the level of care and constant attention my mother receives. She is thriving and never in her room because of the constant activity that keeps her stimulated and happy," writes one resident's son.
In a convenient location within easy reach of major highways, Sunrise of Paramus offers compassionate care in an intimate community. Trained caregivers used validation techniques and follow the Reminiscence memory care program to provide assistance with everyday tasks as needed, including bathing, dressing and toileting, and support seniors to lead a comfortable and fulfilling life. Life enrichment managers create customized care plans that include diverse activities to stimulate the mind, body and soul, including fitness classes, music, art, social gatherings, meditation and educational classes. Tasty meals are served in the communal dining room and residents can socialize and relax in the shared living rooms and secure outdoor spaces. A nurse visits monthly to monitor health and each suite has an emergency call response system.
Residents particularly like the caring staff, attractive rooms and delicious food. One friend says, "We are very happy that she is in a beautiful place. The people who working here are very kind and caring to her. Her room is beautiful and looks like you a little house or apartment. The food is fabulous, and the place is spotless."
Situated within its own landscaped gardens and spacious courtyard, Juniper Village at Paramus provides residents with welcoming living spaces with kitchenettes, a dining room to share chef-prepared meals with friends and large common areas to socialize and participate in a wealth of activities for groups and pairs. The Wellspring Memory Care program is its solution to enhancing the lives of residents dealing with cognitive decline. It focuses on helping residents maintain as much independence as possible while simultaneously working to slow down dementia's advance. It also uses a small house model that limits the number of residents and size of communities, resulting in a more homelike environment that can aid care treatments. The Alive in All Seasons wellness program concentrates on season-specific activities, such as Yoga on the Lawn in spring.
Family members often comment favorably on the spacious areas, friendliness of the staff, diverse activities and meal choices. One writes, "My dad is living in memory care, where there's more room to really walk around. The staff is wonderful and very accommodating. They keep everyone entertained with games, music, movies, trivia, and baking classes. My dad really enjoys the food."
CareOne at The Cupola is located in a quiet area in Paramus, 24 miles north of downtown New York City. Residents have access to a variety of amenities nearby, including The Valley Hospital and several picturesque parks. The community has been carefully designed to feel like home, providing residents with a safe space to enjoy life. There is a variety of services and amenities, including a therapy gym, 24/7 nursing and housekeeping. Residents with Alzheimer's and dementia receive a personalized memory care plan, with therapies and activities tailored to the unique needs, interests and abilities of each resident. There are also support groups for loved ones. CareOne prides itself on offering nutritious and delicious homemade meals for residents, which include vegan and vegetarian options, sugar-free desserts and handmade super smoothies.
Visitors appreciate the welcoming community, with one saying, "Everyone was very attentive and the residents seemed busy. They had great menus and the food looked good. They had a lot of lovely outdoor space, which is important. The residents seemed happy, which is a really big thing for me. It is my top choice for my mom."
Harmony Village at CareOne Paramus consists of six distinct dedicated memory care neighborhoods that cater to residents with different stages of dementia. It has a peaceful setting on a tree-lined residential road, only 4 miles from Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and also near Hackensack University Medical Center and St. Joseph's University Medical Center in Paterson. Its three-level apartment complex is on a tranquil campus with wooded surroundings and a large pond. The community features two courtyards and elegantly designed modern interiors, including open-plan living and dining spaces, a full-service salon, and activity areas for painting, crafting, indoor gardening and playing card and arcade games. Residents have access to 24-hour nursing care, on-site physician checkups and innovative programming with specialized activities that optimize their cognitive and physical functioning.
Families feel secure that their loved ones are at Harmony Village Paramus. One reviewer says, "They are very good with communication; always available if I need them. My dad has had no complaints about the food. They have a menu to choose from with a big variety. They are really good about activities, especially during the pandemic."
Fox Trail Memory Care Living at Paramus is a small and home-like senior community that offers a high ratio of staff to residents. A team of professional staff is on-site 24/7 to provide personal care and assistance. All of the staff members are trained in the latest methods of working with seniors with memory loss disorder and are able to gently redirect any difficult behaviors such as wandering, aggression and sundowning. The community has a security system for the safety of residents and all exits are always monitored. Three home-cooked meals are served family-style in the dining room and three snacks are provided at set times in the day. A daily schedule of activities is offered and may include arts and crafts, movies, listening to music, card games and puzzles. Transport is available to local medical appointments.
Family members appreciate the wonderful staff and range of activities offered, with one saying, "It was very, very clean. The location was great because it's close to home. The staff is very friendly. There is a lot of activities. Every time I walk into the facility, all of the residents are attending an activity. The staff seems to really care."