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 Waltham’s senior population continues to grow (18% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Waltham, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased 10% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 22%, 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 lower than the rest of the nation (3.9% in Waltham 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 Waltham. 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 Waltham, 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:
AVIVA Country Club Heights is located in a quiet residential area just 10 miles from Boston, giving residents easy access to all the city has to offer. It provides comprehensive memory care as well as independent and assisted living, letting residents age in place as their circumstances and care needs change. The trained, experienced staff follows a proprietary JOURNEY-based approach for residents with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. This incorporates everything from sensory stimulation to various activities to elevate each person individually and ensure they make meaningful connections. Care plans are customized with input from the staff, as well as each resident's family and medical team. The living spaces are designed for comfort but also take into account the special needs of residents with cognitive issues.
Residents and their families have good things to say about AVIVA Country Club Heights' staff, community and lifestyle. One resident says, "The building is in excellent shape, apartments are soundproof and the staff is alert and friendly. I find it easy to adjust to living here."
The Residence at Paine Estate sits among the open fields of Greenways Conservation Land, next to a country club and quiet trails. The community's Reflections Memory Care Program promotes Five Principles for Vitality, which comprises adult learning, physical fitness, art programs, self-care and social engagement. All staff members carry active certifications from the National Institute for Dementia Education, and support services include medication management, hourly wellness checks and continence care. Seniors in the memory care unit are free to move about the secured residential wing, which features wide, unobstructed corridors for easy navigation and locked access points to prevent wandering. The open campus also encourages supervised interactions between memory care residents and those in independent and assisted living. Available throughout the day, chef-prepared meals accommodate residents' schedules and include recipes that support cognitive and physical health.
Families frequently praise the close bonds between staff and residents. One reviewer comments, "We could not be more pleased with the care that she gets. The staff is incredible, creative, loving, smart, experienced and responsive. They consider the small group that they care for a family and respect the unique individuality of each resident."
Brightview Arlington is home to Wellspring Village, the community's memory care unit. It has a highly-trained staff to assist with the activities of daily living and other needs specific to those with Alzheimer's or dementia. Residents have access to three restaurant-style meals daily, and emergency systems in main areas and living spaces keeps residents safe and secure. Memory care services are delivered through the Bright Minds approach, which helps build healthy habits. It includes regular exercise and healthy eating, both of which have been shown to support good brain health. The Mind and Music program is another component of the community's memory care services. Music is piped through the sound system during meal times to add ambience and promote calm. An activities calendar that includes pet therapy, arts and crafts and word games also support engagement and socialization.
Residents and family members laud Brightview Arlington for its caring staff and wide variety of amenities. One writes, "My mother lived at Brightview Arlington for the last four-and-a-half years of her life. The medical care and physical therapy were mostly on-site and excellent. Brightview Arlington made my mother's last years as good as they could have been."
Avita of Needham is an assisted living community with a specific focus on memory care for seniors with dementia. Designed to offer a fulfilling and secure environment, the community's caregivers offer care that is tailored to the unique needs of seniors. Each resident's day is a naturally flowing schedule of regular daily activities, exercise, spiritual enrichment, laughter and fun. The staff at Avita believe strongly in the benefits of social interaction and engagement for memory care, and offer structured social engagement through everything from group exercise classes and art workshops to book clubs and movie nights. This vigorous schedule of social activities plays out in a community full of common spaces that favor personal interaction and offer chances to form new friendships.
"My mom is at Avita of Needham . . . I like the cleanliness, and I like the size of each village. There are four quads, and she is in one of the quads. It limits them to probably about 12 to 14 people, so we like that. The people are very friendly and knowledgeable. It's full memory care . . . I think the staff is very good. They keep the activities going all day long, and my mom seems to be very active . . . The food is good. My mom is pretty finicky and picky, but she has no complaints about the food. She likes it."
Carriage House at Lee's Farm is a senior community serving the care needs of older adults in Metro West Boston and surrounding areas. Residents with various types of cognitive impairments receive assistance with showering, dressing and other daily living tasks in the community's Avita Memory Care neighborhood. An emergency response system ensures a team member is ready to help at a moment's notice. Throughout the day, a wide range of stimulating events and holistic activities keep each senior occupied and socially engaged. Every day, a culinary staff prepares and serves residents' favorite meals using brain-healthy ingredients. Other amenities include a sunny interior courtyard, a fitness center, a hair salon and an art studio.
Family members appreciate the community's attentive caregivers, with one reviewer writing, "I couldn't be happier with the care my loved one has received so far. The service and responsiveness of the staff are wonderful, and the care and professionalism are impressive."
Cadbury Commons is a family-owned senior living community in Cambridge, MA, a short distance from Harvard and Porter Squares. The community's secure Morningside memory care program, based on a model taught by the Alzheimer's Association, supports older adults with dementia by enhancing their cognitive abilities and promoting independence. The trained staff creates individualized plans, which include the care needs and special interests of each resident, and assists seniors with daily tasks, including dressing, bathing and using the restroom. Additionally, Morningside's calendar of activities keeps seniors engaged in structured and stimulating activities, from music therapy and brain games to stretching exercises and afternoon social events. In the dining area, the kitchen staff prepares and serves meals made from seasonal ingredients, and amenities include a library, fitness center, sitting room and outdoor courtyard.
Overall, families are impressed with the high quality of memory care offered at Cadbury Commons. One reviewer writes, "The staff was dedicated to care for the residents. There were different levels of functioning programs depending on the level of the residents. I would recommend this place to others."
Briarwood Rehabilitation & Healthcare Center in Needham, MA, offers a secure environment for seniors diagnosed with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Its innovative Alzheimer's and Dementia Recreation Program focuses on helping residents maintain their dignity by creating memorable and positive moments. Staff members in the memory care neighborhood undergo intensive training to meet the physical and emotional needs of each senior. A variety of therapeutic and sensory activities, including gardening, art and music, encourage residents to socially interact with others and improve cognitive abilities. Plus, an on-site beauty salon, lounges and library provide additional spaces for relaxation. Chefs prepare dietitian-approved meals in the dining room, where family members can also dine with their loved ones at any time. For peace of mind, Briarwood employs a Wanderguard system, which allows staff to respond quickly if a resident wanders off.
Families of loved ones compliment the community's caring, attentive staff, with one reviewer writing, "I think they are very attentive to not only the patient's physical needs but their emotional needs and adjustment needs. They also include the families and the social worker in the plan of care."
Benchmark Senior Living at Waltham Crossings lies on the north side of the Piety Corner Historic District, close to the Lahey Hospital and Medical Center. It provides comprehensive memory care for seniors with varying levels of dementia and Alzheimer's through its proprietary Mind and Memory Care plan. The staff provides assistance with the activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, as well as individualized programming, such as therapeutic gardening, bird watching, outdoor exercise and aromatherapy. Residents also participate in additional activities such as pet therapy, family programs and off-site trips. Specialized lighting is positioned throughout the community to reduce the likelihood of late-day confusion, and hallways are color-coded to help residents find their way around independently. Staff members undergo specialized training through the Connect First program to help improve communication with residents.
Visitors to the community comment on the beauty of the grounds. One person stated, "The grounds were beautiful, well-kept, maintained and up to date. Everything was really modern and very cheery."
Maplewood at Weston offers memory care with HEART, which stands for humor, empathy, autonomy, respect and trust. Seniors experiencing memory loss receive the care and guidance they need, from help with daily living activities and medication to reassurance and redirection. Daily activities allow residents to maintain their hobbies and interests and learn new things. They exercise their minds through games and music and their bodies through fitness sessions, and they always have a choice about how active they want to be. The community also provides choices in its dining program. Residents can select from many menu options according to their tastes and dietary needs.
Residents and their families appreciate the caring staff and fun activities at Maplewood of Weston. "The care they provide is superb," one reviewer, whose mother lives in the community, notes. "The staff develops a true bond with the residents and treats them as if they were their own families. She enjoys the activities they provide, especially the painting classes."
Atria Longmeadow Place backs onto Long Meadow Creek, a green belt running north of Lahey Hospital. The Life Guidance program combines close supervision from trained caregivers with a daily schedule of activities to keep residents engaged, stimulated and interacting with their peers. The highly-trained staff closely monitor residents' medical needs, such as medication management and administration, and offer physical, cognitive and social therapy sessions designed to slow the progress of Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The secure memory care unit at Atria protects residents from wandering outside unaccompanied, though community members are free to move inside the unit. Residents' care revolves around individualized plans, with daily reports available for families via the InnerCircle app, which is only available to Atria residents and their loved ones. It also provides updates on the community's menus, social events and billing schedules.
Online reviews frequently praise the Atria staff's devotion to residents' well-being. One reviewer left this five-star review online: "I've been very pleased with the care my loved one has been getting at Atria Longmeadow Place. The staff are loving and make the residents (and family) feel welcome and appreciated."
Sunrise of Wayland is in a residential community with local amenities nearby. Residents have access to laundry services, housekeeping and on-site physical therapy, as needed. The community's memory care program consists of two wings: Terrace Club and the Reminiscence segment. Terrace Club caters to residents with moderate memory loss, while Reminiscence is for those with more advanced conditions. These bespoke areas are self-contained, with centralized designs, making navigation easier for residents. What's more, motion sensors and muted decor make way-finding easier for memory care community members. Activity options include music therapy, painting and group fitness, while an on-site garden, coffee shop and library provide additional options for socializing. In addition, there are life skills stations available to memory care residents, including desks with typewriters and vanities with jewelry to help connect with memories.
Residents and their loved ones praise the staff and cleanliness of the facility in reviews, with one noting, "Sunrise Senior Living in Wayland is a very nice facility and the residents are well cared for there. The building and grounds are always very clean and well kept."
Chestnut Park at Cleveland Circle is a memory care and assisted living community in Brighton just minutes from St. Elizabeth's Medical Center and approximately 30 minutes from Boston. Residents diagnosed with Alzheimer's and dementia receive services through the Mind and Memory Care program, providing them with 24/7 access to caregivers and customized treatments based on an individual's current condition and level of needs. Meal plans support healthy living, and feeding assistance is available. Amenities include a lounge area for games and a wellness center for daily exercise. Secure outdoor patio areas and walking paths allow residents to get fresh air and have the freedom to explore. Additionally, there's a library with computers to encourage communication with loved ones.
Family members comment on the overall condition of the community with one individual stating, "It's excellent and very clean. The staff is very nice, and the people are completely cooperative. The care is good. The grounds and facility location are excellent."
Located in the heart of the city, Evans Park at Newton Corner is close to local parks and other conveniences. Its Mind & Memory Care program offers specialized services and amenities tailored to various stages of memory loss. With five levels of memory care, the community serves everyone from individuals with mild forms of dementia who simply need reminders to those with more advanced cases who require total assistance with all aspects of daily life. The building has easy-to-navigate community spaces that promote independence and feature elements to stimulate the five senses. Residents have daily opportunities to engage in personalized, sensory-based enrichment programming in both individual and group settings. This includes the community's signature arts and music therapy program, which has activities such as therapeutic painting, live music, sculpture-making and Shabbat dinners.
Evans Park at Newton Corner receives praise for its friendly staff and thoughtfully designed environment. A reviewer shares, "The community is beautiful. It is very vibrant, with giant and spacious apartments. The staff is amazing and really works hard for the residents. The care services are excellent and we like how they offer more intellectual activities to the residents."
Family-owned, Wingate Residences at Needham rests at the crossroads of Newton, Needham and Wellesley, close to shopping and restaurants. The community offers two distinct memory care programs. Firstly, The Terrace bridges the gap between assisted living and memory care, providing personalized support for individuals with early-stage memory loss. Alternatively, The Neighborhood caters to seniors with more advanced stages of dementia, offering enhanced daily support. Both wings provide access to secure outdoor gardens and patios. All memory care residents benefit from services such as medication management and hourly overnight checks. Staff members receive specialized training in the nuances of caring for seniors with dementia, and they're available 24/7. The community takes a holistic approach to care that focuses on imparting wisdom, wellness and warmth, with daily interactive programming designed to stimulate cognition.
Wingate Residences at Needham earns praise for its well-maintained environment and engaging lifestyle offerings. A resident's loved one shares, "The place is beautiful, clean and staff is wonderful, there are tons of activities, and the residents are friendly and welcomed my mom with open arms."
The Residence at Watertown Square is a comprehensive senior care community offering essential memory support in a secure, homelike environment. Using a holistic approach as part of the community's Reflections Memory Care Program, trained caregivers provide around-the-clock assistance focused on health, mobility, recreation and overall well-being. Staff members coordinate with physicians to deliver personalized care and ensure seniors receive necessary medication reminders. Each living space is designed with safety and comfort in mind, and staff performs hourly resident checks and manages all housekeeping and laundry services. Each day, residents participate in a variety of physical, artistic and social activities geared toward stimulating the mind and body. In addition, seniors can enjoy three chef-prepared meals in a common dining area. Through daily interactions with familiar caregivers, residents reap the benefits of consistent emotional support and companionship.
Family members and residents praise the attentive staff members along with the community's convenient location. One reviewer writes, "The facility is very tidy and located near several churches and drug stores. There is a bus that goes directly to Harvard Square. Staff is very kind and speaks to residents like adults. I would recommend The Residence at Watertown Square to others."
Located on the banks of the Charles River in Newton, MA, The Falls at Cordingly Dam provides memory care, assisted living and respite care to seniors. The highly trained 24/7 staff customizes care plans for each resident, taking their individual needs into account. In fact, the community's Mind & Memory Care program has five levels, each one tailored to different stages of cognitive impairment. The community offers a variety of daily activities, such as crafts and exercise classes, and certified therapists lead music and art therapy classes. There are plenty of outdoor courtyards and walking paths throughout the grounds, and the community is fully secured for the safety of those with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. A chef prepares delicious, nutritious meals daily, taking into account residents' individual dietary needs.
The Falls at Cordingly Dam gets great reviews from residents and their loved ones. One family member says, "We picked this community because of the excellent staff, attractive surroundings, fine accommodations and nice rooms. It was for my father, who was particular. We would recommend it without a doubt."
Sunrise of Newton, a senior community near downtown Boston, MA, splits memory care into two neighborhoods: Terrace Club and Reminiscence Program. Designed for seniors with early Alzheimer's or dementia, Terrace Club promotes independence by helping residents with daily tasks. It provides a structured, easy-to-navigate setting along with small-group activities, such as exercise sessions, life skills classes and therapy, that aid overall well-being and slow cognitive decline. Reminiscence, specifically for older adults with advanced memory loss, is a small neighborhood with suites positioned around common areas to minimize confusion and encourage socialization. Natural light and visual cues, such as contrasting colors and personalized shadow boxes, facilitate wayfinding, and large, secure outdoor spaces allow residents to enjoy fresh air. Trained caregivers use evidence-based programs, including the Validation Method, to prompt self-expression through recalling favorite memories and pursuing creative interests.
Residents' family members often leave positive reviews about Sunrise of Newton's physical environment. One reviewer writes, "The place is beautiful and peaceful I made the decision to transition my mom just days [after a community tour]... The staff, even from the first tour, has been amazing!"
Local and family-owned, Providence House Assisted Living at Corey Park is in the heart of Brighton, located near Cleveland Circle. Seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia have access to specialized care through its Beechwood Memory Care program. This activity-based program focuses on preserving seniors' independence and capabilities by providing daily opportunities for social engagement, creative expression and learning. This includes on-site musical entertainment, fitness classes, arts and crafts and pet therapy. Staff help residents adopt set schedules and routines that generate a sense of confidence and familiarity. The environment promotes comfortable living, and features a well-appointed dining room, open common areas and directional cues for ease of navigation. All entrances are fully secured to prevent wandering or escape-seeking behaviors.
The community boasts friendly staff and a comfortable environment. One reviewer shares, "It's a small enough community to feel like family. The rooms are exceptionally comfortable and spacious...and the food is better than good. There's great space for a variety of indoor and outdoor activities that are available daily. Moreover, the administrative team and staff are caring and responsive to the individual needs of each resident."
Located in Newtown, MA, Adelaide of Newtown Centre focuses exclusively on comprehensive memory care for seniors with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. The community has a trained, experienced staff and has a partnership with the local McLean Hospital's geriatric staff to ensure a high level of care for its residents. Spaces are designed for easy navigation, and technology and art are used to engage all the senses. The culinary team serves Mediterranean-inspired meals designed to maximize brain health, and outdoor spaces are secured for safety. The community boasts a line of on-site Elev8 amenities for residents, including a mind studio brain gym, wellness center, fitness center and salon, and Cafe Thyme provides an off-site coffee shop experience.
Residents and their family members have great things to say about the care offered at the community. One family member says, "Since Adelaide of Newton Centre is only focused on memory care, our loved one is getting the attention and care he needs ... They have been able to manage him medication properly, as well as keep up constant communication."
Sunrise of Arlington is by the shore of the Arlington Reservoir, near the northeastern suburbs of Boston, MA. Here, residents in the memory care wing of the secure facility live in two care wards, depending on their level of need. The Terrace Club neighborhoods are close to the layout and room order of the associated assisted living community. Ideal for residents with minimal to moderate memory loss, this community has open-plan common spaces for easy resident mobility and group therapy sessions. Seniors with more advanced Alzheimer's move to the Reminiscence neighborhood, which focuses on daily care and directed memory sessions with familiar mementos. Memory care staff at Sunrise follow the Validation approach to dementia management, which emphasizes caregiver-resident empathy and evidence-backed communication strategies to reduce stress and anxiety. The dining hall at Sunrise uses high-contrast Fiestaware and linen tablecloths for improved visibility, and the menus have pictures with minimal words for clarity.