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 Waterbury's senior population continues to grow (13.68% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Waterbury, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease was the same in 2019 as it was in 2014. The number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 4.53% between 2014 and 2019. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4.49% in Waterbury 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 Waterbury. 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 Waterbury, 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:
The memory care program at The Village at East Farms provides six levels of care for seniors with dementia. The first level offers cueing and reminders to residents with mild cognitive impairment and limited behavioral issues. The highest level caters to seniors who require extensive emotional support and total assistance with all facets of care. Residents live in a dedicated neighborhood featuring secure outdoor spaces, bright colors, special lighting and visual cues to promote independent exploration and stimulate memories. The caregivers, all certified dementia practitioners trained in the Called to Care nursing approach, are available 24/7 to help with activities of daily living based on each resident's needs as determined by a nursing assessment. Weekly housekeeping, laundry and linen services are available. Residents can participate in art and music therapy, gardening and audio programs. Amenities include a library and beauty salon.
Family members praise the caring staff and diverse activities. A resident's daughter writes, "The staff is very nice, very gracious and very patient. They have a beautiful patio, and they take whoever wants to go outside on nicer days. They have a whole calendar of events for the day, every day. The staff has been wonderful."
The specially trained caregivers at The Village at Kensington Place utilize visual cues, thoughtful touches and senior-centered amenities to cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose in its residents living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The community offers five memory care plans to provide targeted care for seniors throughout all the various stages of cognitive decline. Residents receive personalized behavioral and emotional support, visual cues and reminders and assistance with daily living activities, such as bathing, dressing and grooming. The monthly activities calendar includes activities that target cognitive abilities, group puzzles, coloring sessions, bingo and live entertainment.
Family members are pleased with the memory care programming and activities here. "I am very impressed with the memory care unit at this community," says one reviewer. "They have been helping my loved one improve by having her participate in the various activities and re-directional techniques throughout the day."
Residents of Benchmark Senior Living at Hamden enjoy care in a wooded setting with sweeping mountain views. Staff members are available around the clock to assist seniors, and multiple levels of memory care are available, depending on an individual's needs. A range of research-based sensory programs, including art and music therapy, gardening and journey stations, helps seniors stay active. Chefs prepare healthy, nutritious meals, and residents can access modified diets and dining options, such as feeding assistance, if required. Those in the memory care community have access to secure neighborhoods and living spaces that allow them to explore freely while remaining safe. The community also utilizes adaptive technology to enhance the health of all residents.
Family and friends of residents are quick to praise the community's staff. One reviewer states, "The people working at Benchmark actually seem to enjoy their job and their interaction with the residents." The clean, comfortable rooms and good food are also commended.
Motif at Southbury is situated in Waterbury, a quiet area filled with natural beauty and near medical institutions such as Waterbury Hospital. This community provides memory care to seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's in an environment designed for maximum safety and engagement. Its caring staff help residents with day-to-day tasks, such as eating, bathing and dressing. Seniors can relax in their private or semiprivate rooms or spend time outdoors in the secure courtyard area. The community is held to the WELL building standard, with special care taken to ensure clean air and water and ample health and fitness activities for residents.
Residents feel very well-cared for at Motif at Southbury. One reviewer says, "Everyone at the facility has been welcoming and very helpful. Staff goes out of their way to make the residents comfortable. Very supportive environment."
Brandywine Living at Litchfield has licensed nurses available around-the-clock to provide assistance to assisted living and memory care residents. The campus features a movie theater, beauty salon and landscaped courtyards, and residents enjoy all-day dining with gourmet meals made from fresh ingredients. Those with memory care needs are accommodated in a safe, secure environment and have access to the array of activities and social events available to residents. There are also specially-designed programs to support those with cognitive impairment designed around individual residents' lives, interests and abilities. Brandywine's luxurious Serenade program is offered to memory care residents and includes butler and neuropsychology services. The team regularly communicates with families and has monthly family days that keep residents connected to loved ones.
The staff at Brandywine Living at Litchfield are singled out for high praise from the friends and families of residents, with one stating, "I have found all of them to be highly attentive and caring individuals that are dedicated to the well-being of the residents." Many reviewers also mention that the team stays in touch with families and always makes guests feel welcome.
Masonicare at Ashlar Village provides specialized memory care services near Waterbury, Connecticut. Masonicare offers memory care in a safe, secure and homelike environment. A specialized team, trained to care for those with memory loss, is always available to foster an environment based on support, dignity, kindness and safety. The onsite Behavioral Health Hospital provides assistance for acute episodes where residents with memory loss may require extra care. Safety checks are carried out regularly, and 24/7 emergency call pendants are provided to each resident. Daily exercise, social, recreational and therapeutic activities designed for those with memory loss provide cognitive, physical and social stimulation. Transportation is provided to off-site medical appointments and local shopping venues.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the caring staff and activities available at Masonicare at Ashlar Village. One reviewer says, "It's absolutely gorgeous. The staff was fabulous. Everybody was very patient and very friendly. They had bingo twice a week, and people come in and play music and trivia."
Mulberry Gardens of Southington is a memory care community that houses seniors who need consistent, hands-on care from experienced providers. This nonprofit community for those living with dementia features Music and Memory programs and other activities designed to keep residents engaged and to provide social outlets which may help delay the worsening of symptoms. Residents receive personalized care if they have trouble with hygiene, medications or feeding, and the Goodlife Fitness program offers exercise to those capable and interested. Residents also have their meals prepared according to their dietary requirements. This campus features a secured courtyard where everyone can gather or spend alone time while preventing residents from leaving the premises.
Residents speak positively about the condition of the campus and the caregivers at Mulberry Gardens of Southington. A resident's relative says, "The staff is very helpful, polite and nice. They just did anything they could to assist you. The facility is neat and clean. There are many activities, and there's maintenance in the building. He says the food is fine."
Located in a serene wooded landscape near New Haven, The Linden at Woodbridge offers heartfelt care to seniors with evolving health needs and preferences. The community's Opal memory care program offers flexible programming tailored to each individual's life history. Holistic care plans involve private and group physical activity sessions, creative expression, sensory stimulation and social outings. Every staff member is trained in dementia care best practices. Residents can relax on the sprawling porch, in the lush gardens and along the safe walking paths, while weekly music concerts, guest speakers and educational events offer stimulating entertainment. Residents can also access religious services and amenities at the Jewish Community Center (open to all faiths). Accommodations include dementia-friendly rooms and meals, secured patios and safety features.
Residents and family members are impressed with the compassionate staff and homelike atmosphere. One family member writes, "The staff is very attentive, responsive, communicative and pleasant! They truly want their residents to feel at home and take great efforts to foster a wonderful sense of community."
The Watermark at East Hill provides specialized memory care, through the Certified Dementia Practitioner program, near Waterbury, Connecticut. The Villa is The Watermark's dedicated memory care neighborhood and offers comfortable, communal living combined with highly specialized care. The Villa community seeks to create programming that focuses on residents' remaining abilities. The home-like environment features a homestyle kitchen where three daily meals are prepared, and the Pantry Program provides storage space to offer residents the freedom to prepare any foods they like during the day. The activities program uses Expressive Arts, Physical Wellness, Life Histories and Watermark University programming, all designed for those with memory loss, to provide residents with plenty of cognitive, physical and social stimulation. The grounds are beautifully manicured, featuring a patio with a butterfly garden, and staff members are available 24/7 for safety and security. An on-site Social Services Director is also available to provide any necessary counseling and referral services.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the accommodating staff and beautiful grounds at The Watermark at East Hill, saying, "The staff is very helpful. The place is clean, organized, quiet, and generally topnotch. The grounds are well-manicured and well-landscaped. The apartments are very nice."
Anthology of Farmington provides comprehensive senior memory care services in a secured, nurturing environment. The community's caregivers engage with residents living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease daily to cultivate genuine relationships. Its Virtue Memory Care neighborhood features nostalgic images and carefully curated artwork that evokes feelings of home, and each resident's room features personal mementos and pictures to provide a sense of familiarity. All the community's caregivers undergo yearly dementia training to help them decrease memory care-related behaviors such as wandering and exit-seeking. Residents participate in regularly scheduled Fit Minds cognitive stimulation therapy programming and iN2L activities that focus on person-centered physical wellness.
Family members state that this community has exceptional grounds, caring, compassionate staff members and excellent family support practices in place. One says, "We selected Anthology for my father-in-law. This residence is outstanding. The staff is so incredible, compassionate and loving. Everyone goes out of their way to support not only the residence but the family as well. Best decision we made."
Arden Courts of Farmington offers customized memory care services near Waterbury, Connecticut. The memory care program is designed to accommodate residents' existing preferences and routines, increasing feelings of independence and individuality. A structured daily activity program, ongoing communication and orientation assistance offers each resident opportunities for daily cognitive, physical and social engagement. Staff members, including professional nurses, are available 24/7, and hourly safety checks and regular vital sign monitoring are carried out to ensure the highest levels of safety and security. Outside rehabilitation and physical therapy services are also available to residents who may require additional care. Support groups and educational seminars are provided to family members to encourage strengthened relationships, understanding and communication.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the helpful staff and education provided to help those living with memory loss. One reviewer says, "Arden is always hosting fantastic educational seminars geared specifically to the needs of those living with memory-loss. Staff is extremely well trained and helpful. All residents are encouraged to participate in programs and feel the freedom of walking around in a park-like setting."
The Life Guidance memory care program at Atria Greenridge Place helps seniors with dementia live meaningful and joyful lives by focusing on four areas: physical activity, social connection and engagement, individualized care and thoughtfully designed spaces. To promote cognitive health, this community provides at least two exercise opportunities every day, such as restorative yoga and weight training. Residents can participate in music therapy and social activities designed to stimulate memories and help them stay connected and engaged. The staff, extensively trained in dementia care and receiving at least 15 hours of ongoing education annually, develops an individualized care plan for each resident. Seniors live in a dedicated neighborhood featuring secure indoor and outdoor spaces to encourage independent exploration. Memory displays containing personal mementos are placed outside resident rooms to help seniors find their way home. Amenities include a pub and library.
People love the caring staff and diverse activities. A reviewer writes, "My mom has lived at Atria for over two years now. She has made so many friends, and it really feels like home. The staff are wonderful and caring, the food is generally very good, and there are a variety of activities and outings."
Located in a peaceful neighborhood in Farmington Valley, River Ridge at Avon is an assisted living and memory care campus dedicated to helping seniors live safer, more fulfilling lives. This community features five levels of Mind and Memory Care so that residents are grouped with peers with a similar level of cognition as they follow daily routines, receive 24/7 personal care and participate in activities. River Ridge at Avon cultivates an environment designed to stimulate the senses in various ways, from visual aspects to tactile installations that support cognitive abilities and delay further impairment. This neighborhood is secured to prevent wandering and protect all the residents. Seniors can participate in exercises, art projects and cooking activities or attend entertainment events while being supervised by caregivers. Secured community spaces are available.
Residents and family members praise the high level of communication and quality care offered at River Ridge at Avon. A resident's daughter says, "River Ridge at Avon has exceeded our expectations. Everyone at River Ridge is kind, caring and thoughtful. The nursing staff responds quickly to phone calls and e-mails and has excellent follow-through. A Care Plan is developed specific to each resident's needs."
The memory care program at Peregrine Senior Living at Hamilton Heights nurtures a sense of purpose and joy for seniors with dementia by gently guiding them to meaningful experiences and helping them connect on a personal level. Many activities are available to help stimulate memories, such as classic radio programs, pet therapy, familiar aromas from nostalgic recipes and memory boxes containing personal mementos. Residents can also attend spiritual services, create time capsules holding their keepsakes, write life stories and explore other cultures through food, music and dress. The staff is trained in sensitivity, communication techniques, recognition and management of pain, behavioral management, family support and medication administration. The 24/7 caregivers help with activities of daily living, including escorts and cueing for meals and activities, dressing, bathing and toileting. On-site primary care physician, pharmacy, lab, podiatry and dental services are available.
People love the personable staff and warm atmosphere. A resident's daughter writes, "The staff was very friendly. They have art classes, and they have a four-seasons room that they can use. For the memory care people, they have a cordoned-off area in the building. They are very well-protected. It was a very friendly, very warm atmosphere."
The Atrium of Rocky Hill is located in Rocky Hill, Connecticut, a town of about 20,000 residents on the edge of Hartford. Built specifically for memory care, this community features secure outdoor courtyards, specialized lighting for sundowning and late-day confusion and color-themed common areas to help residents become oriented to their routines. To facilitate effective communication and strong relationships, staff are trained in Benchmark's Connect First communication skills. With five levels of memory care, care plans may include cueing and reminders, assistance with activities of daily living and extensive behavioral support from certified dementia practitioners. Under this care, residents can participate in sensory and social activities such as morning spiritual programs, crafts, movie nights and communal games.
Residents' families commend the community for its warmth, robust activities and proactive care. One reviewer writes, "My Mom is kept safe, clean, fed and entertained! If we encounter a problem, it is addressed immediately. The Atrium has enabled me to have peace of mind and the ability to return to my own life."
Brookdale West Hartford has an on-campus care team available around the clock to provide care and support to assisted living and memory care residents. In the community's person-centered approach to memory care, residents receive assistance from the same staff consistently to allow relationships to grow strong. The homelike setting features cozy communal areas and an easy-to-navigate floor plan. Stimulating activities are based on the latest research and designed to promote a sense of purpose and belonging. Tasty, nutritious meals are served in the comfortable dining room, and seniors can take advantage of the on-campus beauty and barbershop. The secure setting ensures the safety of all residents, and an emergency alert system allows staff to respond quickly.
The families of residents are quick to praise the atmosphere at Brookdale West Hartford, with one stating, "When you walk in, it's just very warm and homey." Reviewers also mention the way staff work very closely with residents, with one family member saying, "They did a wonderful job, and they really cared."
Located on a lush 10-acre campus, Brookdale Chatfield provides a full spectrum of care under one roof, including specialized support for seniors affected by Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss. This memory care program, Clare Bridge, includes personalized service plans that are tailored for every resident; these are regularly updated to meet changing needs. The neighborhood is secure with easy-to-navigate floor plans, keypad entry, doorbells to monitor entrances and exits, and enclosed exterior courtyards. Seniors receive consistent support from staff members trained in the latest dementia care techniques. They are available around the clock and help with bathing, dressing, grooming, medication and mobility. Programming for those in the early stages of dementia includes art and dance classes, B-Fit exercise programs, trips to museums, journaling and sharing stories, and those in later stages of dementia experience more sensory programming and therapies.
Visitors appreciate the programming and staff. "Chatfield is the best place for the price," says one reviewer. "We did a lot of research before choosing Chatfield. They have the same quality as places that are twice the price. We are very happy with the caring and attentive staff, the quality programming and the wonderful nursing staff."
The Residence at Ferry Park is a community offering its Reflections Memory Care program to older citizens in need of daily assistance with life routines. In this community, seniors with memory impairments live in a safe and secure environment as caregivers make sure they're clean, fed and active. This community uses NIDE-certified dementia professionals to render daily care and assist residents who are frustrated or experiencing difficulties. Housekeepers take care of laundry and cleaning needs as well. This campus contains several indoor and outdoor, open but secure community areas where residences can enjoy recreation within contained environments. A rotating calendar full of group trips, arts-and-crafts activities, exercise, meditation sessions and celebratory events gives residents something social and stimulating to do each day.
Residents say good things about how involved and attentive staff members are at The Residence at Ferry Park and praise the upkeep of the community. One says, "The community not only looks beautiful but the staff take exceptional care of the residents. The team truly cares. Thank you all for all you do!"
The Hearth at Glastonbury is a sprawling community with amenities that include weekly housekeeping and an on-site beauty salon. Memory care programming is delivered through the Mosher-Gardens Method, which emphasizes one-on-one psychological and emotional care. This allows staff to shift priorities according to the resident's changing moods and needs. The Move More component of the program exposes residents to a variety of physical activities, including chair yoga, tai chi and NuStep cross trainers, which help with stamina and mobility issues. The Live More component of the program incorporates a discovery process in which each resident is encouraged to share everything from their favorite candy to family culture. The Think More aspect of the program incorporates puzzles, word games and trivia.
Residents and their loved ones emphasize the diverse dining options and individualized memory care plans. Community cleanliness is also a point of note. One writes, "My mom has moved into The Hearth at Glastonbury. It is very nice, and I really like it. They have very nice interior, a nice dining area and nice general living spaces.
The Residence at Brookside provides person-focused, non-pharmacological memory care near Waterbury, Connecticut. The Reflections memory care community promotes dignity and quality of life with compassionate care that puts each resident first, focusing on their abilities rather than their disease. Reflections utilizes the Four Pillars of Engagement, physical, social, cognitive, and emotional, to increase overall well-being through therapies and sensory exercises that work to reduce confusion and combat memory loss. Each staff member in the Reflections program is NIDE-certified, and understands the needs of those with memory loss. Residents have access to a private dining room, sitting areas and outdoor recreation areas.
Residents and their family members love the caring staff and high-quality food at The Residence at Brookside. One reviewer says, "The food is not only delicious but prepared by talented culinary professionals with a health-minded approach. The staff was dedicated to us and our transition with sensitivity and compassion as they guided each step with knowledge."