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 White Plains' senior population continues to grow (10.62% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In White Plains, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 30.28% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 2.17%, 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 (3.84% in White Plains 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 White Plains. 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 White Plains, 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:
Located in the heart of bustling White Plains, The Kensington White Plains is near local shopping and dining, and White Plains Hospital is located directly across the street. Seniors of all stages of memory loss and physical needs receive care at this community from more than a dozen physicians and specialists, available around the clock. Coordinated care allows residents to access therapies and medical care on-site, with transportation available for trips to and from any off-site care appointments. Amenities and experiences available at Kensington White Plains include weekly communication groups, intergenerational computing, music therapy and the Eversound program, which provides residents with an enhanced listening experience during movies, presentations and other activities. There are two neighborhoods for memory care, and each provides security, activities and caregiver-to-resident ratios designed to support and meet each resident's unique memory care needs.
Family members and employees alike uniformly praise The Kensington White Plains for not only its aesthetic beauty and cleanliness but also for the excellency of its skilled and deeply attentive staff, who many say treat their loved ones like family, routinely going above and beyond expectations for care. As one writes in a quote from his father, "If you have to be somewhere, this is as good as it gets."
Located next to Saxon Woods Park, The Ambassador of Scarsdale is a luxurious senior living community situated on 7 beautiful wooded acres of land. The memory care section is filled with natural lighting and divided into smaller spaces to help reduce confusion for residents with Alzheimer's, dementia and other cognitive issues. Indoor and outdoor exercise programs help slow mental deterioration, and the Fox Optimal Living program helps residents with memory loss maintain a high quality of life with customized therapeutic exercises including one-on-one sessions. The Music and Memory Program utilizes personalized playlists for entertainment and helps reduce sundowning and depression while eliciting happy feelings and forgotten memories. These programs help improve strength, enhance cognitive function, reduce falls, manage difficult behaviors, increase communication, encourage social engagement and restore independence.
Reviews commend the amazing staff and lovely atmosphere, with one family member saying, "My mother who has Alzheimer's is treated with understanding, love and respect in this beautiful setting. She's been there more than a year. We feel nothing but gratitude towards the very caring administration and staff."
Memory care residents can enjoy active and purposeful lives at Atria Woodlands. The community's Life Guidance program is designed to encourage seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory challenges to remain socially, mentally and physically engaged. Yoga, dancing, music and sensory experiences improve mood and create focus to reduce stress and agitation. Daily events, outings, games and activities help seniors pursue their interests and hobbies and invites them to share memories and personal recollection stories. Chef prepared meals are served in the dining room and accommodate individual dietary restrictions and needs. The campus includes a library, courtyard, fitness center, physical therapy room, beauty salon and worship space. Staff members and nurses are available 24/7 to assist with bathing, dressing and medication needs, and each resident has an emergency pendant or wristband. The pet-friendly community also provides laundry, housekeeping, concierge and transportation services.
Family members and friends are impressed with the level of care their loved ones receive at Atria Woodlands. One writes, "My mother suffers from dementia. Yet, everyday at Atria brings her joy. The staff is endlessly kind and patient, the facilities top notch, and the activities engaging."
Sunrise of Crestwood provides memory care to seniors within a stimulating and supportive environment. Its Reminiscence Program engages residents through a variety of activities and takes place in a neighborhood designed to provide both a sense of freedom and consistent security. Caregivers, called Validation Managers, provide therapy to residents and use specialized memory care techniques to help them overcome challenges. Residents also receive medical care and monthly wellness visits and have access to caregivers at all times in case of emergencies. Sunrise of Crestwood offers several amenities, including weekly laundry and housekeeping services and chef-prepared meals three times daily.
Residents and friends say positive things about Sunrise of Crestwood's caregivers and activities. One writes, "We went to Sunrise of Crestwood for a visit; It's a beautiful place. They have everything there like art class, and they go on tours on the bus. It was very nice. They have a very nice staff. You can't go wrong with them."
Conveniently located off I-287 and the Sprain Brook Parkway, The Chelsea at Greenburgh is a charming senior living community that offers easy access to the city amenities of White Plains nearby. The memory care staff, including registered nurses, is available 24 hours a day to assist residents with activities of daily living, such as grooming, bathroom assistance, medication management, dressing, bathing and hygiene. There are also housekeeping, laundry and linen services. Residents can enroll in wellness programs that focus on the mind, body and spirit, including customized nutritional planning, stimulating cognitive exercises, regular physical activities, ongoing medical assessments and spiritual wellness activities. Physical, occupational and speech therapies are also available on-site. There are numerous community amenities, including a library, sunroom, sports pub and activity room featuring Wii games. Scheduled transportation for outings is available.
Family members love the considerate staff and beautiful environment of this community. One writes, "The facility is well-appointed and beautiful. The staff is concerned with and considerate of its residents' families and, so far, our loved one has received meticulous and compassionate memory care. All the employees seem quite happy to be working there."
The Greens at Greenwich is an assisted living community that cares for those living with dementia. It uses creative arts therapy to help residents express themselves and participate in mentally enriching activities. Caregivers keep residents safe and provide around-the-clock oversight and assistance to those who may not remember to eat, bathe or take care of other personal needs consistently. The Greens at Greenwich works closely with family members to tailor personalized care programs for each resident and accommodate their dietary or cultural requirements. Some of the programs that residents participate in include the creative arts, continued education, sensory experiences and intergenerational activities that serve to make residents happier and more socially active.
Residents appreciate the high level of care and variety of activities offered at The Greens at Greenwich. One person says, "The Greens at Greenwich is a model facility that points the way to how things should be when caring for someone with memory impairment. The residents are in a beautiful facility with healthy, tasty meals, and with daily art, dance, drama, and music activities."
The Fountains at RiverVue provides a safe, supportive community for seniors who require memory care. Residents live in neighborhoods that recreate the at-home feeling of being surrounded by familiar faces. All staff members undergo training from the National Council of Dementia Practitioners, making them experts at communicating with seniors in a positive, validating way. Residents are treated to delicious restaurant-quality meals served traditionally and as Gourmet Bites that make self-feeding easier. The community offers daily programs and activities, including yoga, dance and other physical wellness courses that keep seniors active. Expressive Arts allows residents to think creatively, while the Life Histories program celebrates seniors' achievements and personal stories to connect them to their pasts. Through Watermark University, residents have numerous learning opportunities, from practicing conversational Spanish to mastering the features of Facebook.
Reviewers agree that the staff members make the transition to living in a memory care community as stress-free as possible. One family member reports, "They have been so welcoming and honest from the beginning. None of that sales talk but honest and comforting conversations putting me at ease knowing my mother will be in great hands."
The Bristal Assisted Living at Armonk allows seniors who require memory care to live in elegant surroundings designed with their safety and comfort in mind. Keypad-protected security provides family members peace of mind that their relatives are safe and secure throughout the day. At the same time, furnishings and decor are carefully chosen to create a welcoming at-home ambience. Every staff member learns how to identify and address cognitive challenges through the facility's Hands-On & Hearts-In program to ensure that residents get the support they need. Although the Bristal is large, the same staff members work with residents regularly for the sense of being surrounded by friends and family. A certified dementia practitioner develops enrichment programs with reading circles, creative writing sessions, art, music and other activities to keep residents' minds sharp and bodies active.
Loved ones like that the staff goes above and beyond for residents. One explains, "The Resident Relations Director and Executive Director drive the wonderful energy, positivity and life that is the Bristal. They are attentive, professional, upbeat, and were really great with all of my questions and concerns. They are problem solvers and pros at understanding what you are going through."
Brightview Tarrytown offers a specially designed memory care community called Wellspring Village. Apartments are specially designed for those living with Alzheimer's or dementia, with weekly housekeeping and laundry services offered. Residents are encouraged to participate in tailored activities and social programs, including music, art, cooking, gardening and physical exercise. Transportation is also available to shopping, appointments and places of worship. Residents receive a personalized care plan with up to 20 hours of personal care each week, including assistance with bathing, dressing and medication management. Nursing staff are also available on call 24-hours a day. Educational programs help family members access more information about memory loss.
One relative praises the community, saying, "My mom has been at Brightview Tarrytown for the last four years or so. They are an incredibly caring bunch, and it is wonderful to see the way they deeply attend to the needs of her and the other residents. The facility itself is bright, new, welcoming and cheerful."
The Osborn Senior Living is located on 56 landscaped acres in Rye, New York, minutes from the beaches of Long Island Sound with wildlife sanctuaries and beach clubs nearby. The manicured grounds convey a sense of peace and comfort, and residents can enjoy the beauty of nature found in the perennial gardens, water fountains and walking trails that surround the stately Georgian main building. The nationally recognized H.O.P.E. Center provides memory care in a small setting with an emphasis on sharing passion, optimism and empathy with the residents through individualized experiences. In addition to a creative arts center, residents can enjoy relaxing in either classically furnished common areas, the sunroom or the Betty Neagle Perennial Garden.
Many reviewers point out The Osborn's beautiful campus, environment and amenities, noting the access to an auditorium. One says, "Incredible staff and services, from top to bottom. Gorgeous campus. Couldn't recommend it more highly!"
At Sunrise of Fleetwood, staff provides evidence-based memory care recognized by the Alzheimer's Association. Life enrichment managers build care plans focused on behavior intervention and validation techniques that soothe disoriented residents. With this support, residents enjoy days full of light exercise, walking clubs, brain games and ice cream socials on the porch. While memory care residents have access to amenities including a theater and living room, they have their own secured areas for quieter activities in the Reminiscence neighborhood. For residents in earlier stages of memory loss, the Terrace Club adds a layer of reminders and assurance to assisted living routines.
This community's upbeat atmosphere stands out to residents and loved ones. One writes, "The staff at Sunrise at Fleetwood are very special people, and they must love what they do because they bring a bright positive attitude to work every day."
Atria Riverdale is an elegant senior living community located in a picturesque neighborhood. The community caters to Jewish seniors but welcomes residents from all faiths. Jewish holidays are observed, and all meals are strictly Kosher. The Life Guidance memory care unit, located in a secure section of the building, features circular hallways for easy navigation, and the communal rooms use an open-concept design to reduce confusion. A built-in memory display box sits outside each apartment to encourage staff to engage with residents and to support a personalized approach to the care of each senior. The full-time activities director works with residents to create activities that bring them joy and a sense of accomplishment. Some of the activities offered include daily fitness classes, supervised group outings and live entertainment. Trained caregivers are available 24/7 to support residents.
Family members praise the professional memory care staff. One reviewer says, "My mom is a resident at Atria Riverdale and is currently in the life guidance section. I couldn't be more satisfied with the unwavering commitment from their wonderful staff, providing the daily care that is necessary to keep my mom engaged in everyday living."
In Sunrise of Cresskill's Reminiscence neighborhood, staff supports memory care residents through validating communication and helping them with aspects of daily living. With training recognized by the Alzheimer's Association, life enrichment managers create plans focused on behavior intervention and residents' interests. This calendar may include meeting with the walking club, meditation, light exercise and group brain games. Though all residents may use the bistro and fireside living room, memory care residents have special reflection rooms for quiet life-skills-based activities. Suites include private bathrooms, natural lighting and emergency alert systems and are located near the dining room for easier mobility. Staff also helps families decorate their loved ones' rooms with familiar items, tactile wall art and calming primary colors.
This community's positive atmosphere stands out to residents and loved ones. One writes, "The staff is very pleasant and easy to talk to. The residents all say 'hello' with a smile on their face. When you walk through the rooms [you] are always greeted with smiling seniors."
Atria Norwood provides memory care to residents and helps them live engaging, happy and meaningful lives. Activities that improve quality of life and well-being include walking, dancing and restorative yoga, as well as social activities and music. Each resident receives individualized care provided by extensively trained 24-hour staff. Emergency alert systems are available to give peace of mind. The living spaces are thoughtfully designed, with safe and secure outdoor spaces. Scheduled transportation is also available, so residents can access appointments, errands and outings. Personal mementos and photographs encourage conversation and make the community feel more like home.
One relative praises Atria Norwood, saying: "My mom has been at the Atria Norwood for three months. It is a warm, loving environment. She is always happy when we visit, and she tells us how good everyone is to her. The staff is caring and always available to us, sending pictures and sharing what she is doing. We are so happy we found the ATRIA!"
The memory care residents of Fox Trail Memory Care Living at Cresskill live in a neighborhood specially designed for seniors with dementia, featuring secure indoor and outdoor spaces and a continuous loop hallway to support safe wandering. The highly trained care team is available 24 hours a day to help with various activities of daily living, such as dressing, medication management, grooming and bathing based on each resident's needs. It also takes care of typical household tasks, including housekeeping and laundry. Medications, medical supplies, barber services and massage services are available on-site. Residents who love the outdoors can spend time at the beautiful garden and several landscaped walking paths. This community offers engaging activities such as arts and crafts, pet therapy, scout troop visits and group fitness classes to stimulate memory and support cognitive functions.
Family members rave about the loving staff. The daughter of a resident says, "The care team does a wonderful job taking care of the residents! Our Mom is safe, happy and healthy not just because of all the safety measures they take every day, but they also treat them like family with love, patience and respect."
Conveniently located in a charming neighborhood in Yonkers, NY, Five Star Premier Residences of Yonkers offers easy access to restaurants, shops, churches and entertainment. It's also close to St John's Hospital and Tibbetts Brook Park. This community offers an award-winning memory care program, Bridge to Rediscovery, that provides individualized care for each resident. This program focuses on maintaining and improving basic life skills, such as eating and grooming, that many seniors with dementia can lose without intervention. Residents live in a secure, specially designed neighborhood filled with visual themes and memory cues to help them navigate without getting lost. Recreational and occupational therapies are offered to seniors with such needs. Many activities that engage physically, socially, emotionally, spiritually, and intellectually are available. Residents can take exercise classes in the fitness center or take a walk in the beautifully landscaped garden.
Family members love the beautiful amenities and diverse activities. The niece of a resident writes, "My aunt is at Five Star Premier Residences of Yonkers. It is a lovely place, and it looks like a hotel. It's very clean and beautiful. The rooms are very nice. The building is kept very well. They have nice activities."
In Brightview Tenafly's Wellspring Village, caregivers support residents through Moments of Possibility. This memory care program combines strategies created by the Alzheimer's Association with simulations and practical tools. Staff help residents with activities of daily living, and residents can enjoy days of gardening, fitness classes and game clubs. The Mind & Music program helps residents with memory loss stimulate their minds and bodies while soothing them and connecting them to their neighbors. Visiting musicians contribute to this program by hosting drum circles and singing exercises. For three meals a day plus snacks, residents have a range of chef-prepared menu items to choose from, all specially plated to be familiar to residents with dementia.
Loved ones and residents highlight the community's engaging programming. One says, "We are positively thrilled with the level of care and constant attention my mother receives at Brightview in Tenafly, NJ. She is thriving and never in her room because of the constant activity that keeps her stimulated and happy."
Looking over the Hudson River, The Hebrew Home at Riverdale by RiverSpring Living provides tailored care programs, nutritious kosher dining, 24/7 nurses and excellent health care, from the on-site lab and X-ray departments to on-site eye, ear and dental care. The Greenberg Starr Memory Support Center supports seniors with memory-care needs. Using a holistic and nurturing approach to care, the friendly community offers a range of enrichment, spiritual and therapeutic programs, including art, drama and music sessions, cultural activities, religious services in the synagogue and chapel and adult learning opportunities. On-site amenities for both socializing and relaxing include the spa and wellness center, therapy pool, fitness center, aquarium, cafe, library, computer room, art museum, sculpture garden and putting green.
Residents especially like the wide assortment of activities and the opportunities to socialize and have fun. Per one family member, "My mother was a resident here for eight years and received excellent care. She was always involved in some type of activity program and made many friends."
Sunrise of Paramus delivers memory care services in a small and intimate community. Its Reminiscence memory care program is operated by highly trained caregivers who assist those who have dementia with a variety of tasks related to personal hygiene, daily meals, group activities and other needs. This community uses electronic health applications to track each resident's vitals, and staff communicate with family members to ensure that each person receives individualized care that provides the best possible assistance. A complete range of physical, social and religious activities are available as well so that residents can stay engaged and active. An outdoor patio and a community garden provide spaces to relax and unwind, and residents can also use an on-site barbershop and beauty salon.
Reviewers praise the staff members and facility at Sunrise of Paramus. One says, "Wonderful assisted and dementia care facility. They take amazing care of the residents. Place is clean and inviting."
Juniper Village at Paramus is a senior living community that has a holistic approach to caring. Professional staff members encourage seniors to participate in activities that nurture the body, mind and spirit. The Wellspring memory care neighborhood is based on the small home model, where residents are able to easily navigate private and communal spaces as they would in a private home. Community members can bring their own belongings to furnish their rooms to provide a sense of familiarity. Although central dining is encouraged for social interaction, this community also offers in-suite dining. When in-person visits by family and friends are not possible, there is a virtual network so connections are possible via the internet. Activities focus on music and art, helping residents be creative and to source their personal memories. Beautiful outdoor areas and secure walking paths let community members wander if so inclined.
Family members particularly like the kind, caring nature of the staff as well as the activities available. One says, "Everyone seems to be happy. They do have activities going on - kickball, puzzles, magazines. They do a good job keeping her mind busy."