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 Windsor's senior population continues to grow (10.76% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Windsor, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease decreased by 3.32% between 2014 and 2019. The number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 5.19%. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly lower than the rest of the nation (4.47% in Windsor 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 Windsor. 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 Windsor, 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:
Set on 10 acres of country estate in historic Windsor, Connecticut, The Village at Buckland Court provides day-to-day support and care to seniors in a scenic environment. Experienced caregivers use tailored support plans and the award-winning Connect First program to help residents maintain a sense of purpose and live to their fullest potential. Color-coded areas and visual cues help residents to safely navigate the community. A diverse schedule of daily activities provides cognitive enrichment, mental stimulation and emotional nourishment; pastimes include arts and crafts, music, movies, games, gardening and virtual reality experiences. Daily physical activities further promote well-being and health, with fitness, dancing, tai chi and yoga classes all available. Excursions, parties and group events provide opportunities to socialize, and residents can relax in the library and lounges, on the patio and in the attractive landscaped gardens.
Visitors often praise the community's cheerful ambiance. "You can feel the good vibe as soon as you walk in. It's a great atmosphere. They really do care. The communication with all the staff is nothing short of fantastic," reports one resident's daughter. "My mom is very very happy with the food and we couldn't be more pleased with her care."
The Residence at South Windsor Farms is a senior living community that offers a welcoming and homelike atmosphere. The memory care unit is in a secure section of the building that requires keypad access for entry and exit. A dedicated group of caring staff members is available 24/7 to assist with daily tasks and provide emotional support to residents. The Reflections Memory Care program uses a non-pharmacological approach to promote quality of life and work with the person instead of the disease. The program creates daily opportunities for residents to experience a sense of purpose. The daily schedule of activities includes music therapy, cognitive games, art therapy, fitness classes and outings to local attractions or events. All of the activities are based on the four pillars of wellness, which are physical, emotional, social and cognitive.
One reviewer praised the care given to her mother by the community staff, "I would recommend it 100%. Excellent care -- very loving and caring people. They gave 110%, so I am very happy with everything. She had a private apartment for a while, and they did move her downstairs called the Reflections Memory Unit."
Brookdale South Windsor offers assisted living and memory care in a quiet, warm and homey environment. The community fosters an atmosphere of familiarity and safety for residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Trained caregivers provide 24-hour support and guidance to each resident and help them live a maintenance-free lifestyle. A robust schedule brimming with engaging and soul-nourishing activities such as ice cream social, tai chi classes, wine tasting, educational seminars, matinee movies and garden meditation help seniors remain physically and mentally active. Residents have access to a game room, porch, landscaped grounds, library, arts and crafts studio gardens and secure walking paths where they can socialize, connect and enjoy meaningful interactions. Seniors can relish delicious and nutritional meals that adhere to their specific dietary needs, and a private dining room is available for celebrations with friends and family.
Families praise the plentiful amenities of the community. One writes, "I visited this facility to let my father live a peaceful life. I found it nice, safe and secure for 24 hours. Medical facility is available in close vicinity. Residents enjoy all kinds of luxuries at reasonable rates. I liked the facility being neat and tidy."
Atria Hamilton Heights is situated in a historic building with an array of modern amenities and activities. This includes art workshops, volunteer opportunities and yoga classes. Memory care programming is administered through the Life Guidance construct. Life Guidance offers specially trained staff members that offer assistance with daily living, as needed. This approach includes at least two physical activities daily, such as restorative yoga or walking. Each resident is encouraged to fill a memory display outside of their living quarters with personal mementos. This also helps with navigation to help residents find their living spaces. Furnishings are arranged to remind residents of home. The program also encourages residents to dine with one another to ensure social interaction.
Resident reviews emphasize the experience and kindness of the memory care staff members. Family members and their loved ones also report success with the activities that reinforce cognitive skills. Of this, one notes, "My mom is in the memory care of Atria Hamilton Heights; it's a really nice place. They have all kinds of stuff."
Stonebrook Village at Windsor Locks provides memory care and assisted living. In everything the staff does, these well-trained professionals seek to protect those who are experiencing the effects of dementia and Alzheimer's, so that they can maintain the highest quality of life possible. Walk-in showers, a state-of-the-art emergency call service and other smart features ensure that residents remain safe in their cozy studio apartments. Individualized care plans are developed by a certified dementia care practitioner, and this highly qualified professional then coordinates with staff to ensure that each resident receives quality care. A daily enrichment program that combines research from Montessori education, habilitation therapy and errorless learning teaching techniques provides seniors with enjoyable hands-on activities that allow them to strengthen skills and pass their days in a meaningful way.
Visitors frequently describe the attentiveness and professionalism of the staff. One family member says, "The staff has been wonderful, everyone is just wonderful and welcoming. Her room there is very nice and very clean. There's been a maintenance guy there that's been helping her, there's a nurse and a house-keeper; it's great."
Brookdale West Hartford provides all comforts of home in a peaceful and calm setting, minutes away from Saint Francis Hospital and Medical Center. Skilled caregivers, trained in the latest memory care techniques, remain vigilant 24/7 to the unique needs of residents with Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory impairments. The community follows a holistic and person-centered approach to help residents with memory loss develop a sense of purpose and belonging. A robust schedule of exercise sessions, dancing, brain games, music, and arts and crafts helps seniors maintain their physical and mental well-being. The community's Personal Solutions program delivers personal care products. A 24-hour security system, keypad entry and secured walking paths offer enhanced security for the residents. Residents can socialize and relax in the spacious courtyards, sky-lit veranda, porches and landscaped grounds.
Residents appreciate the staff of the community. One writes, "My mother-in-law has moved into Brookdale West Hartford. The place is very clean. The people are very friendly. However, my mother-in-law is having trouble adjusting. The staff is very good. My mother-in-law is clean, she gets her hair done, and her clothes are always neat and clean."
The Hearth at Glastonbury's signature Mosher-Gardens Method provides senior memory care residents with one-on-one emotional, physical and psychological care that helps to reduce the anxiety, frustration and disorientation felt by its residents living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Caregivers integrate small and large group active and passive activities that ensures that all residents get to participate without becoming too overwhelmed or tired. Staff members also get to know each memory care senior's childhood memories, traditions, family cultures, hobbies and foods so that they can establish strong emotional bonds that help them engage residents in purposeful, meaningful ways throughout all the many facets of their individualized care plans.
Family members rave about the staff, with one saying, "Our situation is unique because my dad moved into the assisted living, went to rehab for 4 weeks, and then moved back into their memory care. The community was so nice and moved all of his belongings for us."
Brookdale Buckingham is a relaxing and safe home for seniors facing Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory loss problems. Located in a serene environment, the community provides individualized care for the residents to help them live purposeful and independent life. The community offers spacious areas and care plans tailored to suit their unique needs and skills. A 24-hour security system, an emergency alert system in each room and secured walking paths provide enhanced security for seniors prone to wandering off-site. Skilled caregivers are available 24/7 to help residents with their daily living needs. A variety of physical, mental, social and spiritual activities under The Clare Bridge daily path of programs help residents develop a sense of belonging and purpose. Residents remain engaged in the B-Fit program, music time, art classes, and reading groups throughout the day.
Families praise the caring staff of the community. One writes, "My husband recently became a resident of the Brookdale Buckingham memory care. He has been cared for by loving, professional, and respectful staff - from the outstanding medical and personal care of nurses to the talented chefs who produce nutritious food that meets many special needs."
Atria Greenridge Place is located on 6 acres of land on the banks of the Hartford River. The Life Guidance memory care neighborhood is located in a separate and secure building. This cozy and structured setting provides a homelike environment that eases confusion and ensures the residents feel safe at all times. Seniors have easy access to outdoor courtyards and spacious indoor areas, giving them a sense of choice and independence in their daily lives. Memory display boxes are situated next to each room to assist residents in finding their rooms and to encourage interactions with staff members and visitors. A team of trained caregiving staff is always on hand to provide compassionate care and assist residents during scheduled activities. Some of the activities offered include art therapy, pet therapy, musical entertainment, social events and fitness classes.
Visitors remark on the excellent staff members. One says, "A close friend of mine has been a resident at Atria Greenridge Place for over 3 years now. I love to visit her because the staff and managers are always so friendly and helpful. I can see that her mental and physical health has dramatically improved since moving to Atria."
The Atrium at Rocky Hill focuses exclusively on memory care with an approach that emphasizes independence. Residents can take advantage of a full sensory experience when dining with aesthetically-pleasing dishes designed to entice. Music and smell are also components of the dining approach offered here. Residents are encouraged to spend time outdoors in the secured spaces that include outdoor patios with gardening plots and gazebos. Activities that reinforce cognitive skills and help residents to cultivate new hobbies include cooking classes, art therapy and group fitness. Residents and their family members can create memory books with pertinent photos and memorabilia to help stimulate memories of familiar events and people. Music therapy is also included in memory care programming to help with mood regulation and to stimulate feelings of nostalgia.
Community reviews highlight the efficacy of memory care programming offered here, as well as the spacious floor plans and resplendent menu offerings. One writes, "My aunt is in The Atrium at Rocky Hill, and it's been an excellent experience. It's neat and clean, they're caring, kind, and very nice, that's why we picked it. The staff is very cooperative and caring."
The Residence at Ferry Park's Reflections Memory Care Unit promotes quality of life and dignity through compassionate, person-focused care. After assisting residents with daily living activities such as bathing and grooming, caregivers incorporate music and art therapy sessions and sensory and cognitive exercises into their daily routines, helping each senior living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease experience success and connections with other community members. All daily meals are provided, and housekeeping and laundry services are performed.
Family members say that the staff is honorable and helpful and that the community is very clean. One states, "We have a good experience. They honored their commitments, and the staff was there helping us move in and transition my dad. Everything has been renovated there, so it's very clean. Everything is new."
The Village at South Farms is an assisted living and memory care community nestled in a refined setting overlooking the picturesque Connecticut River Valley. Nurturing staff trained in memory care caters to the unique needs of residents with Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory loss impairments. The community follows an optimistic and innovative approach to memory care and coordinates with healthcare providers and families to maintain the well-being of all seniors. Regularly organized multi-therapy sessions help residents improve cognition and sleep. Residents receive extended support and guidance through needs-based services adjusted to their skills and abilities. Seniors stay engaged throughout the day by engaging in stimulating activities such as music, crafts, local outings, parties and exercise classes. Shared spaces, including landscaped grounds, patios, walking paths, raised garden beds and shaded areas, provide ample opportunities for residents to relax and socialize in the fresh air.
Families appreciate the professional staff of the community. One writes, "The Village at South Farms is beautiful. My mother is happy there. The people that work there are very friendly and seem happy with their job. The food is good, and the dining area is beautiful. The place is very clean, smells good, and is aesthetically pleasing."
The Village at Kensington Place, set against a landscaped campus, has a welcoming, country-estate feel. Community spaces are designed to be easily navigable, helping residents feel both secure and comfortable. Kensington Place's Mind and Memory Plans have five distinct levels, meant to address a range of memory needs from minor cognitive impairment to advanced stages of dementia. Caregivers are on-hand 24/7 and run the award-winning Connect First communication program. Other programs include art and music therapy, gardening classes and exercise groups. Restaurant-style dining caters to residents' needs with texture-modified diets.
The community's layout and interior design are often praised by visitors. "[V]ery nice and well-kept place, beautiful dining room and nice apartments with balconies and porches. The food was excellent They also had a very good activities director," says one. "The apartments were very nice, clean, and there was plenty of room. It was like a hotel," adds another.
Brookdale Chatfield is a senior living community located on over 10 acres of land in the heart of West Hartford. The memory care unit is situated in a specially designed building that has keypad access for entries and exits. The program offers a person-centered approach that focuses on the senior instead of their limitations or cognitive disorder. A team of compassionate and dedicated caregiving staff is always on hand to provide assistance and to gently redirect any aggressive behaviors. The community offers regular support groups for family members and friends to help them deal with the changes in their loved ones in a supportive environment. Activities are designed to meet the physical and mental needs of each resident and may include pet therapy, art therapy, fitness classes, supervised outings to local attractions, musical entertainment and cognitive games.
Family members praise the excellent staff members, and one said, "I had a family member living at Brookdale Chatfield for 3 years. The staff is second to none, the location is easy to navigate to, it's a beautiful establishment with a lot to offer seniors in what could be their final years. I would recommend it to anyone with an aging parent or grandparent."
Anthology of Farmington's Virtue Memory Care neighborhood is specially designed so that its residents can thrive in mind, body and spirit. Artwork on the walls features nostalgic images and local landmarks to evoke feelings of home, while the personal mementos of each senior's life that are displayed outside their rooms can provide familiarity and strengthen community connections. All the staff members have specialized training in the Alzheimer's Association CARES EssentiALZ program, which helps them provide compassionate assistance with activities of daily living, host cognitive stimulation therapy sessions, observe resident health and cognitive needs and offer family support and engagement opportunities. Key-padded access and real-time resident location systems ensure that all memory care residents are able to enjoy as much independence as possible while remaining safe and secure within the neighborhood.
Family members are impressed with the beautiful grounds and warm, caring staff. 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 residents but the family as well. Best decision we made."
Arden Courts of Farmington is a senior living community that caters specifically to the needs of seniors with Alzheimer's and other memory loss disorders. All staff members are specially trained in helping residents with cognitive issues feel grounded and safe. The community's layout also puts seniors at ease with their surroundings; it's divided into four separate house-like environments, with each area featuring its own living room, dining room, laundry room, enclosed outdoor courtyard and full bathroom. Visual cues are used to help seniors to navigate the pathways and hallways independently and to help trigger memories. Therapeutic activities are scheduled each day and may include music therapy, art therapy, cognitive games, pet therapy and fitness classes.
Family members praise the care shown to their loved ones by the compassionate staff. "We have a loved one living here in beginning stages of dementia. We can't be happier with the way ALL THE STAFF interacts with the residents," writes one. "The care and concern they use in dealing with each resident are wonderful."
Mulberry Gardens of Southington is a community providing care for individuals with conditions or illnesses affecting their memory. Residents have access to 24/7 care from trained professionals who can assist with the activities of daily living. Residents also benefit from the Memories and More initiative, a program designed to help seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia live healthy, active lives through music therapy, group outings and more. In addition to structured activities, residents can spend time socializing with their peers in a calm, inviting atmosphere as well as relax in their private rooms at their leisure. When seniors want to enjoy the outdoors, they can take a stroll around the secured landscaped courtyard area.
Seniors feel that the staff at Mulberry Gardens take excellent care of their needs. One reviewer writes, "The staff is very attentive, caring and gives their 100% to the residents. Food is excellent too."
The Village at East Farms is an assisted living and memory care community spread across 34 acres of lush green grounds and is close to Saint Mary's and Waterbury Hospitals. This community offers extended support and a homelike environment for people with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory loss illnesses. Trained associates design care plans tailored to suit the needs and abilities of each senior. Residents have access to a recreation room, library, general store, pub, ice cream parlor and salon, and simulating, engaging activities are organized regularly to keep the residents physically and mentally active. Beautiful outdoor courtyards and walking paths offer a serene setting for residents to relax and socialize. Seniors can savor chef-prepared dining menus with modified diets, and a private dining room is available for celebrations with friends and families. Housekeeping and laundry services are also available.
Families praise the ambiance of the community. One writes, "My brother has been staying at The Village at East Farms. They're wonderful, and the staff is excellent. The food is excellent, and the dining areas are like restaurants. The place is very nice and doesn't resemble a typical nursing home. Instead, it's comfortable and more home-like."
Masonicare at Ashlar Village provides private studio apartments decorated with familiar objects from seniors' own homes. Once a week, housekeepers clean each residence and replace linens and towels, while chefs prepare three nutritionally balanced meals per day. The community cares for its residents' safety, ensuring staff members are available 24 hours a day to conduct safety checks and issuing each resident with a pendant or wrist device so they can activate emergency calls 24/7. There are also daily exercise programs and a range of therapies designed to stimulate the mind and minimize the advance of cognitive decline. Medical needs are handled by the in-house Behavioral Health Hospital, which supports residents having acute episodes, and a transportation program that helps them attend medical appointments within a 15-mile radius of the community.
Family members frequently refer to the facility's clean and spatial rooms and attention paid to small details. One wrote "Mother is very happy in an apartment with a huge bath. The meals are great in the dining area, which is beautiful and has linens and fresh flowers on the tables."
Benchmark Senior Living at Hamden is in a quiet and serene location with mountain views, where seniors living with dementia receive dedicated care and participate in enrichment activities. This community's Mind and Memory Care program has five different levels of care intensity to accommodate those at any stage of dementia progression. Caregivers help residents keep up with personal hygiene, do recreational activities and solve any problems they may face throughout the day. Benchmark Senior Living at Hamden also works to keep residents healthy by managing their medications and creating specialized diets for each of them, for which feeding assistance is available. This is a secure neighborhood with several spaces that allow residents to explore and socialize without the risk of wandering away. Management handles all housekeeping, laundry and grounds maintenance needs for the entire community. Small pets are allowed.
Reviews about the management and facilities at Benchmark Senior Living at Hamden are highly positive. One says, "The employees at Benchmark are very great and helpful. The community is very good. It is clean and presentable. The food seems to be good. The rooms are very good."