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 Fall River's senior population continues to grow (7% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Fall River, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 31% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 22%, 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 (5% in Fall River 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 Fall River. 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 Fall River, 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:
Memory care at The Residence at Cedar Dell in Fall River, MA focuses on a set of Five Principles for Vitality: Physical Fitness, Continued Learning, Arts & Culture, Community Connections and Wellness and Self-Care. Residents are encouraged to live up to their fullest potential, while staff also provides 24-hour assistance with activities of daily living to foster a convenient, homelike environment. Housekeeping and laundry services, three chef-made daily meals, optional in-room dining, transportation options, an emergency call system and a concierge for personal shopping and errands help keep life simple and easy for residents with cognitive impairments. Opportunities for social engagement and recreation are plentiful, with a weekly schedule of activities and many common areas for spending time with friends. The community also features secure, landscaped grounds where residents can enjoy a stroll in the fresh air and sunshine.
Family members are pleased with the kind and caring staff. One reviewer writes, "The entire staff at Cedar Dell were fabulous. The professionalism combined with compassion was incredible." Another loved one of a resident says, "I noticed they treat my Mom like their own and that means a lot to me."
Memory care services at The Cottages at Dartmouth Village are individually tailored to meet the needs of each resident and their loved ones. Services are based on the Opal approach, a holistic memory care method that focuses on seven different aspects of well-being, including physical, social and therapeutic. Staff learn the life story of each senior and maintain a document called "54 Things About Me" that helps them deliver customized care. Suites at the cottages are specifically designed to be dementia-friendly and include an emergency communication system, spacious bathrooms and access to a secured courtyard. Seniors enjoy an active lifestyle and can participate in fitness programming, social events and off-site excursions. Therapeutic programming is designed to engage different senses, including everything from music therapy to horticulture therapy.
Residents and their families appreciate the atmosphere at the Cottages. One family member says, "It is a beautiful community with wonderful grounds. The staff are warm and friendly. They are very appreciative of any time you spend there with your loved one and are welcoming to the family. Some of the activities include parties, trips in the van, exercises, walks around the gardens, music, and more."
Brookdale Sakonnet Bay in Tiverton, RI, offers a comprehensive memory care program for residents with all forms of dementia. The Clare Bridge Memory Care program incorporates a daily structured routine of enjoyable activities and personal care to help residents gain a sense of familiarity and security. Whenever possible, seniors are assigned the same team of staff to work with on a daily basis, to help reduce confusion and foster meaningful relationships. Staff members are on duty 24/7, and building entrances are secured to ensure resident safety. The Solace program offers specialized care for residents with late-stage dementia and focuses on engaging the senses with music and aromatherapy, as well as offering extra time for personal grooming. Pets are welcome at the community.
Excellent food is a highlight that families have taken note of. One reviewer writes, "They had a very nice meal selection. You can have as much as you want and you're able to have guests." Another family member says, "Our mother absolutely loves the meals and dining service, she is getting such great care which gives us a huge relief."
At Atria Fairhaven, memory care patients are supported by Atria's Life Guidance program. This inclusive program is contained within a secure, custom-designed neighborhood and residents have individualized, 24/7 support from staff with extensive dementia training. Seniors can participate in a wide variety of events and outings to stay engaged and have access to a full-service, family-style dining environment designed to foster social connections. Atria collaborates with FOX Rehabilitation to bring physical, occupational and speech therapies right to residents' doors, ensuring each senior receives necessary care without the need for disruptive travel. Memory care residents are equipped with emergency alert pendants or wristbands for additional security and peace of mind.
Residents and families rave about the care provided at this location. One reviewer says, "Atria offers a balance of activities for socialization, fitness, recreation, and entertainment. The food is good and there are a variety of choices offered. The staff is caring and our family member has developed good personal relationships with both staff and other residents."
Memory care residents at Autumn Glen at Dartmouth live in the secured Avita neighborhood and receive 60 minutes of daily individualized care as part of the standard memory care package, though additional care is available. Each resident entering the neighborhood receives a personally tailored care plan that takes into account individual health and wellness goals. In addition to ambulatory care, medication management and assistance with activities of daily living, the staff provides 24/7 emergency monitoring, and residents have access to an emergency response system. Incontinence care and transportation to and from medical appointments are also provided. The community's on-site resident activities range from light exercise, book clubs and gardening to cooking classes, art workshops and religious services. Housekeeping and laundry services are available on-site.
Reviewers appreciate the staff's friendliness toward residents and attentiveness to their needs. One reviewer writes, "My grandparents and my entire family were treated like family there by everyone. Autumn Glen was a godsend to our family."
Greenwich Farms at Warwick is located just a 23-mile drive west of Fall River, MA, across the Massachusetts-Rhode Island border in a secure suburban assisted living and memory care community. Each memory care resident receives a nursing assessment so staff can develop a personalized care plan for their unique needs. The community divides its memory care services into different Mind & Memory Care Levels, with each level offering increasingly comprehensive memory care services. Trained and compassionate care staff are available on-site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, assisting residents with activities of daily living and offering on-site health care services and multi-sensory programs that promote physical, social and intellectual wellness. Chef-prepared meals are served restaurant-style in the dining room with accommodations for special diets and other concerns available. Laundry and housekeeping services are also provided by community staff.
Families praise the community's staff and atmosphere. One reviewer writes, "The caregivers and staff at Greenwich Farms are very friendly, engaging and truly care for the residents here. There is such a warm, welcoming feel to this assisted living and it brings great relief knowing that my loved one is safe, well cared for and very well treated!"
Located across the state border from Fall River, MA, Halcyon at West Bay is a senior living community offering memory care in Warwick, RI. Its signature memory care program, known as Reflections, features a trained, dedicated staff and coordinator. Each resident in the Reflections program receives an individualized care plan meant to help them stay as active as possible, and activities are specially designed for memory care residents. Meal plans can also be customized to each resident's needs. To help keep residents who may be prone to wandering safe, the Reflections community is located in a secured wing. Residents have access to a secure outdoor space, where they can relax and socialize. Assisted living amenities, such as the salon and television room, are available to Reflections residents. Housekeeping is included in the monthly rate.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the staff's compassion and dedication. One family member writes, "From the day we visited, the staff was very transparent, welcoming and open, answered all of our questions, and they even provided us with a welcome packet full of information and answers to all of our questions to take home with us. "
All American Assisted Living at Warwick provides residents with memory care suites specifically created to support healthy memory and cognitive skills. This community also provides nursing staff and personal care 24 hours a day. Residents receive assessments regularly to ensure their health and benefit from medication management, support groups and help with daily living activities such as bathing and grooming. Three restaurant quality meals are provided each day, ensuring that residents are healthy and nurtured. As part of this community, residents can participate in the wellness program for balanced health care. The community provides transport and assistance for medical appointments or other reasons. Signature program activities include on-site events and off-site excursions.
Residents and their families appreciate the quality of the staff and the engaging atmosphere at the community. One family member says, "My sister moved into All American Assisted Living at Warwick. The place is great. The staff is fabulous and very, very helpful. The food is very good. They have a lot of things for activities. They have like 10-12 activities per day."
Atria Bay Springs is a memory care community in Barrington, RI, 14 miles away from Fall River, MA. Staff members provide 24/7 support with activities like grooming, ambulation and medication management. An on-site physician provides regular checkups to monitor residents' health. Physical and occupational therapists at the wellness center can help residents live more independently, and daily exercise groups help seniors build strength. Residents enjoy pet-friendly rooms that include standard utilities, while staff takes care of housekeeping and laundry services. Residents can participate in activities that interest them, such as live music and cooking. The full-service salon provides haircuts and manicures. Chefs serve three healthy meals and snacks each day, and guests can eat outdoors or book a private dining room for special events.
Visitors appreciate the well-maintained building and the friendly staff members. One writes, "Atria Bay Spring Village was immaculate and well appointed. The apartment was well-laid out, fresh, and clean. The staff who assisted me during the tour was friendly and knowledgeable. The dining area looked very lovely and accommodating."
Located just 15 miles from Fall River, MA, across the Massachusetts-Rhode Island border is Anchor Bay at East Providence, a scenic and pet-friendly retirement community. Its intentionally designed memory care neighborhood features optimized lighting and way-finding signs to prevent confusion. Caregivers develop personalized routines for each senior based on their energy patterns, stimulating the body, mind and senses through exercise, aromatherapy and the arts. Additionally, group outings allow seniors to relax and engage with friends. The stylish common areas are arranged for accessibility and conversation, and they're decorated with soothing artwork to kindle nostalgia. Restaurant-style dining is a social and reminiscent occasion, offering seniors the opportunity to cook dishes from their past alongside fellow residents and staff. The cozy apartments, which come equipped with Wi-Fi, cable TV and weekly housekeeping, are designed for comfort and safety.
Residents and family members value the family-like atmosphere and inviting design. The sibling of one resident writes, "The staff is very professional and they create a warm and caring community that is like an extended family. [.] All of the staff are very friendly and the building is very clean, spacious and well furnished."
Atria Harborhill provides memory care to residents of Rhode Island near Fall River, MA. Residents receive personalized care plans that are coordinated with doctors and family members. Caregivers help with ambulation, personal grooming and mealtime assistance. Licensed nurses provide wellness checks and supervise caregivers to administer medications. The community has on-site physical, speech and occupational therapists that work with residents to improve mobility and functionality. A fitness trainer helps residents to gain strength at the fitness center, and the community also has a chapel and library. Guests can walk on secure outdoor pathways that connect to residential gardens. Atria Harborhill is pet friendly and has security features designed specifically for memory care patients. The staff provides housekeeping and laundry services and caregivers provide a comforting environment while they assist at mealtimes. Chefs prepare three meals a day, and special diets are accommodated.
Family members say their loved ones are well cared for by informative staff members. One writes, "My sister is well and lovingly taken care of at Atria Harborhill. She has a beautiful room with a nice view that she enjoys. The staff are generally very responsive to my questions and concerns."
Anchor Bay at Greenwich is an apartment building designed to keep memory care residents secure, safe and mobile. Electronic doors, enhanced lighting, and walkways with ramps and hand-rails help more independent residents find their way to social engagement opportunities and to the dining room. The focus of Anchor Bay's memory care program is on social interaction, with chances to connect with others during "Sit and Be Fit" exercise classes, meal-times and special events, such as birthdays and holidays. A licensed nurse assesses each resident to make sure care needs are always met. The care is discrete and attentive, with round-the-clock staffing and medication supervision. An emergency call system or wearable alert button is available to all memory care residents. Employees are on-site 24/7 to respond to emergencies, as well as offer assisted daily living services, such as medication supervision, grooming, bathing and incontinence needs.
Residents and their families love the community's environment and amenities. One says, "Its recent renovation is stunning Food quality here is top-notch and attractively presented. Both Assisted Living and Memory Support residents are always sure to have a variety of engaging daily experiences to choose from."
Nestled next to Bold Point Park in East Providence, Tockwotton on the Waterfront provides memory care and assisted living less than 20 minutes driving distance from Fall River, MA. The community's Journey Club lifestyle program gives memory care residents a choice in how they spend their day, such as by watching favorite movies, listening to music and playing specially designed games. Its courtyard memory care neighborhood is designed to offer a safe, caring environment and includes a secure, enclosed courtyard with an herb and cutting garden. Residents in memory care reside in private studio apartments, many of which have waterfront or courtyard views. They also have access to a full-service salon, theater room and fitness center.
Tockwotton on the Waterfront receives rave reviews for its hotel-like ambiance. A resident's loved one writes, "The facility was like a 4-star resort, like a hotel with incredible views of the river. The facilities were absolutely amazing though and definitely made you want to live there yourself!"
Wingate Residences on Blackstone Boulevard has a team of memory care professionals who care for seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementia. It offers services based on the Three W's program, which includes Wellness, Wisdom and Warmth. The Wingate Wisdom program involves purposeful activities such as It's Never Too Late, The Artist Inside and Cooking Up A Memory, which stimulates minds and offers avenues for memory recall, socialization and engagement. Wingate Wellness offers movement therapy, fall prevention and safety programming, which entails exercises for residents with memory loss to remain fit and active. Memory care residents can enjoy an exciting dining experience in carefully designed environments that serve nutritious chef-prepared meals created by cognitive experts. Wingate's Wellness recognizes family members as an integral part of memory care. It incorporates music therapy and spiritual programs that help residents interact and bond with their family members.
Families seem to love their experience with Wingate Residences on Blackstone Boulevard. One relative says, "Wingate Residences on Blackstone Boulevard was fantastic. It's a great facility. We liked that they were the only ones with an early-stage memory center. They have a nice movie theater, a therapy area, and a nice private kitchen that they can use to cook. The staff was also really nice."
Capitol Ridge at Providence is a senior care community that lies just a 20-mile drive west of Fall River, MA, across the Massachusetts-Rhode Island border. From this beautiful setting, the community provides personalized assisted living, memory care, and respite care services to seniors in the area. In their Mind & Memory Care program, memory care residents are supervised and cared for 24/7 by trained nurturing associates. Care is divided into various Mind & Memory Care Levels, with each level offering residents increasingly comprehensive memory care services. Each resident receives a customized care plan to meet their unique health and memory care needs. Residents have access to a schedule of supportive, multi-sensory and mind-stimulating activities and programming that focus on their personal interests, helping them build stronger connections and support their cognitive abilities.
Families are quite satisfied with this community, with one family member saying, "While moving her to assisted living was a very difficult decision, we couldn't be happier with our choice. The compassion from every staff member we have encountered has been immeasurable and this has provided our family with the peace of mind we needed."
Anchor Bay at Pocasset provides memory care support for seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementia through individualized care plans. The DayPulse program creates daily routines for memory care residents based on their energy patterns. Highly trained caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with daily activities, such as mobility dressing, hygiene and medication reminders. Residents can access on-site specialized medical services through coordination with nearby healthcare providers. The community provides comfortable apartments with wheelchair-accessible showers and emergency alert systems. Through the Creative Kitchen program, memory care residents can get three daily chef-prepared meals that accommodate their dietary needs and can even cook alongside the culinary staff. Secure indoor and outdoor spaces have carefully designed artwork to invoke a sense of nostalgia and place. The community also provides supervised outings, shopping and community activities.
Reviewers rave about the services at Anchor Bay at Pocasset. One family member notes, "We will give the highest rating possible because they are very helpful, and the facility has worked out very positively. The strength that I will recognize is the fact that all of the staff are very caring and very helpful people who willingly make the transition of our aunt as seamless as possible."
Wingate Residences on the East Side is located across the Massachusetts-Rhode Island border, a 22-mile drive west of Fall River, MA, overlooking the Seekonk River. This care community provides memory care and assisted living services to seniors throughout the area. With bright and spacious common areas and beautiful landscaping, the community is designed to invoke the warm and inviting feeling of home. Residents receive assistance with activities of daily living and access to a range of amenities, such as a gym and wellness center and a schedule of stimulating daily activities. In The Neighborhood at Wingate, memory care residents have access to 24-hour support staff, a specialized meal plan, a secured outdoor patio, and reminder services. Community staff checks on memory care residents hourly to ensure their health and safety.
Families are impressed with the community's high-quality environment, saying, "The dining hall looks like a resort. And people can choose from the menus or request custom meals! You could go to an expensive restaurant and not get better food or service! The rooms were beautiful and the atmosphere was comforting and bright. I highly recommend Wingate!"
The Highlands on the East Side lies a short distance away from Miriam Hospital across the Massachusetts-Rhode Island border, roughly a 24-mile drive west of Fall River, MA, by car. This vibrant senior care community offers personalized memory care in a nurturing and engaging environment. Staff coordinates with physicians to ensure that each resident receives the utmost care. Residents have access to 24-hour licensed nursing staff and receive supervision and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and getting dressed, health monitoring and medication management. The secured exterior courtyard and emergency response system ensure that memory care residents are well-guarded throughout their stay. The community also provides residents with transportation to medical appointments and regular excursions to local attractions and exciting shopping destinations.
Families are raving about their experiences with the community, saying, "A beloved family member, aged 69, moved into The Highlands this year. She is thriving! The staff is so kind and intelligent. They treat her with great respect and care. They are doing a good job supporting her special health needs and offering activities she enjoys."
Darlington Memory Lane management understands the benefits of home-like settings in caring for Alzheimer's and dementia residents. As such, they have set their programs in a home-like secure residential community. The staff has a balanced approach to memory restoration through behavioral and medication therapies to treat Alzheimer's and dementia. Regarding therapies, the community has a Therapeutic Relaxation Room where they use multi-sensory mechanisms to stimulate lethargic senses, calm agitated residents and restore memory using familiar objects, smells, sounds, etc. Mainly, this information guides the staff on how they can tend to the resident's sleep and wake cycles, self-care routines and hobbies. At Darlington, residents feel relaxed and at home with the cozy surroundings and attentive staff. The low staff turnover ensures residents see familiar faces daily, which enhances their health.
Family members of residents are especially fond of the esteemed staff. One says, "My mother was a resident at Darlington Memory Lane for 5 years. I can't say enough positive things about Darlington. She was treated with the most respect, kindness, love & compassion that I personally never knew existed. I feel that the staff went well beyond the average care that one would receive at an assisted living establishment."
Brookdale Centre of New England is a picturesque senior home located southwest of Providence, RI, in Coventry. The secure compound style premises are monitored, and trained staff is on-site 24/7 to watch over residents. Brookdale's signature memory care program, called Clare Bridge, begins with an initial assessment that gauges the resident's level of dementia. A skilled health care and activities program is then curated for the individual. Memory care residents participate in simple activities that suit their level, such as cooking, gardening or doing arts and crafts. Fitness classes, dancing and Tai Chi keep residents active. Three nutritious meals are served a day. The cost of memory care includes assisted living services, such as grooming, bathing and dealing with incontinence. Memory care residents can enjoy fresh air in an outdoor courtyard.
Reviewers compliment the amenities and overall environment. One says, "I toured Brookdale Centre of New England and the whole place looks like an expensive resort. It's really terrific. The staff was great. The price was affordable. I'd recommend it to anybody. It's nice. They had a beautiful dining hall that looked like a fancy restaurant and the lady who gave us a tour was wonderful."