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 Haverhill's senior population continues to grow (8% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Haverhill, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 64% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 24%, 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 (4.5% in Haverhill 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 Haverhill. 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 Haverhill, 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:
Benchmark Senior Living at Haverhill Crossings offers a welcoming atmosphere and traditional charm. The Mind and Memory Care neighborhood is designed to meet the needs of seniors in all stages of memory loss. The community offers six different levels of memory care. The basic plan is for seniors who need daily reminders but don't need additional support or exhibit aggressive behaviors. The final care level is for seniors who need assistance throughout the day and additional support to deal with emotional or behavioral issues. The building has been designed to be easy to navigate, with open floor plans in the communal areas. Each resident has a personalized care plan that includes sensory-based activities and therapy programs. Chef-prepared meals are served three times per day, and additional support is offered at meal times.
Family members appreciate the wonderful level of care provided with one reviewer saying, "I could not be happier with the staff and the level of care that Haverhill Crossing provides for mom. The atmosphere that she is in allows her to live her best life. I am comforted knowing that she is kept safe and attended to."?
Wingate Residences at Haverhill offers two distinct memory care programs, The Terrace and The Neighborhood, with care ranging from early to advanced memory impairment. The community focuses on each resident's passions and needs to create a care plan that provides quality of life in a safe, secure environment. Programming promotes engagement and self-confidence with daily interactive activities designed to stimulate cognition. Professionally trained caregivers assist with seniors' daily routines. The Terrace facilitates the transition from assisted living into memory care by providing the extra care and support needed for residents to remain independent longer. The Neighborhood serves those with more progressed cognitive decline, using specialized programming and caregiver support and incorporating technology, such as iN2L, to enhance engagement. Both programs offer dietitian services for customized nutrition that helps enhance cognition.
Reviewers praise the layout of the community. One resident's family member says, "The memory care was absolutely beautiful in the sense of the colors. They used bright colors with cream colors. Every person's doorway was a different color. You could walk from the very beginning to the end of the building, but you could still see on both sides. It was very open."
Atria Marland Place follows an innovative approach to memory care through its signature Life Guidance program. The dedicated memory care neighborhood features secure common spaces that allow safe navigation while encouraging social interaction among residents. Atria's Engage Life program includes a memory care engagement version that focuses on seniors living with dementia. Music plays an important part in the program as it helps improve mood, minimize agitation and provide a calming effect. Physical strength is emphasized, too, with at least two exercise activities scheduled daily. Dementia-trained caregivers are available around the clock, with residents benefiting from comprehensive health and wellness services, including physician consultations, access to telehealth services, special diet management and assistance with medications and prescriptions. Atria Marland Place also provides coordinated therapy services through a partnership with Fox Rehabilitation.
The whole care team receives positive comments from residents' family members. One reviewer says, "The standout for Atria Marland Place is the staff. The aides, housekeeping, nurses, janitors, receptionists. EVERYONE is kind, caring, and willing to help! I cannot stress enough how much it helped knowing my Mom was among people who truly cared."
Greystone Farm at Salem is located off Route 97 in Salem, NH, near the Massachusetts state line. This community provides a memory care area with simplified, well-marked navigation, which gives seniors independence with safety. It uses a sensory-based enrichment program to simulate the mind. Each senior receives a nursing assessment to determine which memory care services they need, and these services include a variety of cognitive therapies, such as music therapy and art programming. Seniors are placed into one of six Mind & Memory Plan levels after this assessment to ensure their safety and emotional comfort. These levels start with cueing and reminders for those with mild concerns and extend to full assistance in all aspects of care, along with emotional support to manage memory care concerns.
The homey atmosphere and amenities make this community stand out. One who toured had this to say, "I liked Greystone Farm at Salem. I liked the atmosphere, and it seemed like a nice, comfortable, and caring place. They also have transportation where they take them out for different things or medical visits."
Nestled in the rustic beauty of Massachusetts' North Shore, Ashland Farm at North Andover is a senior living community that provides assisted living and memory care using a range of six Mind and Memory Plans specially tailored to the needs associated with different stages of dementia. These range from a basic plan for those who mainly need cueing and reminders to the total care and emotional and behavioral supports of Mind and Memory V. Whatever the specific Plan, the focus is on providing individualized comfort and care in an environment that genuinely feels like home. The dedicated staff brings specialized training to their relationships with memory care residents, and caregivers are available 24/7. Award-winning chefs provide delicious meals and snacks, catering to specialized diets wherever needed.
Family and loved ones of Ashland Farm's memory care residents praise the caring staff. One writes, "The staff at Ashland Farm knows all the residents very well and treats them like family. My father is always greeted with a smile by everyone. I feel very comfortable knowing that my father is well cared for."
Atria Merrimack Place is conveniently located close to shops, medical facilities and the I-95. The Life Guidance memory care neighborhood is located in a secure section of the community. It offers a welcoming environment where residents can feel safe and at home. The program uses a person-centered approach that focuses on the current abilities of each individual and helps them maintain their cognitive and physical abilities. The Engage Life activities program provides a range of daily activities, including brain games, fitness classes, social events, religious services and arts and crafts. Seniors have access to secure indoor and outdoor communal areas where they can visit with family and friends or take part in activities. Meals are served in the communal dining area to encourage social interactions.
One family member notes the wonderful care for their mother, saying, "The facility is beautiful from her room, to the common areas and to the surrounding outdoor settings. The staff is wonderful in every aspect, and you can feel that instantly Her team in Memory Care gives of themselves to support all of her needs every day."
Located across the street from the Veterans Memorial Parkway Parcel in Salem, NH, The Residence at Salem Woods provides memory care in a quiet setting. This community offers the Reflections Memory Care program, which operates on an open campus approach. Seniors with memory loss can explore the entire campus and have a secure apartment to return to at the end of the day. All memory care staff members are certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education, and seniors receive hourly resident checks to ensure they are emotionally and physically well. A secure outdoor recreational space is available for time spent outside with less risk of wandering. Here, Lifestyle Technology helps with engagement and memory care. In addition to Wi-Fi throughout the building, they also use technology from REACT Neuro to help care for seniors with memory loss.
Visitors to this community often comment on the caring staff. One recently stated, "They have an activity in the morning and the afternoon for them. They have day trips that they go on, sometimes to the mall, sometimes just on a ride, and sometimes to go get ice cream. They had an activity where they did her fingernails."
Brightview North Andover seniors community offers dedicated memory care apartments and embedded comprehensive care services. Situated in suburban small-town feel Haverhill MA, it's near state parkland and conveniently close to medical facilities, cultural attractions and diverse dining and retail. The memory care neighborhood features 24/7 skilled nursing care in a securely monitored and restful environment. Residents receive assistance with showering, dressing, grooming and mobility as well as escorts to meals, shopping excursions and appointments. All memory care accommodations and communal spaces are designed for ease of navigation and to encourage socialization. Holistic and gold standard dementia care approaches include the use of music therapy, verbal and physical reminder cues, therapeutic hands-on reassurance and physical activities designed to foster joy and preserve function. There's also an onsite pub with billiards table, a theater and a spa for residents to enjoy.
Residents' relatives are enthusiastic about the professionalism and compassion of the community's memory care associates, with one saying: "WOW, Brightview, North Andover is exceptional! The staff are all so respectful, caring, and thoughtful, not too mention knowledgeable regarding outside resources when needed. I am so thankful to have found such an amazing home for my Mom."
Avita of Newburyport is a stylish and upbeat senior community, located adjacent to the Anna Jaques Hospital in the historic seaport of Newburyport, MA. Specializing in memory care, the community offers residents a safe, secure living environment and compassionate support with everyday living tasks, such as bathing, dressing and grooming. An emergency response system is also provided, enabling staff to quickly provide assistance if needed. Residents' apartments are bright and cheerful, while an attractive interior courtyard is the ideal spot to spend time in the sunshine and chat with neighbors. A thoughtfully designed activity program that includes wellness sessions, cooking and creative pursuits provides physical and mental stimulation as well as plenty of opportunities for social interaction. Mealtimes are another highlight, and a team of culinary experts creates three delicious and wholesome meals daily, using fresh, local ingredients.
Residents and their families love the kind, caring ambience. One reviewer writes, "We recently moved my grandmother to Avita of Newburyport, and she's absolutely thriving. She says she feels like a queen and has never been treated so well in her life. I highly recommend this [community] to anyone who is experiencing the challenges of an aged loved one with memory loss. "
In addition to assisted living services, Benchmark Senior Living at Putnam Farm offers five levels of research-driven, needs-based mind and memory care for seniors with all stages of dementia, including those needing intensive emotional and behavioral support. In the community's secure memory care neighborhoods, long-serving caregivers with dementia communication and empathy training are on duty 24/7, overseen by a nurse with decades of senior care experience. Residents can benefit from individually tailored, evolving care plans, specially modified chef-prepared meals and goal-oriented programs designed to boost cognitive skills, preserve memories and provide relaxing, joy-filled days. Program activities often include pet and music therapy, gardening, journey stations, dancing and crafts. All accommodations are pet-friendly, and a general store, a hair salon, aquatic hydrotherapy baths and outdoor patios are a few of the on-site amenities. A short-term rehabilitation location conveniently neighbors the community.
Families are happy with the personalized attention their relatives receive in the memory care wing. One person says, "The staff here is friendly [and] welcoming, and they've really done a great job helping my loved one feel at home! Everyone on the staff knew her by name within a few days and knew the sorts of extra assistance she would need."
Benchmark Senior Living at Billerica Crossings is surrounded by relaxing New England countryside, providing a peaceful setting where seniors can enjoy their golden years. The Mind and Memory program offers a safe and welcoming environment that allows residents to maintain their independence while receiving the support they require. Chef-prepared meals are served in the communal dining room each day, and the meals are designed to be a sensory experience that encourages seniors to eat and try new foods. Texture-modified meals are offered, and special assistance is available at meal times. Daily activities may include sensory activities, therapy sessions, musical entertainment, arts and crafts and religious services. Experienced caregivers are available at all times to provide support and reminders throughout the day.
Family members are impressed by the well-maintained community and welcoming staff, with one reviewer saying, "The [community] itself was intimate and clean, with a beautiful dining room for the residents and a patio outside for cookouts. They held events every day for the residents to keep them happy and busy. The employees, from nurses to the cleaning staff, waitresses to maintenance, were all helpful and friendly."
The memory care suites and amenities at Windsor Place of Wilmington offer a homelike ambience, keeping residents comfortable and relaxed. Common areas, such as the main dining room, have plenty of natural light, while the living areas have overstuffed chairs and inviting fireplaces to promote quiet lounging or socializing. Safety is a top priority, so each apartment is equipped with an emergency response system, and caregivers are on-site 24/7 to provide assistance during emergencies. Staff members are highly trained in memory care and conduct regular reviews of residents' care plans to ensure proper care and support are given. The community encourages seniors to participate in activities such as reading, group exercises and visits to local libraries to help improve their cognitive health.
Family members appreciate the wonderful staff and the care their loved ones receive. One writes, "The owner and staff were very responsive to my parents and my family's needs. I knew [they were] getting the best care possible. I would not hesitate to recommend Windsor Place."
The Atrium at Drum Hill sits close to major roadways for easy access to the North Chelmsford, MA, community while feeling peaceful and intimate due to the trees surrounding the property. Providing only holistic, personalized memory care, this senior community tailors care based on the stages of memory loss by specially trained 24/7 caregivers as well as specialized external care providers who visit. The community is easy to navigate to keep residents independent with comfortable pet-friendly studio apartments featuring private bathrooms. Sensory-based enrichment includes therapeutic experiences such as fitness, music, art and baking, and caregivers use objects and activities to encourage reminiscing. The specialized sensory dining program integrates music and smells to soothe seniors while they eat, with options for modified dining to ensure proper nutrition. Residents have access to secure common areas, including patios, gardens, gazebos and activity spaces.
Loved ones often talk about the quality care and safety. One person says, "We are very pleased with this facility. My loved one is very safe and receives great care. The staff is very friendly and aware and alert. I would recommend them to friends and family."
The memory care neighborhood at Sunrise of Lynnfield addresses the specific needs of each resident, taking a tailored approach to how far each person's dementia has progressed and what their individual needs are as they age. Seniors with memory loss get daily group therapy and fun activities to stimulate their cognition and memories. Residents with more advanced memory loss can get the care they need out of the intensive Reminiscences program, which has a low staff-to-resident ratio and highly personalized supervision and caregiver services. Medication management and nursing services are provided weekly by a licensed staff nurse who works with each resident and their care team through Sunrise's proprietary CareConnect app. This app connects doctors and family members to seniors' progress and care.
Family members often leave 5-star reviews that mention the community's kindness and helpful transition services. One person says: "Sunrise of Lynnfield is a wonderful option if you are looking for assisted living or memory care. The staff members are caring, kind, and extremely helpful as you are making a decision and transitioning a family member into their new home."
Situated in a tree-lined area of Haverhill, MA, The Residence at Freeman Lake offers a quiet location that's close to major roadways, giving families easy access. Residents choose between one-bedroom and studio apartments with housekeeping, laundry and linen services included. The caregivers assist with daily care tasks, medication management, continence care and oxygen assistance, and all associates hold a certification from the National Institute for Dementia Education. Through the Reflections Memory Care program, residents engage in activities that create life experiences and engagement, such as expressive art therapy designed to stimulate the brain. The open campus environment keeps residents safe while allowing them to move about freely with several secure common areas, including outdoor areas. Hourly resident checks also improve safety.
People often mention the care and safety. One says, "We are very happy with the care our loved one is receiving in the memory unit. Our loved one is happy, well fed, clean, entertained, and most important, he feels safe. There is always someone available to help him, or just talk with him. The staff is wonderful."
The Residence at Pearl Street provides memory care services for seniors in the historic neighborhood of Reading, MA. A trained team of caregivers in the Reflections Memory Care Program makes life easier for residents by aiding them with daily living tasks, such as walking, bathing, dressing and toileting. The Reflections program is based on the Five Principles of Vitality, which help connect seniors with others through learning, physical fitness, culture, self-care and wellness. Residents are welcome to order a meal from the breakfast, lunch or dinner menu at any time throughout the day in the restaurant. Housekeeping services, exercise classes, visiting medical professionals, maintenance and handyman access and complimentary transportation are also available at The Residence.
Relatives comment on the community's cleanliness, hard-working staff and engaging activities. One reviewer writes, "The Residence at Pearl Street is a warm, welcoming [community]. Clean, comfortable in a lovely neighborhood. Has a range of activities and outings. The food is delicious. The staff works hard to please and care for all guests. Would definitely recommend it."
Seasons of Danvers is surrounded by trees, creating a peaceful place to call home. This assisted living community specializes in caring for seniors with dementia, using a resident-centered plan that bases care on needs and preferences. Each month, the team attends in-person classes on dementia care to deliver quality, around-the-clock assistance to the residents. They also help with personal care and medication monitoring, and residents receive linen and personal laundry services. Private and semiprivate suites are arranged in smaller neighborhoods to allow more freedom while reducing confusion. Each neighborhood features a secure outdoor garden with pathways and seating for sensory engagement and gardening opportunities. The community offers failure-free programming with a variety of wellness, cultural and educational activities to keep residents engaged. Other features include a salon, sunrooms and internet cafe.
Residents appreciate the care and surroundings. One person says, "We like the excellent care from the staff at this community for my mom. She is happy with the staff who are attentive and caring. The community is clean and she is happy with the nice variety of the menu. The activities are offered for her"
Giving Tree Senior Living is a family-operated senior community focused on memory care that's conveniently located in Dracut, MA. Residents with dementia and other cognitive impairments receive personal care each day, as well as a host of social programming and services provided by 24-hour staff. A full calendar of stimulating activities, such as fitness exercises, outings and games, makes the lives of seniors more interesting and fun. Three times per day, an executive chef and culinary crew prepare and serve made-from-scratch dishes in the restaurant-style dining room. All apartments in the community have an emergency call system, cable television, phone and Wi-Fi services, along with housekeeping to keep everything clean and tidy. Other amenities include scheduled transportation, a beauty salon and pharmacy delivery.
Residents and their loved ones emphasize community cleanliness and attentive care, with one reviewer writing, "I can't say enough about how wonderful Giving Tree Senior Living is. The staff goes over and above, the property is beautiful, clean and welcoming, the food is tasty, and most importantly - they treat the residents with respect, warmth and dignity."
Located close to I-95 and other major roadways, The Atrium at Veronica Drive is easily accessible by friends and family wanting to visit residents. The tranquil community was built specifically and exclusively for residents with memory loss to create a secure, inviting atmosphere that engages the senses. The care team includes a certified dementia practitioner and Dementia Live trained caregivers who provide compassionate round-the-clock assistance with daily activities. Modified dining helps seniors get the nutrition they need, and the sensory dining experience includes soothing music and scents to maximize residents' nutrition. Common spaces, including outdoor patios with gazebos and gardens, are secure so that residents can explore safely. Therapeutic activities include reminiscing opportunities and engaging programs, such as gardening, fitness, music, arts and cooking for cognitive stimulation. The pet-friendly community also features an on-site hair salon and scheduled transportation.
Families often talk about the level of care provided. One person states, "What we like most about The Atrium at Veronica Drive is the quality of care the staff members give to my mother. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this community to other families."
Stone Hill at Andover is a senior living community situated a short drive from I-495 and downtown conveniences, such as shops and restaurants. The community's Avita Memory Care neighborhood is a safe and nurturing place for those with cognitive impairments who require assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming and other daily tasks. Residents are able to request immediate help from trained caregivers thanks to an emergency response system. Every day, chefs create and serve nutritious meals in the dining area using fresh local ingredients grown on nearby farms. A full calendar of stimulating activities and entertaining programs encourages seniors to socialize and form new friendships with other residents. Additional amenities available at Stone Hill include housekeeping, transportation to medical appointments and a peaceful sunlit courtyard.
Loved ones compliment the community's caring, attentive staff. One relative writes, "The RCAs and staff who tend to my mom are angels. They are well-trained and so compassionate. My mom is well cared for, and despite her rise in needs, she is always well-groomed, respected and tended to."