The 10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Bergen County, NJ

Juniper Village at Paramus earned a spot on our top 10 list because it uses the "small house" model in its Wellspring memory care neighborhood. This helps create a sense of home and connectedness while providing safe spaces for memory care residents to explore and has been found to improve happiness. The community hosts numerous programs and activities to maintain residents' abilities with a heavy emphasis on music and art. Trained caregivers offer 24/7 support and guidance throughout the day, maximizing independence while ensuring that residents are safe and their needs are met. Residents can receive numerous medical services on-site, including therapy-driven wellness programs and primary care, and a medical concierge is available for other services.

Sunrise of Paramus offers a touch of home in a safe community for seniors with dementia. The memory care community offers two levels: Terrace Club and Reminiscence. This allows memory care residents to receive the level of care appropriate for the stage of their cognitive decline. Terrace Club assists those in the earlier stages of memory loss, offering extra support and a structured atmosphere while they participate in engaging activities and therapies designed to boost and maintain cognitive abilities. As needs increase, residents can transition into the Reminiscence program, which caters to advanced stages of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Life skills stations encourage residents to interact and engage with memories in a secure environment, including an outdoor space.

Sunrise of Woodcliff Lake utilizes a resident-centered approach that encourages bonds to be formed between residents and care managers. This community offers both the Terrace Club and Reminiscence programs for memory care residents, catering to various stages of cognitive decline. Using the Validation Method, caregivers connect with and support residents in their own reality, easing anxiety and encouraging self-worth and well-being. Memory care residents can participate in numerous activities, such as home and life skills, parallel programming that meets each participant at their personal level and occupation-based activities. These activities take place in one-on-one settings as well as small groups that encourage engagement and focus and allow staff to assist as needed.

Brookdale Emerson's consistent care assignments earned it a place on our top 10 list. Residents are paired with the same caregivers whenever possible to promote routine and familiarity. All caregivers are trained and up-to-date on the latest dementia care practices. This community's approach to memory care is to encourage enjoyment, a sense of belonging and purpose and prevent further cognitive decline whenever possible. This is done through a daily path of engagement, which offers six programs each day that are failure-free to reduce frustration. Activities can include cooking, arts and music programs at residents' individual levels to support meaningful experiences. All of this is offered in a secure setting, including outdoor space and circular paths.

Sunrise of Edgewater residents live in a Victorian-style mansion situated amidst carefully landscaped grounds. The community offers Reminiscence memory care, where seniors can receive high-quality dementia care provided with the Validation method. Each resident receives an individual care plan catered to their needs and can receive assistance with daily living tasks, ambulation and gentle reminders as needed. During mealtimes, residents can get help as needed with reminders, hand-over-hand guidance or physical assistance. The Reminiscence neighborhood is secured with room to explore and wander guards to ensure residents' safety. To keep family members informed of their loved ones' well-being, the community's Wellness Team communicates with family members within 45 days of moving in and every 6 months after.

Sunrise of Old Tappan fosters independence and choice in a safe environment. Resident-focused programs keep seniors engaged and encourage friendships while a highly trained team of caregivers offers support with daily living. The memory care program supports a range of dementia care needs with both its Terrace Club and Reminiscence neighborhoods, where the Validation method is used to reduce anxiety. Life enrichment managers guide residents while filling their days with purpose through individualized activities and programming. The Reminiscence neighborhood, where those with advanced stages of cognitive decline reside, is designed to be smaller and centralized with suites surrounding a common area to prevent confusion and promote easy navigation.

Brighton Gardens of Saddle River earned a spot on our top 10 list because it's an award-winning community, receiving a Bronze National Quality Award from the AHCA/NCAL. This community offers both a Terrace Club and Reminiscence neighborhood as part of its memory care program. While the entire community is designed to be senior-friendly and accessible, the memory care neighborhoods feature more intimate designs with suites surrounding a common area where residents can enjoy activity stations and socialize. Residents can enjoy chef-made meals in a supportive dining environment or participate in small group programming designed to foster social engagement, brain health and physical fitness. They can also access life skills stations designed to encourage reminiscence and pleasant memories.

Allendale Senior Living earned its place on our top 10 list for offering intergenerational programs that allow memory care residents to connect with local children for fun activities. The community's design caters to how those with cognitive impairment navigate spaces to reduce distress and confusion. Residents can explore courtyards and participate in a robust schedule of activities, including aromatherapy, art, gardening and religious and spiritual services. While skilled nursing services are available around the clock, transportation can be provided to doctor's appointments for check-ups or to receive treatment for conditions that can't be managed at home. For added safety, each room has emergency response systems.

At Sunrise of Cresskill, residents can enjoy a beautiful, wooded view while being located near the amenities offered in New York City. This community has won the Silver National Quality Award from the AHCA/NCAL for its high-quality care. In memory care, residents have access to specialized care, home-cooked meals and carefully designed living spaces that meet the unique needs created by an Alzheimer's diagnosis. Reflection rooms are available, featuring soft lighting, soothing music and a calm setting where residents can meditate, pray or otherwise peacefully enjoy their time. With life skills stations spaced throughout the memory care neighborhood, residents can engage with items that connect them to past experiences and memories, such as accessories related to child care and typewriters.

Fox Trail Memory Care Living at Lake Street specializes in memory care, offering individualized care in a compassionate environment. Residents can enjoy a comfortable environment designed to help those with cognitive decline thrive. Apartments are fully furnished with plenty of natural light, and outdoor gardens and walking paths offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the sunshine. Regular programming keeps residents engaged and stimulates brain functions, while senior-friendly exercise and strength activities assist with improving and maintaining the ability to walk and balance. Whenever possible, caregivers rely on non-pharmaceutical interventions to minimize medication reliance. Residents are supported with housekeeping and laundry services and assistance with medication management.