10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Rochester, NY
Memory care facilities provide housing and 24/7 access to specialty care for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. These communities offer a variety of on-site therapies, catered activities, and built-in safety features that facilitate an ideal environment for seniors with dementia. Specialized memory care is available for individuals with memory impairment in dedicated communities or in specialized wings of assisted living facilities.
Rochester’s memory care facilities prioritize activities and therapies geared specifically toward seniors with dementia, and they hire staff members who are trained to reduce confusion and agitation for patients, so you can rest assured that your loved one is in good hands. Plus, Rochester is a great place for seniors with dementia and their families alike, with its stunning views of Lake Ontario, its accessible beaches and parks, and more.
Rochester families seeking memory care for a loved one can turn to A Place for Mom for help finding the best option. We have 13 in-network facilities in the Rochester area, and our team can help you identify the best fit within a 10-mile radius of the city center that meets your family’s unique needs.
This guide includes information on local memory care facilities and their costs, regulations, and senior-specific local resources.
Rochester Memory Care Facilities | 550 Reviews
Pretty much a 5 across the board. For me the most important thing is the how the staff treats my mom, and over the course of the last year everyone has been kind and patient with her. Even the housekeeping...
Cranberry Landing is a smaller facility. It is clean and well kept. Very home like . Staff is wonderful. Very kind, argentine to the needs of the residents. Food is very good with lots of choices. Rooms are...
My loved one was previously a resident at Peregrine Senior Living at Crimson Ridge Meadows and this facility is great! The staff is amazing! They are very involved with the residents. Communication with the...
The staff is wonderful and kind and very helpful. What I find lacking is that with my sister in particular, she is a type two diabetic and uses a CPAP machine. The staff is not testing her sugar levels daily...
This facility is kept clean and tidy, but the most important thing is that the staff are tremendous. They are caring and helpful, and always keep you well informed. I recommend them without qualification.
I would recommend Sage Harbor. I believe that everyone I have been in contact with Cares. That is the most important thing. They genuinely care.
Very pleased with his care. They check with us for everything. They are very accommodating. If he wants something else, they will find it for him. They have plenty of activities but at 97 if you don't go get...
The staff at Legacy at Grand Vie are very friendly and so are the residents. They ask the residents how they like the facility.
Communication is not great. You have to be on top of them. Some of their rules are different from other places. Several of the day staff is an A+ Activities are good with one of the ladies, a lot for mom to...
All the staff has been fantastic helping my parents transition from their own home into assisted living. The staff helps dispense medication and makes their bed daily. The laundry is done weekly, but needs...
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I would give Heathwood a 4. There have been some instances of poor communication. The facility is spotless! Staff are always friendly and approachable, from maintenance to administration I have had...
The facility is very clean and has good food and activities. The move in process was very easy. I had good communication for most things. There has been some questions as to what day she is scheduled for a...
She was very well cared for at Heather Heights and I would highly recommend it to someone in the future. They were very good, not perfect always but no place is these days. They were very good to her even at...
After touring the complexes A Place For Mom set up for us, Unity exceeded our expetations. Beautiful grounds. Bright clean buildings. Many activities. Fine dining options. Friendly staff. Outside areas...
I would rate 5 on all categories. Every time I see the A Place for Mom commercial on TV I'm reminded how difficult it would have been to navigate this process without your help. Mom's in a great place -...
Management in any organization leads the staff in how care is given. This facility has a director who cares about her residents and staff and she encourages/leads her staff to care for their residents as if...
Their staff team is great. Help keep my father engaged and safe. He has lost most of his vision and needs a good deal of help.
A great place to live. Lots of activities. Great care. Very clean.
This is a nice community. The staff is excellent and very caring for the needs that need to be taken care of . The food appears to be good. We are happy that they do have activities for others who want to...
Dad’s experience at Baywinde Sage Harbor was a very good one. He had many caring aides and nurses and the caring went all the way to the top administrators. The meals were good and the staff always were...
My Mother was in rehab twice with St. Ann's after major surgery. To finally have some peace and quiet and a private room and private bathroom, was a welcome relief after being in the hospital. The...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Rochester community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Rochester community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of memory care in the Rochester, New York, area
- What families are saying about memory care in Rochester
- How people pay for memory care in Rochester, New York
- Understand New York laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- What to expect from memory care living in Rochester, New York
- Rochester memory care services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Rochester, New York? Highlights for seniors
Costs of memory care in the Rochester, New York, area
The monthly average cost of memory care within A Place for Mom’s in-network communities in Rochester is $5,192, including associated fees and service fee add-ons.[01] Some memory care communities may have admissions fees, and the overall cost can vary depending on location, floor plan, amenities (such as outsourced therapy programs), and additional services.
The following costs represent average baseline costs, not including any additional fees, in Rochester and the surrounding areas.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Rochester, NY vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Rochester, NY vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Rochester vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Rochester, NY by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Rochester over time
What families are saying about memory care in Rochester
Recent reviews for memory care in Rochester
The Village at Towngate in Rochester, NY
Crimson Ridge Meadows in Rochester, NY
Heathwood Assisted Living at Penfield
Rochester review score based on 130 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 130 reviews of 38 Rochester memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Rochester review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Rochester memory care
When memory care residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 130 reviews of 38 Rochester memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Rochester resident and family memory care satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for memory care in Rochester, New York
There are a range of payment options for memory care in Rochester, including private funds, public funds, and veterans benefits. Seniors and their families can choose a variety of payment options that best suit their needs. Explore this section to learn about private pay, Medicare, Medicaid, and VA benefits for memory care.
Private pay methods for memory care in Rochester can include income sources like savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns, as well as the following:
There are local and national resources that veterans can use to support their time in a memory care facility.
One resource veterans can turn to is Veterans Service Organizations (VSOs). VSOs are organizations that serve veterans, service members, dependents, and survivors. One of the primary ways VSOs aid veterans is by connecting them with accredited veterans service representatives who can help them apply for VA benefits. You can find information on how to get in touch with these resources in this list below.
More specialized benefits programs include the VA Aid and Attendance pension and the VA Geriatrics and Extended Care program. To be eligible for these VA benefits, seniors must be enrolled in VA health care and have the VA acknowledge that they require specific treatment, such as memory care. Eligibility for these benefits are subject to several considerations, such as the veteran’s type of discharge, and income level. To verify eligibility, get in touch with your local VA office.
Number of veterans who live in Rochester
Percentage of Rochester veterans who are 75+
Resources for Rochester, New York, veterans
Monroe County Veterans Service Agency
125 Westfall Road
Rochester, NY 14620
Phone: 585-753-6040
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars
200 West Ave.
Rochester, NY 14611
Phone: 585-436-6130
VA New York Regional Office
201 Varick St.
4th Floor
New York, NY 10014
Phone: 1-800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
New York State Division of Veterans’ Services
2 Empire State Plaza
17th Floor
Albany, NY 12223
Phone: 1-888-838-7697
Medicaid (called Medicaid Managed Care in New York) is a program designed to provide health care coverage to vulnerable populations, or to people who might not otherwise have health insurance coverage.
Most senior care under Medicaid’s long-term care coverage (except nursing homes) is offered through Home and Community-Based Services or 1915(c) waivers. These waivers allow states to use Medicaid funds to provide care services, including memory care, to seniors in their homes or assisted living settings. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services regulates senior care broadly through the waiver program. To qualify for waivers, states must follow federal regulations.
In New York, enrollment in the Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) system is required for those who are eligible for both Medicaid and Medicare, are over 21 years of age, and need community-based long-term care services for more than 120 days. It delivers long-term care services for people who are chronically ill or disabled and want to remain in their homes and communities, including memory care facilities.
Adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia — who can no longer afford to pay privately for a Special Needs Assisted Living Residence (SNALR) — generally have to enroll in Medicaid. To allow people to stay in their facility instead of having to move to a Medicaid facility, New York enacted the Special Needs Assisted Living Voucher Residence Program for Persons With Dementia.
You can check SNALR eligibility here and apply for the SNALR program here. The SNALR voucher program instituted a waitlist for new applicants starting June 23, 2021. Applications will undergo rigorous evaluation to ensure that only those who meet the program’s eligibility standards are waitlisted. Eligible or not, applicants will receive an email update on their waitlist status.
The Monroe County Office for the Aging can connect seniors with advocates to help them with the process of determining eligibility and applying for benefits. The long-term care ombudsman is another resource for this type of assistance. You can apply for Medicaid through the Monroe County Department of Human Services Financial Assistance Division.
Rochester, New York, resident Medicaid resources
Monroe County Department of Human Services Financial Assistance Division
111 Westfall Road
Rochester, NY 14620
691 St. Paul St.
Rochester, NY 14605
Phone: 585-753-2760
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Monroe County Office for the Aging
435 E Henrietta Road
3rd Floor, Faith-East
Rochester, NY 14620
Phone: 585-753-6280
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Dianna Leach, Ombudsman Coordinator, Region 13
LIFESPAN (Long Term Care Ombudsman Program)
1900 S Clinton Ave.
Suite 13
Rochester, NY 14618
Phone: 585-287-6414
Email: dleach@lifespan-roch.org
NY State of Health
Phone: 855-355-5777
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Medicare doesn’t pay for rent or board in memory care facilities. Medicare does, however, cover many costs associated with dementia treatment, including some equipment and supplies such as mobility assistance, GPS trackers, and prescription medications.
Those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia who are Medicare beneficiaries may receive coverage for hospital care, some physician fees, and prescription medications, but not all expenses are covered, including custodial care in a memory care facility. Check out our public pay guide to learn more about using your Medicare benefits.
Medicare Part A and Part B cover diagnosis, evaluation, treatment, and care planning for each stage of Alzheimer’s disease. They also cover certain mental health services, including inpatient psychiatric care, counseling, and behavioral health specialist care. Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans offer additional coverage options.
There is a specific plan for people with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia called Medicare Special Needs Plans. They might also be eligible to join the Medicare Advantage Value-Based Insurance Design Model. This program provides Medicare Advantage enrollees with chronic conditions (such as dementia) with additional benefits, lower cost sharing, and more flexible plans from providers.
State programs like the state health insurance assistance program (SHIP) help seniors navigate Medicare costs rather than paying them. The Medicare Savings Program (MSP) is a state-managed initiative that helps seniors with limited financial resources pay their Medicare premiums and other cost-sharing expenses. Enrolling in an MSP also qualifies you for Extra Help (a federal program), which covers most Medicare prescription drug plan costs.
The Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage (EPIC) program managed by the New York State Department of Health is also something to look at. To receive EPIC benefits and maintain coverage, seniors must be enrolled or eligible for a Medicare Part D drug plan.
Rochester, New York, resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Rochester
200 E Main St.
2nd Floor
Rochester, NY 14604
Phone: 800-772-1213
The Office of the Ombudsman
52 Washington St.
230N
Rensselaer, NY 12144
Phone: 1-888-219-9818
Email: myallies@ocfs.ny.gov
Understand New York laws and regulations for memory care facilities
In New York, dementia units must be self-contained. While fully locked facilities are prohibited, units have to have a delayed-egress system on all exterior doors in addition to window stops and enclosed courtyards. Memory care facilities must provide specialized staff training in the characteristics and needs of people with dementia, including mental and emotional changes, behavioral changes, and methods for meeting residents’ individual needs.[03]
To search for facilities and learn more about each type of facility and how each is regulated in New York, visit the NYS Health Profiles site.
New York Department of Health contact information
New York State Department of Health
Corning Tower Empire State Plaza
Albany, NY 12237
Phone: 518-402-0836
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Rochester, New York, memory care facilities
Visitors are welcome to visit loved ones in Rochester memory care facilities, but keep in mind that COVID-19 regulations can vary by facility. In general, New York encourages businesses to take reasonable precautions to protect employees and clients.
Vaccinations. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is no longer required by New York as a condition of admission or receipt of goods or services.
Facility cleanliness. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and encourage frequent handwashing.
Staff safety. Staff should stay up-to-date with vaccines and practice good hygiene, including covering sneezes and coughs, washing hands often, and not touching one’s face.
Social distancing. People should avoid coming into close contact with those who are sick and stay home when they are sick.
What to expect from memory care living in Rochester, New York
Specialized memory care in Rochester is available for individuals with memory impairment in dedicated communities or specialized wings of assisted living facilities. Within a 10-mile radius of downtown Rochester, there are two standalone memory care facilities; seven facilities that are a combination of assisted living and memory care; and four facilities that are a combination of assisted living, independent living, and memory care.[01]
Consider the following characteristics of New York memory care communities:
Specialized memory care amenities
Communities that offer memory care are designed to cater to the unique needs of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia and often include coordinated social activities, with 92% of facilities having a designated activity director, and schedules to provide a supportive environment.[01]
Memory care facilities in Rochester indulge in activities designed specifically for seniors with dementia. Every senior’s well-being is maximized daily, from water aerobics to reminiscence programs. They also have clubs for various hobbies and interests, allowing seniors to socialize with their neighbors.
They also provide elegant dining options, beautiful gardens, and walking paths. They even allow pets on the grounds, with 75% of memory care facilities in Rochester offering pet-focused therapy programs.[01] All memory care spaces are gated to ensure the safety and comfort of residents.
Accessible facilities near stunning attractions
Seniors with memory loss in Rochester can access memory care communities with ground-floor units for easy accessibility. From mild cognitive impairment to advanced dementia, seniors can find tailored memory care units to meet their needs while also enjoying the many nearby attractions that are accessible for people using mobility aids and their families, including stunning beaches and parks, engaging museums and exhibits, and entertaining shows.
Rochester memory care services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Rochester memory care
Availability of select dementia care services in Rochester memory care
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Rochester memory care
Availability of select dining options in Rochester memory care
Availability of select programs and activities in Rochester memory care
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
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See what you can afford.
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Tour your favorite facilities.
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Unfamiliar with Rochester, New York? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 living in Rochester
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Rochester population
Median annual income for Rochester seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Rochester, New York
In Rochester, seniors have several health care options available. View the top-rated hospitals and senior clinics in Rochester below.
Memory Center at Unity (Rochester Regional Health Hospital)
The Memory Center at Unity provides comprehensive and compassionate care for neurodegenerative conditions and nervous system issues in older adults and the nervous system.
Highland Hospital (University of Rochester Medical Center)
Highland Hospital has highly trained specialists and is dedicated to caring for the elderly. It is affiliated with the University of Rochester Medical Center, also known for its as geriatric expertise.
Strong Memorial Hospital (University of Rochester)
Strong Memorial Hospital specializes in general medical and surgical care. The hospital has been rated excellent in 12 adult procedures and conditions by U.S. News and World Report.
Transportation for seniors in Rochester, New York
Rochester’s memory care facilities make getting out and about simple for seniors and their families. In fact, 62% of memory care communities in Rochester offer complimentary transportation, as well as at-cost options for transportation.
There are also several options for memory care residents and their families who wish to utilize public transportation together. Rochester offers rails, 29 bus lines, and paratransit services (RTS, Amtrak, Greyhound, and Trailways). The city also has rides like Medical Motor Service and RMT for residents who are 65 and older, disabled, and/or unable to use traditional transit services.
Senior activities in Rochester, New York
Senior activities in Rochester are abundant, with options for a variety of interests and abilities. Most activities will take place on-site, but family and friends might be interested in taking a loved one on a day trip to see or experience something new.
There are many ways to stay engaged and active, from art and music therapy to exercise. Museums, galleries, and theaters are close by, and beautiful outdoor parks and restaurants suit every taste and budget. Seniors in memory care and their families can enjoy Ontario Beach Park, The Strong National Museum of Play, George Eastman Museum, Cobbs Hill Reservoir Loop, Geva Theatre, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Westwood Commons, a DePaul Senior Living Comm, Baywinde Senior Living and The Village at Mill Landing are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Rochester, NY. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Rochester is $4,798 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
National Center for Assisted Living. (2022). Assisted Living State Regulatory Review: 2022 Edition. New York.
New York State. (2023). The Latest on New York’s Response to COVID-19.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Median Income in the Past 12 Months (in 2021 Inflation-Adjusted Dollars) (S1903) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
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