Memory Care on Long Island

Seniors with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia require specialized care in a secure, structured and nurturing environment. At Gurwin’s memory care facilities in Commack, NY, we provide two distinct levels of memory care to meet varying needs – from our innovative 60-bed Memory Care Unit in our skilled nursing center to our intimate Enriched Pathways in our assisted living community.

Our memory care programs serve families throughout Nassau and Suffolk Counties, offering person-centered  care that enhances quality of life while providing families peace of mind. With specially trained staff who understand the unique challenges of cognitive impairment, we help residents feel safe, secure and oriented in their environment.

Deciding when to transition a loved one to a memory care facility on Long Island can be emotionally challenging. The level of care needed progresses differently for each person, and family resources vary. However, several signs indicate it may be time to consider specialized memory care:

Safety and Independence Concerns

• Inability to safely live independently
• Wandering or getting lost in familiar places
• Balance problems or unexplained injuries
• Forgetting to eat meals or take medications
• Loss of weight

Cognitive and Behavioral Changes

• Difficulty communicating or staying focused
• Changes in personality and behavior
• Trouble remembering recent conversations
• Confusion about time, place or familiar people

Caregiver Stress

• Feelings of overwhelm by primary caregivers
• Constant worry, trouble focusing on own health needs
• Unable to provide adequate care
• The need for constant, 24-hour supervision

Memory care services and programs can remove the burden of round-the-clock caregiving while providing your loved one with specialized dementia care and a greater sense of structure and security.

Gurwin offers two distinct memory care options to accommodate different levels of need and independence, ensuring we can provide appropriate care for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia as conditions progress.

Dedicated Memory Care Unit

Our primary memory care facility is a secure, 60-bed first-floor unit within the Gurwin Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, designed for residents requiring comprehensive medical support alongside specialized dementia care.

Ideal for individuals who need:

• 24-hour skilled nursing care
• Medication management and medical monitoring
• Assistance with most activities of daily living
• Secure environment due to wandering risks
• Specialized behavioral support

Features Include:

• Specially trained clinical and therapeutic staff
• Wander Guard security systems throughout
• Enclosed outdoor garden courtyard
• Award-winning Immersion Room technology
• Dedicated therapeutic recreation programming

Enriched Pathways in Gurwin Assisted Living

Enriched Pathways™ is our specialized memory care wing within our assisted living community, designed for 14 residents who need memory care but can maintain some level of independence.

Ideal for individuals who:

• Have mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment
• Can participate in structured activities
• Need supervision but not constant medical care
• Benefit from a smaller, more intimate setting

Amenities Include:

• Studio and deluxe shared studio apartments
• Private dining room with kosher meals
• Secured entrances and exits
• Cozy living areas with fireplace
• Secured garden paths for outdoor enjoyment
• Transitions Program for couples (part-time participation available)

Most notably, our memory care facility on Long Island features Gurwin’s state-of-the-art Immersion Room, which provides an interactive, immersive therapeutic experience for residents and families. This award-winning technology—the first of its kind in long-term care in Commack—delivers custom programming with engaging sights, sounds, and even therapeutic scents.

Immersion Room Benefits

• Reduces anxiety and agitation
• Stimulates positive memories and emotions
• Provides calming, multi-sensory experiences
• Engages residents who may be difficult to reach through traditional activities
• Offers meaningful interaction opportunities for families

The Immersion Room represents our commitment to innovative Alzheimer’s disease care that goes beyond traditional approaches to truly enhance the lives of residents with dementia.

Our comprehensive dementia care programs address the physical, emotional, social and cognitive needs of our residents.

24-Hour Medical Care

• Around-the-clock skilled nursing supervision
• Medication management and health monitoring
• Coordination with physicians and specialists
• Emergency medical response protocols

Specialized Alzheimer’s Care Programming

• Memory-enriching activities designed to stimulate cognitive function
• Reality orientation and reminiscence therapy programs
• Small group and individual therapeutic activities
• Therapeutic recreation led by certified therapists

Personal Care and Daily Living Support

• Assistance with bathing, dressing and grooming
• Nutritious dining programs with finger foods and flexible mealtimes
• Laundry and housekeeping services
• Personal care customized to individual needs and preferences

Innovative Therapeutic Services

• Award-winning Immersion Room resident-centric virtual experience
• Pet therapy programs
• Music and art therapy activities
• Gentle exercise and wellness programs

Family Support Services

• Family counseling and education programs
• Care plan meetings and regular communication
• Guidance on managing the progression of dementia

Environmental Features

• Secure outdoor garden courtyards for supervised activities
• Wandering paths and therapeutic gardens
• Specially designed living spaces to reduce confusion
• Quiet areas for rest and reflection

Our Alzheimer’s care teams consist of specially trained professionals who understand the unique healthcare needs and behavioral challenges that accompany cognitive impairment. Every team member receives ongoing education in dementia care best practices.

Our Team Includes:

• Registered nurses with dementia care specialization
• Certified nursing assistants trained in memory care approaches
• Therapeutic recreation specialists
• Social workers specializing in geriatric and family counseling
• Activities coordinators with cognitive stimulation training
• Dietary staff experienced in dementia-related eating challenges

Our staff gets to know each resident personally—their life history, preferences and current functioning level—to provide truly person-centered care that maintains dignity and promotes the highest possible quality of life.

Caring for a loved one with memory loss can take both an emotional and financial toll.  Understanding memory care costs helps families make decisions that honor their loved one’s needs while protecting their own wellbeing. Many family caregivers discover that comprehensive memory care in a specialized community actually simplifies expenses and brings greater peace of mind than managing care at home alone.

Hidden Costs Caring for a Loved One with Dementia at Home

When caring for someone with dementia at home, families often overlook expenses, such as:

• Home modifications for safety (locks, alarms, grab bars)
• 24-hour private caregiving or family member income loss
• Increased utility, grocery and household expenses
• Transportation to medical appointments and activities
• Emergency response systems and monitoring devices
• Respite care to prevent caregiver burnout

Value of Memory Care in a Community Environment

Our all-inclusive memory care programs provide:

• 24-hour professional supervision and medical care
• All meals, activities and therapeutic programming
• Housekeeping, laundry, and maintenance services
• Specialized dementia care training and expertise
• Structured daily routines
• Social engagement
• Family support
• Peace of mind for families

Living with dementia presents unique challenges, but our memory care programs on Long Island create environments where residents can thrive despite cognitive changes. We provide daily structure while allowing for personal choice and maintaining dignity.

Daily Life in Our Memory Care Communities

Morning

• Gentle wake-up assistance and personal care
• Nutritious breakfast in comfortable dining areas
• Morning activities like gentle exercise or music therapy
• Time in the garden courtyard or outdoor spaces

Afternoon

• Therapeutic recreation activities tailored to interests and abilities
• Immersion Room sessions for sensory
• Rest periods and quiet activities
• Social interaction and relationship building

Evening

• Dinner with familiar foods and flexible dining options
• Calming activities like reading or listening to music
• Family visiting time in comfortable common areas
• Peaceful bedtime routines with individualized support

Personalized Care Approach

We recognize that each person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia has a unique life story and individual needs. Our care plans are developed based on:

• Personal history, interests and preferences
• Current cognitive and physical functioning
• Family input and ongoing observations
• Regular assessments and care plan updates

Residents form meaningful relationships with staff and other residents, creating a true sense of community within our secure environment.

We understand that dementia progresses differently for each individual, and care needs may change over time. Gurwin’s comprehensive continuum of care ensures families can access appropriate services as needs evolve:

• Skilled nursing care for increased medical needs
• Hospice and palliative care for end-of-life comfort
• Respiratory care for specialized medical conditions
• Enhanced therapeutic recreation services as cognitive changes occur

This integrated approach allows residents to remain within the Gurwin family throughout their care journey, maintaining familiar relationships and environments even as needs change.

Making the decision to place a loved one in specialized care can be emotionally difficult. We encourage you to tour our memory care facilities and meet the compassionate staff who provide dignified, person-centered care. Schedule a tour to see how our innovative memory care programs can benefit your family and provide the specialized dementia care your loved one deserves.