White Oak Cottages, located at 6 Longwood Drive in Westwood, Massachusetts, is a specialized memory care facility that offers a unique approach to caring for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. The facility is part of Fox Hill Village and adheres to The Green House® Project philosophy, which aims to transform long-term care .

Key features:

• Total number of units: 24 (all special care units)
• Opened in 2012
• Not part of a Continuing Care Retirement Community
• Not co-located with a nursing home
• For-profit ownership

Unique Features and Philosophy of Care

White Oak Cottages stands out from traditional memory care facilities due to its innovative approach:

1. The Green House® Project: This national movement focuses on improving and transforming long-term care by creating a more homelike environment.
2. Small-home model: The facility consists of two cottages, each housing 12 residents, promoting a more intimate and personalized care experience.
3. Person-centered care: The philosophy emphasizes knowing each resident as an individual, respecting their preferences, and tailoring care to their specific needs.
4. Evidence-based approach: White Oak Cottages incorporates research findings into their care practices, continuously adapting to the latest recommendations for dementia care.

Facility Amenities and Services

White Oak Cottages offers a range of amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for residents with memory impairments:

White Oak Cottages Amenities Data

View full amenities list

The facility’s design features abundant natural light, circular traffic patterns for safe wandering, and visual cues to assist with spatial orientation.

Staffing Model and Quality of Care

White Oak Cottages employs a unique staffing model that sets it apart from other memory care facilities:

1. Consistent care team: Each cottage has a dedicated team of certified nurse assistants (CNAs), nurses, and an administrator (“guide”).
2. Versatile workers: Staff members are trained to handle multiple responsibilities, from meal preparation to personal care and activitie.
3. 24/7 nursing care: Unlike many assisted living facilities, White Oak Cottages provides round-the-clock nursing care.
4. Specialized training: All staff members, including maintenance personnel, receive specialized dementia care training.
5. Low staff turnover: The emphasis on staff autonomy and respect leads to high job satisfaction and consistency in care.

Resident Experience and Testimonials

While specific testimonials for White Oak Cottages were not available in the research data, the facility’s approach to care suggests a positive resident experience:

1. Personalized schedules: Residents can wake up, eat, and go to sleep according to their preferences.
2. Engagement in daily life: Residents are encouraged to participate in household activities, fostering a sense of purpose and normalcy.
3. Emphasis on emotional well-being: The staff is committed to making every day enjoyable and meaningful for residents.
4. Familiar surroundings: Residents can bring their own furnishings and mementos to create a homelike environment in their private suites.

Comparison with Other Senior Living Facilities

While direct comparisons with other facilities in Westwood were not available, White Oak Cottages offers several unique features that set it apart:

1. Specialized memory care focus: Unlike many assisted living facilities that offer memory care as one of many services, White Oak Cottages is dedicated exclusively to memory care.
2. Small-scale environment: With only 24 total units, White Oak Cottages provides a more intimate setting compared to larger senior living communities .
3. 24/7 nursing care: This level of medical support is not typically found in standard assisted living facilities.
4. Green House® Project model: This innovative approach to long-term care is not widely adopted, making White Oak Cottages unique in the area White Oak Cottages Westwood MA.

Demographics and Senior Population Trends

Understanding the demographics of Westwood and the surrounding area provides context for the demand for specialized memory care facilities like White Oak Cottages:

Senior Population in Westwood, MA (2023)

Key insights:

• Westwood has a higher percentage of seniors compared to the overall Massachusetts average .
• The senior population in the area is growing, with projections indicating that by 2030, more than 1 in 5 residents in the region will be seniors .

This demographic trend suggests an increasing need for specialized memory care facilities like White Oak Cottages in the Westwood area.

Pricing and Financial Considerations

While specific pricing information for White Oak Cottages was not available in the research data, several factors should be considered:

1. All-inclusive care: The comprehensive services and 24/7 nursing care likely place White Oak Cottages in the higher price range for memory care facilities.
2. Private pay: The facility does not offer low-income options, suggesting it caters to a more affluent demographic .
3. Value consideration: The specialized care, unique staffing model, and purpose-built environment may justify a higher cost for families seeking top-quality memory care.
4. Long-term planning: Families should consider the potential for changing care needs over time and how White Oak Cottages’ model supports aging in place.

In conclusion, White Oak Cottages offers a highly specialized and innovative approach to memory care in the Westwood area. Its small-scale environment, person-centered philosophy, and comprehensive services set it apart from traditional assisted living facilities. The growing senior population in the region suggests a continued demand for such specialized care options. For families considering memory care for their loved ones, White Oak Cottages presents a unique model that prioritizes individualized care and quality of life for residents with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.