80th Street Residence, located on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, is a specialized assisted living community dedicated exclusively to individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. As the first licensed assisted living residence in New York State devoted solely to memory care, 80th Street Residence is renowned for its innovative approach and commitment to providing a safe, nurturing environment where residents can thrive.
The community is housed in a charming, pre-war building that combines the elegance of classic New York architecture with secure, thoughtfully designed spaces tailored for those experiencing memory impairment. Living areas are intentionally intimate and home-like, with each floor functioning as a small, close-knit community of approximately 10 to 13 residents. This smaller scale fosters familiarity, comfort, and individualized attention. Residents can choose from private or companion suites, each with full bathrooms and large windows providing ample natural light. The design incorporates color cues and visual markers throughout to support orientation and independence for those with cognitive challenges.
Amenities at 80th Street Residence are designed to enhance quality of life and promote dignity and engagement. The community features beautifully furnished living rooms, cozy dining areas on each floor, and a secure, landscaped outdoor garden terrace where residents can enjoy fresh air and seasonal gardening activities. The on-site beauty salon provides hair and nail services, while Wi-Fi access and cable TV are available throughout the residence for both residents and visiting family members.
Care services at 80th Street Residence are comprehensive and tailored to the needs of each individual. Specially trained staff are present 24/7 and provide full assistance with activities of daily living—including bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and medication management. The community partners with visiting physicians, nurse practitioners, and specialists in psychiatry, podiatry, audiology, dentistry, and physical, occupational, and speech therapies. This collaborative approach ensures holistic support, from medical care to emotional well-being. Staff receive ongoing education in dementia care best practices, and the community is equipped to support residents with complex conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body Dementia, and behavioral or psychiatric diagnoses.
80th Street Residence is distinguished by its robust, evidence-based activity programming specifically tailored for memory care. Residents enjoy a full calendar of meaningful, engaging activities designed to stimulate cognitive function and foster social connection. Offerings include music therapy, art workshops, reminiscence sessions, movement and exercise classes, gardening, and interactive games. The community partners with local cultural organizations to bring in musicians, artists, and pet therapy visits, and also organizes supervised outings to nearby parks and museums when possible. All activities are adapted to residents’ abilities and interests, with an emphasis on preserving dignity and promoting joy.
Families consistently praise the community’s attentive, compassionate staff and the warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels more like a family home than an institution. The leadership team maintains open communication with families and provides support, education, and counseling throughout their loved one’s stay. Many families report peace of mind knowing their relatives are safe, respected, and engaged, especially when facing the challenges of progressive memory loss.
As of June 2024, 80th Street Residence continues to uphold its reputation as a leader in memory care, with no significant recent changes to its offerings. The community remains committed to providing exceptional, person-centered care and fostering a vibrant, supportive environment for residents and their families.
