White Oak Cottages is an assisted-living facility located in Westwood, Massachusetts, specializing in care for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. This memory care-focused community is comprised of two intimate, home-like cottages, each accommodating a limited number of residents. The design emphasizes a secure, calming environment with cozy communal spaces, accessible kitchens stocked with snacks, and both indoor and outdoor walking paths, all tailored to support residents experiencing memory loss. Physical security features, such as locked doors, provide a protected setting, while layout and amenities are specifically arranged for the safety and comfort of those with cognitive impairment.

Care at White Oak Cottages is structured to meet the needs of residents requiring full assistance with daily activities, including bathing, eating, dressing, and toileting. The community is staffed 24 hours a day, ensuring supervision and assistance are always available. Medical services include regular monitoring and management of diabetes, medication administration, and on-site podiatry visits. Incontinence and ambulatory care are provided, with staff available to support those with limited mobility or physical challenges. Registered nurses oversee medical needs, and nursing teams coordinate with physicians and specialists as required.

As a memory care-only community, programs and routines are designed to accommodate cognitive decline and enhance the well-being of residents with dementia. Activities and clubs are plentiful and adapted to various interests and abilities, supporting engagement and socialization on a daily basis. Amenities include a barber and beauty salon, yoga and chair yoga sessions, and secured common areas aimed at promoting both relaxation and stimulation. The community uses secured entry points to ensure safety, and the presence of staff in communal spaces is maintained throughout the day.

Transportation services at White Oak Cottages include complimentary options for both medical and non-medical needs. These transportation services are available to assist residents in attending medical appointments outside the facility as well as participating in scheduled outings and errands, ensuring flexibility and accessibility for various purposes.

Feedback from residents and family members highlights appreciation for the facility’s physical environment, secure design, and the abundance of activities that enhance residents’ quality of life. Families value the continuous, attentive presence of staff in the cottages, as well as amenities such as accessible kitchens and structured activities. However, there have been concerns expressed about the consistency of hands-on personal care, with reports noting variability due to the absence of assigned caregivers, limited oversight of nursing aides, and a decentralized administrative structure. While the presence of registered nurses is viewed as beneficial for medical oversight, some suggest that these organizational aspects may impact continuity of care and relationship-building.

Overall, White Oak Cottages offers a memory care environment with specialized programming, secure accommodations, and a range of amenities and services tailored to support those living with memory loss, while also providing comprehensive assistance with daily living and healthcare needs.

Costs at this community start at $3,440 and range up to $11,000. The average price in the community is $7,220, which is less than the average price in the area of $7,448. The cost of assisted living in this area is essentially the same as the cost throughout the state. If the resident needs other services, additional services may increase the monthly cost.