White Oak Cottages sits over in Westwood, Massachusetts, at 6 Longwood Drive, and they've got a setup that's pretty well-suited for folks needing memory care, especially those dealing with Alzheimer's or dementia, because they've built the place with people's needs in mind, so you'll find a small-home feel that leans hard on comfort and familiarity, which can make all the difference when memory gets foggy. The cottages hold 24 private suites, each with a bedroom, bathroom, bay window, and room for a bed, favorite chair, and some mementoes, so folks can arrange it how they like and feel at home. The building itself uses color, contrast, and bright lighting to guide residents, and there are no long hallways, instead there's a simple open layout with living rooms, dining areas, dens, and a kitchen where you might see staff and residents working together. The bedrooms sit close to the shared spaces, making it easier for people to get around on their own.
You'll see both indoor and outdoor common areas, including a secured courtyard, an enclosed garden, and a terrace, where folks can get fresh air or take part in outdoor activities on nice days. The circular walkway inside and out means residents can walk a bit without any dead ends, which helps people who like to wander. There's natural sunlight coming in from big windows and skylights, and the fabrics and artwork help with orientation too. The household design skips institutional vibes, aiming for a real home where people can gather-there's a TV lounge, a den, a central fireplace, a piano, and even a jacuzzi. The schedule changes with each resident's needs, so if someone wants to eat or sleep on their own rhythm, the staff works around it. Meals come from professional chefs and meal planners, including vegetarian, low-sodium, and low-sugar choices, with guest meals if family drops by. There's also anytime dining, so people don't have to stick to standard meal times.
White Oak Cottages is a part of The Green House® Project, which means they use a different staffing model: nurses are there 24/7, and all aides are certified nurse assistants (CNAs), with comprehensive dementia care training that even includes the maintenance team, so everybody knows how to support the residents well. The staff work as a team-nurses, CNAs, and an administrator they call a "guide"-and they stay consistent, which builds strong relationships. Staff help with medication, personal care, and other health needs without being pushy, and there's a quiet paging system by text message instead of loud bells, keeping things peaceful. They make a point of getting to know each resident's story, what they love to do, and what makes them comfortable, so the daily activities-like music, storytelling, social time, hobbies, and trips-tend to fit people's interests and help folks connect. There's healthcare for those who need help with incontinence, medication, or mobility, and respite stays are available for those who might only need short-term care.
You'll find things like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, wheelchair-accessible showers, ground-floor units, and garden views in the rooms. The place takes all pets into consideration and has an all-inclusive pricing model, so you don't have to worry about getting nickeled and dimed with extras. They focus on keeping a safe, secure environment, and there's staff to answer questions, help families, and make sure each resident's physical and emotional needs are met. With the staff's friendly support, the cottage-style home, and a mix of private and community spaces, White Oak Cottages tries to offer seniors with memory problems both care and dignity, helping them keep up social connections and daily joy in a familiar, peaceful setting.
