MEMORY CARE AT FOX HILL VILLAGE IN NORFOLK COUNTY, WESTWOOD, MA

Engaging living. Care for life.

When you’re seeking memory care for a loved one living with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, you want to know their new home will not only protect but also nurture, engage, and sustain them. White Oak Cottages at Fox Hill Village in Norfolk County’s Westwood, Massachusetts, is a welcome alternative to traditional memory care. As part of The Green House® Project, White Oak Cottages’ philosophy of memory care, unique staffing plan, and architectural design all center around one goal: providing a safe, loving environment in which each resident, or “elder,” is known, respected, and engaged in the life of the household. And just as important, as your loved one’s needs change, you’ll have the security of knowing White Oak Cottages can continue their care for life.

“The caregivers are affectionate and responsive, and I know my mom is getting very good care. There’s a real family feeling with lots of engaging activity going on. Plus, my mother loves the blueberry pancakes!”

— Family member of resident

Caring for the whole person is at the heart of what we do.

While a person with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia may not always seem like the person they used to be, they still have a history, a lifetime of experiences, and personal preferences. That’s why caring for them begins with getting to know them as an individual. The consistent care team made possible by our Green House® Project small-home model spends personal time with each resident and strives to make each day meaningful. They learn what time the elder likes to eat, which sweater is their favorite, which friends lift their spirits, and what time they like to go to bed. They also learn what the elder enjoys doing, so they can plan activities that spark residents’ interest and honor events that have special meaning to them. This flexibility and personalized attention are what turn each of our households into a true home.

The Care Team: Bringing their hearts to our homes

Each household at White Oak Cottages has a consistent care team made up of highly trained, genuinely empathetic specialists who truly care about older adults affected by memory loss. Each team consists of certified nurse assistants (CNAs), nurses, and an administrator, also known as a “guide.” This team also consults with Fox Hill’s dietary consultant, social worker, and nurse supervisor as needed.

While many long-term care facilities split responsibilities between different staff in different departments, the care team members at White Oak Cottages are versatile workers with expanded rolls who spend most of their time with the elders, preparing meals, eating lunch and dinner together, providing personal care, and engaging with them in meaningful activities throughout the day. This level of involvement — along with an emphasis on respect and staff autonomy — leads to high job satisfaction and low turnover rates. This gives your loved one the consistency and support that’s so important for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

People playing a card game

Did you know?

In addition to our highly trained care team members, every staff member who interacts with elders — including maintenance personnel — receives specialized dementia care and Alzheimer’s care training. We maintain the highest standards with ongoing and intensive education, support, and feedback. All aides are CNAs, and a nurse is on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

A space to call their own.

While people with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia benefit from engaging with others in community life, private space is also important. Each elder at White Oak Cottages enjoys a private suite that includes a bedroom, a bathroom, ample closet space, and a bay window for plenty of natural light. The 13’x10’ bedroom in each private suite will accommodate a bed (twin, full, or queen), side table, bureau, and most reading chairs. Elders bring their own furnishings including bedding, favorite pictures, and mementoes to help turn their space into their home.

A nurse helping a woman out of here wheelchair
White Oak Cottages Floor Plan

Cottage Floor Plan

White Oak Cottages Private Suite

Private Suite Floor Plan

View of the community exterior
Community room with table and chairs

Engaged living made easier.

White Oak Cottages’ household design earned an Award of Excellence from the Assisted Living Federation of America, and it’s easy to see why. Designed to enhance and support The Green House® Project small-home model, White Oak Cottages consists of two beautiful small homes, each with an inviting, open living room, dining room and kitchen; separate den; and 12 private suites surrounding the living areas. Each household also has access to a beautiful, secure garden where elders can enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.

Features of the homes include:

  • Bedrooms just off the common living areas, making it easier for elders to move independently within the home. No elevators or long hallways to navigate.
  • Abundant natural light from walls of windows and skylights in the living areas, and a bay window in each private suite.
  • Enclosed garden and terrace to give elders the freedom to go outside and enjoy nature (weather permitting).
  • Staff paging system that uses text messages, rather than bells or lights, to maintain the peaceful environment of the home.
  • Fabrics, artwork, and color schemes chosen to provide visual and spatial markers as well as gentle cues for those who need them.
  • Circular traffic pattern within the home and garden areas to allow elders to wander safely.

Services & Amenities

We’ve thought of everything to make life easier and more engaging for people living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia. In addition to a private suite and an airy and inviting purpose-designed setting, elders will enjoy:

Services

  • Personalized care plan designed to meet the elder’s specific needs
  • Nurse and certified nursing assistants on site 24/7
  • Medication administration, personal care, grooming, and assistance with daily tasks
  • Access to health services including on-site nurse practitioner and outpatient physical therapy
  • Access to other health services including geriatric psychiatry, dental care, and podiatry

Amenities

  • Freshly prepared meals and their favorite snacks
  • Daily housekeeping
  • Personal laundry
  • Inviting enclosed courtyard for walking and gardening
  • Secured household
  • Beauty salon and barber shop on site
  • Robust life-enrichment and activities program
  • Celebrations for holidays, birthdays, and other meaningful events

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if someone I love would benefit from memory care?

The best place to begin is with a physician’s assessment. If he or she believes residential memory care would be appropriate, our team will work with you and your loved one’s physician to develop an appropriate plan of care.

Does White Oak Cottages provide care for life?

In most cases, elders may remain at White Oak Cottages for life. If an elder’s needs exceed what our staff is licensed to provide, we can coordinate with a licensed home health agency to deliver additional services in the elder’s White Oak Cottages suite.

Does White Oak Cottages accept direct admission?

Yes, White Oak Cottages will accept new residents through direct admission on a space-available basis. However, residents of Fox Hill Village always have priority admission.

How does one pay for long-term care?

We understand that memory care is a significant expense. At White Oak Cottages, we keep our pricing straightforward without the many additional fees other communities tack on. Information on pricing and ways to cover the cost is available on the Direct Admission page of this website.

Ready to learn more about White Oak Cottages?

A mother and daughter walking

Direct admission.

Accessing care at Fox Hill.

While residents of Fox Hill Village always have priority admission to assisted living and memory care, we do accept new residents on a space-available basis.

Two women looking at a calendar on the wall

The Green House® model.

Innovative and personal.

Discover how this cutting-edge movement keeps residents in control of how they live each day with a small-house environment and personal attention.

White Oak cottages building

Take a closer look.

Visit us in person.

The best way to understand the White Oak Cottages difference is to schedule a personal tour and experience it for yourself.