How does Nostalgia Park get to know my loved one?

The team asks families about their loved one's life history, routines, and preferences, and builds those details into the care plan and daily activities. Families stay involved as needs change.

Can my loved one try a short stay at Cedar Oaks first?

Yes. Many families start with a respite stay at AristaCare at Cedar Oaks to see how their loved one settles in before choosing long-term care.

Memory Care | Nostalgia Park | AristaCare at Cedar Oaks

Q: What training does the Nostalgia Park team have?

Many staff at AristaCare at Cedar Oaks are Certified Dementia Practitioners, and the team continues its education in dementia care. On-site nurse practitioners provide medical oversight, and a Registered Dietitian guides nutrition.

Q: What is the Meaningful Visits workbook from Nostalgia Park?

Meaningful Visits is a free, guided visit workbook from the Nostalgia Park memory care program at AristaCare, with simple ways to make every visit with a loved one living with dementia more meaningful. It is free to any family in New Jersey, and families can request a copy on the AristaCare at Cedar Oaks Nostalgia Park page.

Q: How do families pay for memory care at Cedar Oaks?

Memory care at AristaCare at Cedar Oaks is part of long-term care, which may be paid through NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid), long-term care insurance, or private pay. The admissions team at (732) 287-9555 can walk families through their options.

Memory care at AristaCare at Cedar Oaks

Nostalgia Park

Nostalgia Park is the memory care program at AristaCare at Cedar Oaks in South Plainfield, NJ, for residents living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. It is a secured unit with a steady daily routine, calming spaces, and a team trained in dementia care, so each day feels familiar and each resident is known as a person.

Schedule a visit Call (732) 287-9555

Locked, secured unit Code entry and staff monitoring
Dementia-trained team Certified Dementia Practitioners
Nurse practitioners Medical care on site
Family involvement Care built around life history

Is it time to consider memory care?

Select any changes you have noticed in your loved one over the past few months. Your answers stay on this page.

Check any that apply to see what they may mean.

This is not a medical assessment. Please talk with your loved one's doctor about any changes in memory or behavior.

Gets lost or confused in familiar places, or has wandered from home
Misses medications or takes the wrong doses
Safety concerns at home, like leaving the stove on or doors unlocked
More confusion about the day, time, or people
Agitation, anxiety, or mood changes, especially later in the day
Needs more help with bathing, dressing, or eating
Skipping meals or losing weight
The family caregiver is worn down or can't leave them alone

A secure, calming environment

Nostalgia Park is a locked, secured unit. Doors require a code to enter and exit, and our team monitors residents throughout the day. It is designed for residents living with dementia, including those who may be at risk of wandering.

Day rooms are decorated in soft colors and floral designs, and enclosed outdoor spaces let residents enjoy fresh air and sunshine. A structured daily routine helps reduce stress and gives residents a sense of comfort and familiarity.

What the program includes

On-site nurse practitioners Medical oversight without leaving the building
Certified Dementia Practitioners Staff trained in dementia care, with ongoing education
Person-centered care plans Built with families around each resident's life story
Therapeutic recreation Activities for social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs
Medical nutrition therapy Meal plans guided by a Registered Dietitian
Quality Experience Program A Director of Quality Experience who checks in with families

A sample day in Nostalgia Park

No two days look exactly alike. Our team plans around how residents are feeling that day: a calmer music program when energy is low, or a movement group like adaptive sports, yoga, or stretching when residents are ready to get up and go. Activities are adapted to each resident's abilities, so everyone can take part. Choose a time of day to see what a day might look like.

Personal care at a calm, unhurried pace
Breakfast with help as needed
Music programs and familiar songs to start the day

Getting to know your loved one

Their work, their family, their favorite music, and what comforts them on a hard day.

Before and after admission, our team asks families about their loved one's life history. We use what we learn to shape their care plan and daily activities, and we keep families involved as their needs change.

Tips for a meaningful visit

Tap a tip to read more. For dozens more ideas, request our free Meaningful Visits workbook below.

Meaningful Visits workbook from the Nostalgia Park program by AristaCare Health Services

Free for New Jersey families

The Meaningful Visits workbook

Meaningful Visits is a free, guided visit workbook from our Nostalgia Park program. It is filled with simple ways to make every visit with your loved one more meaningful, from conversation starters to activities you can do together.

Dementia affects families long before and long after a move into care. We care about people living with dementia, and the families who love them, both inside and outside our walls. That is why we offer the workbook free to any family in New Jersey, whether or not your loved one lives with us.

Nostalgia Park questions

What is Nostalgia Park at AristaCare at Cedar Oaks?

Nostalgia Park is the memory care program at AristaCare at Cedar Oaks in South Plainfield, NJ. It serves residents living with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia on a secured unit, with a structured routine, adapted activities, and staff trained in dementia care.

Is the Nostalgia Park unit secured?

Yes. Nostalgia Park is a locked, secured unit. Doors require a code to enter and exit, and staff monitor residents throughout the day. It is designed for residents living with dementia, including those who may be at risk of wandering.

What training does the Nostalgia Park team have?

Many of our staff are Certified Dementia Practitioners, and our team continues its education in dementia care. On-site nurse practitioners provide medical oversight, and a Registered Dietitian guides nutrition.

What activities are offered in Nostalgia Park?

Residents take part in music programs, culinary groups, adapted sports, sensory room time, outdoor time in enclosed spaces, monthly drum circles, and holiday events. Activities are adapted to each resident's abilities.

How do you get to know my loved one?

We ask families about their loved one's life history, routines, and preferences, and build those details into the care plan and daily activities. Families stay involved as needs change.

Can my loved one try a short stay first?

Yes. Many families start with a respite stay to see how their loved one settles in before choosing long-term care at Cedar Oaks.

What is the Meaningful Visits workbook?

Meaningful Visits is a free, guided visit workbook from our Nostalgia Park program, with simple ways to make every visit with a loved one living with dementia more meaningful. It is free to any family in New Jersey, whether or not your loved one lives at Cedar Oaks. Request your copy.

How do families pay for memory care?

Memory care at Cedar Oaks is part of long-term care, which may be paid through NJ FamilyCare (Medicaid), long-term care insurance, or private pay. Our admissions team will walk you through your options, and you can see the insurance plans we accept.

See Nostalgia Park for yourself

Visit Cedar Oaks, meet our team, and ask us anything.