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These Settings Aren’t Real. But for Dementia Patients, What Is?

July 24, 2025 by Paula Span

Wilma Rosa, a memory care resident in assisted living at RiverSpring Residences in the Bronx, with a baby doll in the nursery. Credit: James Estrin/The New York Times

The nursery at RiverSpring Residences in the Bronx is a sunny, inviting space outfitted with a bassinet, a crib with a musical mobile, a few toys, bottles, picture books for bedtime reading and a rack of clothing in tiny sizes.

The other morning, Wilma Rosa was there trying to soothe one of its cranky, small charges. “What’s the matter, baby?” she crooned, patting the complainer’s back. “You OK? I want you to go to sleep for a little while.”

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Filed Under: New Old Age

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