One of only six communities nationwide to hold designation recognizing excellence in dementia care
GREENPORT, N.Y., July 29, 2026 – Peconic Landing’s memory support neighborhood Harbor South has been recognized as New York’s first SAIDO Learning Model Community, becoming one of only six communities nationwide to hold the distinction. Awarded by the SAIDO Learning Institute and approved by the Kumon Learning Therapy Center in Japan, the designation recognizes excellence in implementing SAIDO, a research-backed cognitive engagement program for individuals living with dementia. To earn Model Community status, Harbor South successfully met 20 rigorous standards evaluating leadership engagement, staff training, individualized care planning, and measurable outcomes.
The recognition comes as the demand for specialized dementia care continues to grow. An estimated 426,500 New Yorkers are living with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and the Alzheimer’s Association projects the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s will nearly double by 2060.
“We’re honored to receive this recognition from SAIDO, which reflects the incredible dedication of our team members who embraced the program and made it part of everyday life at Harbor South,” said Robert J. Syron, Peconic Landing’s President and CEO. “As the need for memory support grows, Peconic Landing will continue embracing innovative, evidence-based care that enhances quality of life for individuals living with dementia and provides peace of mind for their families.”
Developed in Japan, SAIDO is a structured, non-pharmacological cognitive engagement program that combines reading aloud, writing, and simple arithmetic exercises in sessions with trained Supporters. Each participant engages in five 30-minute sessions per week, and progress is measured through standardized cognitive assessments, individualized quality-of-life goals, and ongoing observations. Research has shown that the program may help stabilize or improve cognitive function, mood, and engagement for some individuals living with dementia.
“This program has been great for our mother,” said Irene Bradley, whose mother participates in SAIDO at Harbor South. “She enjoys the mental challenge and the one-on-one interaction that the exercises promote.”
Peconic Landing introduced SAIDO in early 2025. Since its launch, Harbor South has consistently exceeded SAIDO’s participation benchmarks while building a team of 22 trained Supporters, including team members from across the organization and Independent Living members. During the program’s first 18 months, several participants maintained stable cognitive scores, while others demonstrated measurable improvement. Team observations also documented greater engagement, brighter moods, and renewed interest in hobbies and other meaningful activities beyond SAIDO sessions.
“SAIDO focuses on each individual’s abilities rather than their diagnosis, which aligns perfectly with our philosophy of person-centered care,” said Jennifer Drofenik, Director of Health Services. “Over the past year, we have seen firsthand the difference SAIDO can make in cognition, mood, and quality of life. We hope sharing our experience encourages others to continue raising the standard of memory support because every person living with dementia deserves access to engaging, innovative care.”
Harbor South is a specialized assisted living neighborhood designed for individuals in the early to middle stages of memory loss, offering personalized support in a secure, engaging environment. Care is centered on each individual’s life story, interests, and abilities. The neighborhood also offers short-term respite stays for individuals and families in need of temporary support. Harbor South welcomes direct admissions from the greater community, offering families throughout Long Island access to nationally recognized memory support close to home.
“It’s good to keep everything moving,” said Harbor South resident Claire Dowling of her SAIDO sessions. “Even when I get stuck, everyone helps. I’m all for it.”
Families interested in learning more about Harbor South are invited to attend an open house on Thursday, August 13, at 2 p.m. Guests will tour the memory support neighborhood, meet team members, enjoy light refreshments, and learn more about Harbor South’s nationally recognized approach to dementia care.
To learn more, please visit www.peconiclanding.org/memory-support/.