Masonic Care Community of New York sits on a large 440-acre campus in Utica, NY, with ponds, streams, woods, and open spaces where wildlife can be seen, and people often comment on how the place feels calm and away from busy city streets, giving it kind of a country touch, and over the years the grounds have grown to include Acacia Village, Wiley Hall, the Health Pavilion, gardens like the Veterans Memorial, a chapel, walking paths, and spaces to gather or sit for a bit. The community's been around for over 100 years, guided by Masonic principles of brotherly love, relief, truth, and integrity, and it offers different living options including independent retirement living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care for seniors who need help with daily activities or have Alzheimer's disease or dementia, with care that aims to keep people feeling comfortable and respected wherever they are in life.
The place organizes a full calendar of activities, and there's variety from exercise classes to Tai Chi and bowling, plus religious services, off-site trips, social gatherings, and special events throughout its spaces, so residents don't just sit inside all day. Every household has its own neighborhood manager who coordinates care, and private or semi-private rooms come with walk-in showers and full bathrooms, plus easy access to kitchens and living spaces so people can make a cup of coffee or just chat with friends. Skilled nursing services happen right at the Health Pavilion, with three full-time, on-site physicians and a healthcare team providing 24/7 care, and programs cover rehabilitation, therapies for speech, language, hydration, and even audiology. There's care for complex medical needs too like non-ambulatory care, diabetic care, and incontinence, and the team can also help with hospice, respite, palliative care, and rehabilitation that's either short-term after hospital stays or longer, depending on what's needed.
People mention the staff as joyful, helpful, and kind, making for a friendly atmosphere that stands out to many who visit, with residents saying community support and events like holiday concerts and fundraising are important, and visitors can get a map to see Acacia Village, Wiley Hall, or other areas as they walk around. The facility provides nutritious meals and dining services using quality ingredients, and there's transportation, parking, and complimentary rides for residents who need to get out for appointments or join off-site activities. Programs like Acacia Home Care and the Neighborhoods at Acacia Village offer help in people's homes, whether someone needs short-term or long-term care, and the campus includes a child care center for kids aged 8 weeks to 5 years, open to families in the area. There are services for day care, home health aide visits, and specialized amenities like the Snoezelen Room designed for sensory relaxation, plus medical research facilities on site.
The community recognizes the value of social, physical, mental, and emotional support, so care is more than just medical help-there are grounds to enjoy, common rooms for gatherings, and outdoor experiences built into daily life. The Masonic Care Community has a CMS rating for its nursing care and continues with fundraising, donations, and programs like the Pote Legacy Society and the 1893 Society, keeping ties strong between residents, staff, and supporters. The place doesn't boast or make big promises, but does focus on flexible and compassionate options, aiming to help seniors live with dignity, safety, and a sense of connection, all while still offering help if care needs change over time.
