Harbor South, the memory support neighborhood at Peconic Landing in Greenport, has been named New York’s first SAIDO Learning Model Community, becoming one of just six communities nationwide to receive the designation recognizing excellence in dementia care.

The recognition, awarded by the SAIDO Learning Institute and approved by the Kumon Learning Therapy Center in Japan, acknowledges Harbor South’s implementation of SAIDO, a research-based cognitive engagement program for people living with dementia. Peconic Landing said Harbor South met 20 standards evaluating leadership, staff training, individualized care planning and resident outcomes.

Peconic Landing introduced the program in early 2025. According to the organization, Harbor South has trained 22 staff members and volunteers as SAIDO supporters, and some participants have maintained or improved cognitive assessment scores while showing greater engagement and improved moods.

“SAIDO focuses on each individual’s abilities rather than their diagnosis, which aligns perfectly with our philosophy of person-centered care,” Jennifer Drofenik, Peconic Landing’s director of health services, said in a statement.

The program, developed in Japan, combines reading, writing and simple arithmetic exercises in five 30-minute sessions each week. Research has suggested the approach may help stabilize or improve cognitive function, mood and engagement for some people living with dementia.

Harbor South provides specialized assisted living for people in the early to middle stages of memory loss and also offers short-term respite stays. Peconic Landing will host an open house on Thursday, Aug. 13, at 2 p.m., where families can tour the neighborhood and learn more about its memory support services.