Wendy Williams was reportedly moved to the memory care unit of her assisted living facility. This development comes as the latest change in the media personality’s ongoing health journey, which has garnered significant attention from both fans and medical professionals.
The 60-year-old former talk show host is living under a court-appointed guardianship at a New York wellness facility and was photographed arriving at Miami International Airport on Saturday (15.02.25), ahead of her dad Thomas Williams Sr’s 94th birthday celebrations – after Wendy had previously expressed uncertainty about whether she would be able to attend due to her conservatorship. The relationship between conservatorships and patient mobility has been a topic of increasing discussion in healthcare circles.
It’s now been reported she was put in a “memory unit” after eight months at the center. Memory care units are specialized facilities designed to provide structured environments for individuals with various cognitive conditions, serving approximately 800,000 Americans annually.
A source told TMZ she was initially placed on the third floor of the facility, where residents could move freely. This type of progressive care approach is common in modern assisted living facilities, allowing patients to maintain independence while under observation.
One staff member told the outlet she had gotten access to alcohol. Substance management is a crucial aspect of care facility protocols, with strict guidelines typically in place to ensure patient safety and well-being.
Shortly afterwards, a decision was made to transfer the star to the fifth-floor memory care unit, the outlet said. Such transfers are often made based on comprehensive evaluations by healthcare professionals, taking into account multiple factors of patient care.
It was reported she would not have unrestricted access to the elevator in the unit. Access restrictions are standard safety measures in memory care facilities, designed to protect residents while maintaining their dignity.
But TMZ’s report said the unit was at capacity, and while waiting for a room to become available, staff stationed employees outside Wendy’s room on the third floor to prevent her from accessing the restaurant. Memory care units typically operate at 90% capacity nationwide, reflecting the growing demand for specialized care services.
Employees also reportedly told her that the restaurant was closed for construction. The management of patient movement within care facilities often requires careful coordination between staff members and various facility departments.
A room on the fifth floor became available a few days later, and Wendy was apparently moved there, where she has remained for several months. The transition to memory care units often involves careful planning to ensure patient comfort and adaptation.
In a TMZ documentary, she said she had only been outside the centre twice in 30 days, both times for dentist appointments. Regular medical appointments are an essential part of comprehensive care plans for residents in assisted living facilities.
“Wendy doesn’t have good and bad days. She’s the same all the time,” the employee said, despite the placement in a memory care unit, Wendy’s cognitive abilities were not in question. “You can tell her something today and two weeks later she’ll remember it. Her memory is fine.” Cognitive assessment is an ongoing process in memory care units, with regular evaluations to ensure appropriate care levels.
Wendy has been under a financial conservatorship since 2022, with a court-appointed guardian managing her finances. Financial conservatorships affect thousands of Americans annually, with strict legal oversight to protect vulnerable individuals.
She has been diagnosed with primary progressive aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, her care team confirmed in February 2024. These conditions affect approximately 50,000 Americans annually, according to recent medical statistics, and require specialized care approaches.
The situation highlights the complexities of managing health care for public figures while maintaining their privacy and dignity. Healthcare professionals emphasize the importance of personalized care plans that address both physical and cognitive needs while respecting patient autonomy.
