Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. In Arcadia, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 38% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 30%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (10.7% in Arcadia vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent dozens of hours researching senior living communities in Arcadia. In addition to an overview of the communities’ best features, this guide highlights the best memory care facilities in the city, and gives information about pricing, types of care provided, residents’ reviews, and more.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Arcadia, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
Located 13 miles northeast of downtown Los Angeles, Arcadia Gardens Retirement Hotel offers comprehensive cognitive support in its Memory Lane neighborhood. Staffed by a team of specially trained caregivers, the secure community provides a nurturing and enriching lifestyle for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Around-the-clock care includes assistance with personal hygiene and routine tasks, while licensed nurses manage medications and monitor seniors' health. Throughout the day, residents interact with various memory stations designed to enhance their well-being and mental awareness. These self-directed areas feature common workplace offices, homelike bedrooms and tool benches, reminding seniors of familiar life experiences. Additionally, supervised outdoor gardens, walking paths and a courtyard allow residents to explore and socialize in a familiar setting. Private and shared living spaces include accessible bathrooms with walk-in showers, and fees cover weekly housekeeping, daily meals and all maintenance.
Residents speak highly of the hospitable community and attentive caregivers, with one writing, "I stayed in the assisted living and was very pleased with the entire experience! The employees are great, and the caregivers are fantastic! Would recommend Arcadia Gardens very highly!"
Surrounded by palm tree-lined streets and mountain views, Pasadena Highlands' dog-friendly, resort-style senior living community features a 20-bed memory care neighborhood. In this specialized neighborhood, a signature fine arts program, Memories in the Making, enables seniors with progressing Alzheimer's to use artwork to maintain communication links with their friends and family. In addition, trained on-staff caregivers provide person-centered daily support, including assistance with bathing, mobility, medication monitoring and incontinence care, if needed, designed to maximize resident happiness and freedom. Neighborhood residents get frequent ability-tailored opportunities to try new hobbies, go on accompanied afternoon drives, play trivia games, engage in physical exercise and participate in on-site social events. Each semi-private memory care suite includes basic television service, all utilities and weekly housekeeping and linen-change services. The community also offers resident transportation and on-site beauty shop services.
Families comment on the community's cheerful, compassionate caregivers and picturesque surroundings. One resident's husband says, "The Pasadena Highlands' real strength is their thoughtful, caring and helpful staff. Everyone, at all levels, presents a happy, friendly demeanor. The facility is situated very nicely and provides views in just about every direction. ... The apartments are well-maintained and regularly updated."
Astoria Park Senior Living, located in Old Town Pasadena, provides aging adults with tailored memory care in a homelike environment. Using a person-centered approach, specially trained caregivers form meaningful connections with seniors battling dementia and support them as they perform everyday tasks. Around-the-clock assistance includes help with bathing, grooming and dressing, while nurses manage medications and monitor health conditions. Individualized care plans outline each resident's preferences and needs. To foster a sense of purpose, staff engages seniors in routine activities designed to build cognition and promote socialization. Word puzzles, balloon tosses, gardening, outdoor painting and ice cream socials keep them active and healthy. The community's maintenance-free living spaces feature accessible bathrooms with grab bars and an emergency call system. Additionally, staff handles housekeeping and laundry. Culinary options include three daily chef-prepared meals and grab-and-go snacks at the community's on-site cafe.
Residents' loved ones speak highly of the compassionate care provided in this facility. One family member writes, "All of the staff at Astoria were loving and caring to my aunt as she became ill and transitioned. From the food to the community to the loving care from the team, it was such a great experience for our whole family during such difficult times."
Glen Park at Monrovia, nestled in the foothills of the San Gabriel Valley Mountains, prioritizes engagement and open communication with families to help memory care residents live happier and longer lives. Offering four levels of care, the professional staff conducts a personalized assessment with each resident to determine the appropriate care level that includes services such as assistance with taking medications, escorting to meals and wellness checks. Licensed nurses provide assistance during emergencies, and the community's delayed egress system plus video surveillance prevents unauthorized exits and enhances safety. Residents receive three gourmet meals plus snacks daily and enjoy activities that improve cognitive health, such as cooking classes, pet therapy, community outings and group exercises.
Residents think of Glen Park at Monrovia as their home. They love the staff and the amenities. One writes, "I like it here because the residents are my friends and they help me when I want to do something like reorganize my room ... The staff is easy to talk to ... All the activities are fun and relaxing."
The Terraces at Park Marino offers a view of Eaton Canyon and a personalized approach to memory care to help improve residents' quality of life. Specially trained team members create a care plan that prioritizes the needs of each senior and ensures their comfort and well-being. A health services director regularly reviews the program to ensure older adults receive adequate care. Listening to soothing music, creating a familiar environment and utilizing hand gestures and touch can help calm memory care residents. The secured garden, courtyard and common areas offer more opportunities for socialization. Residents can participate in activities related to life skills and hobbies and activities, such as knitting and crafts, they find familiar.
Family members appreciate the caring staff looking after their loved ones. One notes, "My mom was at the Terraces for a little over two years. When I visited, the staff was attentive and treated Mom with dignity and respect. Her Alzheimer's had rid her of her ability to care for her personal needs, but she was always clean."
Regency Park Oak Knoll, situated in a quiet neighborhood, cares for seniors with early-stage and advanced memory loss by providing a safe environment and focusing on their overall well-being. The community uses art and pet therapies coupled with life-enrichment activities and family involvement to help seniors in their journey. Activities that improve cognitive function include frequent outings, fitness classes and brain games. Periodic check-ins, an emergency call system plus the 30 cameras on-site ensure resident safety, and older adults can also move freely and use all indoor and outdoor amenities. Seniors enjoy healthy meals, snacks and coffee, and on-site amenities such as the beauty salon, comfortable visiting areas and family dining room for celebrating special occasions.
Family members recommend Regency Park Oak Knoll for its wonderful staff and amenities. One reviewer notes, "I was very happy with my mother's stay ... I was particularly happy with all the activities they offered. My mother is still quite able-bodied, and they paired her with a group of similarly active people."
Ivy Park at San Marino sits in a residential neighborhood just off Huntington Drive, minutes from the San Marino Valley Medical Center. Its dedicated memory care neighborhood, Evergreen at Ivy, offers a secure, homelike environment for seniors with dementia, with safe access to indoor and outdoor lounge areas, an activities studio and a library. Additionally, a full-service salon and a hydro spa deliver the convenience of spa services at home. The community's EverYou program facilitates customized assistance with daily living tasks and medication management to guide residents through their days with personalized programming for stimulation. Staff members remain on-site 24/7, and an emergency response system ensures seniors have access to help at all times. The community's Vine at Ivy restaurant provides all-day dining, so residents can maintain a consistent schedule and enjoy meals at times that suit their schedules.
The community consistently receives praise from residents and their families for its welcoming atmosphere and caring staff members. One reviewer shares, "Ivy Park provides a home away from home for our mom. [The] facility is very well-kept and super clean. All staff members are well-trained. They are very respectful to their residents and have so much compassion. Highly recommended!"
California Mission Inn, located in the suburbs of Los Angeles, offers memory care services for adults with Alzheimer's and dementia. Specially trained staff and on-call nurses assist residents 24/7 with daily tasks, personal hygiene and more advanced medical needs, such as stroke rehabilitation or post-operative care. By prioritizing companionship, caregivers develop meaningful relationships with seniors while helping them maintain their individuality and independence. Each day, residents participate in structured activities that promote cognitive stimulation and mental recall, with exercise classes, art therapy and gardening contributing to an enriching lifestyle. To ensure residents' safety, the community provides wearable medical alert pendants, and each apartment features an emergency response system. Staff handles housekeeping, laundry services and maintenance and coordinates transportation for off-site appointments or outings. Dining options include chef-prepared meals and snacks served daily in a spacious dining room.
Residents' family members speak highly of the attentive caregivers and first-rate amenities. One reviewer writes, "California Mission Inn is amazing! The staff is friendly and takes care of matters immediately. I love the cleanliness of the facility, and my person loves it here, especially the food!"
MorningStar of Pasadena, located in a commercial area and near Route 66, provides memory care through its Reflections Neighborhood. Clear, way-finding signs in its common areas promote independence by helping older adults navigate the living spaces. Through the community's Lavender Sky program, memory care specialists develop personalized care plans incorporating Montessori-based therapies based on seniors' preferences or interests. To support brain health, resident meals contain healthy ingredients, such as dark greens, acai berries, and omega-3 fats, and the chef accommodates special diets, such as sugar-free or low sodium. Purposeful activities, including aromatherapy, pet therapy, music and dance, can help improve cognition. The community also encourages family members to visit regularly and support their loved ones.
Family members are pleased with the care provided and the activities available for seniors. One commenter says, "MorningStar of Pasadena is beautiful. ... Now that my husband is there in memory care, he is getting wonderful care. The place is really lovely. ... We could tell people were engaged in activities and everything."
Silverado Sierra Vista offers an accessible location near the 210 freeway and Highway 39 to connect memory care residents with loved ones. Staffing for this specialized memory care community consists only of associates certified in dementia care. In the Nexus neighborhood, residents with early-stage dementia participate in a brain-healthy lifestyle to slow cognitive decline. It offers 20 hours of programming focusing on five pillars: physical exercise, stress reduction, cognitive exercise, purposeful social activities and support groups. The Sensory neighborhood serves later-stage residents who need more help and can't communicate verbally. Activities focus on the senses, with options including immersive rooms, cooking and flower arranging. The Enrichment neighborhood bridges Nexus and Sensory. Memory boxes outside residents' rooms display memorabilia to spark memories and help residents find their way. Lean rails provide support, and ample natural light minimizes dementia symptoms.
People praise the staff for its quality care. One family member says, "My mother has recently moved into this community, and she has been adjusting well. The staff members are all very friendly, and I could have not picked a better group to care for her in her new living environment. She has had no complaints about the meals."
Monte Vista Grove Homes' The Ranch House provides a home for memory care residents with early or late-stage Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Its design replicates a homelike environment with a more secure outdoor area and common spaces. Pull cord systems, emergency pendants and 24/7 staffing also enhance safety. Seniors can book fully furnished apartments and customize them with personal belongings to create a familiar and comforting atmosphere. Caregivers help residents with activities of daily living and allow them to help with doing or folding laundry, tending to a garden or assisting with meals for mental stimulation. Monthly fees include transportation to doctor's appointments, daily housekeeping and three family-style meals served in the Great Room.
Family members appreciate how the staff goes the extra mile for their loved ones. One of them says, "We are so grateful for the wonderful care at Monte Vista Grove Homes. ... The community is friendly, warm-hearted and extremely caring. ... An additional bonus is being able to take Mom on walks around the beautiful campus."
Merrill Gardens at West Covina, located near downtown Los Angeles, offers convenient access to shopping and dining. Its memory care program, Inspire Connection, prioritizes seniors' needs and preferences to manage dementia and enhance their quality of life. To improve cognition, older adults engage in routines and activities that bring a sense of purpose and belonging, such as pet therapy, bread baking and Bible studies. Strength training, day trips and chair yoga also keep them active. The 24-hour staffing and resident call system enhance safety, allowing memory care residents to enjoy on-site amenities, such as the rooftop terrace and outdoor common areas. Seniors can take advantage of flexible dining options through the community's Anytime Dining program, offering restaurant-style meals from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Older adults have a positive experience at Merrill Gardens at West Covina. One notes, "I love the amenities, and the people there are super nice and helpful. ... They've had a tea party for Mother's Day and the first St. Patrick's Day. They had arts and crafts and a musician on the terrace playing the piano."
Located about 4 miles from Huntington Hospital in Pasadena, North Lake Villas provides an all-inclusive memory care neighborhood for seniors experiencing early- to late-stage Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Licensed nurses offer bladder and bowel training as needed and assistance with activities of daily living, such as hygiene and incontinence care. A house doctor conducts routine visits, and the community allows other medical professionals to perform therapies and laboratory procedures, such as EKG and ultrasound. The community's secured and alarmed exits enhance safety, allowing older adults to freely explore the area and enjoy the amenities, such as the entertainment center and the outdoor areas. A social and memory care program that includes yoga, arts and crafts, and bowling can help enhance cognition.
Residents' family members have peace of mind their loved ones are in North Lake Villas. One writes, "We're grateful [we] found this place a little over a year ago for our mother. They treat my Mom like family. ... I can't say enough about the level of care they give her. They truly are good people."
Silverado The Huntington, near Pasadena, offers varying levels of memory care for seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory impairment. Its evidence-based brain program, Nexus, helps older adults with mild dementia improve brain function and thrive through social connection and living life with a purpose. Seniors can join social clubs and group exercises or listen to their favorite music to enhance cognitive function and reduce stress. The community also supports those with later-stage dementia through its Sensory program, which includes assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing or grooming. Family members can visit any time to share a meal or to spend time with their loved ones, and the on-site amenities, such as the landscaped garden and walking paths, offer more leisure options.
Friends and family members like the accommodations and the staff. One reviewer says, "My friend moved into Silverado The Huntington. The place is clean and elegant. The staff is attentive. It seemed quite calm, and the rooms were nice. I was quite impressed, that's why we chose this place. ... My friend says the food is wonderful."
Regency Grand at West Covina, located west of downtown Los Angeles, cares for older adults with Alzheimer's and related forms of dementia. Trained caregivers utilize the Mosaic Memory Care Program to form relationships with residents and support them with everyday tasks, including personal hygiene and mobility. Tailored care plans focus on residents' medical and cognitive needs, ensuring licensed nurses assist with medication management, health monitoring and clinical care. Staff leads seniors in structured word games, puzzles and music therapy to enhance cognition and keep them engaged. In addition, fitness classes and art lessons adapted to residents' abilities add to the enriching lifestyle. The community's hassle-free memory care studios offer comfort and accessibility with safety features, such as an emergency call system and walk-in showers with grab bars. Residents gather daily for freshly-made meals in a shared dining area.
Residents' family members appreciate the compassionate caregivers. One commenter mentions, "My mom is now under hospice care, and the people and staff are great in seeing to her needs. I am grateful to the people and staff for all the years of helping with my mom. I would recommend Regency Grand to everyone for the care of their aging parents."
Solheim Senior Community, a few miles from downtown Los Angeles, cares for older adults with any stage of memory impairment. A dedicated health team, available 24/7, provides personalized care while supporting residents' independence. Services include assistance with bathing and dressing, medication reminders, incontinence/diabetes management and routine hygiene. Licensed nurses monitor medical conditions and host weekly clinics to check blood pressure, vital signs and weight. To build cognition and mental awareness, caregivers lead seniors in ability-appropriate activities, from art lessons and board games to worship services and outdoor fitness. The pet-friendly community features private studios and apartments, brightly lit walking paths, secured indoor lounges and an emergency response system allowing seniors to reach staff at all times. Residents dine together for breakfast, lunch and dinner and choose from a menu of freshly prepared meals and nutritious snacks.
Residents' loved ones praise the compassionate support. One reviewer writes, "My family is so grateful for the care my mom is receiving at Solheim! ... Having the three levels of care ... all on-site meant a lot to us. This ensures that my mom will be comfortable in her Solheim community as she moves through different stages of health."
Sparr Heights Estates Senior Living, close to medical centers and pharmacies in Glendale, provides memory care in a homelike atmosphere to those with Alzheimer's and dementia. Utilizing the Meaningful Moments approach to cognitive impairment, dedicated caregivers encourage residents to live engaging lives through routines and enriching programs. Team-building games, music therapy, art classes and supervised social outings keep seniors active and foster socialization. Staff incorporates each resident's life story and experiences into their personalized care plan, ensuring access to specific services. Daily support includes help with bathing, grooming and mobility, and nurses oversee medications and health monitoring. Additionally, caregivers maintain regular communication with family members through the Sagely app. The community offers maintenance-free studios and apartments fitted with an emergency response system, and staff handles all housekeeping. The culinary team serves three daily meals and snacks according to residents' schedules.
Residents and family members appreciate the attentive caregivers and convenient location. One commenter mentions, "Sparr Heights Estates is the ideal community for anyone seeking a continuation of a five-star lifestyle. The staff is welcoming and friendly. ... It is a fun, happy place!"
Situated west of Pasadena, Glen Park at Glendale - Boynton Street offers memory care in a homelike setting for seniors with all stages of dementia. A team of caregivers, certified as memory impairment specialists, supports residents with their emotional, physical and cognitive needs based on tailored care plans. Around-the-clock care includes medication reminders, wellness checks and assistance with bathing and grooming, with a licensed nurse remaining on-site to help with complex health conditions. The care team maintains regular communication with family members, ensuring an adequate continuum of care. Seniors participate in multisensory activities, from pet and art therapy to cooking classes and tai chi. The community's safety features include gated entrances, video surveillance, delayed egress locking systems and emergency pull strings in apartments and bathrooms. Routine mealtimes and daily snacks provide structure and familiarity for residents.
Residents appreciate the welcoming, vibrant community. One reviewer writes, "I love living here. Everyone is very nice to me. I have friends that I could spend time with. We do a lot of activities that I really like because they always ask me what I like to do. My family is always welcome to visit any time of the day."