Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer's, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Bakersfield’s senior population continues to grow (17.55% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Bakersfield, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 25.39% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 11.09%, 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 (9.62% in Bakersfield 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 more than a dozen hours researching senior living communities in Bakersfield. 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 Bakersfield, 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 in west Bakersfield, Brookdale Riverwalk is a continuing care community for seniors that offers memory care. Situated near a river and parks, the campus offers easy access to restaurants, shops and Mercy Hospital Southwest-Bakersfield. Residents have a choice of pet-friendly floor plans, along with a wide range of indoor and outdoor common areas and amenities that include an outdoor pool. Memory care residents live in a specialized wing with an easy-to-navigate layout and a soothing color palette. The community's staff offers a wide range of enriching activities, including yoga, brain games and cooking classes, designed to maintain and improve residents' current cognitive and physical abilities and skills. Trained staff is available 24/7 to provide personalized care. Meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and delivery of personal goods are all provided.
Residents and family members appreciate the helpful staff and cleanliness of the community. One reviewer writes, "I like the friendliness of the people at Brookdale Riverwalk and the cleanliness of the apartments. The staff is very knowledgeable. Adds another, "The staff was always friendly and not the fake friendly while we're there friendly, the genuine friendly. They enjoyed their jobs and it showed.
Magnolia Place is a boutique-inspired senior living community set on mature landscaped grounds surrounded by scenic trees and modest residential buildings. Seniors can access daily health support from on-site licensed nurses while an in-house care team is available 24/7 to assist with everyday living. The community's dedicated memory care unit contains maintenance-free, private and companion suites with familiar surroundings. On-duty staff in the unit follow modern dementia care practices that promote physical and mental abilities and celebrate individuality. On-site amenities include fireside reading areas, activity rooms, regular big screen movie viewings, beauty and barber shop services and restaurant-style dining with seasonal menus. Outdoor courtyards feature comfortable patio furniture, walking paths and raised flower beds, so seniors can relax in the shade, entertain guests, socialize with peers or do some gardening without straining their backs.
The daughter of one resident who's lived in the community for over two years says, "Our family has been pleased with the sensitive and special care that has been given to our mom. The daily exercise programs and activities provide fun and laughter. I've [watched] our mom's lifestyle and health improve."
Pacifica Senior Living Bakersfield provides memory care and assisted living in a residential neighborhood in southwest Bakersfield. The community is conveniently located near shopping, dining and health care facilities. On-site amenities are plentiful and include a variety of indoor and outdoor common areas. Meals, housekeeping and scheduled transportation services are all provided. The communitys signature Legacies Memory Care program uses a personalized assessment to provide tailored care for residents suffering from dementia and other memory-related conditions. Trained staff is available 24/7 to offer care and assistance with the activities of daily living, mobility and medication management. The community's wide range of programs, including arts and crafts, movie nights, card games and outings, provides stimulation, support and education for memory care residents.
Family members appreciate the warm atmosphere and caring staff. One reviewer writes, "The staff are all friendly and very caring and helpful. The environment is like home away from home." Adds another, "The staff are truly amazing and caring. My mom tells me every time I see her, how great they treat her. It gives my family and I peace of mind."
Seniors residing at Redwood Village Inn are treated with the utmost respect and dignity in regards to each person's need for privacy and independence. This safe, supportive environment offers residents personalized health and well-being programs in a community that accommodates a wide range of needs, including those with memory impairment issues. A professionally trained staff is on-site 24 hours a day to help residents with daily living activities and implement planned wellness programs. Seniors are offered many recreational opportunities to enhance cognition and make social connections through such activities as crafting, barbecues, bingo games, movies, guest lecturers, outings and exercise programs. Meals are served in an elegantly appointed dining room.
Family members visiting Redwood Village Inn are impressed with the cozy, homelike atmosphere, comfortable setting and overall cleanliness within the community. The caregivers are described as being very helpful and informative.
The Rosewood Community is located in the heart of one of the largest agricultural-producing areas of the world. It offers an extensive memory care program that includes personalized memory boxes, engaging activities, a stimulating memory garden and a silent security system. Rosewood also provides assisted living, independent living and respite care services. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities, such as a fitness center, restaurant-style dining, arts and crafts and salon services. Rosewood is very involved with the local community and offers frequent service opportunities to residents.
Residents and their families love the homelike community at Rosewood. One said, "Rosewood offers the most friendly, caring, qualified professionals that I have experienced. It is a pleasure to visit and see the delightful attitudes of both residents and staff. The activities available for all levels of residential, assisted, and the health center living are marvelous. The food is outstanding!!"
The Palms at San Lauren provides senior memory care services in a modernly appointed community with numerous secure indoor and outdoor gathering areas. Residents receive assistance with all daily aspects of living, such as bathing, dressing and grooming. Massage, dental and medical visits are held on-site, and staff members also transport memory care residents to off-site doctor's appointments, when necessary. Seniors' rooms are equipped with state-of-the-art emergency call systems in each unit's living, bathroom and bedroom, and housekeeping and laundry services are performed regularly for residents. Three chef-prepared meals are served daily in the communal dining room, and group fitness and recreational activities are scheduled often throughout each month.
Visitors appreciate the cleanliness, care and food options found in this community. One says, "They also try and expand their care because some of the residents there have continuous problems so they really are doing the best they can. They have their own chef and their own ice cream bar."
The Pointe at Summit Hills fosters an environment of joy and security. It offers a specialized memory care neighborhood that includes a secure environment, social stimulation, exercise and assistance with daily activities of living to ensure that residents with memory loss receive all-encompassing treatment. The community also offers assisted living and respite care services, as well as life enrichment programs. Residents can enjoy a variety of activities and amenities, such as restaurant-style dining, walk-in showers, a library and computer center and salon services.
Residents and their families love the environment and attentive staff at The Pointe at Summit Hills. One said, "My friend lived here for a few months. I visited on several occasions. The facility is beautiful and the staff very friendly." Residents and families feel secure knowing that all their needs are being met.
The Village at Seven Oaks is an assisted living and memory care community located in a serene setting in the heart of Kern County, close to the Seven Oaks Country Club. It offers extended support and a homelike environment for those dealing with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory loss illnesses. Seniors have 24-hour access to health care professionals and are assisted with activities of daily living. The community's SPARK care program uses touch-screen technology and therapeutic techniques to increase the social engagement of the seniors and maintain their physical and mental well-being. Seniors can savor chef-prepared delicious and nutritious meals that adhere to their specific dietary requirements. Regular community outings, group exercise classes, religious services, occupational, physical and speech therapy sessions are organized to help residents socialize and connect.
People appreciate the friendly staff and the homelike ambiance. One writes, The experience with getting my grandmother placed in the memory care unit was seamless. The staff was incredibly kind and accommodating to all of our needs. They went above and beyond by helping set up her room and making it a special place for her.