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. As Buena Park’s senior population continues to grow (9% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.Â
In Buena Park, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 14% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 21%, 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% in Buena Park vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).Â
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 Buena Park. 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 Buena Park, 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:Â Â
At Brookdale Garden Grove, seniors with Alzheimer's disease and dementia can live a purposeful life full of enriching experiences suited to their past interests and passions. Residents can decorate their memory care apartments with family photographs, old furniture and other personal belongings that invoke memories. The community follows the Clare Bridge Daily Path of programs that provides structure to each resident's day. This approach fosters social interaction among residents by allowing them to share dementia-friendly meals and listen to music performances. Seniors with cognitive impairment can also enjoy games and puzzles, excursions to local attractions and other group events that help boost their cognitive function and overall well-being. Weekly programming based on light therapy and interaction with robotic companion pets helps dementia residents maintain their current cognitive skills and slow down the progression of memory loss.
Residents appreciate the community's engaging staff and dining experience. One reviewer says, "The staff communication with the family is good. There are three meals a day served to the residents, and they have choices to choose from. The community has bus trips, church services, exercise programs, crafts, and more for the residents to choose from for activities."
Rowntree Gardens is a luxury continuing care community that offers Gardens Memory Care to residents suffering from dementia or Alzheimer's. The faith-based memory care program is designed after the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle program and offers each resident the chance to live purposefully with a personalized care plan. Staff members undergo continuous training and are available around the clock to assist with the daily activities of living and coordinate activities that meet the interests of each resident. Meals are served in a community dining area, and residents are seated at tables of six with a caregiver to help order meals and assist with feeding. Residents can get sunshine in an interior courtyard complete with walking trails, and therapy is available on-site for those with specific health needs.
Many reviewers mention how elegant Rowntree Gardens is and mention the friendly staff. One family member writes, "The people in the memory care are integrated at times for meals and for special events with the other people that live there.The staff are all wonderful. They're pleasant. They're all smiling, friendly, and a lot of them have worked here for 20 years. "
The community of Oakmont of Orange is designed to stimulate and engage its residents. Its specially trained care team provides innovative activities in a secure environment based on music, sensory and tactile stimulation. The memory care program focuses on cognitive engagement, with the added amenities of a quality dining experience and activities designed to encourage socialization. Residents can participate in music sessions and art classes or spend time together in small group gatherings. The community coordinates physician visits, speech therapy and psychological services, and several nearby hospitals, including Providence St. Joseph Hospital Orange and University Hospital Tower, ensure prompt attention to urgent medical needs. For day-to-day convenience, staff is trained to assist memory care residents with medication management and activities of daily living.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the skilled, understanding staff. One writes, "The staff was so compassionate in helping us get our heads around Mom transitioning to memory care. [they are] caring, considerate and knowledgeable."
At Westmont of Cypress, residents can receive personalized memory care services in a home-like and secure environment. The community utilizes the Compass Rose Memory Care Program, which aims to provide life-affirming, meaningful and satisfying quality of life for all residents. Services include customized health and wellness programs, nutritious meals, housekeeping and laundry services, transportation assistance and grocery shopping assistance. It offers a range of resort-style amenities to its memory care residents, including a heated indoor swimming pool, movie theater, fitness center, beauty salon and more. There are a variety of unique exercise options available at its fitness center, such as personal training, yoga, massage therapy and tai chi. Activities and events are planned with each resident's unique interests and personal history in mind, adding a deeply personal touch.
Family members are impressed with Westmont's services and amenities. One remarks, "The facility and apartments are super clean and well taken care of. I have had numerous meals with my mom, and the food is pretty good. They have daily activities from morning to night, and my mom has had a lot of fun. They even have a swimming pool!"
Silverado Brea Memory Care Community specializes in caring for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer's, and other conditions related to memory loss. Its memory care program aims to enrich lives and focus on the well-being of residents in a comfortable environment staffed with skilled professionals. An expert team of a physician, medical director and licensed nurses provide clinical care in the community's three neighborhoods: Nexus, Enrichment and Sensory. Nexus is the community's signature evidence-based program for residents in the early stages of memory loss. Sensory care caters to residents in the later stages of dementia who require high-acuity care, and Enrichment care is applied to residents in transition between Nexus and Sensory. The community provides nutritious meals for residents and family members to encourage family dining, which encourages residents to interact and socialize. Gardens and walking paths cultivate a serene environment for pets to exercise and for residents to relax and unwind.
Family members appreciate the specialized attention their loved ones receive. One says, "I could not be happier with the loving care the entire team provides. Everyone knows [my mother's] name, her routine and her likes and dislikes, and they give her the specialized attention that she needs and deserves."
Walnut Village Orange County Retirement Community provides specialized care and support for residents with Alzheimer's, dementia and other conditions related to memory loss. This secured community prioritizes protection and comfort with the help of a skilled and trained staff that assists with daily living activities for high-acuity memory care patients. Resident-run clubs promote a sense of family and teamwork with ample opportunities for stimulation. Pets are a big part of the community, and the lush gardens and walkways give residents plenty of space and fresh air to have fun with their furry friends. Seniors can join the mahjong club, participate in bingo or game shows; those who prefer more rigorous activities may opt for the book club, investment club or the Sunshine committee. For honoring off-site appointments, running errands or a taking tour around the city, the community provides transportation options to ease movement. Local hotspots include Downtown Disney, City National Grove and the Honda Center.
Residents and loved ones speak highly of the amicable environment. One reviewer writes, "I really fell in love with Walnut Village. I loved that it was pet-friendly. everyone was very friendly."
Oakmont of Fullerton offers a range of memory care services to support those living with conditions related to memory loss. The community's memory care services include 24-hour staffing, daily activities and specialized treatments. Dedicated staff help residents with housework, laundry and other daily tasks. Residents can receive the care they need when they need it with on-site medical, nursing and physical therapy services. A scheduled variety of activities and events, such as music and art therapy, encourage residents to engage with one another and build relationships. Residents can enjoy amenities like restaurant-style indoor and outdoor dining, a cutting-edge fitness center and a day spa and salon on-site. The community is pet-friendly and features a pet park, walking trails and resident gardens. Elegant indoor gathering spaces facilitate residents's participation in yoga, group scrabble and social gatherings.
Residents and relatives speak highly of the community's high standard of care. One says, "I can't say enough good things about the staff and accommodations. These employees love your family like their own. I was blown away by the kindness, care, and attention to specific detail the employees utilized on a daily basis."
Residents transitioning to Brookdale Brookhurst's secure memory care neighborhood live in private studios or one-bedroom apartments with cable hookups, kitchenettes, microwaves and emergency notification systems. The neighborhood is designed to allow residents to roam freely in supervised outdoor areas, including a garden, an outdoor courtyard and other purpose-built sensory spaces. For treating Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, the community follows the Clare Bridge program, a nationally recognized program that takes a whole-person approach to care and offers six daily activities as part of each resident's tailored care plan. Staff members are available 24/7 for emergency monitoring, medication management, health and wellness checks, ambulation and assistance with activities of daily living. Residents have access to a daily meal service in the community dining area, and the kitchen staff can accommodate a range of dietary restrictions and preferences. The community is pet-friendly, and offers a housekeeping and linen service on site.
Residents and relatives recognize the effort staff makes to keep the community looking and feeling its best. One family members writes, "[We] like the setup of all the lunchrooms and the game room. Everything was very spacious and very well-maintained."
Memory care at Arbor Palms supports a safe and healthy lifestyle for seniors, with 24-hour staff on duty to ensure as much ease and comfort as possible. The staff understands the uniqueness of each resident and strives to form strong bonds with them through a personable approach. Care services are tailored to the individual, from assistance with activities of daily living to medication management and incontinence care. The community provides residents with physical, emotional, spiritual and social support through its many amenities and activities. Activities such as outings, shopping, music and card games keep residents active, while book clubs and creative arts broaden their horizons. Intergenerational activities foster meaningful relationships between people of diverse ages. A beauty salon and home-cooked meals tailored to individual diets are also provided for residents' convenience and comfort.
Families acknowledge how well community staff keeps them updated on the well-being of their loved ones. One says, "This community is good, I've been very pleased so far. The staff has been proactive about reaching out to give me feedback and updates on dad. I like that, it's appreciated and also encouraging.
Park Regency Retirement Center is a senior living community 5 miles north of Buena Park. With its convenient urban setting, the community is close to several medical providers, such as Whittier Hospital and St. Jude Medical Center. Memory Care is offered at Wellington Court, a secured unit within the community. Caregiving staff takes a person-centered approach to provide for seniors with dementia. This involves offering individuals the highest level of independence possible and encouraging them to engage in hobbies and interact with other seniors to ensure a high level of fulfillment. Help can be provided with bathing, dressing and other activities of daily living. Living quarters are routinely maintained by a housekeeping service. The community offers a range of fun and mentally stimulating activities, including musical performances, fitness classes and gardening. Seniors can also observe their faith thanks to the community's on-site religious services.
Reviewers describe this community as being a lively and social environment where the residents' needs are met. One resident's relative writes, "My mother has been a resident at the assisted living area of this facility for over a year now. The staff is genuinely nice and attentive to her needs. This residence is clean, stimulating and engaging."
Meridian at Anaheim Hills has a memory care unit with a team of 24/7 professional caregivers and nurses who care for seniors with Alzheimer's and other memory loss-related impairments. Memory care residents can stay in secure and stylish studios or one-bedroom apartments with an emergency call button, private bathroom, personal balcony or patio and kitchenette with granite countertops and new appliances. They can get 24-hour help with activities of daily living such as dressing, general hygiene, medication management and escort to and from meals. The Engaged Lifestyle program creates a customized calendar of the brain and body-stimulating activities based on cognitive abilities and interests to help memory care residents live a stress-free, active and purposeful life.
Families appreciate the amenities and staff services at Meridian at Anaheim Hills. One person says, "The facility is top-notch. Gorgeous surroundings and the staff is the best. I have a very difficult situation and they are helping me navigate it every step of the way! The rooms are beautiful and the floor plan with two bedrooms is the largest I found which is very important to us. I am excited to have my parents in a safe, beautiful, caring environment."
Memory care residents at Brookdale Anaheim live in spacious private apartments within a secure neighborhood of the community. Trained and certified memory care staff support residents by designing activities and daily routines that foster a sense of belonging, familiarity and purpose. Residents are assigned a dedicated caregiver who assists with dressing, bathing, eating, ambulation and medication management, and the housekeeping staff conducts regular cleaning and laundry services. The Clare Bridge memory program includes six planned activities per day for each resident, including cognitive workouts, light exercise, social events and religious services. For more advanced expressions of Alzheimer's or dementia, the community offers a Solace program that focuses on engaging the touch and smell senses. The kitchen staff can accommodate a range of dietary restrictions and preferences, and residents have access to visiting physical, occupational and speech therapists.
Residents and their families appreciate the community's dedication to care and personal touch. One resident writes, "They treated us very nicely and had signs with their name on it, it made us feel very comfortable. The staff was fantastic, very nice, very communicative, very kind, and very polite. Absolutely loved it!"
Sunrise of Seal Beach, around 15 miles from Buena Park, CA, offers coastal memory care living with Old Ranch Country Club vistas. The secure pet-friendly community incorporates centralized building design layouts, motion sensors and contrasting paint colors, to provide easily navigable spaces and promote sociability. Its dining area serves up restaurant quality visually appealing fare and is uplifted with bright linens and china, fresh flowers and gentle music. Sunrise's Reminiscence Program adopts the Validation Method of therapeutic listening. It provides one-on-one or small group care tailored to trigger residents' passions and fond memories. The custom CareConnect electronic health recording system integrates all aspects of resident care plans for monitoring and treatment by affiliated health professionals. An activities schedule features innovative options such as a Balloon Toss, Movies and Massage, Steel Feather Fitness Chair Yoga and musical entertainment.
A resident's family member commended the community's operations and diverse offerings, writing, "The community is maintained and offers a positive environment for the residents. The menu is good and we like knowing that they offer activities for the residents. We would recommend this community for the care of a loved one."
Sunrise of La Palma is a memory care community near Buena Park, CA. Nurses assess each resident's needs to determine their health and create a personalized care plan with the help of doctors and family members. The Terrace Club supports those with mild to moderate dementia, while the Reminiscence Neighborhood cares for residents requiring more assistance. The community's Validation method supports cognitive health through empathetic communication, and caregivers assist with personal grooming and ambulation, or medication management. The community's memory care program helps residents fill their day with meaningful activities, including live musical entertainment and scenic outings. Residents can also enjoy gardening and exercise programs such as yoga and walking clubs. Chefs serve three meals a day, and the staff provides transportation. Residents' rooms include emergency alert systems and housekeeping and laundry services.
Visitors mention knowledgeable staff members and live musical entertainment, among other amenities. One says, "The staff member during the visit was great and informative. The dining area was very nice and felt like a nice restaurant. There was someone playing the piano when I was there, and they had arts and crafts."
Memory care residents at Ivy Park at Bradford have access to round-the-clock care provided by a team of experienced professionals. Using concierge physician services, staff members can attend to any medical needs as they arise, including medication management to make sure that all prescriptions are filled accurately and precisely. The community's standalone memory care neighborhood, Evergreen at Ivy, ensures each resident's maximum safety and comfort, and its EverYou program encourages meaningful days through stimulation and guidance. Weekly housekeeping and laundry support the health and well-being of those living in the community, while state-of-the-art emergency response systems provide peace of mind. The community also offers social and educational activities, a fitness center, an activities studio, a resident garden and a full-service salon designed to support cognitive, physical and emotional health.
Resident's families appreciate the community's efforts to keep their loved ones engaged. One reviewer writes, "Mom has been at Bradford for three years now and loves it there. There are so many activities that she participates in that she is never bored and she enjoys all of the social interaction."
Crescent Landing at Garden Grove Memory Care is located in a bustling suburb of Garden Grove, CA, and is less than 10 miles west of Disneyland. This dedicated memory care community is filled with scenic outdoor amenities, including a gazebo, springing fountain and landscaped gardens. The staff includes a licensed nurse, medication technicians and caregivers who give each new resident a customized assessment to create an individual care plan that can meet their physical, mental and spiritual needs. The community's award-winning SPARK program uses rehabilitative strategies to enhance residents' social interactions and cognitive abilities through recreational and educational activities, such as tea parties, musical performances and baking classes.
Crescent Landing at Garden Grove earns accolades for its uplifting atmosphere and kind staff members. "It was very pleasant, clean, and the staff was friendly. The people there were on short-term stay and some were long-term, and everybody was up and about they were playing music on the piano, and they keep the residents busy," writes one reviewer.
Residents entering Sunrise of Fullerton's memory care neighborhood live in homely studio apartments located in secure neighborhoods, each outfitted with an array of safety and access features. Memory care staff caregivers receive dementia training based on the latest evidence and theories of aging, and are available 24/7 for emergency monitoring, assistance with activities of daily living and medication management. Residents receive monthly health and wellness checkups from the on-staff nurse, and the community employs an electronic health record system to coordinate treatment and medication with primary and other health care providers. Maintaining a whole-person focus, the rotating activities calendar includes light exercise classes, religious services, group outings, ice cream socials, sing-alongs and game nights. Residents can mingle and socialize with neighbors or family in the community's indoor common areas, and have access to meals and snacks at the on-site dining hall and bistro. The community can arrange for transportation to and from shopping or appointments and offers housekeeping and laundry service.
Residents and their families commend the community decor and activity schedule. One family member states, "Sunrise of Fullerton is a magnificent place. They have daily events, bible studies, and other Christian events. They keep the seniors who are living there busy."
Crescent Landing at Fullerton Memory Care is located near Buena Park, CA. An initial assessment, including medical history and coordination with doctors and the on-site nurse, determines each resident's needs. Caregivers provide assistance with daily living activities, and nurses oversee 24/7 medication management that adheres to physicians' orders. The Montessori-inspired SPARK program includes rehabilitation activities that engage seniors to maintain physical strength and cognitive function. Residents can attend yoga and dance classes to maintain balance or interact with the community's friendly therapy pets. They can help garden their own vegetables or shop alongside chefs to create tasty food and encourage community engagement. Family members are welcome to participate in various activities, including Easter egg hunts for grandchildren and family movie nights. Chefs serve three home-style meals each day, and staff provides housekeeping and laundry services and transportation to community activities.
Residents' family members say they're satisfied with their experiences with Crescent Landing. One says, "I'm very happy with. The rooms are comfortable. They do several things with the residents. They have movie nights, bowling, and sing-a-longs. The food is very good. Overall, we are very happy with the place."
Memory care residents at Whittier Place live in private studio apartments in secure, easy-to-navigate memory care neighborhoods designed to feel like home. The memory care staff members are certified by the National Council of Certified Dementia Practitioners and work around the clock to assist residents with activities of daily living and a custom activity program that targets memories, creative expression, physical wellness and lifelong learning. Additionally, the staff caregivers, called Nayas, coordinate with health care providers to provide medication management services. Aside from a regular meal service in the community dining hall, Whittier Place's Pantry Program allows residents to choose their favorite snacks to be stocked in their rooms. The community pays special attention to organizing group outings for residents to local attractions or overnight camping destinations, incorporating family members and volunteers to assist with safety and ambulation. The community accepts small pets and offers short-term stays.
Residents and their families comment on the community's activities and decor. One family member writes, "They had a library, a very nice outside room, a TV room, a main room, and a room where they eat that's cafe style. It had very nice decor and looked very friendly."
Located in Long Beach, CA, ActivCare at Brittany House is a specialized community that accommodates seniors who need memory care. ActivCare provides compassionate care in a homelike environment with secured perimeters so that residents can move about freely and safely. Themed rooms and corridors help with way-finding, and outdoor courtyards are available where residents can spend time in the sunshine. Memory care programming helps seniors stay focused through participation in regularly scheduled activities with the aim of decreasing wandering. The residents here can take part in exercises each morning, attend daily coffee socials and go on scheduled nature walks in local parks.
ActivCare at Brittany House earns top marks for its friendly staff and engaging activities. One reviewer says, "Every interaction I had with staff was pleasant. The [community] is clean, and they provide daily activities for the residents as well as a monthly theme with a party. Birthdays are celebrated monthly for all of those in the month."