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 Chico’s senior population continues to grow (10% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Chico, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 3.81% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group decreased by 1.6%, 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 (12.25% in Chico 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 several hours researching senior living communities in Chico. 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 Chico, 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:
Amber Grove Place is a community that provides personalized memory care in a secure environment. The It's Never 2 Late program provides technology such as flight simulators and digital films, and the Better Together program links residents with local students. The community features a state-of-the art alert system and 24-hour supervision. Specially trained staff members assist residents with their daily living activities, hygiene, medication, housekeeping and laundry. Therapy is available on-site, and visiting physician, nurse and podiatrist appointments offer convenience. Staff members reevaluate customized care plans every 90 days to keep up with residents' changing needs. Comfortable common areas allow freedom and mobility along with sensory stimulation, and outdoor courtyards and gardens offer fresh air and security. Pet visits are popular as well.
Residents and their families appreciate the caring staff and many activities at Amber Grove Place. One reviewer, whose mother is a resident, notes that staff members are "very on point and paying attention all the time." This gives her a feeling of security. Her mother enjoys the music and art programs and the comfortable sitting areas.
Windchime of Chico overlooks the beautiful California Park Lake. The community is next to Enloe Prompt at California Park, ensuring residents have fast access to emergency care. Residents can soak up the sun on the patio or socialize with friends in the elegant communal spaces. Their In the Moment memory care program uses a multifaceted approach to well-being, focusing on 6 key principles that include physical engagement, spiritual support and artistic expression. The team of trained staff offers 24/7 support with daily living tasks, such as bathing and grooming. There is a signature program that marries together nutritious food and memories. The chef and memory support director collaborate to design delicious meals that have meaning to residents. Residents can get involved in a vast range of activities and therapies, including animal therapy, yoga and volunteer outreach programs.
Family members praise the engaging activities, with one reviewer saying, "Their caregivers are very thorough. They keep me apprised of what is going on. Everything seems to be going smoothly. They have a full calendar with four or five activities a day that are available. There are currents events, exercise once or twice a day, walking club, some arts and crafts."
The Terraces of Chico is a large community with waterfront views surrounded by green space. It includes an array of amenities to make residents as comfortable as possible, including the Lakeside Grill Restaurant, an on-site library, and spacious living quarters. Memory care is through the Compass Rose program. Each resident receives an individual assessment at the outset of care. Details of their life history are also noted to create a daily schedule that aligns with their interests. Activities in this schedule might include yoga, nature walks, or Brain Fitness games. Pet therapy is also part of the community's memory care programming. Outings to nearby attractions are part of the approach to keep residents fully engaged.
Reviews underscore many of the positive components of The Terraces of Chico. This includes community cleanliness, staff disposition, and the breadth of activities for residents. One individual writes, "I was impressed by The Terraces of Chico. I was impressed by the cleanliness, the modernness, the cheerful attitude of the staff, and the positive seemingly happy attitude of the clients."
Prestige Assisted Living at Chico is located in the north of Chico, close to Enloe Medical Center, parks and restaurants. The memory care wing is designed with memory-impaired seniors in mind and features easy-to-navigate floor plans. The team of kind staff, which is trained in caring for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia, provides 24/7 care and support with tasks such as grooming, bathing and medication management. Residents receive a personalized care plan that is tailored to their unique needs interests and abilities. The Expressions memory care program aims to slow down cognitive decline and includes art classes, educational programs and exercise classes. The culinary team prepares three nutritious meals per day that residents can enjoy in the elegant dining room or in their rooms.
Visitors praise the excellent amenities, with one reviewer saying, "It's very warm, homey, clean, the residents appeared to be quite content. The facilities are beautiful, they have a beautiful garden. The woman I talked to was wonderful. They have a wonderful art room, they have some of the artwork the residents have done which is just great. "
Roseleaf Gardens takes a personalized approach to building community and implementing memory care services. Staff provides as much or as little help with daily living activities as memory care residents require. The activities are all geared towards aiding memory care residents with cognitive function and relaxation. Storytelling sessions help residents recall memories, while exercise groups provide socialization and physical fitness. Resident friendship groups also offer chances for social interaction. The community also schedules pet therapy sessions for stress reduction. Arts and crafts are a core component of the community's activities, as it promotes fun among residents, helps cultivate a sense of identity and improves cognitive and physical fitness: decoupage helps with sensory stimulation while painting encourages the retention of fine motor skills, and clay modeling strengthens hand muscles.
Community reviews discuss various amenities, including the spacious living areas for residents and the nutritious but delicious dining offerings. One writes, "It was really pleasant. I thought it was neat that they had sort of a movie theater so people could go in and watch old movies together. They had a little room where there was crafting kinds of activities ."
Pacifica Senior Living's Country Crest location near Chico, CA, features stately architecture and a scenic mountain views in a residential area of Oroville. Residents participate in The Legacies�� Memory Care program, which focuses on their history, routines and preferences. Staff work with seniors to develop familiarity with the environment through safe, accessible activities such as movie nights and pet therapy. Predictable routines for medication management and health care services also strengthen a sense of security for memory care residents. Staff help with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing and eating, balancing each resident's desire for independence with their need of support. A visiting Nurse Practitioner performs regular physical and mental checks on residents. Devotional services are held on location, and residents can also schedule an appointment with the on-site salon. Restaurant-style dining is available all day, and a private room can be reserved for special meals with visiting guests.
Reviewers like the selection residents have for activities. One loved one writes, "They were playing bingo, they had a table where they were playing cards, they had a group of women that were working on puzzles, and we saw where they have painting classes."
Prestige Assisted Living at Oroville offers care by specially trained staff in a supportive environment. The community's award-winning programs for Alzheimer's and dementia, Expressions Memory Care and Mind Masters Cognitive Stimulation Program, help maintain residents' quality of life. These programs include promote memory retention, a creative outlet through arts and learning and an exercise program to reduce falls. An electronic security system protects the building, and each resident has access to an emergency call system. Pets are welcome in the community. Several floor plans are available, and resident parking and complimentary transportation are offered. Activities are often held in the beauty and barbershop, library or garden, and the community encourages resident-run activities.
Family members of residents praise the activities offered, the friendly staff and the memory care program. One says, "They were very friendly. It looked like they had a variety of activities available. It was well-maintained and taken care of."
Roseleaf is a memory care and assisted living community that offers individualized care for residents. Staff focus on creating a sense of normalcy with outdoor patios, restaurant-style dining and a pub and cafe for residents to socialize. Residents can participate in meaningful activities such as storytelling, exercise classes and pet-therapy with staff and family members. Specialized care is provided for every resident based on their life, and they are permitted walk around as they like in the facility and the secure outdoor grounds. Staff is trained in medication management and assistance with daily living activities. This community also provides a beauty and barbershop, linen and laundry services, spa days and meal services in a dining room or to residents' rooms.
People love Roseleaf for the beautiful grounds, comfortable atmosphere and friendly staff. One family member of a resident says, ".caregivers are very helpful and kind. Management is very professional and supportive.I recommend this facility."