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 Concord’s senior population continues to grow (18.33% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Concord, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 9.98% between 2014 and 2019, 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 (10.75% in Concord 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 Concord. 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 Concord, 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:
Aegis Living Pleasant Hill is an assisted living and memory care community that offers an intimate environment for seniors. This classically designed retirement home features luxurious amenities, including a formal dining room, well-appointed accommodations, landscaped grounds and a fountain courtyard. The memory care wing caters to those with cognitive conditions, thoughtfully designed to keep residents safe, comfortable and engaged. Caregivers undergo continuous training to equip them with the right skills to meet individual care needs and manage challenging behaviors. Aegis Livings Lifes Neighborhood program creates meaningful experiences for residents, offering various life enrichment activities that foster friendly connections, stimulate the brain and improve physical well-being. Daily schedules include light and music therapy, interactive lectures, creative hobbies and wellness exercises. The community's Family Link app provides access to loved ones status and activities and information on the communitys various programs.
Family members feel loved ones are in good hands and praise the prompt service, comfortable accommodations and friendly staff. Reviewers recommend the place, with one saying, "My dad enjoys the activities, dining, tenants and staff. It is a family run business and it shows via the culture they have created in this thriving community.
Nestled in a wooded neighborhood 7 miles outside of Concord, California, Atria Park of Lafayette helps seniors with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. The community's memory care and supportive living programs focus on understanding each resident's unique history and interests to provide a tailored care program. Personnel trained in cutting-edge cognitive care techniques are available 24/7 to help seniors as needed. Residents have access to physical therapy in the wellness center and massage therapists and stylists in the salon and spa. An in-house fitness trainer is available to residents in the gym. Residents can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner in a restaurant-style dining room where the culinary team prepares nutritious meals daily, including vegetarian options.
Relatives applaud the comforting atmosphere and compassionate staff. One said, "Atria Lafayette is the one we chose for my stepmother. It's a small community and that was something we found very attractive It also has an in house memory care unit. The staff allows the residents their independence, and yet they're very accommodating for people who have special needs."
Atria Walnut Creek welcomes seniors to a vibrant community that features beautifully landscaped grounds, comfortable living spaces, multiple dining venues and a variety of recreation rooms. An emergency alert system and round-the-clock security keep the whole pet-friendly property safe and secure. For residents living with cognitive conditions, Atria offers Life Guidance memory care, an innovative approach that combines whole-person care and programming, a thoughtfully designed environment and comprehensive family support. Familiar artwork and personal mementos displayed at strategic locations serve as navigational cues, and common areas are arranged to allow free, safe movement and encourage peer interaction. Residents stay physically active through engaging in fitness exercises such as yoga, dancing and walking, and the community's music therapy program helps promote emotional wellness and trigger joyful memories.
People admire the community's appealing decor and open, spacious layout. Family members feel welcome when they visit. One praises the caring staff, saying, "They were incredibly supportive during one of the most difficult transitions we have had to face as a family. It takes a real commitment to have the consistent empathy and compassion shown by their staff in how my Dad was treated and cared for.
At Brookdale Danville, residents can feel a sense of security and comfort. The communitys small size fosters close relationships between seniors and their caregivers, with a high staff-to-resident ratio of seven to one. With an exclusive focus on memory care, residents receive a high level of support in an easy-to-navigate environment with designated activity areas, natural lighting and soothing colors. Staff members are highly trained, receiving ongoing education to stay updated on the latest memory care methods. Available 24 hours a day, they assist with daily living activities like bathing, grooming and medication management while helping residents engage their interests. Through quality programming that rotates each week, seniors can try arts and crafts, brain games, cooking workshops and chair yoga. A 24-hour security system paired with monitored entryways and enclosed courtyard and garden spaces provide peace of mind.
Visiting family members compliment the diverse activities and friendly staff. "I was very impressed with all of the daily social functions they had for him," one relative says. "These would consist of art, games, movies, and lots of other entertainment. The staff seemed kind and pleasant when would visit him at least once a week."
Carlton Senior Living Downtown Pleasant Hill is a well-designed community that offers independent and assisted living, as well as person-centered memory care. Seniors living with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia benefit from care thats anchored in dignity, imagination, sensory and choice. Several signature programs help create meaningful and productive daily experiences for residents. Dakim BrainFitness consists of challenging cognitive exercises, and Live 2 B Healthy promotes physical well-being through customized fitness programs. Residents can showcase their creative and musical skills through the Quarterly Creations program and the Drum and Poetry circles. A dynamic calendar of social programs incorporates individual preferences, and trips to local attractions, churches and shopping venues are always something to look forward to. Carlton schedules regular meetings to keep families updated regarding loved ones status.
Reviewers like the convenient location, appetizing food, lovely garden and beautifully appointed areas. A family member recommends the community for its great service, saying, "I have been nothing but impressed with Carlton, from our intake to the cleanliness and housekeeping to the activities, the people at the front desk and even the dining room! I'm a nurse and pretty particular about these things.
Located in the sunny city of Pleasant Hill, California, Carlton Senior Living Poet's Corner places a strong focus on its memory care delivery through pillar programs that revolve around sensory stimulation, dignity and maximizing individual client choice. These practices are covered by Carlton Senior Livings fall prevention systems, customized physical fitness sessions and creative, musical and cultural engagement therapy sessions. The activities programs can be tailored to the individual needs of residents. Evidence-based cognitive program Dakim BrainFitness is also part of the communitys services. More generally, Carlton Senior Living offers comfortable private rooms, restaurant-style three-meal dining, medication management and full personal hygiene and grooming services. A nursing staff is on-site 24 hours per day for residents with complex medical needs, and the community's staff handles housekeeping, laundry and apartment maintenance responsibilities.
Clients love the detailed care quality at Carlton Senior Living. As one mentions, "My aunt has been staying at Carlton Seniors for almost six years. And honestly, I have seen her change for better so very much. These guys are taking great care of her and have genuinely made all of us happier. Just could not thank these wonderful people ever enough. Thank you so much!
Carlton Senior Living San Leandro offers older adults memory care, assisted living and independent living services. Its memory care program, designed to encourage independence and respect, emphasizes dignity, imagination, sensory skills and choice. This innovative program also uses AI technology to catch and lower fall risks in the community. Residents are urged to participate in a variety of dementia-friendly activities, such as SingFit, drum circle, poetry circle, BrainFitness and arts and crafts. Certified trainers assist with custom exercise plans. The community boasts landscaped gardens with lush trees and wind chimes to provide residents with secure, tranquil spaces. Residents can enjoy chef-prepared meals in a restaurant-style setting. Themed candlelight dinners are an added treat where families can dine with residents. A dementia support group is available to families.
Relatives of seniors in assisted living appreciate the warmhearted staff and comforting atmosphere. One says, "My father has been there for a year and a half now, and the excellent staff has done everything they can think of to make his time enjoyable. Even during the pandemic they have been very imaginative about fun but safe activities."
Located in the heart of downtown Walnut Creek, Heatherwood Memory Care provides an intimate, homelike environment for seniors living with moderate- to late-stage Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. All rooms access a secured outdoor courtyard where residents can safely enjoy the fresh air. Trained staff is available 24/7 to provide personalized care, which can include assistance with the activities of daily living, medication support, incontinence care and coordination with outside health care providers. Podiatrists, dentists and other specialized health care practitioners are also available on-site on a regular basis. Meals, housekeeping, laundry and transportation services are all provided. The community also offers a robust activities program focused on providing plentiful opportunities for mental, social, physical and spiritual fulfillment. Programs take into account each residents preferences and can include physical activity, multi-sensory stimulation, creative pursuits and outings to area attractions.
Family members praise the caring staff. One reviewer writes, "The folks at Heatherwood are the nicest, most professional, compassionate and skilled caretakers in the world! Adds another, "From the owner to the staff everybody really cares and does a excellent job making sure your loved ones are well taken care of.
Merrill Gardens at Lafayette is a family-owned luxury continuum of care senior living community that offers a range of activities and amenities. The memory care unit is located in a secure section of the building called the Garden House. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and feature a number of courtyards where residents can safely relax in the outdoors or spend time socializing with friends in one of the comfortable seating areas. The specially trained team of caregivers is available 24/7 to provide care and assistance with empathy and compassion. Families are encouraged to take part in the daily activities and spend time creating moments of joy and connection with their loved ones. All of the activities are tailored to the cognitive and physical abilities of residents and may include fitness classes, social events, musical entertainment, dancing and cognitive games.
Family members are impressed by the well-maintained amenities and the range of activities offered with one reviewer saying, "Lovely surroundings, both common areas and individual apartments. Activity directors are outstanding and they offer a variety of engaging activities and have frequent musicians, enjoyed by the residents."
Set among stunning views, Oakmont of Concord offers a memory care community with Alzheimer's or dementia centered around their Traditions program. Residents arrange their day to be full of activities that increase engagement and promote meaningful social connections. Music, movies, art and group gatherings stimulate conversation and evoke memories. Excursions and activities promote residents' sense of well-being and experience of being a valued community member. The design of Oakmont provides helpful surroundings to help residents move around the community, helping to boost self-esteem and provide reassurance. The neighborhood also consists of secure indoor and outdoor areas for seniors to experience. Care providers are chosen based on their specialist skills and experience. A licensed nurse oversees the program and care providers are on hand 24 hours a day.
People are impressed with the care at Oakmont. One reviewer writes, "Our mother has resided at the Oakmont in Concord for almost four years. We are so happy with the care and the staff at the Oakmont. The staff is always ready and willing to help. It provides peace of mind for the entire family! "
Set on 5 acres of a residential area in Concord, Oakmont of Montecito is a luxury retirement community offering memory care, assisted living and independent living. The community offers memory care residents a separate, secure Traditions neighborhood that's designed to be familiar and comforting. Caregivers trained in memory care techniques are available 24/7 to provide individualized care, and nurses are on-site to assess and monitor residents health needs. Residents are encouraged to participate in personal and group activities that provide cognitive, physical and social stimulation, many of which incorporate personal life histories, interests and hobbies. Life skill stations allow residents to reminisce while maintaining and improving their abilities. A variety of amenities, including soothing sitting areas, a spa and an enclosed courtyard and garden, give residents pleasant locations in which to relax and socialize.
Residents and family members often mention the food and the caring staff. One reviewer writes, "They're very, very cordial, very caring, and got to know the residents It's beautiful, has wonderful food and caring staff, and is just top-notch all around, we felt. Adds another, "The staff is wonderful All of the girls that help me treat me like I am their mother.
Nestled in the heart of the San Ramon Valley, Sunrise of Danville provides a welcoming environment for older adults. Its Reminiscence neighborhood is specially designed for seniors living with memory loss and features easy-to-navigate floor plans with adjacent living, dining and activity spaces. Carefully selected lighting and color schemes help put residents at ease. Activity areas allow seniors to gather for art projects, puzzles and cognitive programs. Staff is on-site 24/7, with all members highly trained in modern memory care techniques. Caregivers are available at the push of a button to assist with hygiene and grooming, clothes selection, eating, medication management and mobility. Residents daily schedules are designed around their individual needs, with multisensory experiences, fitness classes, creative opportunities and family visits all integral parts of the Sunrise lifestyle.
Loved ones appreciate the compassionate team. "The family is very happy with the amount of care my father in law is getting here," says one relative of a resident. "He seems to have adjusted well and is happy. Everyone has been so great between the staff and the other residents. He seems to be eating better than before and he likes the food We would recommend the community."
Tucked into a quiet neighborhood with scenic views of the San Francisco Bay, seniors can feel at home at Sunrise of Oakland Hills. The secure terrace-level Reminiscence neighborhood is designed for residents living with memory loss; the easy-to-navigate layout features living, dining and activity areas next to residents apartments for increased comfort and familiarity. Paired with natural lighting, soothing colors and access to an enclosed garden and walking paths, its an inviting environment. The community's dedicated Life Enrichment Managers become closely acquainted with residents, providing consistent company and care. The 24-hour staff is specially trained to support seniors with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia and can assist with daily living activities, such as bathing, mobility and medication management. The daily schedule includes programming to nurture body and soul; from exercise to art, multisensory experiences are designed with resident interests in mind.
Loved ones are impressed by the community's welcoming environment. "We could not have chosen a better place for our mother," one relative says. "The memory care wing slowly became a second family for her, and she loved being there. It was such a pleasant place that we felt at home and made lasting ties there too."
Located in the Tri-Valley just a short distance from its historic downtown district, Sunrise of Pleasanton provides assisted living, memory care, respite and hospice options in one convenient location. For residents living with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia, the communitys Reminiscence neighborhood offers a secure, carefully designed environment. Soothing lighting and color choices, along with specified activity areas for puzzles, arts and crafts, help residents feel right at home. Through quality training recognized by the Alzheimers Association, the neighborhoods team of caregivers and life enrichment managers utilize the latest research-based care practices to aid daily living and behavior, including person-centered validation therapy. Residents can expect days filled with engaging programs, such as art classes, musical enrichment and spiritual activities. Sunrise of Pleasanton's restaurant-style dining features nutritious meals prepared by the staff chef, and regular group trips into the Tri-Valley area help seniors stay active in city life.
Visitors note the community's amenities. "It was very clean, very open, and more homey," says one recent visitor. "It had a great outdoor area for sitting, indoor patios, and a nice lunch room The dining room was open and like a larger restaurant with round tables People came in who did entertainment, like singers and musicians."
At Sunrise of Walnut Creek, seniors can expect a high level of care in a scenic setting. In Reminiscence, the communitys memory care neighborhood, every resident is paired with a Life Enrichment Manager who gets to know their interests and preferences. Through personalized care plans, they receive services suited to their needs by the 24-hour staff, whose training is approved by the Alzheimers Association. From assistance with bathing and personal hygiene to medication management, mobility and eating, emergency response systems ensure that caregivers are available around-the-clock. A daily schedule of activities features fitness classes, creative and cognitive programs, puzzles and recreation opportunities, and residents can enjoy nutritious meals crafted by an experienced chef. Indoor reflection rooms feature soft music and lighting, cozy living rooms offer space to socialize with family, and secure outdoor areas enable easy access to nature.
Residents appreciate the kind staff. "People there were very nice and very helpful," one says. "It's just an all-around good place. There's entertainment for the guests every day, either group music in the afternoon, or games. The food was very good and it changes daily. All the people that worked there were very pleasant."
Residents of The Kensington enjoy well-landscaped grounds while living in a family-style atmosphere. This community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. The memory care program prioritizes mental stimulation, self-expression, friendships and movement, and it incorporates music to enrich residents' lives. The staff takes care of linens and housekeeping, while an emergency response system means help is available around the clock. Staff members also assist with medication management and daily tasks such as bathing and dressing, and a licensed nurse is available as well. Activities at The Kensington include recreational and cultural programming as well as personalized dining experiences.
Reviewers compliment The Kensington's staff members, saying they are "thorough and comprehensive in taking care of whatever the situation calls for." Another praises the community's food, writing that "the chef does an incredible job." The community's outdoor space also draws positive attention.
The Parkview has a scenic suburban location next to Centennial Park in Pleasanton. This Eskaton senior community is conveniently situated from across Oak Hills Shopping Center and minutes from Stanford ValleyCare Medical Center. Its thoughtfully designed two-level assisted living apartment complex has multiple courtyards and patio areas, while the connecting single-floor memory care building has its own central courtyard, secured backyard and surrounding gardens. Residents benefit from 24-hour staffing, personal emergency alert systems, wellness programs, on-site salon services and transportation to medical and dental appointments. In addition to three meals served daily, snacks are available all day. Eskatons Dawn of a New Day philosophy takes a strength-based approach to memory care, supporting an individuals seven domains of well-being, which include identity, connectedness, choice, growth and joy. Memory care residents have access to enriching experiences related to music, art, family, animals and intergenerational engagement.
Loved ones highly appreciate The Parkviews compassionate staff. "My 92 year old mom has been at the Parkview, in memory care for the last two years Such a caring and loving group of caregivers," says one reviewer. "I feel my mom is happy and well cared for even as she declines and I feel supported by the whole team
TreVista Senior Living & Memory Care is an assisted living and memory care community located in Concord, CA. Residents are given 24/7 care by trained staff and nurse supervisors, who provide daily reminders for tasks along with routine wellness checks, assistance and medication management following personalized wellness plans for each resident to ensure individualized care. Specialized individual daily events, including morning coffee chats, puzzle hours and scheduled craft class, along with recognizable surroundings and familiar staff, help create an engaging and comfortable setting for memory care residents. Weekly housekeeping and laundry services help make sure residences are tidy and familiar. The enclosed and secured central courtyard features water features and a fire pit for please sights and relaxation, and residents are offered delicious meals in one of many settings, including a bistro and a comfortable coffee bar.
Residents and their families highly praise the caring and warmhearted staff. One family member said, "I am so grateful to all of [the] wonderful employees; the care they show to my mom has been more than I ever expected. She is happy and has made many new friends."
Willow Creek Alzheimer's & Dementia Care Community is exclusively for residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Living in the moment is a central theme to life in this community. Specially trained staff look for opportunities to provide interaction with staff, other residents and family and friends. The program includes daily activities that encourage engagement. Bird watching, gardening and brain games promote engagement as well as social interaction. The secure neighborhood offers residents the chance to walk outside or just sit and enjoy some fresh air on the patio. This will increase their sense of freedom and independence. Qualified staff members are on hand 24 hours a day to monitor and assist seniors when needed. Individual care plans may include extra safety measures and interventions.
People are impressed with the care at Willow Creek. One writes, "While our mother was only at Willow Creek for approximately two weeks our family found the staff and environment to be of exceptional quality we found staff was constantly engaging her in conversation."