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 Daly City's senior population continues to grow (8% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Daly City, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 8% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 5%, 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 (11% in Daly City 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 Daly City. 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 Daly City, 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:
Pacifica Senior Living Mission Villa is close to the San Bruno Mountain State & County Park allowing residents to partake in fresh air and a mountain view. It is close to Kaiser Permenente Medical Center and Seton Medical Center. They take a person-centered approach to memory care with an individualized plan with attentiveness to meeting resident's needs. This community incorporates a fuller plan when it comes to daily care, taking into account the resident's physical health, personal history, mental health, preferences and nutritional requirements. Staff is equipped to deal with residents experiencing Alzheimer's Disease or dementia. They are also dedicated to providing cognitive activities to residents in their areas of interest believing that it promotes reduces frustration levels. Amenities include secured outdoor spaces and enclosed courtyards to prevent resident's from wandering.
Families praise the caring and safe environment provided to residents. One person commented, "The staff did a great job acclimating my mom to her new environment and keeping her busy. My mom enjoys the weekly shuttle ride touring the Bay Area. The medical staff keeps detailed record of her medication and behavior, making it easy for me to communicate with my mom's care team."
Sagebrook Senior Living is located in the bustling Laurel Heights neighborhood of San Francisco. Memory care residents live in a separate, secure community with an enclosed courtyard and indoor and outdoor walking paths. The staff is required to complete regular, rigorous training to enhance its ability to care for people living with memory loss. Under Sagebrook's Thrive Memory Care Program, certified care partners (also called Nayas) assist residents with medication management, bathing, moving throughout the community, dressing and hygiene. Dining options include anytime dining, restaurant-style dining and room service. Weekly housekeeping and daily tidying are provided. Residents can keep their minds and bodies active by reading in the library, creating in the arts and crafts center, playing the piano or gardening in raised garden beds. Health care services, including the Kaiser Permanente and UCSF medical centers, are readily available just down the street.
Family members praise Sagebrook's cleanliness, dining options, and attentive staff. One writes "My stepfather is living in Sagebrook Living Center for over a year. He is in the Memory Care Unit and I am so grateful to all the staff for the care of him. Everybody is friendly and caring. "
Coterie Cathedral Hill partners with CaringKind, a leading dementia and Alzheimer's care expert, to offer residents Coterie Memory Care. It uses innovative programs based on the most recent dementia research. The community is specially designed with secure, open floor plans and a circadian lighting system to promote security and safety for individuals with memory loss. Trained staff is available 24/7 to provide personalized care and assistance with daily activities, such as bathing, grooming, transferring and toileting. Licensed nurses handle medication assistance and review. Residents may participate in musical recall, nature walks and word games, and they can watch movies and attend lectures and performances in the state-of-the-art theater in the community. They can also access fitness and yoga classes led by professionals to improve their physical and emotional well-being. Chef-prepared meals featuring a variety of menu choices are served daily in an elegant dining room.
Family members praise the passionate staff, with one saying, "This is a beautiful, modern and elegant community. It offers fresh and appetizing meals that resemble those of five-star restaurants. They have a dedicated and passionate team of employees and directors who do their job well and always with a smile."
Sunrise at Burlingame is 15 miles away from San Francisco and close to highways 280 and 101. For residents experiencing memory loss, they offer the Reminiscence Memory Care Program. Memory care residents are located in secure suites located next to living/dining areas providing for social opportunities and easy navigation. They offer memory focused activities and separate areas, along with Life Enrichment Managers who specialize in Validation Therapy plus other techniques for memory care. Life Enrichment Managers are responsible for assembling a care plan that incorporates the resident's personal preferences so that their days are filled with purpose and meaning. The Validation Method incorporates focuses directly on the resident, making eye contact, asking questions that are open-ended, rephrasing and matching the emotion of the resident. Each resident is paired with trained staff to assist people experiencing various forms of dementia.
Families love the friendly and accommodating staff at Sunrise at Burlingame. They mentioned the rooms are a decent size, and very clean. One reviewer commented, "The lady who assisted us was very informative. It was very clean, and the grounds were beautiful."
The Village at Hayes Valley is situated in the midst of San Francisco, surrounded by numerous hospitals, such as St. Francis Memorial Hospital, to attend to any health care needs. The Legacies Memory Care Program marries personal care with social and enrichment activities. Memory care specialists are available 24/7 to provide support and assistance for residents to move about confidently. The community is easy to navigate and accessible for those requiring memory care and offers a soothing environment. This atmosphere helps decrease anxiety and increase self-esteem by fostering independent exploration. Residents can receive help with bathing, toilet needs, dressing, nutrition and medication management. They can also participate in seated games, such as Sit and Be Fit or chair Zumba, to encourage physical fitness.
Family and residents alike appreciate the community for its cleanliness, safety and helpful staff. One reviewer states, "Overall impression was that it was very clean. They had the amenities that your loved one will need. They seemed to be able to cover everything as well."
The Ivy at Golden Gate in downtown San Francisco is located in a historical landmark surrounded by manicured gardens. Seniors with dementia and Alzheimer's live in the community's memory care neighborhood called Evergreen at Ivy. Staff members utilize the EverYou program to help memory care residents lead meaningful lives. The emphasis is on security, privacy and independence. Personal care support, medication management and spa services are also offered. Assisted living services are available to all at any time, and partners can arrange to live in a nearby studio. Pets are allowed and are taken for walks by staff. The Ivy at Golden Gate offers residents and visitors an elegant lifestyle, including all-day dining at the Vine at Ivy restaurant and socializing in the activities studio and media room. An art studio, fitness room, library and technology center are also available
Relatives of loved ones are happy with the staff, the accommodations and the food. One reviewer writes, "The caregivers are amazing at this [community]. The team is excellent all around. The rooms are nice and the food is terrific." Another writes, "I've visited all communities in San Francisco and this is hands down the best".
Ivy Park at Cathedral Hill is situated between Pacific Heights and the Fillmore District in downtown San Francisco, CA. The community has an emergency response system with the possibility of 24-hour personal care support and offers plenty of convenient on-site amenities, including a fitness center, movie theater and beauty salon. Its memory care residents participate in the EverYou program and reside in the Evergreen at Ivy neighborhood. EverYou provides residents a living experience meant to help them stay stimulated and engaged by making their days feel fulfilling and purposeful. This whole living approach to care includes social and educational activities that may help foster moments of joy and meaningful interactions.
Ivy Park at Cathedral Hill earns high marks for its roomy accommodations and kind staff members. One resident's family member writes, "I loved the spaciousness of the unit -- lots of light. (*Far* better than many places where the dementia unit is a single dark corridor). And staff was very friendly."
The Trousdale's memory care community offers the Dawn of a New Day philosophy with its seven domains of well-being: joy, security, identity, choice, meaning, connectedness and growth. These are what guide the community's care and programming. Residents each receive a personalized care plan designed to provide full assistance based on needs and abilities. The community's programming includes music and art, exercise classes, pet therapy and gardening, and numerous volunteers visit to keep seniors connected and engaged. Housekeeping and laundry chores are handled by staff members, and caregivers supervise and guide residents 24 hours a day. The community uses smart-sensor technology as part of its security as well as a call feature and the voice-first Alexa system. Seniors have access to a wellness center and therapy on-site as well as a beauty/barber shop and massage, aromatherapy and acupuncture services.
Residents and their families are pleased with the caring staff at The Trousdale. One reviewer remarks, "The staff provide excellent care and are very conscientious." Other reviewers comment on the "great meals" prepared by the community's chef and the many amenities and activities that keep seniors comfortable and busy.
Portola Gardens is located in the Portola neighborhood of San Francisco. The beautifully retrofitted historical landmark was constructed in the 1930s and restored in 2018. The community presents a supportive atmosphere where seasoned caregivers offer 24/7 encouragement, personal assistance and activities. It provides memory care and assisted care services to its residents in a secure Colonial Revival house that nurtures a strong communal sense. The seniors have access to walking paths, private backyards, a sunroom and gardens that are excellent for reading and relaxing. They also have living spaces with familiar, homey settings. Every day, the caregivers engage them in small group and individual activities to assist them in interacting successfully regardless of their cognitive capacities.
Reviewers acknowledge and appreciate the individualized care provided in the community. One reviewer states, "The medical team really gives enough individual attention to each of their client. Though it is a smaller facility compared to others. The staff specially customized their work to each individual need and they pay close attention to detail with hygiene and cleanliness."
Rhoda Goldman Plaza in San Francisco, CA, is 11 miles north of Daly City. Seniors experiencing dementia or Alzheimer's live in a secure memory care wing on the fourth floor known as The Terrace. Memory care at Rhoda Goldman Plaza is based on Validation Therapy, a practical and empathetic approach to minimize stress and comfort people with dementia. Therapeutic programs, such as individual and group activities therapies, are designed to stimulate cognitive, artistic, sensory and physical functions while honoring personal interests and preferences. Licensed professionals on staff are available day and night to monitor residents and conduct health status checks. The team helps with basic daily needs, such as bathing, hygiene, dressing, toileting, transfers and medication management, and provides reminders and community escort services. Residents can socialize during mealtimes in the communal dining room with direct views of the adjacent park and school library.
Residents and families love the caring staff and comfortable amenities on-site. One writes, "My mother has resided at RGP for nearly a year, and she has been very happy and felt very secure. She is getting great care. The staff is very attentive and kind. The apartment is quite attractive and comfortable and suits her to a T. "
Providence Place cares for seniors at all stages of memory loss, providing a consistent environment that reduces stress and trauma and helps residents find meaningful interactions and purpose in life. Staff members provide a custom care plan for each resident that involves medication management; help with personal care, such toileting, feeding and bathing; and regular wellness monitoring. Supervision and guidance are available 24 hours a day to give residents and their families peace of mind. The community serves three home-cooked meals per day, and the culinary team accommodates special diets. Residents are encouraged to participate in daily activities to promote engagement and cognitive function, and common areas are designed for comfort and safety.
Reviewers are pleased with the knowledgeable, caring staff at Providence Place. "They have so much experience caring for seniors that they know just what to do when anything comes up," one reviewer remarks. She could feel confident that her loved one was well cared for by people who were true advocates for her well-being.
Conveniently located just 3 miles from San Francisco International Airport, Cadence Millbrae is a memory care, assisted living and independent living community in Millbrae, CA. Its Revere Memory Care program is designed to help residents foster connections by offering a multifaceted approach to care that involves participating in a variety of familiar art-, music- and movement-oriented activities. Memory care residents can stay active by taking part in rhythmic dancing exercises, spend time in nature by going on outdoor walks and gardening and feel mentally engaged by making crafts and playing games. They can also benefit from visits by pets and therapy dogs and from having access to on-site salon and barber services.
Families are impressed that Cadence Millbrae is a secure community with a kind, attentive staff. "The staff members were professional and caring. In the memory care facility, what they offer is security. The people know that the family members are secure. They're getting very nice care in a very safe environment," writes a resident's loved one.
AlmaVia of San Francisco offers memory care and assisted living less than a mile from Daly City in the Parkmerced neighborhood of San Francisco, CA. This community has a beauty salon, library and computer lab and employs a spiritual care director to assist residents of all faiths. Its memory care program is centered around the I'm Still Here philosophy, which is based on the belief that every person living with memory loss is still capable of connecting, learning and contributing. The I'm Still Here approach to care incorporates several evidence-based elements, including specialized communication techniques and parallel programming adapted to each resident's stage of dementia. Memory care residents can take part in life enrichment activities designed to help them focus their attention, access memories and encourage social participation.
AlmaVia of San Francisco receives rave reviews for its memory care program, delicious food and array of activities. "I extremely like the fact that they have memory care rooms and the two programs for memory care. The food was definitely tasty. I also like how they have different events and activities," writes one reviewer.
Buena Vista Manor House has a secure memory care floor with 24-hour caregivers trained in managing Alzheimer's, mild cognitive impairment and advanced dementia. Residents undergo regular assessments to determine the stage of their memory disorder and customize or adjust memory care treatments. The staff offers companionship, helps with the activities of daily living, conducts health checkups and handles medication management or administration. Animal-assisted and recreational therapies are provided daily to help improve cognitive functions, while the activities director plans community activities to keep seniors social and active. Housekeepers make regular visits for chores, and the laundry team covers linen and clothing cleaning needs. Each resident receives three nutritious meals served daily in the restaurant-style dining room with direct city views.
Residents appreciate the caring staff. One states, "I moved my mom here from Pennsylvania and I couldn't be happier with my choice. The staff here is really caring and it's a family-run business, and operated with an attention to detail. Beautiful views and garden, I couldn't ask for anything more. Perfect size community in my opinion. A+ for me."
Sunrise of San Mateo offers high-quality care to residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia by incorporating the evidence-based dementia care practices of its Reminisce memory care program. This program employs Validation Therapy and encourages care planning and assessment, individualized care and communication. Trained staff is available 24/7 to offer individualized care. Caregivers collaborate with residents to plan the daily activities and calendars of events tailored to each individual's interests and preferences. These activities include religious services, physical fitness, resident-sponsored clubs and scheduled off-site activities. Seniors reside in a specially designed Reminisce neighborhood with calm and secure areas to promote social interaction and easy navigation. Residents can enjoy three delicious meals daily, including snacks throughout the day. Social and educational programs are also available for families.
Family members praise the secure and beautiful community, with one member saying, "Sunrise of San Mateo was very nice. They have studios. It's beautiful and very nice. They did have activities. I did see the dining room, and I did see the food that they were serving at lunch. It looked delicious. Everything looked like five stars. They do have the wander guard [and] locks for entrances and exits."
Pacifica Senior Living Burlingame is located just 0.4 miles from Burlingame, CA. Its memory care program takes a personalized approach to assist and manage seniors with memory-related conditions. The community offers 24-hour care and attention with simple and easy-to-navigate floor plans that enhance resident independence. The memory care staff is highly specialized, offering assistive services to seniors, enabling them to manage their daily routines with autonomy and ease. The community's open spaces and apartment homes provide a memory-boosting environment that's designed for easy navigation and exploration by residents. Residents looking to take part in low-impact exercise can use the on-site fitness room. Seniors who enjoy the outdoors can take long strolls for fresh air in the home's courtyard.
Friends and loved ones of residents at Pacifica Senior Living Burlingame adore the community. One says, "The people and staff are excellent. They're very warm. That's why my loved one chose Atria Burlingame. He feels very comfortable there. It doesn't feel institutional. It's a great, pleasant location across from a park, with lots of foliage and trees. Whenever I've been there, it's always clean, including the unit he's in. It's a good place."
Burlingame Villa specializes in memory care. The community is fully secure and uses special technology to keep residents safe at all times. Colorful common areas indoors and out offer space for activities and socialization. In fact, engagement is key, for seniors with memory difficulties thrive through interaction, and staff members work with residents one-on-one and in small groups to provide meaningful connections. Family is also central in this community. Family support groups help loved ones cope with the realities and stresses of memory loss, and family members are encouraged to spend as much time as possible with residents. Seniors receive personalized care plans so that all their needs are met, including help with daily living activities, medication management and housekeeping. The community is pet-friendly.
Reviewers of Burlingame Villa comment on the community's caring staff and appealing environment. "My family member received such loving and beautiful care," one reviewer remarks. "The staff was attentive to every need." Residents appreciate the peaceful gardens as well as the homelike spaces, good food and fun activities.
Located just 20 miles outside San Francisco, Atria Park of San Mateo provides personalized memory care around the clock. Older adults with dementia or Alzheimer's disease live in a specially designed, secure neighborhood. Licensed nurses and caregivers are on-site 24/7, so discreet support is available whenever seniors need it. Staff helps residents get out of beds or chairs, escorts them to meals and events, monitors them during mealtimes and helps with the activities of daily living. Diabetes management, injections, oxygen management and catheter and ostomy care are also available. The dining experience at Atria features fresh, flavorful choices crafted by professional chefs, with all choices accommodating residents' nutritional needs. Engage Life programming offers seniors a full schedule of events for residents to try each day, from yoga classes to mental fitness exercises and social activities. Amenities include a salon and spa, game room, bistro, fitness center, movie theater, library, courtyard, patio and walking paths.
Loved ones appreciate the personalized attention that each resident receives. One says, "The staff at Atria welcomed her with loving arms, always very attentive, taking the time to know my mom personally, talking with her and making sure that her family is kept in touch with her progress."
Atria at Foster Square offers memory care services to individuals with Alzheimer's and other memory conditions in a specially designed neighborhood with secured entries and exits. Caring and vibrant staff is available 24/7 to offer personalized care to the residents, including assistance with grooming, bathing, eating, toileting and medication management. Personal laundry, housekeeping and linen services are available to allow residents to focus on improving their health and well-being. Staff members collaborate with the residents to create opportunities for learning, with a calendar of events and activities tailored to personal interests and past hobbies. This helps improve residents' cognitive and physical abilities. Residents can access conveniently located amenities, such as a studio, library, salon and fitness center, to socialize and enjoy life. Healthy meals, including low-sugar and low-salt diets, are available daily.
Family members praise the caring staff, with one member saying, "My brother has moved into Atria at Foster Square Memory Care. My overall impression is that it's a great facility. They've been very accommodating and helpful to my brother in getting him settled in and helping me through this very hard time. "The staff is awesome, and the place is absolutely wonderful."
Sunrise of Belmont is an intimate community with stunning vistas of the coastal hills that surround the San Francisco Bay Area. Memory care is administered through the Reminiscence segment of the larger community. This area has been specially designed for residents with memory care conditions. Living quarters are situated nearby common areas, which makes navigation easier. The Reminiscence program also features Life Enrichment Managers, who are trained in Validation Therapy. This approach enhances communication with memory care residents through direct eye contact, open-ended questions and emotion matching. Assistance with daily living activities, such as dressing or taking medication, is also offered on an as-needed basis. This pet-friendly community takes a multisensory approach to activities for memory care residents, including art classes, chair yoga, meditation and creating music with various instruments.
Residents and their loved ones compliment the professionalism of the staff as well as the excellent dining options and range of memory-care activities. One notes, "The staff was very friendly, eager to take care of the residents, and made sure everybody participated and got out of their rooms. They had an activity room, exercise therapy, library, and a common room for TV and gatherings."