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 Encinitas' senior population continues to grow (8% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.Â
In Encinitas, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 9% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 19%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (9.9% in Encinitas 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 Encinitas. 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 Encinitas, 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.Â
Overall, our team:Â Â
At Silverado Encinitas, seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia get professional care from accredited staff, as all associates in the community, from the desk staff to personal caregivers, have dementia care certifications. This education prepares staff to engage in "best-practice" memory care techniques as they assist with personal hygiene, medication management, mobility and verbal cueing. The community offers three levels of care, ensuring that residents age in place as their needs increase. Additionally, the community employs a full-time Physician Medical Director and several around-the-clock licensed nurses. A full calendar of enriching events, specially designed to stimulate cognition and recollection, offers ample opportunity for residents to find meaning and social connections with their peers. Other amenities of the Silverado include secured grounds with paved walking paths, restaurant-style meals and housekeeping services.
Families praise the attentive care their loved ones receive at Silverado Encinitas. The husband of a resident states, "[Silverado's] professional and caring staff, engagement programs, outstanding facilities and extensive use of pet/animal therapy made them the hand's down choice for care and value. Seven months into residency, we are completely satisfied with the results we're seeing."
At RanchView Senior Assisted Living, seniors with cognitive disorders can access individualized memory care focused on preserving their dignity and well-being. The memory care neighborhood features gated access to prevent wandering. Compassionate staff, trained in Alzheimer's care, is on duty 24/7 to aid residents with activities of daily living and provide companionship and health care services. Those with memory loss live in private and semi-private rooms that family members can decorate to create a calming, reminiscent environment. An outdoor patio area provides ample space for socialization, live music and other outdoor activities. The community's memory care program features brain games, trivia and arts and crafts that help enhance cognitive abilities and memory retention. Those struggling with cognitive decline and behavioral issues can benefit from music therapy and poetry readings, which help stimulate alertness and reduce agitation.
Families of residents appreciate the community's friendly staff, exceptional levels of care and outstanding dining services. One reviewer writes, "This community has been great; it has been wonderful. The staff members were very friendly, and the care, meals and dining services were excellent. We also think the value was great."
Located within driving distance of San Diego, Summerfield of Encenitas cares for seniors with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. The community utilizes Sagely's smart technology to combine residents' preferences with activities tailored to meet the needs of those with cognitive issues and create an enriching and stimulating program calendar. It also lets the highly-trained 24/7 staff track attendance and trends and allows residents to easily connect with friends and family. Inspired by a Food Network celebrity chef, meals maximize the nutrients needed to maintain current strengths and minimize cognitive decline. Private living spaces are easy to navigate and come with built-in emergency call systems for safety and peace of mind.
Residents and their families speak highly of Summerfield at Encinitas. One resident's family member says, "The staff is incredibly kind, compassionate, patient and loving. ... Summerfield of Encinitas provides excellent care, delicious and healthy food, fun activities every day of the week, and they even do outings once a month! We couldn't be happier with the choice we made."
Pacifica Senior Living Vista, a pet-friendly senior community, is located close to downtown Vista, CA. Its memory care unit provides a supportive environment for seniors with Alzheimer's or other memory loss disorders and their family members, and the professional caregiving staff is available 24/7 to ensure that residents feel safe and cared for at all times. Designed for those with cognitive impairment, the community is spacious and easy to navigate, and each resident has a personalized care plan that's tailored to meet their individual needs and preferences. Seniors have access to secure outdoor areas and walking paths so they can enjoy the fresh air and sunshine, and daily activities and therapies are offered to help seniors improve or maintain their cognitive abilities.
Family members are impressed by the wonderful staff and daily activities offered with one reviewer saying, "My 92-year-old mom has lived at Pacifica in Vista for five months. I am there a lot visiting with her and have noticed how kind, happy and considerate all the caretakers, food employees, custodial employees, as well as management, are. There are many activities offered daily that my mom participates in."
Pacifica Senior Living Escondido is a resort-style senior living community providing senior care services. Situated in Escondido, CA, the establishment lies on 4 acres of land and is only 30 minutes from the beach. Its memory care program focuses on providing safety while fostering independence and dignity. Seniors in the unit receive an emergency-alert wristband for added security, and nursing staff is available 24/7. The community caters to the unique needs of its residents, including providing gluten-free, sodium-free and vegetarian diets. It also offers various activities, such as daily exercises, movie screenings, gardening and regular outings. All apartments are pet-friendly and have a view of the surrounding area. The property also features an on-site dog park, walking trails, a salon and a spa.
Residents and families appreciate how Pacifica deals with challenges. One resident writes, "Pacifica Escondido is the best place for your loved one to be. Everyone from the sales staff to all the nurses and caregivers are excellent and really do care about their residents. I have had many difficulties for which they found immediate solutions and handled them with ease."
A full-service retirement community, Silvergate San Marcos offers dedicated memory care in six "neighborhoods" with easy-to-navigate floor plans and comfortable furnishings so residents feel at home and secure. These smaller spaces discourage wandering and increase engagement and socialization. The community's high caregiver-to-resident ratio ensures each resident receives personal attention, and customized care plans cover daily living activities, medication management and housekeeping as well as three gourmet meals per day. Staff members interact with residents according to the Positive Approach to Care, which stresses dignity, sensitivity and encouragement. Seniors can participate in a wide range of activities, including crafts, musical programming, ice cream socials and games. The Garden Club works outdoors in the secure courtyard, and seniors can sit in the gazebo or stroll along the walking paths.
Residents and their families praise the quality care at Silvergate San Marcos. "We feel very comfortable with our dad being at Silvergate," a reviewer writes. "The staff is caring, kind and involved. We always feel well-informed about how he's doing and what his needs are. The level of care he is receiving is top-notch."
Alta Vista Senior Living provides personalized memory care services to residents with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory impairments. The secure, homelike community offers cognitive and physical activities, with daily health monitoring aimed at giving seniors familiarity and comfort. A trained team of caregivers and nurses, on hand 24/7, provides residents with medication reminders, personal hygiene support and companionship. With safety in mind, staff members offer ongoing supervision and outfit each senior with an in-home emergency call pendant to access on-call assistance any time. In addition, staff members coordinate with physicians and therapists, so residents can benefit from routine medical appointments. On-site amenities include daily fitness classes, a landscaped courtyard, musical performances and a beauty and barbershop. Focusing on holistic nutrition, the culinary team serves nourishing meals each day in a restaurant-style dining room, allowing time to socialize and relax.
Residents' family members praise the accommodating staff members, engaging activities and close-knit community. One reviewer writes, "Great staff. They are attentive and compassionate. Lots of activities. Good food. Cute apartment. My mother loves it here, and we are happy she's in Alta Vista's capable hands!"
Brookdale Oceanside, a memory care community nestled just north of San Diego, boasts two levels of care for seniors experiencing memory loss from dementia or Alzheimer's. The first level, Clare Bridge, provides a predictable daily structure that offers opportunities for residents to practice independence, maintain life skills and engage in beloved hobbies. For instance, seniors in the program can participate in a B-Fit exercise class before heading down the hall to engage in brain games with their peers. The other level of care, Solace, helps seniors in later stages of memory loss maintain their dignity as memory and abilities decline. These residents have access to all the same activities and enrichment programming as Clare Bridge residents but receive an additional layer of support through personalized assistance, aromatherapy and musical therapy. All residents enjoy adaptive restaurant-style meals, housekeeping services and laundry assistance.
Families rave about the compassionate, attentive staff at Brookdale Oceanside. The child of a resident says, "Our family has been impressed with the staff of Brookdale, Oceanside from day one! Everyone is so friendly and nice, and we have been pleased to see how comfortable our dad is there and the wonderful care he receives."
White Sands La Jolla offers memory support for residents with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia. Specially trained caregivers get to know each senior to design a customized care plan that covers their needs, interests and preferences. Residents live in a secure neighborhood with a designated common living area and an enclosed courtyard and they receive help with medications, daily living activities and housekeeping. Daily activities, including puzzles, games, musical programming and exercise sessions, stimulate the brain and exercise the body. Seniors can also participate in outings twice a month, such as scenic drives and restaurant lunches. Staff members serve meals family-style, and in the family kitchen, residents can experience familiar activities, sights and aromas. Seniors can take advantage of spa and salon services on-site for added convenience.
Residents and their families are pleased with the overall care and atmosphere at White Sands La Jolla. "They have a lot of activities to offer," a reviewer remarks. "It is in a really beautiful location. We know our mother is safe there. The food is excellent with a wide range of choices. The rooms are very nice."
Belmont Village Sabre Springs delivers personalized memory care for older adults in San Diego, CA. The community's memory care neighborhood has a licensed nurse on-site 24/7 to perform wellness and health checks, and a well-trained caregiving team assists residents with day-to-day tasks such as bathing and dressing. The community's Whole Brain Fitness program helps nurture seniors' cognitive development with healthy dietary choices, daily exercises and mental workouts. This approach encourages interaction through ability-centered group activities, which empower residents to reduce stress and form strong bonds with neighbors and caregivers. The memory program coordinator schedules social outings, brain games and therapeutic activities that foster engagement while reducing the side effects of cognitive decline. Cognitive enrichment programs include sequencing, body movement and critical thinking training to help those with mild to moderate memory loss build cognitive reserve and maintain brain health.
Families of residents appreciate the community's engaging activities and secure outdoor spaces. One reviewer writes, "They have a pool for water aerobics classes on Tuesdays. They have a nice, outdoor, fully contained area where they can go out They also have barbecues outdoors. They have a movie theater in the building and show movies every night."
Oakmont of Escondido Hills is located on a spacious campus that's conveniently close to amenities, including shops and hospitals. The Traditions memory care neighborhood provides compassionate support to seniors through every level of Alzheimer's or dementia. Teams of specially trained 24/7 caregivers are on hand at all times to offer assistance with the activities of daily living and provide other support as needed. An activities coordinator programs daily activities to keep seniors engaged, active and stimulated and promote feelings of usefulness. These activities include musical entertainment, cognitive games, group outings and physical fitness classes. Seniors have access to indoor and outdoor communal areas where they can safely relax or spend time socializing with friends and family members. All-day dining is offered so seniors can enjoy their meals at a time that suits them.
Family members appreciate the wonderful care and range of activities offered with one reviewer saying, "The care and kindness of every staff member here is incredible. Everyone is thoughtful, kind and knowledgeable. My mom has been so very happy since moving here. She loves all the people, the care she gets, all the fun activities and the chef-driven food is incredible."
Vi at La Jolla Village offers professionally structured memory care to older adults with Alzheimer's or dementia. The fully-secured community offers both visual and auditory cues throughout the building; this accommodation allows residents to enjoy independence in a safe and familiar environment while simultaneously providing a sense of direction for seniors as they navigate. Customized care plans inform Vi's professional caregivers of each resident's unique needs as they assist with personal hygiene, light medical tasks, medication management and mobility. Knowing that eating becomes more difficult as dementia progresses, the dining staff carefully selects appropriate utensils, menu items and tableware, ensuring residents maintain dignity as they dine with their peers. Additional support services include reminiscence therapy, specialized exercise classes and supervised outings.
Residents report that the staff in the community are compassionate and professional. One resident says, "For over a year, I've been living at Vi at La Jolla Village and have found the staff to be much more than just professional. They are very caring and thoughtful. Also, there are so many activities... My journey took me here and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Located in Escondido, CA, Redwood Terrace offers person-centered memory care and enriching support services. The community layout resembles that of a traditional family home, boasting private apartments and open common areas that encourage social connection. This layout style provides a sense of familiarity to residents, reducing anxiety and agitation as they navigate independently. Professional 24/7 staff assist with personal hygiene, medication management and mobility, but caregivers also encourage maintenance of skills whenever appropriate. Coordination of outside medical care is also offered. However, life at Redwood Terrace revolves around more than just health services. A fully secured outdoor memory garden lets residents safely enjoy the outdoors, and a full activities calendar provides ample opportunity for meaningful cognitive stimulation through games, social clubs and reminiscence therapies. Other vital services include daily meals, housekeeping, and personal laundry services.
Residents praise the warm atmosphere at Redwood Terrace. The child of a resident states, "I really can't say enough positive things about the overall experience they have had and are having there. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming, the staff kind and caring, the facility is very well maintained, the food is delicious, and there are lots of activities."
Located in Carlsbad just off El Camino Real, Sunrise at La Costa offers access to shopping, restaurants and local entertainment. The community provides two levels of memory care that tailors support for seniors at different stages of memory loss. Its Terrace Club neighborhood caters to individuals experiencing early to moderate stages of dementia, while its Reminiscence neighborhood offers a higher level of support for those with more advanced forms of memory loss. Both settings feature a smaller, intimate design with easy-to-navigate layouts and a structured atmosphere that promotes independence. Residents have daily opportunities to engage in multisensory activities such as gardening, painting, music therapy and fitness classes. Programming is provided in small group and one-on-one settings to minimize stress and encourage participation.
Residents and their families are impressed with the community's staff, care and overall environment. One shares, "The physical environment is elegant, light and comfortable. There are many activities, from music to trivia to crafts to movie nights. Recently, my uncle was moved to the memory care unit, and we found the staff to be supportive and attentive to his needs..."
Silvergate Rancho Bernardo's memory care community boasts four intimate, homelike neighborhoods. Each accommodates 12 residents and features open, easy-to-navigate floor plans with suites situated around a shared living room, kitchen and dining area. A high caregiver-to-senior ratio ensures residents receive personalized 24-hour supervision and care. The community embraces the Positive Approach to Care model to deliver Alzheimer's and dementia care, focusing on residents' existing skills to improve positive interactions and deliver services with dignity, sensitivity and respect. Utilizing therapies such as occupational, physical, cognitive and reminiscence, staff encourages residents to take part in the memory care interactive activities program. These enrichment activities incorporate fitness, sensory stimulation and social engagement so seniors remain engaged with the community and their peers.
Reviewers describe Silvergate Rancho Bernardo as a beautiful resort-style community. One resident says, "Rancho Bernardo... has been such a joy for me... I have made many new friends in the community while participating in... activities such as yoga, Tai Chi, and water aerobics! And ... the delicious food prepared by our French chef! That is my favorite activity!!!"
The close-knit community of Felicita Vida provides seniors who have Alzheimer's or dementia with essential memory care support in a secure, structured environment. A team of trained professionals offers around-the-clock care, ensuring residents receive medication reminders, assistance with daily tasks and routine checkups. With input from physicians, caregivers create and implement individualized care plans. Living spaces in the pet-friendly community include safety features that make residents feel secure and at home. To promote physical and mental well-being, seniors can engage in activities and programs ranging from trivia games, daily exercise and games to music therapy and supervised off-site trips. They can enjoy three chef-prepared meals daily in restaurant-style dining rooms and access hydration stations throughout the community. The staff handles regular housekeeping, laundry services and maintenance and provides complimentary transportation as needed.
Residents' family members appreciate the warm atmosphere, caring staff and structured activities. One reviewer writes, "Felicita Vida is wonderful. It's a small community, but they offer a lot of assistance. So far, my mom is very happy there. Everybody there has been so nice and kind."
Las Villas Del Norte is a senior community providing personalized memory care services to help residents manage memory loss. Its signature Generations programs create an engaging environment that maximizes residents' cognitive strengths. Music therapy, called Tune Into Me, evokes positive memories and emotions, while the Culinary Creations program helps stimulate senses and improves dexterity. The community's Never Stop Exploring program provides opportunities for seniors to connect with the local community and improve their interpersonal skills, while the Life Story Display program encourages residents to remember positive memories that can help cognitive function. Other activities, such as art and pet therapy, reduce anxiety, which improves seniors' quality of life. Secured courtyards give seniors the confidence to explore the community knowing it's completely safe.
Residents and family members like the amenities provided, including the food and the activities for memory care residents. One writes, "They had a large courtyard; a large open area of grass. It made it feel more like a residential area versus less like a hospital... The food was amazing."
Pacifica Senior Living Oceanside is a luxury senior community located close to a range of amenities, including shops, medical care and restaurants. The community offers supportive memory care for seniors in all stages of cognitive decline. Specially trained staff members are available at all times to help manage the symptoms of Alzheimer's or other types of dementia and ensure that seniors enjoy a high quality of life at all times. State-of-the-art technologies are located throughout the community to reduce the risk of wandering. Residents have access to indoor and outdoor communal areas, which have been designed to meet the needs of seniors with memory loss disorders through sensory areas and raised garden beds. Emergency alert systems are located in each room, and the community features a 24/7 security system for the safety residents.
Online reviewers note the wonderful care provided in every section of the community, "They have taken excellent care of my loved one since the move in. Everyone communicates excellently and shows they truly care about the residents well being. Today my relative had to move to memory care, and I was so nervous about her transition, but the outcome was better than I expected. "
Conveniently located in northern San Diego, Torrey Pines Assisted & Senior Living is a family-owned and operated community. It offers custom levels of support to serve seniors at every stage of aging, including an award-winning memory care program. Separate from the rest of the community, the memory care area provides a homelike setting with secure outdoor gardens and verandas where residents can gather with friends and family. Closed-circuit cameras and a gated perimeter offer an enhanced level of safety. Staff members receive special training to support the needs of seniors with dementia and are on-site 24/7 to assist with tasks, such as personal hygiene, dressing, medication administration and incontinence management. To support seniors' overall cognitive health and well-being, the community's daily life-enrichment programming includes a range of engaging activities that promote companionship, mental stimulation, physical fitness and socialization.
Residents and families praise the community's welcoming atmosphere and dedicated staff. One reviewer comments, "Not only does it have a calming, homelike feel, but the staff could not be nicer or more caring. It is a friendly, clean, well-run establishment. ... The people here make all the difference. It is a relief knowing the care and compassion my parents are receiving."
Belmont Village Cardiff by the Sea sits along Manchester Avenue in North San Diego County. The community offers a full spectrum of care, including an award-winning memory care program. The campus features a dedicated memory care neighborhood, complete with a cafe, transportation services, on-site therapy and private outdoor spaces offering views of the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve. Staff are on-site 24/7 to provide personalized care that takes an adaptive, ability-centered enrichment approach to well-being. Those with mild forms of memory loss who do not yet need to be in a secure setting can benefit from the community's Circle of Friends program. Developed in partnership with Vanderbilt University's Center for Quality Aging, this program offers therapeutic activities that focus on improving cognitive function, memory and thinking skills, including the community's Whole Brain Fitness lifestyle.
The community receives recognition for its pleasant environment and vibrant lifestyle offerings. One reviewer shares, "The staff is kind, caring and loving, the activities are abundant and the facility is very clean, modern and welcoming ... I have such comfort knowing my mother is so well taken care of, though she is empowered to be very independent, which is so important at her age."