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 Encino’s senior population continues to grow (14.66% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Encino, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 43.36% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 12.22%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (11.14% in Encino 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 Encino. 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 Encino, 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 Granada Hills keeps seniors socially, physically and mentally engaged with its assisted living and memory care programs, promoting overall well-being among its residents. The community is situated in a relaxing residential Granada Hills neighborhood just off the Ronald Reagan Freeway. Residents can live in either of two memory care neighborhoods, both of which offer settings that are reminiscent of life at home. The community's Life Enrichment programming is filled with art classes, exercise groups, cognitively stimulating exercises and scheduled outings, fostering socialization among residents while keeping their minds and bodies strong. Aegis Living Granada Hills has on-site medical programs, hosting a physical therapist and physician who deliver medical care directly to residents. It also staffs personal care professionals around the clock to help residents with grooming, bathing, dressing and other daily living activities.
Relatives love this community's high standard of care, complimenting the staff for taking plenty of time to answer questions. One person says, "I can't say enough about Aegis. I am so thankful my husband is there. I have a great rapport with the staff and they are always there to answer any questions I may have."
Atria Grand Oaks offers memory care, assisted living and independent living in a resort-style, Tuscan-inspired community in Thousand Oaks, California. Its forward-thinking approach to dementia and Alzheimer's care focuses on creating daily routines tailored to each resident's interests. The Life Guidance program is designed to strengthen residents' cognitive capacities through baking and gardening, musical journaling, massage therapy and physical therapy. Personnel trained in cutting-edge Alzheimer's and dementia care techniques are available 24/7 to help seniors as needed. The wellness center's capable staff offers regular health checkups. Seniors can relax in the full-service salon and spa for a hair trim, manicure or pedicure. They may also enjoy the communal swimming pool, putting green or garden.
Relatives praise the warm, accommodating staff and engaging group activities. One says, "I am very impressed by them. The staff is wonderful. They have a little bit of everything, like newspapers, various kinds of exercises, mind games, bingo and a physical therapist who is going to work with my husband because he has Parkinson's."
Atria Hillcrest is conveniently located down the road from Kaiser Permanente Thousand Oaks and other health care providers. Residents can take advantage of on-site amenities that include a secure landscaped courtyard and technology center. A separate secure neighborhood for memory care offers personalized care programs for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. A range of daily activities is available to enrich the body mind and spirit while promoting independence and dignity. Activities include happy hour and zumba classes. Residents enjoy the culinary excellence of the in-house chef, with three nutritious meals prepared daily with fresh ingredients. The team of trained staff is available 24/7 to assist residents and provide housekeeping and laundry services.
Visitors praise the great common areas, with one reviewer saying, "I have friends at Atria; it's very near to us. It's a wonderful place, and they have renovated. They have fewer residents, but they have a tremendous amount of space, and they have lots of common areas. They have a little lunch corner, where visitors can sit down and have snacks. They have a lot of facilities for Alzheimer's."
AvantGarde Senior Living fosters a warm, friendly environment for seniors with its assisted living, independent living and memory care programs. Its campus is less than a half-mile from Providence Cedars-Sinai Tarzana Medical Center, offering easy access to top-notch health care. Caregivers at AvantGarde receive continuing education about caring for individuals with dementia. Caregivers calmly and subtly redirect and reorient residents who experience troubles with navigation or daily living. The memory care program builds upon residents' strengths, helping them maintain their current abilities and life skills. AvantGarde Senior Living provides ADA-compliant transportation for shopping trips, medical visits and errands. In addition to the community's slate of wellness activities, it offers a virtual reality station for recreational and therapeutic purposes.
People praise the standard of care at this community's memory care program. They also like how well-staffed the program is. One online reviewer says, "My wife has moved into AvantGarde Senior Living. They're very nice, and they have a memory area. They have programs going on, there's sufficient staff there to help everybody, and they have entertainment and activities there."
Brookdale Northridge is a continuing care retirement community focused on helping seniors age comfortably in place. Its kind staff members are carefully trained to work with individuals with dementia, and they're available around-the-clock to offer supervision and assistance. Stimulating activities and classes based on signature memory care programs are offered regularly, which helps encourage residents to maintain their individual skills and nurture their overall wellness. Chefs use fresh, healthy ingredients to create three meals each day, and seniors can pick their preferred dishes from a dementia-friendly menu that features multiple selections. Outdoor common areas such as a resident-accessible garden, fishing pond and walking trails let seniors participate in favorite pastimes. Additional community spaces include a fireside living room, craft studio and theater where residents can interact with their peers and enjoy group activities.
Residents' loved ones rave about the loving staff members at Brookdale Northridge. One reviewer gushes, "My dad resided here. I chose this particular place for my dad with the number one reason being customer service. The staff treated him well, always courteous. Besides it being a beautiful residence, the staff is what made the difference."
Canyon Trails Assisted Living and Memory Care is conveniently located close to West Hills Hospital and Medical Center in Canoga Park, northwest of Encino. The community has a secure patio and courtyard area for residents to relax with friends and visit loved ones. The team of highly trained staff, who are available 24/7 to support residents with their daily needs, are specifically trained in caring for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. The personalized memory care program focuses on residents' strengths, enables them to maintain existing skills and gives a helping hand in areas that are needed. Daily activities include bowling and singalongs. The in-house chefs prepare favorite meals from the past for residents to enjoy together in the dining area.
Visitors praise the beautiful community, with one reviewer saying, "Everything at that place was wonderful. It was lovely, and I don't have complaints at all. I saw a lovely room with a patio. The kitchen area and eating area were lovely. They had a beautiful back patio area. It was immaculately clean and very nice."
Cedars Assisted Living offers assisted living and memory care in a convenient location in Northbridge, down the road from Dignity Health - Northridge Hospital Medical Center. Residents can take advantage of on-site amenities including a beauty salon and a garden area, perfect for walking. The team of trained staff, who is available 24/7, works together with family members to provide an integrative approach to memory care. The community offers a variety of interactive activities designed to promote holistic wellness while taking individual needs and preferences into account. The specialized activities and entertainment promote choice and celebrate accomplishments by reinforcing familiar skills. There is an emergency response system and there are in-house physicians to ensure residents always feel happy and safe. The culinary team prepares three nutritious meals a day that residents can enjoy in the dining area.
Visitors praise the well-maintained community, with one saying, "Cedars Assisted living was a very nice and clean place. I stopped by the other day to have a tour and I was very impressed with the facility and the staff. They were all very sweet and very caring with the residents. There lots of activities and plenty of freedom to roam in and out of the building as pleased which I liked."
Sunrise of West Hills provides assisted living and memory care in a peaceful area of Canoga Park, with gorgeous views of the Santa Susana Mountains. A dedicated unit is available for residents with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia, with an experienced, compassionate team of specialists available 24/7. The centers staff provides a personalized program with evidence-based memory care techniques, including multisensory experiences and Life Enrichment Managers trained in Validation Therapy. Three delicious meals are served every day in a restaurant-style dining room, and seniors reside in secure, calm areas that encourage social interaction and allow for easy navigation around the communitys living spaces. Residents maintain their independence with a wide range of activities designed to prevent further cognitive decline, such as arts and crafts, board games, book clubs, gardening and yoga.
Sunrise of West Hills has succeeded in creating great experiences. As one reviewer writes about her mother-in-laws stay, "The staff was all wonderful to her and to us. The place was warm and friendly and decorated in a way that made her feel comfortable and at home. They have lots of activities for any of the residents that wish to participate.
Located steps away from restaurants, a shopping district and Shadow Ranch Park, Fallbrook Glen of West Hills provides assisted living and memory care services to residents, offering them accommodations in private one-bedroom units, studio apartments or companion suites. The friendly staff cares for seniors' physical, mental and social health by organizing events such as cookouts, concerts, exercise classes and games. For residents with memory loss, staff members at Fallbrook Glen of West Hills work to strengthen seniors' existing abilities and help fill in life skill gaps where needed while focusing on maintaining each person's dignity and a sense of belonging. Residents receive snacks and three meals a day in a restaurant-style dining room, and the chefs accommodate any dietary needs. While the community has large indoor areas for socialization and a nicely landscaped outdoor space, if a change of scenery is needed, the community provides transportation to local entertainment, dining and shopping.
The staff at Fallbrook Glen of West Hills receive praise for their dedication and attentiveness. One reviewer says, "It's plain to see how truly caring the staff is here, one of the many reasons the residents appear so happy."
Meadowbrook of Agoura Hills offers memory care and assisted living and is situated between Old Agoura Park and the Ventura Freeway in Agoura Hills, California. The Generations Memory Care program promotes residents emotional, physical and social well-being by providing person-centered care, cultivating a sense of independence and encouraging family participation. Memory care residents can enjoy fresh air in the courtyard and garden areas or attend purposeful community outings. They can play bingo games, socialize at happy hours and participate in music therapy. Seniors can also benefit from balanced, nutritious meals served restaurant-style, and they can maintain consistent eating habits by partaking in drinks and snacks, which are readily available.
Families give Meadowbrook of Agoura Hills rave reviews for serving delicious food and scheduling an array of activities. "He's doing very well, the food is pretty good, and even in memory care they go out, and take dad to little field trips. They play games, have a big table, and sit around and play games, writes one residents loved one.
Located in a residential neighborhood in the suburb of Northridge in the San Fernando Valley, Pacifica Senior Living Northridge offers memory care and assisted living care for seniors. The community, which is close to amenities such as dining and shopping, is affiliated with Northridge Hospital. A highly trained staff is available 24/7, and the community provides each resident with an individualized level of care and regular health assessments. Meals and snacks are provided, along with housekeeping and transportation. Inviting indoor, outdoor common areas and a full calendar of enriching activities encourage seniors to socialize. A specialized memory care program features staff trained in the latest techniques and activities designed for memory care residents, including memory boxes, scrapbooks and activities that draw on their interests and past life skills.
The community received numerous praises for its caring and attentive staff. According to one family member, "The care they are receiving has been very amazing. The staff is attentive and making sure my parents are safe. Adds another, "Her needs are met 24/7 with kindness, caring, compassion and comfort from the amazing staff.
Sunrise at Wood Ranch offers memory care services to seniors across Encino in a quiet country-modern setting. Staff is on-site 24/7 to assist residents with the activities of daily living. Each resident is provided with a carefully crafted care plan based on the Live With Purpose wellness program that aims to support the resident's mind, body and spirit. The community offers small program class sizes so residents can truly engage with the instructor and material. In-house concerts with visiting musicians are run, as well as musical therapy classes that involve listening to and creating music. Seniors can also partake in physical activity classes, including yoga and Wii Sports. Spirituality is supported through mediation classes, prayer groups and clergy talks. The nutritionist-crafted meals are adjusted to suit each senior's individual dietary requirements, and pureed meals are available for those with difficulties swallowing.
The staff is often praised for its attentive care, with one family member writing, "The care my mother received here for more than a year was outstanding. The Sunrise Team goes above and beyond. The attention to detail when it comes to the resident's physical, medical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is that of excellence. SUNRISE is truly a GIFT to families."
Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, Sunrise of Beverly Hills provides a range of care to seniors, including memory care, assisted living, respite care and hospice, in luxurious surroundings. Its located just steps away from world-class shopping and dining and minutes from Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and Olympia Medical Center. Residents with Alzheimers and dementia-related conditions live in a dedicated Reminiscence memory care neighborhood, specially designed to be easy to navigate and secure. Residents can also take advantage of memory-focused activities and exercises, with care provided by staff trained in the latest memory care techniques. On-site, residents can choose from a range of well-appointed suite layouts. Daily meals, housekeeping and transportation services take the stress out of daily living. Inviting indoor community areas, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a robust calendar of activities and events encourage residents to socialize and stay active.
Family members appreciate the caring staff and the good food. According to one reviewer, "They are an excellent community, and I would recommend them. The food was enjoyed by my [loved] one. The rooms are very nice. The staff was excellent. Adds another reviewer, "All of the staff treats my mom incredibly well. They always go above and beyond expectations.
Centrally located just off the Ventura Freeway, Sunrise of Studio City offers memory care services to seniors dealing with Alzheimer's and other memory-related conditions. Nursing staff are available 24/7 and the community is secured, so seniors prone to wandering and exit seeking behaviors are kept safe. Additionally, the electronic wander alert system notifies staff if seniors gain access to unsafe areas. Each resident is given a designated care manager who helps them with the activities of daily living and works with the community's life enrichment managers and medical team to craft individualized care plans that are appropriate for the resident's abilities and condition. The care plans, based on the Live With Purpose program, engage residents in mental, physical and social activities in order to help them retain their memories and cognitive abilities. Activities include music therapy, art discussions, book clubs, trivia games and fitness classes.
Residents are thankful for the staff, with one relative writing, "The caregivers are warm, caring and efficient. I am very happy with the care that my husband is getting here. It was very difficult to place my husband. but I was so relieved when I did, and I continue to be grateful he is safe and well cared for."
Sunrise of Westlake Village is located in Westlake Village just off of Ventura Freeway and is minutes away from the Westlake Village Farmers Market, Westlake Promenade, Westlake Golf Course and The Oaks Mall. Residents are assigned life enrichment managers who create personal care plans with residents' preferences and abilities in mind. The community's memory care program employs the Validation method to see the world through residents' eyes, using open-ended questioning, making eye contact and matching residents' emotions. All residents receive hands-on help with personal hygiene, grooming, clothing, bathing, eating and showering. Transportation is provided to the local area, including to doctor's appointments.
Family members like Sunrise's well-equipped apartments and stimulating activities. One says, "The rooms are clean, excellent, and better than expected. They have various kinds of activities all day. She loves the food, and were pleased. The dining area is excellent, and the people are great. It is very safe with double security, and it's very well organized and first class.
Sunrise of Woodland Hills is conveniently located just off the Ventura Freeway in Woodland Hills, close to three medical centers, including Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center. The community offers a range of daily activities, such as music therapy and gardening, designed to optimize resident well-being and slow down memory loss. The specialized memory care neighborhood offers a calm and secure setting with easily navigable floor plans. The staff is trained in Validation Therapy and other memory care techniques that aim to reassure residents and make them feel safe and valued. The professional staff is available 24/7 to help with daily tasks, and a licensed nurse performs monthly wellness checkups. Residents can enjoy three nutritious meals a day in the bistro or restaurant. The chefs, who use local fresh ingredients, are happy to make dishes that residents request.
Family members praise the kind staff and great food, with one reviewer saying, "Sunrise of Woodland Hills is perfect. I would give them a high score. They were wonderful. They took care of my uncle fantastically. Everything was perfect. It was a gorgeous place. They had functions for the residents. The food service was good. The nurse was very good. Everybody that worked there was great. They were very efficient and very caring."
The Commons at Woodland Hills is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community located close to the Ventura Freeway and Kaiser Permanente Woodland Hills Medical Center in Woodland Hills, California. The memory care program cultivates a living experience that gives residents support while also emphasizing the importance of freedom and happiness. Activities and programs for memory care residents are designed to be fun and diverse while also being geared for people living with memory loss. Seniors can enjoy making holiday crafts, attending movie nights and participating in stretch exercises. They can also spend time socializing on the private patio, relaxing in the library or getting pampered at the beauty shop.
The Commons at Woodland Hills earns praise for having good staff members and scheduling many activities. "The residents seemed super happy there, it seemed like they had a really nice community, and there were lots of activities going on when I was there. The staff was amazing, states one reviewer.
The Foothills at Simi Valley provides memory care, independent living and assisted living services, aiming to enrich seniors' lives with social interaction, physical exercise and carefree living. The memory care community is wedged between several parks, including Santa Susana Pass State Historic Park, Sage Ranch Park, Rocky Peak Park and Marr Ranch Open Space, giving residents a beautiful background and laid-back environment to enjoy. At least one licensed nurse is on-campus at all times to handle residents' medical concerns in real-time, including medication management. The community's environment is specifically designed to promote independence in residents, employing measures that include railed walkways, large hallways and open living spaces. Memory care residents receive full assistance with living activities such as grooming and bathing. The Foothills at Simi Valley also offers recreational and social programming daily to keep residents happy and healthy.
People leave good reviews about The Foothills at Simi Valley's beautiful outdoor views and tasty dining options. One resident's relative says, "My mother moved into Foothills, and it was amazing. The apartment we chose for mom is beautiful and has a view of a beautiful courtyard. The food is good, and you can order anything you want at any time."
The Gardens at Park Balboa provides independent living, assisted living and memory care services to seniors at its dedicated Van Nuys campus, conveniently located within a half-mile of Valley Medical Center and Valley Presbyterian Hospital. Its Safe Haven Happiness Program, the community's memory care offering, devises customized care plans for residents that reflect their lives' accomplishments while embracing their current abilities. The memory care program limits symptoms of depression, anxiety, agitation, confusion and sundowning, improving residents' quality of life. Independent, third-party professionals perform unscheduled and regular care reviews to ensure residents receive great care. A Kaiser Permanente physician routinely visits residents on-campus for checkups and medication refills, limiting residents' needs to travel off-campus. Several times per week, The Gardens at Park Balboa puts on family support group meetings for memory care residents' relatives.
Family members of residents note that the community is highly accommodating, maintaining a high staff-to-patient ratio to comfortably meet residents' needs. One reviewer says, "My mother is at The Gardens at Park Balboa, and so far it is very accommodating. The thing that impresses me the most about this place is the amount of staff per patient or per resident."
Located in the heart of Van Nuys in the central San Fernando Valley, Valley Vista Senior Living is a purpose-built memory care and assisted living community. Its conveniently located near multiple freeways, with easy access to shopping, dining, recreation and health care options. The community enables residents to live as purposefully and as independently as possible, with a tailored program of care specific to their needs. Meals are included, and amenities are plentiful, including a private spa, fitness center, movie theater, outdoor patios and inviting community spaces. An innovative Vibrant Life program allows residents to create their own individual schedule of activities and programs. A specialized Generations memory care program is available for residents living with Alzheimers and dementia. Staff is highly trained in the latest memory care techniques, and signature programs include personalized jukeboxes and life story displays.
Reviewers appreciate the caring staff and extensive amenities. According to one reviewer, "The facility is absolutely wonderful, warm and welcoming to residents and guests. A lot of amenitiesThe staff and caretakers are friendly and have a great rapport with residents, making them feel right at home.