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 Escondido's senior population continues to grow (16.84% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Escondido, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 7.47% between 2014 and 2019. The number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 12.95%. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (10.46% in Escondido 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 Escondido. 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 Escondido, 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:
Spread over 4 acres in the Palomar Mountains, Pacifica Senior Living Escondido provides award-winning care in a picturesque setting. For those living with Alzheimer's and dementia, the Legacies Memory Care program features personalized support in a cozy, secure setting. Individualized care plans are based on each resident's life story, hobbies and interests, so they receive the services that meet their unique needs. Highly trained team members support seniors around the clock, helping with the activities of daily living, managing transportation and escorting them to appointments. Stimulating activities and outings help seniors thrive, keeping them in their best physical and cognitive shape. Amenities include a salon, movie room showing nightly features, BBQ/picnic area, chapel/religious services, private dining room, bistro and library. Weekly happy hours encourage family and friends to attend, and residents can enjoy regular social outings and live entertainment.
Loved ones appreciate the compassionate team. "WOW, my family and I are so impressed with this place," says one family member. "The staff is really wonderful -- caring, kind, pleasant, knowledgeable and really, really helpful to the resident and family! The place is clean. They have a true chef, and the food is healthy and tastes great."
Westmont Town Court is a senior living community located in Escondido, CA, about 30 miles northeast of San Diego. The community has memory care, assisted living and independent living options in a friendly, comfortable homelike environment. The Compass Rose program for memory care starts with staff learning residents' life stories to create an activity plan designed to give fulfillment to their lives. The Live Your Way program helps residents live with as much independence as possible through physical, spiritual and brain fitness activities as well as social and spiritual outlets.
Residents enjoy living at Westmont Court Town because of the attentive staff and individualized treatment. One resident says, "I have lived here for over five years. The care staff is amazing! The dining staff is excellent. The directors that run the community are like family. I would highly recommend this community to anyone looking for senior living."
Sitting on a lush, 6-acre campus, Oakmont of Escondido Hills is minutes from medical venues, shops and restaurants. This community's Traditions memory care program offers a structured environment filled with engaging activities and meaningful connections to help seniors with dementia live purposeful lives. Residents can participate in specialized programs, such as music and art therapies, sensory stimulations and brain fitness classes, to preserve memory and enhance cognition. Other activities include stretch and strength classes, walking clubs, happy hours and community field trips. A full-time nurse provides medication and oxygen management, diabetes care and ongoing health monitoring, while the 24/7 caregivers help with activities of daily living, such as escorts to meals and activities, incontinence care, bathing, dressing and grooming. Physical and speech therapies, podiatrist care and psychological services are available, and residents have 24/7 access to the concierge physician.
Family members love the compassionate staff. A resident's daughter writes, "Oakmont of Escondido Hills is truly amazing! Everything, from the meals to care is exceptional. Always smells clean and fresh, the courtyard is beautiful. You'll find yourself surrounded by grapefruit and fresh lemon trees. The staff is incredible, so warm, caring, and friendly."
Conveniently located in a quiet neighborhood of the Hidden Valley of San Diego, Las Villas Del Norte provides a stress-free lifestyle with easy access to natural scenery, shops, restaurants and health care facilities. This community offers the Generations memory care neighborhood, a secure unit featuring bright living areas and enclosed outdoor spaces to ensure the safety of its residents. Seniors can participate in specialized research-based activities, such as making memory displays that honor their life stories, creating personalized jukeboxes and connecting with the local community. They can also cook using recipes from their pasts, mingle with younger generations and express themselves through art. The highly trained staff is available 24/7 to help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing and grooming, and the culinary team prepares three nutritious meals every day served restaurant-style in the dining room.
People love the devoted staff, high-quality care and top-notch amenities of this community. A reviewer writes, "It's a wonderful community, and the staff is attentive, caring, active listeners, and they're truly passionate about providing the best care possible to their residents and families. The amenities and care levels provided make the community a fantastic choice."
Felicita Vida Senior Living is located in Escondido, close to health care facilities such as Palomar Medical Center Escondido and Genesis Healthcare Partners Hospital. For seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia, a designated memory care program offers 24/7 attentive care and assistance with daily tasks and specialized dementia care. The staff also takes care of housekeeping and laundry. A monthly activities calendar features activities designed to slow down memory decline and nourish body, mind and spirit, such as movie nights, chair yoga and outings to local museums. Residents can enjoy three delicious meals per day prepared by the culinary team. The community features scenic walking paths, a theater and an on-site spa, all in a secure environment.
Visitors appreciate the enriching activities. One reviewer says, "The food looked good, and it had some garden areas where she can walk on her own. They were playing some bingo games, they had some puzzles for people with higher cognitive levels, they had a movie theater, they had guests come in and sing."
Vista Del Lago Memory Care focuses solely on the needs of its residents living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The dedicated memory care community has staff on hand 24/7 to assist residents with all daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming and medication management. The secure layout allows seniors to enjoy the outdoor entertainment areas, while the private dining room respects the dignity of seniors who need personal assistance with their daily meals. Scheduled daily programming seeks to enhance the remaining cognitive abilities of each resident, with music therapy, trivia, cards and table games, bingo and reminiscing chat sessions on the activities calendar regularly. Daily menu offerings feature selections that support brain health. The on-site calming spa and therapy garden gives memory care residents a peaceful environment to relax and unwind.
Family members state that their loved ones are happy and enjoy the food, other community members and caregivers. They note the many activities for memory care residents, with one of them saying, "My mother couldn't be happier at Vista Del Lago! She loves the food, the friends, and all the wonderful people who work there. There is always something to do for every level of memory."
Villa Monticello is a senior living community in Escondido that cares for seniors with memory loss disorders. The small size of the community ensures that residents receive personalized care from staff members. Seniors live in small homelike villas, each featuring a kitchen, dining room, outdoor area and bathrooms. The perimeter of the community is secured enabling seniors to independently and safely walk around the 10 acres of landscaped gardens. Planned daily activities provide a sense of purpose for residents and may include cognitive games, music therapy, history discussions, art therapy, movie nights and supervised group outings. A team of compassionate caregiving staff is on-site at all times to assist seniors with the tasks of daily living and provide reminders as needed. Medical care is administered by registered nurses who monitor the health and wellbeing of residents.
Family members appreciate the wonderful care provided by the staff and the welcoming atmosphere with one reviewer saying, "My mother has received tremendous care from an outstanding and compassionate staff. They have made this difficult time in her life as enjoyable as humanly possible. The facility has such a comfortable "just like home" atmosphere."
Silverado Escondido Memory Care Community is located in a peaceful neighborhood that is close to medical facilities. The secure outdoor area features arbors, gazebos and raised planter beds for gardening. The community is divided into three sections that each provides care for different levels of memory loss. All caregivers receive at least 40 hours of dementia certification training. Caregivers and licensed nurses are on-site at all times to assist residents, offer reminders and gently redirect difficult behaviors. Structured daily therapeutic routines are designed for each resident. These routines may include pet, speech, music, art and occupational therapies. Life skills stations are set up around the community to encourage seniors to take part in activities that they once enjoyed. Social and recreational events are held on a regular basis. Complimentary transport is provided to medical appointments.
Family members are impressed by the caring staff, with one reviewer saying, "Every single staff member, from administration, reception, nursing, dining and housekeeping has been incredibly professional, caring and supportive of not just my mother, but my family. My mom is NOT an easy woman to deal with these days, but her behavior is always met with compassion and respect."
At Hilltop Country Estate in Escondido, California, residents receive personalized care according to a five-point strategy. Staff members review care plans frequently and empower residents and their families by setting and working towards common goals, all in a safe and secure environment. Residents receive help with daily living activities, efficient medication management, 24-hour monitoring, housekeeping and laundry services and three meals per day plus snacks. Specially trained staff members guide residents through activities designed for mental stimulation, wellness and socialization. Residents enjoy cozy rooms as well as comfortable common areas both indoors and outdoors. Whether they choose to simply enjoy the beautiful landscape and views or chat with other residents or family members, residents of Hilltop Country Estate can find peace of mind and security in their community.
Residents and their families call Hilltop Country Estate a "jewel in the country with a park-like setting." They describe the caregivers as "skilled and sensitive," and residents enjoy excellent care and "home cooked meals utilizing fresh garden vegetables."
Gardens at Escondido provides its memory care residents with person-centered treatment plans that focus on each senior's individual needs, strengths and abilities. Its specially trained staff members are on hand 24/7 to help residents navigate the stages of mild, moderate and advanced dementia and Alzheimer's disease. Accommodations and common areas feature handrails, wide hallways and soothing interiors to decrease resident agitation and encourage independence. Daily group activities include cognitive function-enhancing brain games, reminiscing music events and coloring therapy sessions. Group exercise classes keep seniors as fit as possible, and religious services are held weekly.
Family members are impressed with the attentive, compassionate and outgoing staff members. One relative credits the community with their mom's quick adjustment time, saying, "She lives in the memory care unit. The staff is incredibly friendly and caring, and she is getting great attention. We thought she would never adapt to her new surroundings, but within one week she was adapting fine, thanks to the staff."
An award-winning continuing care community with stylish amenities, Pacifica Senior Living Vista provides a high level of support for seniors living with Alzheimer's and related dementias. With the Legacies Memory Care program, residents receive around-the-clock care from experienced staff, including licensed nurses, seven days a week. Care plans are tailored for the individual, with staff happy to lend a hand with bathing, dressing, dining, mobility, medication management, incontinence and transportation. A robust schedule of activities and events keeps seniors engaged every day. Opportunities include tactile exercise, memory recall games, weekly happy hours and off-site excursions. Programming keeps residents cognitively, physically and socially stimulated while they're having fun. Seniors can stay healthy with daily exercise classes, or they can express their creative side in the arts-and-crafts room. A secure outdoor patio and walking paths let seniors safely explore the outdoors.
Visiting relatives praise the attentive team. One says, "The staff at all levels are very responsive and reflect a genuine interest in providing quality care. They are quick to offer solutions and resolve issues. My father is a long term resident of Pacifica Senior Living Vista, and has received quality care for over 4 years there."
Alta Vista Senior Living is a community with memory care and assisted living options in Alta Vista, CA. Services and amenities create individual care plans to address their daily living needs. The memory care program provides a balance between activity and movement, promoting therapeutic mental and physical health. Its life enrichment program features reminiscence activities, gardening and art to help residents remember the past and create new memories. Alta Vista amenities include weekly housekeeping and daily tidying to give residents a clean and positive environment and free up time to enjoy pastimes.
Residents and relatives like Alta Vista Senior Living for its exemplary staff and the variety of activities offered. One resident says, "Make sure to join in the activities and participate. The community is very neat and clean, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. I would recommend this community to others based on my experience."
Silvergate San Marcos offers a boutique-style senior living community that exudes a warm, friendly environment. A separate, dedicated memory care building features a simple, easy-to-navigate neighborhood-like layout specially assigned to elderly individuals living with Alzheimer's and other cognitive conditions. Residents can gather comfortably in the cozy central living room, kitchen and dining room, with close supervision provided by a staff composed of a resident care director, licensed vocational nurses, medical aides and professional caregivers. The team uses the Positive Approach to Care method developed by memory care industry expert, Teepa Snow, ensuring that residents receive quality care that focuses on dignity, respect and sensitivity. Enrichment activities include sensory stimulation exercises, social engagement and physical and occupational therapy. Additionally, residents have access to vital sign monitoring services, regular care assessments, incontinence care and diabetes management.
People like that the homelike environment makes community living comfortable for loved ones. One family member writes, "Silvergate Memory Care has provided an extremely caring environment for my aged mother who lives there with Advanced Dementia. Staff have closely monitored my mother's physical health and quickly notify me as they see changes or new services required for her health and comfort."
At Brookdale Oceanside, seniors living with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss receive around-the-clock care in a specialized setting. Clare Bridge, the community's memory care program, takes a person-centered approach, tailoring every service to each resident's unique needs, preferences and abilities. This secure wing features an easy-to-navigate layout with doorbells to monitor who comes and goes, keypad entry and exterior doors secured 24/7. Inside, apartments feature ample natural lighting with cozy activity areas and walls painted in soothing colors. A specially trained team supports seniors with the activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, medication and mobility. Consistent care assignments pair residents with the same caregiver on a routine basis, ensuring more personalized, relationship-based support. Activities are tailored around individual interests, with options including brain games, art classes, dancing, sharing stories and off-site trips.
Visitors like the personalized approach to activities. "There was a nice group of people in the activity area, which we liked because they had different stations," says one reviewer. "You could be independent and do what it is you like to do, or you could be in a group playing cards and things like that."
Belmont Village Senior Living Sabre Springs offers award-winning memory care with scenic views of the North County foothills. The small, self-contained neighborhood features an easy-to-navigate layout for seniors affected by Alzheimer's and other cognitive impairments. It's secure and carefully monitored to keep residents safe. Specially trained caregivers are available 24/7 to assist seniors with the activities of daily living, and a licensed nurse is also there for around-the-clock supervision. Physical, occupational and speech therapies are conveniently provided in the on-site fitness center. A Whole Brain Fitness lifestyle features diverse activities to nurture residents in mind, body and soul. From exercise programs to mental workouts and lifelong learning classes, the robust calendar keeps seniors stimulated. With Circle of Friends, seniors experience research and evidence-based programs seven days a week, including mental exercises and ability-centered small group activities.
Loved ones appreciate the staff and meals. "We are very pleased, and we are not disappointed with anything. We are very happy," says a resident's husband. "They are very kind, very cordial, and very helpful. The food is good. They have a chef who's been a chef for 26 years, and he puts out some delicious food."
Sunrise at La Costa offers award-winning memory care in a scenic setting near La Costa Urgent Care and Scripps Coastal Medical Center. Its Reminiscence neighborhood is designed for seniors with Alzheimer's and other dementias, with an easy-to-navigate layout, emergency response systems in every apartment, homelike common areas and a secure patio and garden. Every resident is paired with a Life Enrichment Manager who consistently cares for them and gets to know their preferences through person-centered validation therapy. An around-the-clock team that's specially trained in dementia care creates care plans and provides assistance with showering and bathing, grooming, eating, mobility, medication and incontinence care. Personalized programs include multisensory experiences, group outings, exercise classes, art projects, puzzles, crafts and visits from children and pets.
Residents and their loved ones enjoy the comfortable ambiance. One reviewer says, "There is a warm, at-home feeling about the place due to the layout where the rooms are close to the front lounge and dining area and due to the staff who know every resident by name and are always smiling, pleasant, helpful and professional."
Nestled on 5 acres of manicured land in a parklike setting, Vista Gardens Memory Care helps seniors with Alzheimer's, Parkinson's-related dementia and mild cognitive impairments. Residents receive personalized care services such as assistance with showering, dressing, toileting, grooming, eating and ambulation, to enhance their quality of life. The gated community offers furnished and unfurnished rooms equipped with SafelyYou fall detection software and a VisionLink wireless nurse call system. Community members are encouraged to participate in life-enriching activities and programs, including its daily Breakfast Club program to stimulate the mind, exercise classes and walking clubs to promote physical activity, religious services to meet spiritual needs and happy hours for socialization. Recreational activities include bingo, card and board games, music, movies and live entertainment. Scenic drives and group outings are also scheduled regularly. Three delicious and nutritious meals are served daily.
Family members commend the attentive staff members, with one relative saying, "Words cannot describe the appreciation I have for the staff at Vista Gardens. They truly love and care for their residents and put a whole new meaning to the word caregiver. I have not seen my mom this happy in years and am truly grateful for all they did."
All of La Marea Senior Living's certified memory caregivers participate in extensive, ongoing training that equips them with the skills they need to foster moments of achievement for community residents. Seniors in its Generations program engage in music, art and pet therapy programs to experience decreased agitation levels, and they also receive customized one-on-one therapy sessions with staff members. Religious services, lectures, discussions and group exercise classes keep seniors active and provide socialization opportunities. Each resident receives a personal life story display that highlights their life achievements, as well as digital jukeboxes that play their favorite songs from decades gone by. The communal dining room features residents' favorite dishes to help each senior better connect to their food.
Family members appreciate the individualized care plans that match their loved ones' specific treatment needs. One says, "My father is a resident in their Generations Memory Care unit, which specializes in those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. The team at La Marea has created a care plan that is tailored to my father's unique needs."
Sunrise of Sabre Springs provides highly specialized memory care near medical clinics and Pomerado Hospital. Its Terrace Club Neighborhood, for seniors with early-to-moderate memory loss, features a structured daily routine focused on evidence-based activities in brain health and social engagement. Memory support programs help residents strengthen their cognitive abilities, and physical fitness programs build flexibility and endurance. Home and life skills-based activities promote independence, while occupation-based options reinforce residents' identities. Resident support groups help seniors share their experiences with memory loss. Reminiscence, for those with advanced dementia, pairs residents with specially trained life enrichment managers. Using validation therapy, the life enrichment managers customize plans around seniors' needs and preferences while encouraging engagement through multisensory experiences, exercise classes, art projects, crafts, puzzles, cognitive programming, and visits from children and pets. Both neighborhoods feature a specially trained team for round-the-clock care and supervision.
Loved ones like the vibrant social calendar. A reviewer with two loved ones living in this community writes, "Both have been able to successfully integrate into the Sunrise community, make interesting friendships, participate in most of the activities, and enjoy the weekly outings (parks, museums, casino, restaurants, beach and mountains)." With regard to the staff, he adds, "They know what they are doing, and the support staff is competent."
Sitting on the hillside in North San Diego County, with views of the San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Belmont Village Senior Living Cardiff by the Sea is close to restaurants, shops, places of worship and medical venues. This community offers a carefully monitored and secure memory care neighborhood to preserve the dignity and health of seniors with dementia. The memory program coordinator thoroughly assesses each resident's brain health and strengths before creating an individualized whole brain fitness program offering therapeutic fitness and social activities with the right level of challenge. A licensed nurse is on-site 24/7 to oversee caregivers who conduct daily wellness checks, provide medication management and help with activities of daily living. Housekeeping and laundry services are available, and residents can get physical, occupational and speech therapies at the fitness center. A chef serves three meals daily in the dining room.
Family members love the caring staff and clean environment. A reviewer writes, "My mother has been here for six weeks. We are happy with the services. The facility is always very clean. There are never any messes. Everyone is very welcoming. The staff is accommodating and very nice. The care services are excellent."