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 Fresno’s senior population continues to grow (14.08% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Fresno, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 23.9% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 8.4%, 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 (9.29% in Fresno vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered price information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of memory care in Fresno and 139 other cities in California.
Memory care costs in Fresno, CA, reflect the impact of inflation on senior living options in California. Prices increased by 10.5%, rising from $4,734 in 2022 to $5,227 in 2023. This is consistent with the national hike of 10.5%. Visalia saw an increase from $7,658 to $8,455, also a 10.5% change, and neighboring cities Modesto and Bakersfield experienced the same hike.
The projection for 2024 includes an 8% hike for Fresno, pushing the cost to $5,639, and Visalia, increasing to $9,121. With these rising costs in mind, It's important to plan ahead financially for senior care.
Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
---|---|---|---|
Fresno | $4,734 | $5,227 | $5,639 |
U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
California | $5,668 | $5,866 | $6,453 |
Visalia | $7,658 | $8,455 | $9,121 |
Modesto | $4,680 | $5,167 | $5,574 |
Bakersfield | $5,936 | $6,554 | $7,070 |
Fresno, CA, offers various levels of senior care. However, because of the specialized services needed for those living with dementia, memory care costs are the most expensive at $5,227. For seniors who only need help with daily living activities, assisted living costs are $3,461, and independent living costs average $2,931. When searching for senior living options in Fresno, consider the senior's needs and budget in light of the unique care needs of those with dementia.
Care Type | Cost |
---|---|
Assisted Living | $3,461 |
Memory Care | $5,227 |
Independent Living | $2,931 |
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making memory care more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in California.
There are plenty of support options available for retirees in Fresno, CA. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the type of care they provide for easy reference.
For more information about resources throughout the state and in nearby cities, we recommend visiting the California state page on memorycare.com.
The Area Agency on Aging in Fresno is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Fresno-Madera Agency on Aging | 800-510-2020 | The network of Area Agencies on Aging, overseen by the California Department of Aging, provides various programs to support the well-being of older residents. These programs, funded by the state and federal government, include senior nutrition, care management, and Medicare counseling. Low-income seniors can also participate in volunteer programs like the Senior Companion Program and the Senior Community Service Employment Program to contribute to their communities. |
Financial assistance initiatives exist in Fresno to help seniors with low income sustain their home living. These initiatives provide tax reductions, discounts on crucial services, and aid for home temperature regulation costs.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
General Relief - Fresno | 855-832-8082 | Fresno County's General Relief program provides financial assistance to residents actively seeking employment or unable to work due to physical or mental limitations. Seniors must provide medical proof of incapacitation and own less than $3,500 in property (excluding their primary residence) to be eligible. These funds can be used to cover essential living expenses such as food and shelter. |
Seniors in Fresno who wish to age comfortably at home can access financial assistance. Numerous local organizations offer help with costs such as home care, home modifications, and utilities.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) - Fresno | 559-227-8600 | Community-Based Adult Services (CBAS) is a program that offers seniors comprehensive care in the community, helping them avoid nursing homes. It provides professional nursing, mental health services, therapy, personal care, and other support to maintain their quality of life. CBAS is tailored to meet each participant's specific needs, ensuring they receive the necessary care. |
In Fresno, there are several organizations offering cost-effective or free legal aid to senior citizens. They provide advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills, and power of attorney. Some also champion the rights of the elderly in long-term care establishments.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Central California Legal Services | 800-675-8001 | CCLS is a nonprofit law firm that supports vulnerable populations, including seniors in Fresno. They conduct eligibility screenings and provide limited legal advice during initial phone calls to determine if individuals qualify for their services. If suitable, additional assistance is offered. In cases where CCLS cannot provide further help, they offer referrals to other sources of aid. |
Fresno-Madera Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | 559-224-9177 | The Fresno-Madera Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program assists families in choosing memory care facilities that meet their loved ones' needs. They also investigate and resolve concerns regarding care quality, rights violations, and potential neglect or abuse. |
In Fresno, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
UCSF Fresno Alzheimer and Memory Center | 559-227-4810 | The Alzheimer and Memory Centers in California offer comprehensive support for individuals with Alzheimer's disease and their families. The local AMC at UCSF Fresno provides diagnostic services, treatment options, and access to research facilities. Education and support groups are available to address common concerns and assist families and caregivers in understanding what to expect after a diagnosis. |
In the city of Fresno, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Fresno Social Security Office 93650 | 800-772-1213 | Social Security in Fresno, CA offers a dependable financial base for seniors during retirement. Through an online platform, seniors can conveniently estimate benefits, apply for retirement, and track their application status. This streamlines retirement planning and provides seniors with a transparent view of their financial future. Social Security's user-friendly online experience enables seniors to easily manage their retirement planning. |
In Fresno, there are establishments ready to assist seniors with limited income facing challenges with home upkeep expenses, such as energy and utility bills. Emergency financial support might be available for individuals threatened with utility disconnection due to outstanding payments.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Fresno | 866-675-6623 | The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households with utility bill management, while the LIHEAP Energy Crisis Prevention Program (ECPP) offers financial aid to low-income households facing energy-related emergencies. For example, the ECPP provides assistance to homeowners at risk of power disconnection. |
In Fresno, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Fresno Vet Center | 559-487-5660 | The Fresno Vet Center offers free and confidential services to veterans and their dependents. Our staff helps individuals access benefits and pensions, guiding them through the claims and appeals process. We provide group and one-on-one counseling for PTSD, grief, depression, and military sexual trauma care. Therapeutic activities like tai chi, meditation, and music therapy are available, along with telehealth services and community engagement opportunities. Open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
Fresno VA Medical Center | 559-225-6100 | The Central California VA Health Care System is dedicated to the health and well-being of veterans. It offers specialized services for PTSD, depression, and grief, as well as support during the transition to civilian life. Medical care includes diabetes management, geriatrics, ophthalmology, dental surgery, and orthopedics. Veterans can also access programs like home health, transportation, and legal services. |
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 Fresno, 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:
Bella Vista Memory Care Community specializes in assisting seniors with dementia or Alzheimers. Their medical partnerships give residents access to regular visits from an on-site physician and nurse, as well as extra services, such as podiatry, dental, physical therapy, diabetic care, speech therapy and more. The facility promotes healthy eating through an open-style kitchen with freshly made home-cooked meals. It also includes state-of-the-art health and monitoring technology that provides residents with a safe environment without the institutional feel. In fact, the architecture of Bella Vista resembles a beautiful, comfortable home, providing a relaxed atmosphere to residents.
One reviewer calls Bella Vista the best, and cites that the facility provided their loved one with kindness and care. The five-star reviewer also mentioned their office staff [makes] sure [the] details are covered, emphasizing that the level of care is as organized as it is compassionate.
Cedarbrook Memory Care community has a perfect location in northeastern Fresno about two miles from Kaiser Permanente Medical Center and Saint Agnes Medical Center. The facilitys enclosed courtyard, sunrooms, secured outdoor walking paths and engaging common areas entice residents to socialize and stay active. Its Personal Touch Care program takes a holistic approach to supporting a residents well-being through planned and spontaneous activities, random conversations and meaningful alone times. Life enrichment activities include sitting exercises, gardening, cooking, music therapy and quarterly family events. This Koelsch Senior Community is also pet-friendly, allowing residents to benefit from therapeutic animal companionship. Around-the-clock nursing, diabetic and medication management services are also available for those requiring specialized medical care.
Residents family members are delighted with the quality of care in Cedarbrook. As one reviewer comments This place is so amazing and I can't say enough [about] how happy we are that mom is in a place that feels just like home. They are so sweet and kind and all the staff is amazing Thanks again for your loving and caring ways that make it so easy to know she is [in] such great hands.
Cottonwood Court is a retirement community in Fresno, California, offering memory care, assisted living and respite care. Residents have the option to choose a studio, one- or two-bedroom apartment, each equipped with a kitchenette. Some apartments also have private balconies and patios. No buy-ins are required, and seniors can conveniently rent month-to-month rather than long-term. Cottonwood Court features a variety of amenities, including an exercise room, wellness room, natural-light art studio and library. This facility offers activities to seniors with many interests, from art to board games to movies. Furthermore, seniors who need to run errands can take advantage of the facility's scheduled transportation system.
Many reviews of Cottonwood Court note the facility's timely housekeeping and assistance with activities of daily living. One daughter said, "It was nice to know that her apartment was cleaned every week. Her laundry was handled. They made sure mom was bathed and all her medications were taken care of at the proper times."
Located in Fresno, California, Kingston Bay Senior Living is a spacious, amenity-rich facility that offers personalized care services that promote independence. For enhanced safety, there are trained staff on site 24 hours a day, secured outdoor areas and personal pendent systems with fall detection technology for residents. The facility's In the Moment memory support program recognizes the benefits of schedule and routine, while emphasizing the importance of spontaneity and encouraging residents to live in the moment. A full schedule of activities is offered that focuses on artistic expression, community connections, continuing education, lifestyle and leisure, physical engagement and spiritual support. Each morning begins with music and meditation, and seniors can choose from activities such as Bible studies, chair yoga, arts classes, bingo and off-site outings to fill their afternoons. Three meals are served each day in a restaurant-style setting, and residents are treated to nightly after-dinner entertainment.
People love the community's welcoming atmosphere and caring staff. One resident's relative says, "Every employee I have met at Kingston Bay has been outstanding. Every one of them is far above average in terms of attitude and effort. The physical surroundings are also exceptional. It's all new and pretty and bright."
Open since 2015, Oakmont of Fresno offers a luxury retirement experience featuring lush scenery, world-class care and a host of amenities for upscale senior living. This award-winning community includes indoor and outdoor restaurant-style and bistro dining options, a movie theater, day spa, salon, walking paths and resident-raised bed gardens. Thanks to year-round mild weather, residents can stroll through an orchard with fruit trees and a fenced Pet Park with their fur babies. Oakmonts activity center is bustling with a variety of board games, crafts, workshops and other opportunities to interact and grow. The facility provides full-time nursing care and a wellness center as well as a Concierge Medicine program and Diabetes Wellness program.
Residents and families praise Oakmont of Fresno for its accommodating staff and personalized, comforting service. They also appreciate the tasty, healthy cuisine and the chefs attention to individual dietary needs. One relative wrote All of the staff have made my parents feel like they are part of a big family. The attention to details, in my opinion, has prolonged my mothers life.
Orchard Park Senior Living has a convenient location in Clovis, just a few blocks from the Clovis city center and a few miles from Saint Agnes Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Medical Center in Fresno. The comfortable accommodations include various options for individuals and couples, and emergency response systems and weekly housekeeping services enhance worry-free living. Theres 24-hour staffing with on-site LPNs and on-call therapists to keep the residents health and safety in check. This facility has courtyards and landscaped gardens that provide relaxing outdoor spaces to enjoy the California sun, and pets are welcome for therapeutic companionship. Other lifestyle amenities include a library, beauty salon, community TV room and lounges for socialization and group activities. Chef-prepared meals can be enjoyed in the apartment or common dining area, and private dining rooms are available when eating with visiting loved ones.
Satisfied family members find Orchard Park a good choice for their loved ones, as one reviewer says, My centenarian mother-in-law lived at Orchard Park for five years. All aspects of the facility, the treatment of residents generally, and the treatment of my mother-in-law were excellent."
Paintbrush Assisted Living and Memory Care is owned by two local families deeply rooted in the community and has the support of Fresno area artisans who help create a unique approach to aging. Paintbrush includes 75 assisted living apartments and 25 memory care suites across a 74,000 square foot campus. Residents can choose between studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments. This community also features a Life Enrichment Center offering pet, art and music therapy to enhance residents' quality of life. An in-house resident nurse serves as the director of resident care, making sure all seniors receive individual care plans and assistance with medication and other activities. Weekly housekeeping services are provided as well as free transportation to seniors' appointments or other errands. For tenants residing in memory care, a Serenity Suite is available to provide relaxation through music, aromatherapy and other sensory comforts.
One resident said, "It's very well-run, open and friendly " very attractive. The food and staff are good, and there's plenty to do They also go on shopping trips and go out to restaurants every week. They have a good activity room and a really nice patio and a bistro."
Somerford Place of Fresno is a Five Star Senior Living memory care community with a peaceful suburban neighborhood location in the northwest area of the city. The facility has spacious landscaped grounds with walking paths to safely enjoy the California sunshine during outdoor exercises and an on-site beauty salon and barbershop for pampering. Three nutritious chef-prepared meals are served daily, with recipes using fresh ingredients and based on the collaboration between Five Star culinary teams and celebrity chef Brad Miller. Residents receive individualized care through the Bridge to Rediscovery program, a Montessori-based approach to memory care that builds on residents strengths, skills and interests. The premises have visual cues to guide residents in identifying their surroundings, and the planned activities provide occupational and recreational therapy.
Residents and loved ones find great satisfaction in Somerford Place, as one remarks, We moved my grandma to Somerford from another facility and she is much calmer and seems much happier They are able to redirect her when its needed and never make her do anything she doesn't want to. The staff at Somerford Place are extremely welcoming and all the residents seem happy and content.
Sunrise of Fresno provides its community of seniors with plenty of activities, including physical fitness, movies, games and socials, as well as healthy meal options, monthly wellness visits by a licensed on-staff nurse and independence. The staff have been trained in specialty care specifically for those with Alzheimers and dementia, giving each resident the comfort, care and individualized attention they need. Residents with advanced memory loss live in the Reminiscence neighborhood, which is a safe, secure area that's situated next to the living and dining rooms to promote easier navigation and socialization. If any medical situations arise, Sunrise of Fresno is conveniently located between three nearby medical facilities Cedar Vista Hospital, St. Agnes Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente Medical Center.
Multiple online reviewers credit Sunrise of Fresno with giving excellent care to their loved ones, with one reviewer specifically calling out the friendliness of the staff, mentioning that they treat the residents as if they were one of their own family.