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 Garden Grove's senior population continues to grow (19.61% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Garden Grove, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 49.9% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 9.4%, 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 (8.74% in Garden Grove 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 Garden Grove. 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 Garden Grove, 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:
Brookdale Garden Grove is a welcoming senior living community. The Clare Bridge memory care program is located in a secure section of the building with a spacious courtyard area where residents can safely enjoy the outdoors or take part in activities. A team of trained caregiving staff is available 24/7 to redirect difficult behaviors and provide compassionate care. Each senior's personalized care plan includes details about their life history as well as likes and dislikes so staff members can provide tailored care. The memory care dining program helps reignite appetites and encourages socialization, with caregivers on hand to assist those who can no longer feed themselves independently.
Family members praise the wonderful staff and well-maintained facility with one reviewer saying, "Overall our experience with Brookdale Garden Grove has been a very good one! My loved one is really enjoying herself! The staff is friendly and professional, the facility is clean, and they do a great job with all of the activities and food."
Serving Orange County, Crescent Landing at Garden Grove is a Montessori-inspired memory care community that promotes the unique abilities of each senior within a neighborly setting. The science-based SPARK program stimulates mind, body and soul while fostering memory retention and encouraging goal-setting. Caregivers bond with residents by creating tailored routines and building on existing skillsg. Residents find social connection and enrichment through touchscreen technology, therapeutic techniques and daily activities such as chores, volunteer work and lifelong learning. Caregivers assist with bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility and dining. Bright, rustic activity rooms and a serene courtyard adorned with gazebos offer opportunities for relaxation. Spacious accommodations are all-inclusive.
Residents and family members appreciate the vigilant care and high-quality amenities. One family member writes, "Our father adjusted so well to the home and staff. The staff is kind and attentive to his needs as well as always being there to answer our questions. Dad really enjoys the meals there, kudos to the chef!"
Brookdale Anaheim offers assisted living and memory care in Garden Grove. Personal care plans offer assisted living services and 24/7 specialized care tailored to memory care residents' needs, including housekeeping and medication management. Memory care services emphasize engagement through consistent care assignments and engaging activities such as brain games, art classes and music programs. Further amenities include an on-site barbershop and general store, as well as game rooms and beautiful gardens. Residents can take advantage of transportation, or they can receive personal care items through Brookdale's Personal Solutions program.
Residents praise the friendly, welcoming atmosphere of Brookdale Anaheim. One reviewer writes, "Everybody was friendly, including the people that were working there, and the people that were living there. Everything was clean and we enjoyed seeing it a lot." Reviewers also speak highly of the "very clean, neat and inviting" rooms in Brookdale, praising the homelike atmosphere.
Brookdale Brookhurst is nestled in a nicely landscaped community that's within 10 minutes of three hospitals, with many pharmacies and physician offices nearby. For seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia, Brookdale's memory care community implements a specialized,program that takes a person-centered approach. The secure environment, which features a 24-hour emergency alert system. has apartment-like residences, with personal care and other staff available around the clock. Programs, activities and events are structured to enhance or stabilize cognitive abilities for as long as possible. Seniors are encouraged to participate in various brain games, music programs, cooking classes and other daily planned activities.
Visitors to this community remark on its welcoming environment and apartments that are spacious, clean and modern. A happy resident's family member states, "The staff is great, the appearance is great, they have a lot of activities, and my mother said the food is wonderful."
Surrounded by local businesses and amenities, pet-friendly Huntington Terrace is spread across 3.5 acres, which include walking paths, gardens, a swimming pool, a waterfall, gazebos, shaded seating and a putting green. The secure Connections for Living memory care neighborhood features enhanced way-finding and stimulation to help seniors feel at ease, and inspiration stations with familiar items encourage memory recall. Trained caregivers are available 24/7 and use tailored care plans to support residents. Seniors can enjoy a wide schedule of enrichment activities, including exercise classes, devotional worship, brain-training games, gardening and social events, as well as the Life Review signature program that seeks to stimulate recollection. On-site amenities provide further opportunities for relaxation and socialization, including a fitness center, a games room, a salon and lounges.
Residents particularly value the compassionate staff members and enjoy the diverse activities. One family member says, "It was truly a blessing to find a place where the staff is kind and caring to their residents. The [community] is very clean and updated. There is always an activity to get involved with if you choose."
Rowntree Gardens is a senior community in Stanton that offers memory care, assisted living and independent living services. It earned a gold certification from the Center for Applied Research in Dementia by implementing unique and innovative features, including easily navigated spaces, and activities specifically designed for certain types of cognitive impairments. Each staff member is trained in the Montessori-inspired Lifestyle, which employs cutting-edge techniques in the care for residents with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. Amenities include the Heartwood Chapel, coffee bar, catering services, shuffleboard court, gardens, library and a gift shop.
Reviewers mention the facility's beautiful interiors and the respect given to residents. The daughter of a resident writes, "The staff is very nice and kind. They have pretty gardens and a nice lunch area and there are several of them. Value for money is pretty good."
Sunrise of Seal Beach's residents can access memory and short-term care as well as assisted and independent living accommodations. The community is close to the Los Alamitos Medical Center and is surrounded by green scenery. Seniors receiving memory care live in a peaceful, secure setting that facilitates hassle-free navigation and social interaction with others. Staff members specially trained in supporting individuals with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia assist the memory care residents. A licensed nurse performs wellness checks monthly. Staff plans meals and activities to honor residents' preferences. The dining program incorporates home-cooked meals that match seniors' nutritional needs, and pureed meals are available. Seniors may take part in a range of activities, from religious services and exercise classes to happy hours and movie nights. A family engagement app helps seniors and their loved ones stay in touch.
Residents and visitors praise the community's design, amenities and staff. One reviewer says it is a "beautiful facility with lots of resources" and praises the staff as "terrific and really personable." This reviewer also highlights the dining and activity options as well as the on-site amenities as positives. Another reviewer remarks that "communication between the staff and family is good."
Situated at the heart of Santa Ana, Hollybrook Senior Living of Orange offers a homelike memory care neighborhood that prioritizes safety and dignity. Specially trained caregivers design individual plans that incorporate physically and cognitively enriching activities as well as daily living assistance and incontinence care for residents who require it. The Alzheimer's Association's Memories in the Making program uses artistic expression to encourage positive reminiscence and memory-sharing with friends and family. Care also includes music therapy. The courtyard, dining hall and library offer intimate, elegant spaces for social connection. An in-house chef prepares three nutritious meals daily, with snacks and beverages available all day. Accommodations include cable TV, housekeeping and laundry services, and scheduled transportation to medical appointments is offered.
Residents and family members praise the heartfelt care and supportive atmosphere. One family member writes, "My mom was a memory care resident for almost 3 years. The care she received, and the amount of love they gave her was phenomenal. Mom was always happy, safe, content, and well fed (which was one of her favorite things)."
Located in a sunny Orange County suburb, The Groves of Tustin provides a stress-free, pet-friendly memory care community based on Alzheimer's research. Tailored care plans, designed by specially trained caregivers, draw on Teepa Snow techniques to fulfill each resident socially, physically and emotionally. The Generations memory care neighborhood incorporates life story displays, jukeboxes, familiar recipes and intergenerational programming to immerse residents in their community. The Music and Memory research initiative uses personalized playlists to improve residents' well-being. Bright living spaces, a beauty salon and a secured outdoor area encourage residents to relax and socialize. Three fresh, seasonal meals per day are served restaurant-style, accommodating special diets. The Dining by Design program provides cooking classes, cooking exhibitions and recipe shares. Accommodations include specialized therapies, weekly housekeeping and laundry services, scheduled transportation and support groups.
Residents and family members highlight the variety of amenities and accommodating care. One family member writes, "They have all kinds of activities, from day trips, to taking you to the market. Everybody's friendly and they seem to be going out of their way to make it the best experience for my mother. It's a great place to live."
At Carmel Village, seniors can benefit from sun-filled, maintenance-free apartments, chef-prepared daily meals, central air conditioning and recreation programs offering opportunities to try new hobbies, socialize and rediscover forgotten passions. This pet-friendly retirement community features a dedicated, safe memory care unit in which caregivers provide 24/7 individualized assistance to help those living with Alzheimer's. Optional daily activities for memory care residents include chair exercises, cooking demos, gardening, donut socials, sock sorting and music therapy, as well as card games, movies, word puzzles, trivia competitions and crafts. Special outings and events include scenic drives, birthday parties and live on-site entertainment. In-room dining services, on-site beauty appointments and complimentary transportation services are available, and the community's colorful landscaped grounds boast lush gardens and walking paths.
Residents love having a choice of activities to enjoy and appreciate the kind staff. One comments, "Friendly people. Staff is conscientious. Activities are great." A second resident likes that the community has "everything needed under one roof" and is "safe and secure." A relative describes, "The staff was very friendly and caring. They are very conscious of keeping everything clean."
Close to the coast and just 10 minutes from Huntington Beach Hospital, pet-friendly Sunrise of Huntington Beach provides access to everyday amenities in an attractive setting. There are two levels of memory care depending on the stage of memory loss: Terrace Club and Reminiscence. Each features around-the-clock staffing, personalized care programs, monthly nurse wellness checks, areas especially created to prompt memory recall and nutritious meals designed to maintain brain health. Residents can enjoy diverse enrichment activities, including inter-generational and social events, exercise classes, arts and crafts, cognitively stimulating games, seasonal celebrations, baking and devotional worship. There are indoor and outdoor spaces where seniors can relax and socialize, including a bistro, living rooms, reflection rooms, a salon and a secure garden with palm-lined walking paths.
Residents especially like the caring staff members, activities and attractive environment. One family member says, "The facility is beautiful, the residents are active and happy, and the staff is phenomenal. It's clear they fully understand the responsibilities with the memory care residents, and they are competent and professional. I look forward to my mom's future here with confidence."
As a luxury senior care community, Oakmont of Orange features amenities such as gated landscaped grounds, a salon/spa and a fitness center. Residents in the Traditions memory care program may enjoy these spaces supported by caregivers trained in dementia education. Under the guidance of licensed full-time nurses, the staff provides assistance with activities of daily living while helping residents build routines and orient themselves to their surroundings. Through a rotating calendar of purpose-driven activities, seniors may join neighbors for happy hours on the shaded patio, make care packages for service members and play brain fitness games. In the dining room, the culinary team provides a fine dining experience while accommodating residents' dietary needs and restrictions.
Residents' loved ones praise the responsive staff and well-maintained environment. One writes, "The staff is incredible and attentive to their needs. The food is very good. Families are updated weekly by the director via email which is greatly appreciated. The facility is beautiful inside and out and incredibly clean."
Sunrise of La Palma is a memory care community in La Palma, California. Seniors live under the supervision of qualified caregivers in a homelike environment, with individualized care plans so that caretakers can take the most effective approaches to helping them avoid frustration and deal with the symptoms of dementia. While caregivers maintain their living spaces and prepare meals for them, residents can focus on playing games or using secured walking paths along the campus grounds. Sunrise of La Palma uses the Reminiscence program and its validation methods to help residents have more productive days and feel connected. This community is connected to La Palma Hospital, so residents can easily access advanced medical care as needed.
Residents and loved ones describe a caring, clean and responsive community at Sunrise of La Palma. A relative says, "The facility is beautiful! It's like a mini resort! The staff is extremely friendly to us as family members and very caring and attentive to our mom."
Crescent Landing at Fullerton Memory Care assists individuals with Alzheimer's disease and dementia through its SPARK program, with care available around the clock. A medical director, health and wellness director and licensed vocational nurse assess residents' needs, and staff also provide medication management services. The on-site chef produces a large selection of dining options, including sweets, holiday meals and fresh fruit. Activities include ice cream socials, art therapy and exercise classes, as well as events, such as Easter egg hunts, that bring residents' grandchildren into the fold. The grounds feature rose gardens and walking paths for residents to enjoy.
One reviewer reports that this community's staff epitomizes "professionalism and class," citing the focus on resident safety and warm interactions. Additionally, the reviewer calls the community clean and spacious, with "lots of natural light." Another praises the staff's ability to care for individuals with memory issues, writing, "I feel like they know this population inside and out."
In a craftsman-style building featuring wooden accents and brick patios, Sunrise of Fullerton offers memory care in a cozy, secure environment. Working closely with local skilled nursing services, 24/7 staff help residents with activities of daily living through evidence-based care planning, behavior management and validation communication. This training is part of Sunrise's Reminiscence program, which brings together multisensory experiences, secure and familiar spaces, wellness checks from licensed nurses and therapeutic activities. Residents may begin days with spiritual services and light exercise classes, then meet friends at socials, talk through fond memories in discussion groups and play games with neighbors. To enjoy these activities, seniors can meet in the fireside living room, the media room or on one of the shaded, landscaped walking paths.
To residents and families, this community's family-like atmosphere and helpful staff stand out. One writes, "They truly put a huge amount of effort to get to know each family member and always welcome you with open arms. My grandparents were treated like family, and Sunrise accommodated every concern, question and insecurity of losing their freedom."
Pacifica Senior Living South Coast is a welcoming community located in a peaceful neighborhood. The Legacies Memory Care program offers a secure, homelike environment. The program uses a person-centered, holistic approach to memory care. Every resident has a personalized care plan that is developed in conjunction with family members, with the aim of ensuring that every resident receives individualized care. A team of professional caregiving staff is always on hand to provide gentle reminders and redirect any difficult behaviors when required. The daily activities program aims to help seniors retain or improve their cognitive skills. Activities offered include art classes, senior yoga, memory games, bird watching in the garden, bingo and social events.
Online reviewers praise the compassionate staff and range of activities offered, with one person saying, "This is a great community to bring your loved ones into. The staff is great from caregivers to kitchen to housekeeping. Everyone is so helpful and makes you feel like family. The activities department makes wonderful events and outings for the residents."
Oakmont of Huntington Beach offers specialized memory care services near Garden Grove, California. The memory care program focuses on each resident's abilities and provides opportunities for engagement such as yoga classes, Brain Fitness classes to improve physical and cognitive well-being, singing groups, Happy Hour and regular excursions. The Traditions program, for those with more advanced memory loss, focuses on sensory stimulation to mitigate the effects of memory loss. A specially trained team of caregivers oversee and plan activities and offer daily assistance. The community is designed to feel safe and familiar, with an easily navigable layout to minimize confusion and promote independence. The community is pet-friendly, with resident cats for comfort and an on-site aviary. The Traditions program is overseen by a licensed nurse, and caregivers are available 24/7.
Residents and their family members love the attentive staff and activities at Oakmont. One reviewer says, "[My mother] loves participating in the various activities and meeting other resident for card games. Staff is kind and responsive to her needs, and they also keep the family informed of any changes or concerns."
Arbor Palms of Anaheim offers specialized memory care near Garden Grove, California. The memory care program focuses on compassionate care, holistic wellness and residents' personal preferences. Staff members are available 24/7 to provide a safe, caring environment. A physician is on-call for any health care needs and monitoring, and transportation is provided to off-site appointments. Outings, card games, book clubs, creative arts and intergenerational activities are offered daily to promote social engagement. A rotating activity calendar, designed specifically for those with memory loss, includes activities that are emotional, intellectual, physical, purposeful, social and spiritual to ensure that each resident is holistically well. Activities range from adaptive fitness class to craft clubs and mindfulness meditations.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the beautiful grounds and attentive staff at Arbor Palms. One reviewer says Arbor Palms is "very clean and very spacious. The staff is really nice; everybody is very helpful. They have a huge menu; every week is different."
For seniors with memory impairments due to Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia, Pacifica Senior Living Newport Mesa provides an intimate, safe and secure setting where they can stay physically and mentally engaged in activities they enjoy. Residents live in private or shared suites with plenty of room for favorite decorations or sentimental pieces. A friendly team of specially trained nurses and staff members helps seniors manage everyday household tasks and provides assistance with personal care as well, including feeding, bathing and dressing. Residents in advanced stages of dementia receive personalized attention through the community's Namaste Programming, a unique offering that helps them recall memories through reminiscing, pet therapy and other activities.
Pacifica Senior Living Newport Mesa is a community that specializes in memory care; this is a significant selling point for families looking for quality memory care services. One person writes, "This is an adorable property with lots of room to walk and enjoy the day. They offer great, personalized care with loving hands to administer it. Would definitely recommend to anyone seeking Memory Care for a loved one!"
Located in a residential area in the outskirts of Santa Ana, Sunrise at Tustin offers memory care and assisted living in a nurturing environment. Trained caregivers provide around-the-clock tailored assistance and medication management, and licensed nurses perform monthly wellness checks. The secure Reminiscence community is easy to navigate and provides a sense of familiarity for residents with memory care needs. Life skills stations, such as a nursery and office, encourage memory recall. Daily activities seek to enhance all-around well-being, including cognitively stimulating games, religious worship, social events, exercise classes, singing, baking and live entertainment. Residents can relax in the scenic garden, which has walking paths and shaded seating, and mingle in the comfortable living room and spacious bistro, complete with a popcorn maker. Nutritious meals are served in the restaurant-style dining room, and healthy snacks are available at all times. The culinary team can cater to different dietary requirements, including pureed menus.
Residents value the high standards of care, tasty cuisine and diverse activities. One loved one says, "The compassionate staff members of Sunrise at Tustin have cared for my mother for three years. The facility is excellent, the food is delicious, and the activities are stimulating."