Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Hawthorne's senior population continues to grow (7% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.Â
In Hawthorne, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 38% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 31%, 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 (11% in Hawthorne vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).Â
To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent dozens of hours researching senior living communities in Hawthorne. 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 Hawthorne, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.Â
Overall, our team:Â Â
Sunrise of Hermosa Beach is a vibrant and engaging senior community. Traditional amenities like housekeeping, scheduled transportation and laundry are provided. The memory care program is part of the Reminiscence community, a special segment of this Sunrise location. Reminiscence is designed for memory care residents with plenty of lighting and signs to help residents navigate easily. Living quarters surround the common spaces to minimize confusion. Activity offerings here include trivia, brain games, crossword puzzles and current events discussions. Even the dining elements of the community have been designed for memory care residents, with nutritional offerings specific to aiding memory and staff assistance provided to those that need it.
Reviews from residents and their loved ones laud the staff and its high level of care and professionalism. One person writes, "The rooms were spacious and nice-looking. The facilities were all pristine and very clean. The decor was really cute and simple. There's a great activities schedule, and if your loved one isn't feeling very social, there are quiet activities like gardening or listening to the news."
Belmont Village Senior Living Rancho Palos Verdes is geared towards those who need to be closely monitored for security and safety reasons. It is also geared towards residents who will benefit from personalized attention and care. Memory experts tailor plans which focus on the resident's abilities and needs. Their Whole Brain Fitness Lifestyle is intended to improve brain function. It engages and nurtures the mind, spirit and body daily while reducing stress. It also contains two types of groups. The Circle of Friends is a weekly program for mild cognitive impairment. It contains a small group dedicated to physical and mental fitness based on ability. The second is Person-Centered Living for Alzheimer's Care. This group offers personalized care determined by the individual's strength and assessment of brain health.
Reviewers report that residents are welcomed by warm, caring staff and benefit from the various activities offered. "This facility has been wonderful!" one family member exclaims. "The staff seem to be taking care of my loved one quite well. They have nice, nutritious options for meals, and my loved one enjoys the enriching activities that they have to offer!"
Sunrise of Playa Vista in Hawthorne, CA provides comprehensive memory care services for seniors living with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other forms of cognitive decline. The community strives to create a safe, secure environment that is designed specifically for residents. A specially trained care staff is available 24/7 to provide personalized and compassionate care. The community offers a variety of activities and programs to engage and stimulate the mind and our comprehensive wellness program encourages physical, social and spiritual well-being. A memory care wing is designed with safety in mind and includes secured outdoor areas, an emergency call system and an on-site nurse.
Family members regard the community as one of the nicest in Hawthorne, CA. One states, "I went here for a tour of the community as I am considering placing my grandmother in a home, and I have to say this is one of the nicest senior living communities I have ever visited. The residents seemed very happy, every one of them that I came across. The staff was cheerful, attentive, and kind."
Carson Senior Assisted Living is located less than 10 miles southeast of the heart of Hawthorne, CA. Little Company of Mary Hospital and Torrance Memorial Hospital are just minutes away. Shopping opportunities are also conveniently located nearby. Residents can enjoy stunning sunsets over the Pacific Ocean in this beautiful coastal setting. The secure Arbor Hall Alzheimer's Unit is located on-site. Residents enjoy daily organized activities, including an educational program and regular trips. There is a telephone reminder service for activities, appointments and meals. A weekly housekeeping and linen service are also available. Residents can receive three home-style meals and snacks every day.
Residents praise the quality of the accommodation on offer at Carson Senior Assisted Living. One reviewer says, "The apartments were very accommodating, spacious, and large. They had a lot to offer there."
Silverado Beach Cities Memory Care Community is a residential care home for residents with Alzheimer's and dementia. It has a team of professional caregivers with special training in dementia care. Depending on residents' cognitive abilities, they provide memory care services at three different levels. The Nexus is an evidence-based program for seniors in the early stages of memory loss. The Sensory program is for seniors in the later stages of the condition who may have lost the ability to communicate effectively. The Enrichment programs are for seniors in the transition between Nexus and Sensory. Seniors can stay in an apartment purposely designed to cater to memory care needs with access to laundry and housekeeping services. They can enjoy gourmet meals with their loved ones and take advantage of other community amenities such as paths, gardens and stimulating supervised activities.
Residents and their families appreciate the quality of care and amenities at Silverado Beach Cities Memory Care Community. One person says, "Silverado is an amazing memory care facility. On each floor is a small community of residents with dementia or other memory impairment at various levels of these cruel diseases. The staff creates such a lovely family environment."
Oakmont of Torrance offers seniors compassionate memory care in its specialized Traditions Memory Care neighborhood. Traditions can provide care for seniors in the early stages of dementia and those in advanced cognitive decline. Caregivers are available 24/7 to help residents with tasks of daily living, medication management and ambulation. Fitness classes and walking clubs encourage residents to stay active, since physical activity is correlated with improved cognition and mental recall. Music therapy, sensory activities and tactile stimulation are offered regularly to combat further memory loss. Various floor plans are available, all with private bathrooms and companion suites that allow spouses to stay together while one receives memory care services. Seniors at Oakmont of Torrance can enjoy luxury, restaurant-style dining with multiple menu options daily. Other features of the community include a movie theater, salon, library, pet park and landscaped walking paths.
Residents and their families love the beautiful accommodations. One reviewer says, "My parents moved into Oakmont of Torrance. I liked everything about it. The food is excellent. Their room is outstanding, large, and beautiful. My mother said it's so clean, and it's a wonderful place. They have great employees, and it's next door to a hospital."
Residents in the memory care section of Clearwater at South Bay can safely enjoy the activities of the community as staff members are available to guide and provide supervision or assistance. A state-of-the-art emergency call system constantly monitors the movement pattern of residents and automatically calls for assistance giving seniors a sense of independence while keeping them safe at all times. The community uses the Empowered Living program in the memory care section. This program encourages family members to visit and take part in activities on a regular basis to maintain or improve a connection with their loved ones. The focus is on the abilities of each resident and not their cognitive limitations. Daily activities are tailored to the interests of individuals and may include gardening, religious services, puzzles and physical fitness classes. On-site amenities include a restaurant, a private courtyard with a putting green, a theatre room and a game room.
Family members appreciate the level of care provided with one reviewer noting, "Mom has been a resident at Clearwater for the past 5 years, allowing her to be as independent as possible. Clearwater staff is engaged, professional, and encouraging. Thanks, Clearwater, for taking such great care of Mom! "
Sunrise at Palos Verdes contains two separate forums of dealing with memory loss. Their Terrace Club is for those in the early memory loss stage, with a focus on catering to residents who need extra help in memory-related areas. The staff provides a structured program allowing them to continue engaging in activities they enjoy. As their needs change, seniors can participate in the Reminiscence Program where residents are given opportunities to engage with their most cherished memories. Small groups and individual focus permit residents to experience personalized interactions along with socialization. Those placed in this area have a centralized, and smaller neighborhood suited to their needs. Suites are around common areas promoting easier navigation. Staff are trained in using the Validation Method when communicating with residents. Listening skills enable them to meet residents' needs by elevating their self-worth and decreasing anxiety.
Residents comment on the personalization and warmth of care they receive from the staff. "I just moved my husband from another Senior Living to Terrace Club at Sunrise," a family member states. "The staff couldn't be better. Staff show that they care, with listening, follow through, smiles and engaging with the clients. I have been very pleased with Sunrise at Palos Verdes."
Incoming residents of Silverado Rolling Hills Memory Care Community participate in an intake process, including an assessment of medical needs, social needs and finances. After acceptance into the community, residents settle into their private one bedroom apartments. During the day, there is a selection of activities, such as arts and crafts, off-site activities, music, games, stories and gardening. The memory care unit is secure, and the property has a security gate to keep residents safe. Assistance with activities of daily living, cooking, housekeeping and laundry is provided for Memory Care residents. Family and friends are encouraged to visit, and there's a party space, garden and patio for gatherings. Silverado Rolling Hills Memory Care boasts industry leading clinical outcomes and has an internationally recognized brain health program.
Residents appreciate the care they get at Silverado Rolling Hills. A family member comments, "It's been said anyone can do a good job for a short time. The real test is consistency. I can say it has been a year later my aunt is still living her best life and better than we could have imagined."
Huntington Retirement is an assisted living community that provides a secure environment for residents with memory loss conditions, such as Alzheimer's. Trained staff are available 24/7 to help with daily activities, such as medication management and daily housekeeping. Activities tailored to the resident's interests and past experiences are organized to improve residents' cognitive abilities. These activities include gardening, fitness classes, music and book clubs. Residents can access the chapel, secured garden area and the library to enjoy solitude. The billiard room is available to socialize with fellow residents. Healthy and delicious meals are served in an intimate dining room daily. An alternative menu where residents can order their favorite dishes is also available. The community provides transportation to doctor's appointments and community activities.
Family members praise the loving staff. One reviewer says, "Huntington Retirement is truly a very special place. The love and care my father receives there is second to none. It all starts with Heather and Corina at the helm, who have hearts of gold themselves and that spirit is present in all of the wonderful employees."
The Kensington Redondo Beach provides customized care to dementia and Alzheimer's residents. This community's care focuses on self-sufficiency and independence according to the resident's ability. Onsite rehabilitation generates independent living. The Kensington Redondo Beach provides two types of care for residents experiencing memory loss. Connections deals with those showing signs of memory loss, but who are still independent. The purpose is to keep residents engaged in activities providing purpose and meaning. The environment at Connections is fully secured and there is wander management technology. Haven is for residents who have challenges remembering friends/family, managing daily tasks and organizing thoughts. In this area, there is a higher focus on care and assistance. The goal is to compassionately soothe, maximize comfort and decrease agitation.
Residents comment on the caring nature of the staff. One family member comments, "This is the best place we have heard of or been to. The staff is great. The communication is excellent, and they let us know of any changes to our loved one."
Vista Del Mar Senior Living is an assisted living community that provides specialized services to residents with dementia, Alzheimer's and other memory impairments. Staff is available 24/7 to provide personalized care to the residents, including assistance with daily activities, such as grooming and medication management. The community features a smaller resident-to-caregiver ratio to ensure each resident gets the attention and care they need. Residents are encouraged to engage in activities tailored to their experiences and hobbies, such as games, music and mental activities. Off-site activities are planned to improve residents' cognitive abilities. Special events, such as a casino night, family brunches and senior prom night, are organized to improve the resident's social well-being. Transportation services that accommodate scooters and wheelchairs are available for doctor's appointments and outings. Pets are also allowed in the community.
Family members compliment the professional staff and the upkeep of the community. One reviewer notes, "I went to Vista Del Mar Senior Living. It's really nice. It looks good. It's clean. It's well kept, with plenty of activities and things of that nature; it's pretty good. The staff is very professional, knowledgeable, and pretty good."
Regency Palms utilizes Montessori Moments in Time, a comprehensive approach to memory care that was developed through years of research and first-hand experience with dementia and Alzheimer's seniors. Residents in memory care at Regency Palms live in a secured section of the community with spacious, private suites equipped with walk-in showers. Compassionate caregivers are on-site 24/7 to assist with daily tasks, medication management and mobility, and a physician is on call around the clock. An activities coordinator plans a monthly calendar of enriching activities designed to help retain skills, maintain memories and provide seniors with meaningful social connections. Meals, housekeeping, laundry, transportation and maintenance are provided. Other features include a salon, furnished community spaces and a fitness room.
Residents and their families praise the attentive staff at Regency Palms. One reviewer states, "My mom has been at Regency Palms Long Beach for a year and a half. The staff is wonderful and caring. They are very attentive to my mom's needs and communicating with me when anything needs attention. It has been a very positive experience."
ActivCare at Brittany House provides memory care in an atmosphere that feels like home. ActiveCare involves an innovative program that bridges the gap between skilled nursing and retirement living. It is designed to recognize what those with memory loss require: security, activity, and care. The environment is designed to be supportive and comfortable. Licensed nurses are available 24/7 to assist residents in all stages of Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Corridors and themed great rooms assist residents with navigation. Secured perimeters allow residents to safely move thereby decreasing agitation. The courtyards are kept safe, secured, and manicured. Activity based programming decreases wandering by getting residents to focus on positive outlets. The focus of this community is to develop a routine that improves sleep and benefits overall health.
Reviewers comment most frequently about the caring attitude of the staff. "My mother-in-law has been a resident for over seven years," one family member says. "Never once during all the times we visited did my wife or I feel she was not being cared for. To the contrary, the facility was always very clean and sanitary. The mood is positive and uplifting."
Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood's memory care program offers seniors with dementia a rich, meaningful experience in a carefully monitored, secure environment. The memory experts on staff carefully evaluate each resident's needs and abilities to develop an individualized care plan that preserves their health and dignity. A licensed nurse is onsite 24/7 to supervise the highly trained caregivers, who provide medication management and help with activities of daily living, such as dressing, bathing and grooming. Seniors can participate in the Whole Brain Fitness program, which combines nutrition, exercise, mental workouts and lifelong learning to reduce stress and build a sense of purpose. The Circle of Friends program helps those with mild cognitive impairment stay engaged and maintain motor functions through group-based therapeutic activities. Residents can schedule transportation for offsite appointments, and physical, occupational and speech therapies are available onsite.
Family members love the professional staff, high-end amenities and welcoming atmosphere. A reviewer writes, "I'm delighted to see the entire staff are professional and courteous. Belmont is very much like a five-star hotel. Beautifully appointed. Clean and warm environment." Another adds, "It's easy to see that the facility is top-notch. It's very clean, the staff is friendly."
CityView provides memory care to residents nearby Los Angeles, CA. Caregivers help residents in the Court memory care program with activities like personal grooming and medication management. The second level of care offers assistance with incontinence care and ambulation, while the third level of care offers 24/7 supervision. Residents receive monthly wellness checks from the community's visiting doctor or treatment from dentists and ophthalmologists. Staff can coordinate physical, speech and occupational therapy services. Residents can play games in the card room or read and use the wifi in the community's library. Hairstylists at the hair salon can provide haircuts. The community offers scheduled transportation and chauffeur services and chefs prepare three meals each day. Housekeeping and laundry services are also available.
Visitors enjoyed the community's comfortable rooms and variety of amenities provided. One wrote, "CityView's rooms are very clean and user-friendly for the residents. They're a good size and big enough to be comfortable. The food was very good, healthy, and had some good choices. They had a nice variety of activities for different types of interests and people."
Sunrise of Santa Monica focuses on providing personalized care to residents with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. The community is specially designed with secured patios and gardens to enhance security and safety for the residents. Staff are highly trained to provide quality care and form strong bonds with residents, learning their needs and preferences. This allows them to organize activities that speak to the residents' past experiences, hobbies and interests. These activities include gardening, music and religious activities. Residents can enjoy small-group programming where they can share their passions and interests as they connect with caregivers and friends. An electronic health record system allows nurses to track residents' care and progress remotely, which minimizes the need for external medical appointments. Nutritious meals are also available three times daily.
Family members of residents praise the friendliness of the staff. One says, "Sunrise is warm and comfortable looking. It is very clean and looks new. The majority of the staff are very friendly. The community is in a convenient location. The staff communication with the family has been very good."
Residents entering the memory care neighborhood at Terraza Court receive a personalized care plan that considers each resident's personal and family history, preferences, interests and range of skills. Trained staff members are available around the clock for emergency monitoring, medication management, assistance with activities of daily living and health and wellness monitoring. The community features a full-time on-staff nurse to oversee resident care, and meals are served in the communal dining room with table service. Residents are encouraged to interact and socialize in the community's indoor and outdoor common areas, which include a rooftop terrace with raised gardens. The community maintains a rotating schedule of events and activities aimed at promoting engagement and social interaction, including sing-alongs, trivia, snack socials and light exercise classes. Staff members are on-call to assist residents with transportation to and from medical appointments, and the community offers housekeeping and laundry services.
Residents and their families appreciate the staff's commitment to service. One reviewer writes, "The staff members were great, caring loving people, and really friendly to me. Whenever they interacted with any of the residents it was a really positive vibe."
At Merrill Gardens at Rolling Hills Estates, residents receive an assessment to determine their needs. This permits families to formulate a more informed decision and match the resident's needs with the proper support level. Garden House is dedicated to memory care residents experiencing Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The staff is trained to handle residents experiencing memory loss and outdoor courtyards are fully secured. Memory care is focused on staff remembering the details of a resident's life and incorporating them into daily activities. This allows them to enjoy life and feel more purposeful. In addition to 24-hour staffing, residents are kept secure with a resident call system.
Residents comment that this community has everything they desire. "I have lived here for 6 months and love it." One reviewer says emphatically, "The staff is very caring and helpful. The facility is great. It has everything a person would want. I have a one-bedroom apartment [that's] 660 square feet, which allows me plenty of space for everything."
Palmcrest Grand Assisted Living is specifically designed to effectively assist residents experiencing dementia, and to accommodate the changing needs and conditions as they present themselves in memory loss. This community is secure and provides a home-like, comforting atmosphere. Residents are encouraged to help out with daily tasks, which can include shopping for groceries nearby. For those who wander or experience confusion, trained staff remain nearby to offer assistance. The facility provides grooming help for those with dementia and offers services for housekeeping, medication management, meal preparation and two-way communication. Residents can choose to bring their own furniture or have it provided. Other amenities include a movie theater, and a beauty salon.
Reviewers praise the smooth transition into care and warmth of the staff. One family member exclaims, "This place is truly heaven on earth. My aunt has been a resident for the past 2 years, and we couldn't be happier. The elderly are still cherished, honored and respected. They hold fun games, and movies at the facility!"