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 La Mesa’s senior population continues to grow (8.3% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.Â
In La Mesa, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased 8.79% between 2015 and 2020. Additionally, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 19%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (9.8% in La Mesa 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 La Mesa. 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.Â
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 La Mesa, 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:Â Â
The Montera, near local attractions and many restaurants, offers memory care in a pet-friendly senior community. Its MBK Mind+Body Wellness program supports those with dementia through physical fitness and socialization, helping them discover their sense of purpose. The dining experience features chef-prepared meals served restaurant-style, and residents can grab snacks at the bistro. Sitting by the koi pond relaxes seniors, and playing cards in the game room and doing crafts in the art studio offer more leisure options. The community also partners with Connected Living, an online portal that allows families and residents to see the available activities and menu via computer or mobile phone.
Visitors appreciate the wonderful staff, amenities and food. One notes, "The Montera was a beautiful community that had lots of activities and areas for the dementia and Alzheimer's residents to live a comfortable and normal life with assistance. ... The food was great, too, and the facility was spotless."
In addition to independent and assisted living, Westmont of La Mesa provides dementia care through its Compass Rose program. Within the secure memory care neighborhood, older adults with Alzheimer's or other cognitive impairments receive routine wellness assessments and 24/7 assistance with personal tasks. A dedicated director oversees all care and coordinates additional services, including on-site physical and occupational therapy, as needed. Holistic Live Your Way activities offer dementia-friendly experiences that promote physical and emotional well-being. Morning fitness classes support strength, flexibility, and coordination, while history chats, gardening and poetry readings spark memories and cognition. Staff also facilitates support groups for residents and their loved ones. Daily meals, tailored to seniors' needs and tastes, are served in the restaurant-style dining room. Westmont's memory care residents also enjoy supervised access to the indoor heated pool, fitness center, theater and salon.
Residents praise the community's helpful staff and welcoming atmosphere. One reviewer writes, "The staff couldn't be better, You can't put a price on the care I get here. They go out of their way to help me. Anything I need, all I have to do is call the office and the staff will bend over backwards to do it."
Grossmont Gardens Memory Care, located northeast of San Diego, cares for aging adults with Alzheimer's or dementia. A dedicated care team focuses on residents' unique emotional and health needs while encouraging independence within a nurturing environment. Staff assists seniors with daily personal tasks, oversees medical conditions and supervises mobility. With a focus on safety, the community features an electronically monitored security system as well as secured outdoor courtyards and walking paths. Monthly rates for living spaces cover routine housekeeping, laundry services and transportation to medical appointments. To help residents build cognition and stay active, the staff organizes a dynamic social program, with activities ranging from ring toss and table games to chair exercises and pizza parties. Restaurant-style dining allows residents to socialize while choosing balanced meals from a varied menu. Other amenities include activity rooms and support groups for families.
Residents' family members appreciate the attentive care and welcoming community, with one mentioning, "I moved my mother here back in April and have to say I am very happy with everything. The staff is so loving and makes me feel like family. ... The activity director always has something engaging for the residents."
Paradise Village, near downtown and medical centers, provides memory care and resort-like amenities for its residents. A trained professional sits down with family members and residents to create an individualized program, including medication management or special care, when seniors' needs change. The secured gate, emergency response system and 24-hour staffing enhance safety, encouraging seniors to safely explore community grounds. Residents receive three healthy meals daily and visit the deli or coffee shop to dine and socialize. Activities such as reminiscing with pictures and music, doing puzzles and strength training, decorating cards and arranging flowers help improve cognition. Leisure options include swimming in the indoor pool, playing golf and woodworking.
Residents are pleased with the community's amenities and engaging activities. One reviewer writes, "Paradise Village Memory Care looks and feels like assisted living. It was open, bright and roomy ... They had a theater room, a chapel, an activity room, two dining rooms and a garden-like little courtyard in the middle that people could go out into."
Situated east of downtown San Diego, Lantern Crest Senior Living tends to the unique needs of seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Through the community's Memory Care at The Ridge program, qualified caregivers support aging adults with routine tasks and enriching activities in a secure environment. Based on individual preferences and health assessments, the staff develops comprehensive care plans to help seniors with medication reminders, personal hygiene, mobility and health management. Cognitive games and physical fitness encourage movement, while ice cream socials, bingo extravaganzas and sing-alongs foster socialization. Memory care residents live in studios or one-bedroom apartments equipped with a 24-hour emergency response system ensuring access to staff at all times. Monthly fees cover weekly housekeeping, laundry service and utilities. The culinary experience features chef-prepared meals and snacks served daily, a Sunday brunch, celebratory multicourse dinners and bistro-style lunches.
Residents and family members praise the compassionate caregivers and engaging environment, with one reviewer writing, "The staff is really friendly and knows almost everyone by name. They get along well with the residents and each other. Some even sing going around the halls and into the rooms."
Westmont at San Miguel Ranch, situated about 20 minutes west of San Diego Bay, specializes in caring for seniors with Alzheimer's or other memory impairments. Through the community's Compass Rose Memory Care Program, residents maintain their independence within a structured environment while receiving assistance with daily tasks. A nurse-led team of caregivers, available around the clock, coordinates care based on tailored plans, assisting with health management, prescription reminders and personal hygiene. Routine wellness assessments ensure seniors have access to health resources, such as therapy and dental care. The secure community prioritizes safety by outfitting maintenance-free living spaces with an emergency response system and bathroom grab bars. To help ensure seniors engage in an active lifestyle, a dedicated program director schedules enriching activities ranging from chair aerobics and sunset strolls to Trivia Tuesday and coffee socials.
Residents' families appreciate the compassionate care. One commenter mentions, "Our family got to a point when we needed to find full-time care for my mother-in-law, who has advanced dementia. ... We are thrilled to say that her placement at Westmont, San Miguel's Compass Rose Unit has been the best decision we could have made. ... She is happy and well cared for!"
Located near Highway 94 and 125, Sungarden Terrace offers accessibility to loved ones visiting the community's assisted living and memory care residents. A secure perimeter for the memory care neighborhood allows residents to navigate freely yet safely to increase independence. Round-the-clock caregivers tend to residents' needs, supporting them through daily care tasks and providing medication management. The Sunbridge program promotes interactions between memory care and assisted living residents to develop connections. The memory care neighborhood organizes daily activities designed to maintain cognitive functioning and encourage socialization, with exercise, live music, pet therapy, games and off-site outings frequently on the schedule. Residents can also access a secure outdoor area to get fresh air and exercise while remaining safe.
Families often praise the staff. One person says, "This place has been great. My mom has dementia and has been difficult to deal with, but the wonderful people at Sungarden have been diligent in trying to make things better and have been very patient. Everyone is friendly. They keep families updated on events going on there."
Stellar Care sits near East Campus Medical Center at UC San Deigo Health, where residents can access additional medical care. Caregivers in the memory care neighborhood complete training to assist residents with activities of daily living, and they offer round-the-clock care and supervision within the secure neighborhood. Strategies focus on encouraging, reassuring and redirecting residents to help them feel comfortable and calm. Escort services ensure residents get to activities and meals safely. Three daily meals incorporate fresh ingredients with scratch-made options that meet dietary needs, and hydration stations throughout the neighborhood feature filtered, flavored water to encourage residents to stay hydrated. The full activities schedule accommodates various levels of dementia with a focus on socialization and stimulation for the mind and body. Examples include art classes, games, fitness and gardening. Residents also go on trips throughout the community.
Reviewers often mention staff. One says, "The facility is very well maintained. The staff is engaging and friendly. The communication has been great, including frequent updates. ... The move-in was seamless. The food must be good because Mom is eating and sleeping well. This facility is everything I had hoped for, and I would recommend it to others."
La Vida Real sits near Sharp Grossmont Hospital, featuring a neurology department that treats memory disorders. Memory care residents live in the Enliven neighborhood designed to support independence while keeping seniors safe. Enliven directors hold a Certified Dementia Practitioner license, and staff members receive ongoing training to maintain essentiALZ certification from the Alzheimer's Association. Caregivers engage residents in one-on-one and small group situations to build relationships. Seniors participate in familiar activities meant to add purpose to their days. Movement plays a large role in stimulating residents, with music, brain health games and other creative activities on the agenda. Through family-style dining, dementia care seniors feel connected and receive personalized dining experiences that encourage self-reliance. The Club offers assisted living residents with mild memory loss a specialized therapeutic program with extra structure, emphasizing social connections and creativity based on individual interests.
Family members appreciate the staff and community features. One person says, "My mom is living out at La Vida Real. It was great. The lady that helped me get my mom set up in here was wonderful, very sweet, and a caring lady. They have a little courtyard that my mom can walk outside in."
Cloisters of the Valley Memory Care, located 9 miles east of San Diego, focuses on holistic support for seniors with dementia. Through the coordinated efforts of nurses and caregivers, residents receive 24/7 assistance with daily tasks, clinical care and companionship in a secure environment. Staff designs customized plans addressing seniors' memory-related health needs, personal preferences and dietary requirements. The community's private and shared rooms, fully furnished with handicapped-accessible baths and emergency alert systems, allow seniors to safely move around and contact caregivers at any time. Residents gather daily for meals in a restaurant-style dining area, choosing from a menu of fresh options. Thanks to the community's dynamic programming, seniors participate in a range of hands-on activities customized to build cognition and encourage socialization. A walking club, chair yoga, worship services and coffee socials keep residents active and engaged.
Residents and family members praise the compassionate care, with one reviewer writing: "All levels of staff in this community, Cloisters of the Valley, have exceeded my expectations. ... Care is personalized. They take time with residents, offering dignity and respect with interactions in what is now their home; it is not just the facility where they live."
Fredericka Manor Retirement Community in Chula Vista sits close to Scripps Mercy Hospital Chula Vista and Paradise Valley Hospital, providing health care accessibility. Summer House at Fredericka Manor serves as a dedicated memory care neighborhood consisting of classically styled, technology-enhanced cottages with front porches. Residents access the rest of the campus and its amenities with a staff escort. Caregivers trained in dementia care provide round-the-clock supervision and care with a focus on delivering personal attention and meaningful connections. Motion sensors let staff members know when residents move around at night, and security cameras in common areas offer additional tools for monitoring residents. Activities center around self-expression and mental stimulation, with options including organized discussions, cooking, gardening and music therapy. Residents connect to meaningful songs through the Music & Memory program, and iN2L technology encourages socialization and physical engagement.
People appreciate the staff and environment of the community. One person states, "Beautiful one-of-a-kind memory care neighborhood! Professional and caring staff in a quiet part of Chula Vista. Really charming dining room and tons of ... amenities for residents to enjoy!"
Ivy Park at Bonita, close to Interstate 805 and several shops, offers personalized memory care and assisted living. A care staff member partners with each resident to help seniors organize and simplify their lives, promoting independence. The community's Evergreen at Ivy memory care neighborhood features the EverYou program, which stimulates seniors through activities such as cooking, gardening and computer classes. Kitchen staff serves nutritious meals in the all-day-dining restaurant, and residents can order room service or guest meals when their loved ones visit. The on-site full-service salon and the hydro spa promote self-care, while the bistro and activities studio invite connection and leisure. A pet-friendly community, Ivy Park at Bonita also offers pet care and pet walking.
Residents' family members like the pet-friendly community and the activities available for memory care residents. One writes, "My mother-in-law already moved here. ... I liked all of the people that we met. They were very, very good and helpful. ... They have Bible studies, bingo, flower arranging and baking classes."
Ivy Park at Otay Ranch in Chula Vista provides assisted living and memory care services according to its "whole living" philosophy of care. Caregivers in the secure memory care neighborhood, Evergreen at Ivy, support older adults experiencing early-to-late stages of cognitive decline by assisting with daily living tasks, household chores and managing medications. The neighborhood's EverYou program encourages seniors to engage in mentally and physically challenging activities that contribute to a meaningful and fulfilled life. To help alleviate anxiety, the Vine at Ivy Restaurant offers all-day dining, so residents in memory care can share nutritious meals at their convenience. Ivy Park's companion suites and apartments come with a 24-hour emergency response system for peace of mind. Other on-site amenities include hydro-spa services, pet care and scheduled transportation to medical appointments.
Families speak highly about the staff and activities offered. One reviewer writes, "Ivy Park at Otay Ranch is a very clean and very friendly place. My brother-in-law likes it. He shares a room with someone in memory care, and he's well taken care of. They do games, including memory games and bingo, exercise, and music therapy."
Sun & Sea Manor sits in a residential neighborhood near Highway 75, allowing families to access the community easily. Equipped for round-the-clock care, this memory care community offers 24/7-awake service, with support from staff trained in the needs of dementia care residents. Through the proprietary LEGACYTM Brain Health program, residents participate in activities designed to maintain and enhance cognitive functions. The multidisciplinary program incorporates mental stimulation, creative expression, physical activity, pet therapy and nutrition to support brain health. Three daily meals fall under the Fresh & Delicious program, emphasizing nutrition in memorable meals, and every meal includes heart-healthy, low-salt and low-sugar options. The Laughter & Loving Program integrates spontaneous and structured activities to engage various interests. Sample activities include sing-a-longs, crafts, games and celebrations. Residents experience independence in a safe environment in the gated courtyard, with open walking paths for fresh air.
Families appreciate the staff. One person states, "We feel very blessed to find them. [Our loved one] is doing very well. She is warming up and fitting in. She's playing the piano again. The staff is very attentive. The staff-to-patient ratio is very good. Very kind. Very accommodating. They are on top of it. I'm told the chefs are wonderful."
Belmont Village Senior Living Sabre Springs, located near churches, a hospital and shopping centers, offers research-based programming for its residents. Its dedicated memory care neighborhood features easy-to-navigate common areas, with licensed nurses supervising 24/7 to attend to emergencies. The community implements the Whole Brain Fitness program, which aims to maintain seniors' cognitive health and function by focusing on mental workouts, correct nutrition and stress reduction through engaging activities, such as gardening and creating art projects. The community's Circle of Friends, ideal for those with mild impairments, encourages residents to stay involved and help build confidence. Belmont Village also has an on-site technology center to help residents stay connected to their loved ones.
Friends appreciate the level of care provided for their loved ones. One commenter writes, "Our friend has moved to Belmont Village Sabre Springs. The staff members are very, very good and very cooperative. They keep track of where everybody is, escort them to and from and give them reminders about various things and activities."
The locally owned Silvergate Rancho Bernardo in San Diego offers independent living, assisted living and memory care services. Its secure memory care community boasts four intimate, easy-to-navigate neighborhoods featuring 12 suites situated around a shared living area, kitchen and dining space. These neighborhoods have no lengthy hallways for seniors to wander, therefore preventing confusion and anxiety. The community uses the Teepa Snow "Positive Approach to Care" model to provide dementia care that focuses on residents' current cognitive skills and fosters positive connections. Staff utilizes sensory-stimulating reminiscence therapies to encourage seniors to take part in the memory care activities program and remain socially engaged with their peers. Every day, an executive chef serves nutritious meals that promote brain health. Other on-site amenities include nursing care, a secure outdoor terrace and a beauty salon.
Families praise the community's excellent amenities and professional staff. A resident's grandson writes, "My grandfather loves Silvergate Rancho Bernardo. He lives in the memory care section and is very active. I was concerned he would not be stimulated enough, but I'm pleasantly shocked at how busy and engaged he is. Great staff and food and exceptional activity programming."
Accessible from I-5, Highway 56 and El Camino Real in San Diego, CA, Bayshire Torrey Pines delivers a continuum of care services. Using a person-centered approach, the secure memory care community's trained caregivers provide specialized dementia care that enables residents to flourish and achieve moments of success. These caregivers, available 24 hours a day, assist with everything from personal grooming and dressing to getting around the community. Throughout the day, interactive and stimulating activities, such as brain fit games and chair yoga, keep seniors mentally and physically fit. A culinary crew serves three visually pleasing, dietitian-approved meals daily in the dining room. Residents also have access to skilled nursing care, beauty salon services and on-site rehabilitation therapists. Plus, families and friends can stay in touch with their loved ones through Bayshire's Sagely App.
Families appreciate the community's caring staff. One reviewer writes, "We are so happy with our experience placing Mom at Torrey Pines Senior Living in the memory care. The staff is top-notch. They are warm, dedicated and caring. The activities are fun and varied. The place is kept very clean. I feel secure knowing Mom is getting such good care."
Pacifica Senior Living Rancho Penasquitos, located near the Palomar Medical Center in San Diego, CA, provides a wide range of services, from memory care to assisted living and independent living. The thoughtfully designed memory care community features open hallways and easy-to-navigate common spaces. Through customized care plans, specially trained 24-hour caregivers help residents with dementia complete daily living routines while getting to know their needs and habits. Every room in the community has an emergency alert system installed so that seniors can get assistance quickly. A calendar of engaging activities, available for residents of varying cognitive ability levels, includes adult coloring, crafts and daily fitness exercises. Seniors in memory care can also access complimentary transportation for medical appointments.
Families appreciate the care services offered at Pacifica Senior Living Rancho Penasquitos, with one reviewer writing, "My dad moved to their memory care, and the entire staff is so kind and such a great help to my father. ... Knowing my dad is well taken care of gives me such peace of mind."
Ivy Park at Sabre Springs in San Diego has a wide range of senior services available for all stages of retirement. Its memory care neighborhood, Evergreen at Ivy, provides 24/7 customized care and support for seniors experiencing dementia and other forms of memory loss. Residents can participate in the neighborhood's EverYou program, featuring a full calendar of engaging activities designed to keep them mentally, physically and socially active. Each apartment includes a round-the-clock emergency response system for added protection and safety. The Vine at Ivy Restaurant offers all-day dining and room service that allows seniors in memory care to eat nutritious meals whenever it's convenient for them. In addition to hydro spa services, other on-site amenities include pet care, scheduled transportation and daily housekeeping.
Reviewers say Ivy Park at Sabre Springs is a nice community with great care. A resident's loved one writes, "Staff is kind and responsive and genuinely care about the residents. It is also smaller, so the staff are more consistent day to day, which helps with Alzheimer's patients."
Located minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Oakmont of Pacific Beach in San Diego, CA, provides extra care for older adults with various forms of memory loss. The community's Traditions Memory Care program employs a nurse to keep an eye on each resident's health and dementia-trained caregivers to assist with personal hygiene and administering medications. Mental and physical activities, such as art and music, encourage social interactions and help seniors in this program maintain their cognitive abilities. In the restaurant-style dining room, residents can share memories with friends over chef-prepared meals created from an ever-changing seasonal menu. Indoor and outdoor common spaces give seniors a place to relax. Residents also have access to on-site psychological services, podiatry and medical care by visiting physicians.
Residents enjoy the community's amenities. One reviewer writes, "The staff is excellent: kind, well-trained. Management keeps a good eye on how residents are treated. There are lots of activities for all levels of ability, and the staff works hard to keep residents engaged. The dining facilities are good, and when necessary, residents may eat in their rooms."