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 Livermore’s senior population continues to grow (19.95% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Livermore, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by 32% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 6.5%, 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 (10.1% in Livermore 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 more than a dozen hours researching senior living communities in Livermore. 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 Livermore, 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:
Located in a residential neighborhood close to the downtown area, Astoria Senior Living and Memory Care at Tracy provides specialized care services for those living with Alzheimer's and dementia. The Villa residence offers a secure, more intimate environment, and features a gourmet kitchen, beautiful living areas, lovely gardens and courtyards. Specialized programming is focused on individual capabilities to enhance independence, confidence and fulfillment, and families serve as active partners by participating in activities, events and services. Its LifeCycles wellness program consists of group and one-on-one activities that incorporate residents interests, goals and habits, with some activities following regular schedules to provide a structured routine. The facilitys location also provides opportunities for outside community involvement, with student volunteers from the nearby Merrill F. West High School finding time to interact with residents.
Families like the level of attention their loved ones are getting, with one saying, "The director is phenomenal, she has really personalized care and she was very instrumental when getting help for my mom. Positive reviews also mention the clean, well-maintained living areas with nice little touches such as table cloths, lovely silverware and teacup displays, as well as the excellent food and good-sized private rooms.
Carlton Senior Living at Poets Corner is a dedicated memory care facility serving the Contra Costa County and East Bay area. Its signature programs are anchored on dignity, imagination, sensory and choice, providing residents with a purposely designed environment and person-centered care from the trained staff. Residents express music appreciation through the Drum Circle program and develop creative, interpretative skills through the Poetry Circle program. Physical wellness is promoted through Live 2 B Healthy fitness classes, while brain health is improved through the clinically proven Dakim BrainFitness program. Family involvement is encouraged through dementia support groups and regular updates on residents conditions, as well as invitations to themed candlelight dinners. Residents safety is ensured with the Safely You fall prevention technology and controlled access to the facilitys premises.
Reviewers like the relaxed, comfortable environment, including the nice outdoor area, cozy sitting areas, decently sized rooms and secure surroundings. Families praise the staff for creating positive changes in residents lives. "My aunt has been staying at Carlton Seniors for almost six years. And honestly, I have seen her change for better so very much, says a relative.
With 20 residents, Livermore Valley Senior Living is an ideal location for memory care seniors seeking an intimate setting and also a robust social community. Communication between residents, staff and families is a special priority at this facility and each resident has a customized care plan based on their needs. Emergencies and day-to-day care are also a top priority, and this facility serves residents with a physician and podiatrist on staff. Tucked in a bustling suburban neighborhood, Livermore Valley Senior Care offers residents the chance to relax and socialize in a private garden with paved walking paths, flowering trees and multiple seating options. Staff are available to residents 24/7 and offer socialization and companionship in addition to help with activities of daily living. Management at this facility is also committed to going green and maintenance staff use environmentally-friendly paper and cleaning products.
Residents at this facility enjoy ample privacy and home-cooked meals, writes this reviewer: "They were very good about giving attention to the people, and it looked very comfortable. I went into the rooms, and they were nice. They all had their own private bathrooms I have a friend that's there and they like the food."
Marymount Villa in San Leandro offers assisted and independent living options, as well as respite, hospice and memory care services in companion suites and studio apartments with private bathrooms. The facilitys well-trained care staff provides compassionate care around the clock and helps coordinate health and medical services. Residents enjoy balcony views of the garden areas and the bay and are minutes away from shopping, dining and medical care. Structured on- and off-site activities, such as bingo, book clubs, yoga and gardening, keep residents engaged and entertained. Walking trails and the grounds of the historic Casa Peralta next door provide ample opportunity for exercise and fitness, and an on-site wellness program offers physical therapy. A welcoming dining room serves three home-style meals daily and unlimited snacks.
Residents appreciate Marymount Villas proximity to shops and restaurants. One reviewer notes, "What I like about Marymount Villa is that it's close to many things. It's close to the bus station so I can get around in the area here, the shops that I can go to, and the restaurants. The staff does a good job in taking care of me as well as people with disabilities.
Sunol Creek Memory Care is conveniently located near Interstate 680 and about a mile from the Main Street of Pleasanton, California. This resort-style community offers premium hospitality through its concierge and sophisticated amenities, which include landscaped courtyards, fireside lounges, restaurant-style dining and a salon. The facilitys Montessori Methods-inspired Spark lifestyle program, designed in partnership with the Center for Applied Research in Dementia, focuses on residents choices, independence and remaining skills to enhance their quality of life and keep them connected with the community. Residents are honored with biography boards or memory boxes, celebrating their life stories and helping them stay inspired in their present journey. Sunol Creeks activities include a variety of morning exercises and stimulating games, as well as karaoke, movie nights, happy hours and hot cocoa socials.
Loved ones praise Sunol Creeks dementia caregivers for their compassion and patience. A residents daughter shares, "My dad was a salesman and loved working They also get into his world The staff patiently talks with my dad and will not force him to complete a task I am always kept up to date on what is happening medically and mentally with my dad.
TreVista Senior Living is situated in Antioch, across the street from Sutter Delta Medical Center. Located off the banks of the San Joaquin River, Antioch boasts mild weather all year long and offers green, lush landscapes. Residents stay in renovated studio apartments with kitchenettes and options for companion living. Amenities, such as a coffee bar, bistro and contemporary décor, give the facility an affluent atmosphere. Specially-trained staff members are available to assist residents who have been diagnosed with dementia or Alzheimers disease, and support staff, including a registered nurse, are on-site 24/7. Off-site excursions are scheduled weekly, giving residents options for shopping and attending local events. The staff also prepares on-site activities to choose from, such as game nights, fitness classes and arts and crafts, for physical and mental stimulation. Meals are served three times a day, and snacks are always available.
Residents are happy with the entire facility and staff. A five-star review from one family member said, "Very impressed with the cleanliness, friendly staff and most importantly, how happy and active the residents seem to be!
Carefield Castro Valley is an assisted living and memory care facility designed with independence and dignity in mind. To that end, staff members take time to get to know residents and learn about their past as well as what activities they currently enjoy. Staff members are on site 24 hours a day to monitor and provide necessary assistance, and pets are welcome. Residents are encouraged to suggest activities they enjoy, and regularly scheduled activities include mini golf, sing-alongs from the '50s and '60s and themed movie weeks. Meals are prepared on site, and residents can request special menus for vegetarian, low sodium and diabetic diets.
Residents and loved ones appreciate the staff with one family member saying, "What I like most. is the staff and how they care for their residents. They are very friendly and attentive. Their food is a 5, and the place is clean."
Willow Creek Alzheimers Care creates a caring, compassionate environment for those living with varying stages of cognitive conditions. The facility sits on over an acre of secure property and features wide hallways, an enclosed patio and outdoor walking paths where residents can freely wander under the watchful eyes of trained caregivers. The team utilizes a specialized approach and strategically designed environment to properly care for seniors with challenging behaviors. Programs, such as music and art therapy, encourage social engagement and self-expression, while walking around the flower gardens stimulates sensory and visual awareness. The staff is specifically trained to recognize verbal and nonverbal cues, allowing them to understand residents feelings and provide the needed emotional support. Fall precaution measures and interventions are in place to address residents fragile physical conditions.
Reviewers like the peaceful atmosphere and the large outside area where residents can move around. The staff gets praised for being nice and attentive and how they involve residents in daily activities. "I can't say enough good things about this place. My husband has been there for a year. He has advanced Parkinson's with dementia and paranoia, says one residents wife.