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 Napa's senior population continues to grow (12.21% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Napa, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 44.21% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 3.78%, showing that Alzheimer's is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly lower than the rest of the nation (6.16% in Napa 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 Napa. 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 Napa, 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:
Set amid panoramic landscapes, Brookdale Napa is a warm, inviting senior living community that offers assisted living and memory care. Residents in the memory care unit lead an active life, with engaging daily routines that typically include games, live musical performances, fitness exercises and trips to local leisure spots. Designed to enhance social connections, activities are held in small clustered groups and focus on residents' interests and existing abilities. The support team uses a nonpharmacological approach to care, using innovative problem-solving techniques to manage residents' challenging behaviors. Brookdale's specific type of memory care programming caters to varying levels of cognitive conditions, with the Crossings program for early-stage conditions and the more comprehensive Solace program for those with advanced-stage conditions. The environment is safe and comfortable and features easy-to-navigate floor plans, cheerfully colored walls and secure outdoor spaces.
Visitors and families are impressed to see residents active and thriving in the community. "My mom likes to participate in the activities at Brookdale Napa," shares a resident's family member. "She is in the memory care unit and the staff there is very friendly and attentive to the residents. The community is very clean and kept up."
Berkshire gives individuals with Alzheimer's and dementia the attention and support that they need to thrive. Residents in the memory care area receive increased supervision and frequent safety and health status checks to monitor for changes in behavior and identify physical and emotional needs. The wander guard safety system makes it possible for seniors to stay secure while enjoying more independence. A calendar packed with stimulating activities geared toward those with cognitive impairments keeps everyone busy and entertained. Staff receives training on how to intervene and redirect attention when behavioral problems arise. Beauty salon services are offered on-site, and transportation can be arranged for appointments off-campus. When needed, staff assist with feeding during meals. Menu options are available for those who have dietary restrictions.
Residents describe how the community provides luxurious accommodations and a warm environment. One family member shares, "They have the facilities to help people who have Alzheimer's and Dementia and my grandma has both. They treated us like royalty we have live music a library great food and friendly staff, it's more like a vacation house then a retirement home."
Nestled in the heart of wine country, Aegis Living Napa offers a high level of care paired with a vibrant lifestyle. Residents living with Alzheimer's and related dementias receive highly personalized, around-the-clock support within the secured Life's Neighborhood community. Staffed by expert caregivers who receive ongoing training in dementia care, seniors have aid with the activities of daily living, health care needs and difficult behaviors associated with memory loss. Seniors enjoy a full schedule of stimulating activities that promote relaxation, engage their brains and help them maintain physical strength. All programs are catered to residents' cognitive levels, and small-group options promote socialization. Light and music therapies are also on schedule to help alleviate dementia symptoms. Custom meal plans feature fresh choices crafted around nutritional needs, and scheduled transportation gives seniors easy access to off-site appointments and excursions.
Loved ones praise the staff, activities and meals. "The community is very friendly and caring," says one reviewer. "They have tons of activities every day, whether its exercise, games, or going for rides. They just take care of all their needs. She loves the food. She was a chef and she says the food there is excellent."
Pacifica Senior Living Vacaville is a memory care community that offers a caring and homelike environment. A team of specially trained caregivers is available 24/7 to provide compassionate assistance and gently redirect any difficult behaviors. A certified recreational therapist designs activities to match the cognitive and physical abilities of residents while still providing an appropriate level of challenge. At least seven life enrichment activities are offered each day, including religious services, music therapy, cognitive skills games, social enrichment, reminiscing and outdoor activities. Each resident has a personalized plan based on details of their life history, culture, likes and dislikes. Team members use this plan to provide care that caters to the specific needs of each individual. A licensed nurse monitors the health and well-being of the residents. A full-service salon on-site offers treatments for both men and women.
Family members appreciate the wonderful staff and welcoming atmosphere. "Pacifica has exceeded our expectations," writes one resident's daughter. "We are now confident that our mother is cared for by staff that is genuinely caring. Our family is treated warmly and kindly. This is a wonderful residence and I have great respect and admiration for everyone here."
Magnolia Court is a care community located in Napa, California, an area renowned for its natural beauty and fair weather. In the memory care program, seniors are attended to by trained staff 24/7 and receive assistance with personal activities, such as bathing, eating and managing medications. Staff also provides physical memory clues to help residents remain confident and safe in their environment. All private and companion suites have cable televisions as well as attached bathrooms with large showers. Residents can enjoy meals in the large dining room and regularly scheduled activities, such as exercise classes and game nights, in the indoor and outdoor common areas.
Residents are pleased with the comfortable and clean environment at Magnolia Court. One reviewer says, "The entire staff is professional, caring and the staff is helpful. The interior of the facility is very clean and well decorated. Luxurious and comfortable."
Conveniently located in a quiet residential neighborhood in the city of Vacaville, CA, Paramount House Senior Living is just a short drive from dining, shopping, parks and medical venues, including NorthBay VacaValley Hospital and Kaiser Permanente Vacaville Medical Center. The memory care team includes a nurse manager and a full-time case manager. The caregivers are available 24/7 to provide personal care services, including coordination of health care appointments, standby and full assistance for showering, help with dressing and mobility assistance. They also take care of household tasks, such as personal laundry, linen service, weekly housekeeping and daily room tidying. The staff receives continuous training on the latest techniques to communicate with seniors with dementia through verbal and nonverbal methods and memory cues. A full calendar of diverse and engaging activities is available, including music and singing, reminiscence programs and weekly outings.
Family members praise the nice environment and friendly staff. A resident's daughter-in-law writes, "[The rooms] were nice, clean, and well maintained. The menu has a variety of food, and the dining room is nice. The staff is very friendly. They have a lot of different activities, like exercise in the mornings, walks inside or outside the building, and sitting yoga exercises. "
Located in a peaceful residential area close to local amenities and just minutes from the historic Petaluma downtown, life at pet-friendly Sunrise of Petaluma reflects the laid-back Californian neighborhood that surrounds the community. Trained caregivers provide 24/7 support and assistance, and licensed nurses perform monthly wellness checks. Support extends to loved ones via the family engagement app, meetings and educational programs, and visitors can join residents for mealtimes. The Sunrise Live with Purpose program takes a holistic approach to well-being, with activities including fitness classes, educational workshops, music therapy, arts and crafts, religious worship, games and quizzes, and movie nights. Seniors can relax in the garden and on the patio while soaking up the scenic views of the Sonoma Mountains, and indoor amenities include a dining room, lounge and event space.
Residents especially like the compassionate and warm staff, while families appreciate the extensive specialist training. One loved one says, "This is a wonderful community with very caring team members. They do very thorough training on working with those living with dementia, which is amazing."
MuirWoods Memory Care is a home-like senior community providing a range of services to those living with dementia. Its Connections for Living by MBK program delivers individualized care to each resident based on plans that account for their cognitive abilities, nutritional needs and unique personalities. Caregivers handle recurring chores such as housekeeping and laundry and are around at all times to help residents bathe themselves, eat, take medications on schedule or complete challenging tasks. This campus incorporates mood-elevating natural lighting and a layout designed to feel familiar and secure while still offering a sense of freedom and exploration. An activities director curates a calendar of participatory events based on resident interest; all activities can be adjusted for the capabilities of people in various stages of dementia.
Family members and visitors speak highly of the accommodations and staff members of MuirWoods Memory Care. "The staff is awesome;. they take great care of each resident respective to individual needs," writes a resident's son. "The facility is clean and well maintained. The grounds are exceptional and include beautiful raised flower beds designed for residents in mind."
Rockville Terrace provides access to everyday amenities in a luxury atmosphere just minutes from attractions such as Rockville Hills Regional Park and the American Armory Museum. Trained staff members assist with everyday activities, such as bathing and dressing, and give 24/7 customized support. Specialist activities provide cognitive, physical and emotional enrichment, including games and quizzes, crafts, cooking, sensory activities, exercise sessions, dancercise, music therapy and nature walks, while religious services support spiritual needs. Group chats, parties and celebrations encourage socialization and residents can relax in the secure courtyard, lounges, library, theater room and spa. The media room, complete with high-speed internet, enables seniors to stay connected and develop IT skills. Nutritious meals are served either in the communal dining room or in residents' private rooms, and transportation to medical appointments further supports residents' well-being.
Residents especially enjoy the selection of activities and the delicious meals. One family member says, "It's a really good place. They had lots of activities and one activity person who was there all day long in the activity room. The food was really good, and they had a dining area."
Located in a residential neighborhood in lively Vallejo, California, Vista Prado is a memory care community in a scenic setting. Trained caregivers use personalized care plans to support seniors in leading a healthy, enjoyable and fulfilling life. Available 24/7, staff assist seniors with day-to-day tasks via the Wellness Program, including personal hygiene, dressing and medication management. Each room has an emergency response system, and the one-story building is easy to navigate. Diverse activities and excursions, such as art, music, reminiscence and pet therapy, fitness classes, devotional worship and cognitively stimulating sensory activities, enhance overall well-being and encourage social interactions. Residents can relax on the secure deck and enjoy self-care in the salon. Nutritious freshly made meals are served in the restaurant-style dining room, and healthy snacks are available throughout the day.
Residents appreciate the caring staff members and array of enrichment activities. One family member says, "This is the BEST place for memory care around here! They are caring and kind and I don't have to worry because I know my mom is getting excellent care. Vista Prado is small enough that every staff member knows each client and cares for them like family. But they are big enough to have a variety of activities such as games, music, special meals and parties."
Parkrose Gardens of Fairfield is an exclusive memory care community that provides a supportive and safe environment for seniors with memory loss disorders. A team of compassionate and caring staff is always on hand to assist residents. All staff members are trained in the latest methods of gently handling any difficult behaviors such as sundowning, wandering and aggression. Each resident has a personalized care program that aims to respect them as an individual and ensure that get the best care possible. Physical exercise is a big part of the daily program and residents are encouraged to take part in walking groups or yoga. Music therapy is used to calm seniors in the evenings and to reduce confusion. Social gatherings are held to celebrate birthdays and holidays and family members are invited to join their loved ones. The community is pet-friendly.
Family members are impressed by the care provided to their loved ones and the well-maintained community. One says, "I like Parkrose Gardens of Fairfield. The staff is very good; they're very caring and respectable people. It's a very clean and healthy environment, they're very professional, easy to work with, knowledgeable, and very receptive to their residents."
Sunrise Villa Sonoma provides personalized care in the heart of wine country, conveniently located near Highway 12 and Sonoma Valley Hospital. The community features two neighborhoods for residents living with Alzheimer's and related dementias, both staffed by specially trained caregivers who are available 24 hours. Terrace Club, for those with early to moderate memory loss, features a structured daily routine with research-based memory support programs, physical fitness activities, resident support groups and occupation-based activities. Those in the later stages of memory loss reside in the Reminiscence neighborhood, where they are paired with life enrichment managers who offer consistent support. Here, they enjoy a full schedule of therapeutic, cognitive and recreational activities, frequent visits from children and pets and specialized spaces, such as soft-lit reflection rooms with soothing music, country kitchens and activity areas for puzzles, crafts and art projects.
Loved ones appreciate the compassionate staff. "The Sunrise team truly cares about the residents," says one. "What is also striking, the Sunrise team navigates as a work family. And, now they feel like family to me. I could not have gotten through these last four years without their care, expertise and ability to love my parents."
Vaca Valley Living focuses entirely on providing individual care for seniors dealing with cognitive decline. It's staffed around the clock by caregivers trained to support residents during memory loss episodes and in promoting stable environments that minimize their frequency. The staff also manages daily activities that aid physical health while stimulating the mind and senses. Three nutritious and balanced meals are served daily in the dining room, with snacks and rehydrating drinks available throughout the day. The staff ensures the correct dosage of medications is given to residents on time, in addition to helping with personal care, such as bathing and dressing. The spacious rooms are cleaned weekly by housekeeping staff and the laundry and linen services ensure seniors' clothes and bedding are fresh and clean. In the on-site salon, there's a licensed beautician to help residents look their best.
Family members frequently mention the facility's genial staff and happy and relaxing environment. One wrote, "It's clean and well maintained, with friendly staff who know all the residents by name -- which wasn't the case in all the facilities we compared. Walking in, I felt the happiest energy. The outdoor living area includes raised gardens."
The Lodge at Glen Cove offers assistance with daily personal needs to ensure seniors with dementia can continue to live independently. Apartments are carefully laid out to promote comfort and accessibility, with state-of-the-art call systems installed in each room to enhance safety. Friendly staff members are on hand 24/7 to take care of requests, cooking tasks and cleaning services, so residents can focus on resting and participating in the community's daily activity programming. Exercise classes, games and social events are arranged to support seniors' physical and cognitive health, and management plans regular outings to keep residents connected with the local area. An exam room is available for personal medical, dental and massage appointments so residents can maintain their health without having to leave campus.
Residents love the friendly community at The Lodge at Glen Cove and regularly point out its robust activity programming. One relative shares, "My loved one is enjoying the social connections and friends they've made, and this has increased their happiness and reduced the anxiety and stress they can feel."
Sonoma Grove is a senior community that provides a secure environment for people with dementia. Its staff members provide assistance with bathing and other personal hygiene, help getting dressed, escorting residents around the campus and assisting with feeding at meal times. Medication managers deliver proper doses to memory care residents and store all medications securely, and caregivers perform housekeeping and laundry services weekly. An emergency call system functions 24/7, and motion sensors and wellness checks prevent wandering and keep residents safe. Residents have access to over 1.2 acres of land, where they can walk freely and experience the outdoors without the risk of wandering. An expansive program provides activities that fit residents' levels of cognitive ability, and scheduled transportation is provided for doctor's appointments and recreational outings.
Reviewers describe the high quality of care and social involvement at Sonoma Grove. One relative says, "They took excellent care of my mother. She was always clean and neat. They even sent pictures of her involvement in the activities there. Would highly recommend."
The Village at Rancho Solano offers Connections, a research-based memory care program designed to help seniors with dementia live a stimulating life via four ways: engaging the emotions, encouraging movement, challenging the brain and supporting socialization. The caregivers use various activities to engage residents' positive emotions and trigger memories. Aromatherapy helps reduce agitation, and SingFit, a therapeutic music program for seniors, helps improve speech and elevate mood. Art programs and social interactions, including crafts, painting and drawing, are offered to keep residents engaged. Residents can participate in many physical activity programs, such as walking clubs and boxing, under careful supervision to improve their physical fitness. For brain challenges, this community offers reminiscence therapy, word games, book clubs and storytimes. Various group activities are available to support socialization among the residents. The care staff is available 24/7 to provide personal care.
Family members praise the attentive staff and clean environment. The son of a resident writes, "My mother has been in memory care. The staff and facilities are excellent. The administrative leadership has been extremely attentive and very focused on the comfort and safety of my mom. The building and environment are very clean and well maintained."
Brookdale Chanate sits on a quiet, tree-lined street in Santa Rosa, CA, near the Kaiser Permanente Santa Rosa Medical Center. Its beautiful campus features mature landscaping, sitting areas and walking paths, creating an inviting space for seniors to enjoy outdoor leisure time. Common areas, including a shaded porch, a fireside living room and a library, offer comfortable furnishings to encourage seniors to relax. Staff members trained in managing issues related to dementia supervise residents 24 hours a day to enhance personal safety, and compassionate assistance with personal care is provided. Management designs daily specialized memory care activities based on the Claire Bridge program, including music, gardening, pet therapy, games and outings, to keep residents mentally and socially engaged
Families have high praise for the gorgeous property and plentiful outdoor amenities. One reviewer shares, "Brookdale Chanate is my mom's favorite. They have a very pleasant sitting area with rocking chairs, a secluded garden, an upscale dining area, and they have patios and balconies where you can do individual gardening."
North of downtown Santa Rosa, California, Brookdale Paulin Creek is surrounded by numerous health care providers. Through the community's Clare Bridge program, memory care residents receive individualized care plans based on their stages of memory loss. Crossings is for assisted living residents requiring light memory care. Because early cognition changes often cause depression, this level combines fun activities such as dance classes with journaling and other reflective activities. For seniors in late stages of memory loss, the Solace program adds sensory therapies and more assistance with daily routines. Both levels feature schedules of musical memory games, gardening, crafts and themed socials. To encourage person-centered care, the same 24/7 staff members stay assigned to residents' areas.
Residents' loved ones appreciate the transparent care planning and informative staff. One writes, "They have a beautiful,. clean [community]. They keep up a care plan that is reviewed by me each month. The staff seem to truly care for my mother's well-being."
Situated in California's wine country, Ivy Park at Santa Rosa provides access to everyday amenities in a peaceful and scenic setting. The secure pet-friendly community offers memory care and assisted living to seniors aged 62 and over. Trained staff provides compassionate around-the-clock memory care and support, and in-room emergency call systems increase safety. The EverYou program offers memory care residents life enhancement through exercise, educational programs, hobbies, excursions, social events and religious services. Residents can also relax and socialize in well-appointed indoor and outdoor spaces, including the games room, library, activities room, garden, fitness center, salon, spa and several lounges. All-day dining in the Vine at Ivy on-site restaurant and nutritious meals to suit different dietary requirements further promote resident well-being.
Residents appreciate the high-quality warm care and enjoyable enrichment options, with one family member saying, "My dad has been living here for a while and I am thrilled with everything the staff has been able to bring to his life. He is so happy and so healthy now, and I credit the staff at this lovely community for all they've done for him. Would definitely recommend!"
Oakmont of Villa Capri gives its memory care staff specialized training in dementia care and age sensitivity and provides ongoing evaluation and continuing education. The care staff are available 24/7 to provide care services. The community organizes regular exercise opportunities, such as stretch and strength, yoga and walking clubs, to help residents maintain their physical and mental health. Residents are also encouraged to participate in brain fitness classes to exercise memory and sharpen mental acuity. Purposeful and social activities, including assembling care packages for military personnel, caring for animals, happy hours, regular outings and group singing, are available to keep seniors engaged and stimulated. For residents with advanced memory loss, this community offers a separate program, Traditions, that features specialized activities based on sensory, tactile and music stimulation. Amenities include a library, activity room and fitness center.
People praise the beautiful environment and caring staff. The friend of a resident writes, "My friend is in Villa Capri's memory care. The place is gorgeous and surrounded by vineyards and hills. The staff is incredible. This place is immaculate, very warm and friendly. There are activities organized by a lady who is vibrant and caring."