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 National City's senior population continues to grow (8% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.Â
In National City, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 9% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, 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 (9.9% in National City 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 National City. 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 National City, 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
Located just a few blocks from the Pacific Ocean in Imperial Beach, Sun and Sea Manor provides memory care and assisted living services. This community's memory care neighborhood is designed for safety and security, featuring gated courtyards and grounds to reduce the risk of wandering. It also includes indoor emergency alert systems. Staff members assist with the activities of daily living around-the-clock, and they undergo regular training to ensure they're up-to-date on caring for residents with Alzheimer's or other types of dementia. They follow the facility's proprietary Legacy Brain Health program to enhance seniors' cognitive functions through exercise, creative expression and mental stimulation. The kitchen staff provides all meals and snacks and creates menus that focus on brain-health foods, such as whole grains and leafy greens.
Sun and Sea Manor consistently gets great feedback from residents and their families. One reviewer writes, "The staff of Sun and Sea Manor was amazing. ... They are really trying to work individually with the residents to find out their likes and dislikes to make them feel more at home, especially when it comes to meal planning and activities.
Paradise Village in National City offers multiple care types, including dedicated memory care. It provides a secure environment for residents with dementia, and the staff offers 24-hour supervision, monitoring, assistance with daily living activities and medication management. Each resident has a personalized care plan designed to engage them and keep them connected, while a vigorous schedule of Vitality Calendar events offers opportunities to pursue one's interests and make new friends. The pet-friendly community sports a range of advanced safety features that include motion sensors, and specially trained caregivers help seniors through the effects of memory loss. The Paradise Village team serves three nutritious meals every day and provides a gardening area, housekeeping, church services and scheduled transportation whenever needed.
Loved ones of residents praise Paradise Village's attractive environment, with one saying: "Paradise Village Memory Care looks and feels like assisted living. It was very open, bright, and roomy. ... They have a dining room on each floor. ... And some residents were getting support with their eating. The facility looked well kept, very clean, bright and friendly."
Plaza Village Senior Living offers a homelike setting to residents of varying care levels. The community's Resident First Memory Care Program takes a whole-person approach to treating memory conditions, incorporating unique personal history, memories and culture into each resident's personal service plan. Residents receive three meals per day plus snacks and have access to laundry and housekeeping services. As an additional safety measure, the community provides an emergency pendant system to each memory care resident. Plaza Village also offers assistance with daily living activities, including medication management and help with bathing and dressing. Group exercise is part of the activity schedule to keep residents moving, while volunteer opportunities give residents a chance to remain engaged in the surrounding community.
Community reviews emphasize the quality of care provided for residents, as well as the spacious living quarters. One family member writes, "My grandmother has been living in this facility for almost a year now. They treat my grandmother like a member of their family. I don't know what we would have done without Plaza Village!"
Located in the heart of sunny La Mesa, CA, The Montera provides comprehensive assisted living and memory care to seniors. The highly trained 24/7 staffs care for seniors who have Alzheimer's or other types of dementia and assist residents with the activities of daily living, mobility and medication management. They also tailor every care plan to the individual, as the amount of cognitive support needed typically changes as dementia progresses. Safety and security are top of mind, with secured outdoor spaces to prevent residents from wandering. The community offers a Mind+Body Wellness program that keeps seniors fit and engaged while preventing the depression that often accompanies dementia. Activities such as arts and crafts, outings and card games keep residents engaged and socialized.
The Montera community gets consistently high ratings from residents and their families. One writes, "Montera makes you feel right at home, like you're one of the family. They do an excellent job of taking care of you and attend to all of your needs. And the individual members of the staff are wonderful people."
Located near shopping centers, restaurants and medical facilities, Westmont at San Miguel Ranch allows seniors to age in place as their needs change. This community's secure memory care neighborhood offers access to an outdoor courtyard and communal lounges. Seniors can exercise in the fitness center, dine in the casual bistro and view movies in the theater. Pets are welcome, and caregivers are available to assist with the care of pets as needed. Scheduled daily activities keep seniors engaged, and these may include movie nights, therapy sessions, social events, musical entertainment and memory games.
Residents' family members appreciate the community's design and the high level of care provided. One reviewer says, "We are very happy with this community. We like that it is a single story and the memory care unit is well secured. My mom does get to join the other residents in the activities, and she always has a caregiver with her."
Situated on a spacious campus, surrounded by gardens in the heart of Chula Vista, Ivy Park at Bonita sits close to shops and medical facilities. The community memory care neighborhood, Evergreen at Ivy, provides a safe and secure environment where residents can remain as independent as possible. Certified caregivers are always on hand to guide seniors through each day and provide assistance or reassurance as needed. All-day dining enables residents to eat at a time that suits their personal preferences and medical requirements. They have a choice of meal options, with special diets accommodated and dining assistance available if required. The Evergreen program aims to provide meaning in each day for residents through social events, art classes, musical entertainment, walking groups and cognitive games.
Family members are impressed by the caring staff, who seem to truly care about the residents. One reviewer says, "Thanks to the excellent care from the staff in the memory-care unit, my mother's health and quality of life have improved. She is treated with respect and kindness by caregivers who seem happy with their work and provide her with a lot of personal attention."
With nearby access to local highways, friends and families can visit their loved ones in Sungarden Terrace, a memory care community nestled in a residential neighborhood. It provides care to seniors requiring assisted living, memory care or respite care. Residents in memory care live in a secure environment, allowing them to navigate independently and safely. Highly trained caregivers assist as needed while still encouraging as much self-sufficiency as possible, offering assistance with daily living tasks, medication management and grooming. Throughout the day, residents can engage in Sunbridge, a specialized activity program designed to provide cognitive stimulation and socialization. Activities include visits from animals in the local humane society and live music.
Residents appreciate the community's welcoming atmosphere. A resident's loved one writes, "From the first moment we stepped into Sungarden Terrace, we were captivated by the warmth of the place. The facility is exceptionally well maintained and designed to make residents feel right at home. It is a sprawling, sunny oasis that perfectly blends indoor comfort with lush, outdoor beauty."
Coronado Retirement Village's central location gives seniors easy access to shopping centers and medical facilities. All resident accommodations feature views across Coronado Bay. In the memory care neighborhood's secure environment, seniors can feel at home and cared for, with trained caregivers discreetly monitoring residents at all times and providing assistance with the tasks of daily living, such as bathing and dressing. Each senior has a customized care plan that considers their personal preferences and medical care requirements. Daily activities may include walks in the garden, scenic drives, religious services and memory games. A registered nurse carries out monthly wellness checks to monitor the health and well-being of each resident.
Residents' family members note the welcoming atmosphere and compassionate care provided, with one reviewer saying, "I have a family member who has been residing at Coronado Retirement Village for 3 years, and the care that he has received has been exceptional. The staff, including the administrator, med techs, personal caregivers, housekeeping and those assisting in the dining room, have all been exceptional."
ActivCare at Rolling Hills Ranch lies in a residential neighborhood on the outskirts of Chula Vista and provides three memory care levels for seniors at different stages of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. A licensed nurse and trained staff provide around-the-clock support, including assistance with special needs such as diabetic care. The community prioritizes the safety of its residents with an easy-to-navigate layout featuring secured courtyards as well as themed great rooms and corridors that enable wayfinding and independence. Indoor and outdoor activities are structured to engage motor skills, spark memories and instill a sense of purpose in seniors. These include flower arranging, listening to music, gardening and chatting about current and historical events. In addition, caregivers take seniors on scenic bus rides and nature walks and schedule pet therapy with specially trained animals.
Family members of residents appreciate the caring staff, with one person stating, "Mom's condition was progressing rapidly to where we did not have the capacity or knowledge to continue caring for her at home. We are grateful to the staff and activities at ActiveCare that have done a wonderful job at helping Mom feel calm, safe and beautiful."
Summer House at Fredericka Manor, a memory care community in Chula Vista, sits just minutes from Sharp Health Care. Here, seniors experiencing Alzheimer's and cognitive decline receive assistance from 24/7 staff trained in dementia care, including a full-time licensed nurse available to address medical concerns. All residents live in private rooms in cottage settings, which feature bathrooms, accessible showers and front porches. Living quarters are also equipped with motion sensors and monitored security cameras, keeping residents safe. Daily memory care activities include cooking demonstrations, art and music therapy, group exercises and crafts, and residents may visit the main Fredericka Campus when accompanied by caregivers. In addition, the community utilizes the iN2L touchscreen technology for connecting residents with loved ones, listening to music and participating in devotional services. Family members are encouraged to visit at any time.
Family members of residents appreciate the caring staff, with one person commenting, "The entire Fredericka campus has been home to my mother for over 15 years, and at every level, they have made her at home. The staff at the Care Center is caring and professional and provides a safe refuge for the aging parent."
Part of St. Paul's Senior Services, The Villa on Bankers Hill, is a faith-based community located in the heart of San Diego. The community's Reflections Memory Care offers a safe and secure environment with a team of certified caregivers on hand at all times to provide support and assistance with the tasks of daily living. Its high ratio of caregivers to residents ensures seniors receive personalized care and individual attention. The community promotes family engagement and invites family members to take part in activities or join their loved ones for a meal regularly. A range of daily activities may include religious services, walking, musical entertainment and memory games.
Online reviewers note the compassionate care offered in this community, with one saying, "People at St. Paul's Villa are so kind and compassionate. It is beautiful to see how the senior residents consider the staff extended family. You can tell that there is a lot of love there in addition to great care. People seem truly happy. "
Located in the hills of Mission Valley, Cloisters of the Valley Memory Care offers essential memory care support in a secure community. Through an integrated team of specialized staff members, seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia receive 24/7 assistance for all health, physical, relational and emotional needs. Licensed nurses oversee care plans tailored to meet each resident's individual requirements and interests. Caregivers establish trusting relationships with residents and can be reached at all times through the community's call system. To enhance their well-being, seniors participate in various cognitive and social activities including coffee socials, walking clubs, daily exercise and worship services. The community's registered dietitian creates three daily meals based on residents' needs. Staff members provide all maintenance, housekeeping and laundry services while also offering transportation to medical appointments and other engagements.
Family members appreciate the attentive care and the community's cleanliness. One reviewer mentions, "I have had nothing but good experiences with Cloisters of the Valley since moving my wife in. They take kind and gentle care of her, for which I am very grateful. ... She seems content, happy even to be there."
HarborView Senior Assisted Living overlooks San Diego Bay and provides an array of supportive services for seniors, including assisted living, memory care and respite care. Older adults coping with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia reside in a homelike environment where specially trained caregivers provide around-the-clock support and facilitate independence within a secure setting. Each day, the community plans numerous dementia-friendly activities, both indoors and outdoors. Poetry readings, gentle exercises and devotional services foster creativity, physical wellness and spirituality and offer ample opportunities for residents to socialize and engage with their neighbors. In addition to memory care-specific support, staff members also provide personal laundry services and daily housekeeping alongside assistance with the activities of daily living.
Residents and their loved ones applaud HarborView's dedication to providing a welcoming environment. One reviewer states, "The management and staff at HarborView are warm, caring and professional. They take excellent care of the residents. It is big enough to have an activities program for the residents, but not so big that it feels institutional."
Pacifica Senior Living Bonita is close to the I-805 and within a short drive of numerous hospitals and medical centers. The memory care neighborhood, a separate wing of the community, offers apartments with open floor plans designed to be easy to navigate, and secure common spaces facilitate independence within a safe environment. Team members certified to support older adults coping with cognitive decline supervise and assist residents as needed. Around-the-clock caregivers administer medications, help with daily activities and offer reassurance and cues if seniors experience stress or confusion. Pets are welcome in the community, and staff assist with looking after residents' companion animals. Daily activities are designed to spark moments of joy and promote self-worth and include movement classes, musical entertainment, art lessons, gardening and cognitive games.
Family members appreciate the beautiful facility, fantastic communication and professional staff, with one reviewer saying, "The facility is beautiful [and] has three levels of care. The staff can not be nicer or more professional and friendly. The directors are totally approachable and helpful. It's a great place for Dad!"
Belmont Village Senior Living Sabre Springs offers views of the North County foothills from its Poway location in the San Diego metro area. In the community's secure memory care neighborhood, programs for older adults experiencing cognitive decline include Whole Brain Fitness, which facilitates mental and physical stimulation through lifelong learning activities and group exercise. In addition, the Circle of Friends program emphasizes sequencing, critical thinking and whole-body movement in small groups. The memory care neighborhood offers chef-prepared meals, private outdoor areas and various therapeutic interventions as needed. A licensed nurse is available 24 hours a day, and daily wellness checks reinforce resident safety. Seniors have access to housekeeping, laundry services and medication management, while the private and secured outdoor area provides a space to enjoy fresh air.
Residents and their loved ones laud Belmont Village for its top-tier cuisine, friendly staff and variety of activities. One reviewer writes, "The staff members are very, very good and very cooperative. They keep track of where everybody is, escort them to and from, give them reminders about various things and activities. They have a lot of activities for memory care folks."
Silvergate Rancho Bernardo is a locally owned and operated senior living community situated close to shops and hospitals. Designed to meet the needs of seniors with memory loss disorders, the secure memory care neighborhood has four separate areas that each house up to 12 residents. Each section has a shared kitchen, lounge and dining room to provide a more intimate and homelike environment. The community uses the Positive Approach to Care system that focuses on current skills and ensuring that each day is filled with a sense of belonging and purpose. The high ratio of caregivers to seniors offers increased supervision and personalized care for each resident. Scheduled activities include group outings, cognitive games, occupational therapy, social engagement and sensory games.
Family members appreciate the food and the variety of activities. One writes, "We felt an instant peace of mind knowing ... our mother would be in a safe, beautiful and serene environment. The attentive and skilled care, delicious food ... and the ... daily activities that target physical, mental and social enhancement ... have provided a tremendous benefit for our mom and her well-being."
A varied approach to memory care allows Stellar Care to offer dementia care and Alzheimer's assisted living. Trained staff assists with daily living and structures activities to meet the social, physical and emotional needs of residents throughout the various stages of memory decline. Activities include art classes, musical guests, sensory activities and stretching and fitness classes. The community also offers educational classes, such as the Master Gardening Program through the University of California San Diego. Stellar Care has an on-site salon and barbershop, mobile therapy services and physicians, a movie theater and family visiting areas. The staff prepares three nutritious meals daily, and residents have access to snacks throughout the day. Safety is a priority with emergency response systems located in the accommodations.
Reviewers compliment the staff, with one writing, "If you are looking for a place with the kindest, most caring staff, then look no further. We feel so fortunate to have found Stellar Care for our dad to live out his last couple of years. They truly treat their residents like family and are very invested in their lives. I would give them 10 stars!!"
Ivy Park at Otay Ranch offers senior living options conveniently located near health care facilities, should residents require medical attention. Evergreen at Ivy, the community's memory care neighborhood, provides a safe and supportive environment for older adults experiencing cognitive decline. Here, around-the-clock caregivers are specially trained to assist residents in every stage of memory loss, from early to advanced dementia. The neighborhood utilizes EverYou, a program designed to help seniors remain engaged and give them a sense of purpose every day. Stimulating activities may include cognitive games, social events, movie nights and fitness classes. Memory care residents also have secure access to Ivy Park's amenities, including a full-service salon, a wellness center and a library.
Family members note the high level of care provided to their loved ones, with one reviewer saying, "My parent lives on the Evergreen Memory Care side. The level of care given on a daily basis is amazing. The devotion and compassion of the Care staff to each resident is exactly what I was looking for in placing my parent in this type of facility."
Conveniently located minutes from Sharp Grossmont Hospital, Westmont of La Mesa provides seniors with a spectrum of care from independent living to memory care. The community's signature Compass Rose memory care program was designed with gerontologist input to meet the unique needs that come with Alzheimer's and other memory impairment diagnoses. The program emphasizes maintaining independence, dignity and quality of life while supporting residents as needed. Staff members handle housekeeping, dining and property maintenance, so seniors can enjoy numerous amenities, including an indoor heated swimming pool and a theater. For additional peace of mind, supportive staff remains on-site 24/7 and seniors receive regular wellness assessments.
The attentive, caring staff earns accolades from residents and their loved ones alike. One family member writes, "The staff knows the name of every client and knows their story. They get to know each resident's specific needs in order to better care for them."
Dedicated to holistic and comprehensive memory loss support, Grossmont Gardens Memory Care offers a secure community for seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory challenges. Caregivers provide around-the-clock assistance with daily tasks, mobility, personal hygiene and health monitoring. Residents receive personalized care specific to their needs as they develop trusting friendships with the staff. Focusing on a fulfilling quality of life, seniors have the opportunity to participate in various engaging activities, such as pet visits, daily exercise, table games and musical entertainment, and they can celebrate special events monthly with family and friends. Seniors reside in furnished living spaces monitored by an electronic security system, and staff members handle all housekeeping, chores and meal preparation.
Residents' family members commend the community's attentive caregivers and attractive environment. One reviewer mentions, "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."