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 Newport Beach’s senior population continues to grow (17.41% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Newport Beach, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 18.33% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 13.67%, 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 (10.38% in Newport Beach vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
Note: Memory care is typically provided in communities licensed as assisted living facilities, and in general, costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative cost data is available for this type of care, so we estimated memory care rates by adding 25% to assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
Memory care is moderately priced in Newport Beach at $6,563 per month. While this is several hundred dollars higher than the national average of $5,625, it’s consistent with rates in the state as a whole. Â
Compared to other surveyed cities in Southern California, Newport Beach’s memory care costs are average. The city is an affordable alternative to Oxnard and San Diego, where respective care costs come in at $7,188 and $6,844. Seniors may find more economically priced care by obtaining care in Riverside, where fees are over $1,500 lower than Newport Beach’s average at $5,000.Â
In Newport Beach, seniors pay $1,652 for adult day health care, making this the most affordable long-term care option in the region. Some seniors may be able to live in their own homes with home-based care, which costs $5,911 for in-home care or skilled home health care. Residential memory care is several hundred dollars higher at $6,563 but includes housing, meals and 24-hour monitoring. Those without memory impairments pay $5,250 for assisted living, and nursing home residents pay $9,125. Â
Note: Data for Newport Beach was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Los Angeles, was used instead.Â
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Newport Beach.
Seniors and families in the Newport Beach region have access to numerous local programs and agencies that help them find long-term care solutions, adequate health insurance coverage and financial and legal advice. Through the following resources, area residents get personalized help with navigating the system and obtaining necessary support and information. Â
resource | contact | description | location |
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Alzheimer's Association California Southland Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The Alzheimer's Association's California Southland chapter has free informational and supportive programs for seniors and families affected by dementia. Through its Community Resource Finder, Newport Beach residents can locate community-based services, long-term care options, medical services and dementia-related programs and events from the AARP. The organization also has a free helpline to provide one-on-one assistance with navigating the system and help seniors and families connect with programs and services that fit their needs. | Beverly Hills, CA |
County of Orange Office on Aging | 800-510-2020 | The county's Office on Aging contracts with nearly a dozen area providers to administer free and low-cost programs to Newport Beach residents. Through the office, older adults can obtain legal and financial advice, options counseling and long-term care ombudsman services. | Santa Ana, CA |
Council on Aging Southern California | 800-300-6222 | The Council on Aging provides an array of free services to older adults in Newport Beach and the surrounding region, including HICAP, which provides one-on-one health insurance options counseling for Medicare beneficiaries. It also has a long-term care ombudsman who advocates for those in memory care and ensures they receive the scope and quality of care they deserve. | Irvine, CA |
Legal Aid of Orange County | 800-834-5001 | Legal Aid of Orange County serves seniors in Orange and Los Angeles Counties through information and advocacy. It's staffed with licensed professionals who operate legal clinics throughout the region and help older adults obtain necessary health and screening services and public benefits that may pay for memory care expenses. | Santa Ana, CA |
OC Veterans Service Office | 714-480-6555 | The OC Veterans Service Office has trained representatives who provide over-the-phone assistance with accessing local, state and federal veterans' benefits. It publishes the CalVet Veterans Resource Book, which provides up-to-date information on local resources for veterans and their dependents. It also maintains the Caregiver Resource Directory, which can help families find long-term care solutions for loved ones with dementia. | Santa Ana, CA |
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 Newport Beach, 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:
Ideally located along Newport Boulevard across from the Hoag Hospital campus, Atria Newport Beach offers easy access to popular spots such as downtown Newport Beach, Lido Marina Village, Mariner's Mile and Fashion Island. This community offers a memory care program, called Engage Life, that seeks to bring meaningful opportunities for memory care residents to participate, connect and try new things every day. This program focuses on four areas: physical activity, social connection and engagement, individualized care and thoughtfully designed spaces. Residents live in a memory care neighborhood that includes a secure interior courtyard that offers a safe space for outdoor activities and a dedicated salon that promotes self-confidence and well-being. A social kitchen provides opportunities for residents to stay connected with familiar aspects of everyday life by participating in cooking. Memory displays are placed outside each apartment to support individualized care.
Family members love how caring the staff is. A son writes, "My father is a resident of Vintage Newport. I have found the staff to be extremely knowledgeable and caring despite how difficult my fathers can be. Words can't even describe how thankful I am to have found them. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Just minutes from Newport Beach and Hoag Hospital, Atria Newport Plaza provides memory care, assisted living and independent living in sunny southern California. Atria's memory care program, Life Guidance, aims to support seniors physically, socially and mentally. Seniors in the memory care program have opportunities for regular exercise each day, including yoga, light lifting and walking, and they can also take part in music-, art- and pet-based therapy designed to engage and stimulate multiple senses. The Life Guidance neighborhood features artwork, furniture and memento displays designed to spark memories, facilitate navigation and keep seniors at ease in their living spaces. The community's kitchen staff provides unique and varied meals made with fresh ingredients and prepares food with an eye to individual dietary restrictions or requirements.
The community's residents report pleasant experiences and praise the staff. "It has been now over a year since I moved into Atria Newport Plaza," writes one. "I have made a lot of friends and the employees have been a joy. I love the employees and the good work they do for us residents. They are always cheerful, smiling, and helpful."
Located 10 miles north of Newport Beach, Brookdale Brookhurst provides memory care and assisted living to seniors in a lively area close to restaurants, shops, parks and health care facilities. For its memory care residents, the communitys signature Clare Bridge program offers a gentle daily path of programs to help maintain current cognitive abilities and skills. Memory care residents are encouraged to take part in enriching daily activities and programs, including brain games and exercises. The community offers numerous inviting common areas, including a salon, general store, game room, library and outdoor spaces. Residents have a choice of pet-friendly floor plans and all units come with a kitchenette, private bathroom, balcony or patio along with an emergency response system. Meals, housekeeping and transportation are provided, as well as concierge and mail services. Trained staff is available 24/7 to provide personalized care.
Reviewers praise the community and caring staff. One resident writes, "I love Brookdale Brookhurst. The staff are very friendly and very professional. A family member adds, "Everything is wonderful at Brookdale Brookhurst. The staff is great, the appearance is great, they have a lot of activities, and my mother said the food is wonderful. Everything's been perfect.
Resident life in the Brookdale Garden Grove memory care community is structured around the Clare Bridge Daily Path, a program that divides days into six parts. These parts aim to stimulate residents' minds, bodies and emotions. A day may include morning exercise, art class, a Brain Fit class or dancing guided by staff members who can help with hygiene, transportation and medication 24/7. To stay updated on new research, memory care staff receive continual education. Floor plans include studio and one-bedroom layouts, each with a bathroom, a security system and large windows. In the cozy dining room, residents enjoy nutritious menus that reflect their tastes and dietary needs. Though the memory care community has its own amenities, residents can also use the on-site library, beauty/barbershop and coffee shop.
Residents and families praise the community for its welcoming culture. One family member is impressed with her grandmother's experience. She says, "Brookdale has made her new home welcome. It's been a year now and she fits in nicely! The care team is AMAZING!"
Carmel Village is a pet-friendly senior living community in the quiet neighborhood of Fountain Valley, CA, situated near retail shops, medical services and beaches. It offers a variety of one-bedroom apartments with plenty of space for residents' personal belongings. Its memory care program focuses on providing the special care and support needed by seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and other memory loss issues. Caregivers are available 24 hours a day to help residents with bathing, grooming, mobility, medications and incontinence care. A full schedule of mind-stimulating hobbies, games and social events keeps seniors engaged with others. Each day, nutritious snacks and three restaurant-style meals are served in the dining area. Weekly housekeeping, linen and laundry services ensure residents' apartments are kept tidy and clean. Other amenities at Carmel Village include a fireside lounge, library, private patio, beauty salon, fitness center and community clubhouse.
Reviewers note that Carmel Village is a welcoming and inviting community. One resident wrote, "I moved into Carmel Village Retirement Community just before Thanksgiving. They help me out with showers. The staff is very good, very friendly, very cooperative, and very efficient."
Crestavilla is an assisted living and memory care community located minutes from beaches, restaurants, parks and retail shops in beautiful Laguna Niguel, CA. The community offers residents a choice of modern studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with full kitchens, patio or balcony, and an emergency alert system. Its Atria's Engage Life memory care program provides a team of caregivers specially trained to take care of the daily living needs of seniors with dementia, Alzheimer's or other types of memory impairments. Circular hallways and memory care displays allow residents to find their apartments easily. Art classes, outdoor walking clubs, music and live entertainment are some of the activities and programs that keep older adults engaged with others. To help stimulate their appetites, residents are encouraged to prepare meals in the community's open-concept kitchen. Other amenities include a heated pool, a spa, an aquarium, a wellness center, a library and a movie theater.
Reviewers are impressed by the helpful and compassionate staff. One family member notes, "The best place to move your loved ones to. Caring staff is the core of this facility. You are surrounded with love and respect."
Crown Cove is an intimate retirement community overlooking Corona Del Mar Beach in California that offers a wide range of assisted living and memory care options. Seniors can choose from five different types of private and semi-private suites with weekly housekeeping, linen and maintenance services. Its specially trained memory care staff lend a hand with daily living needs and focus on providing a sense of well-being for each resident. The community has a variety of activities, exercise classes and social outings that are specifically designed to stimulate the cognitive abilities of seniors. Older adults with memory loss have access to the Gourmet Bites program that helps restore their joy of dining while remaining independent. Friends and family are invited to eat a nutritious meal with their loved ones in the homelike dining area. Other amenities and services at Crown Cove include a hair salon, scheduled transportation, library and outdoor patios.
Crown Cove takes care of residents' needs in a timely manner. One relative wrote, "I chose Crown Cove as it is close to my home. I really liked them a lot, and they bend over backwards to make my mom feel comfortable. I would recommend this facility."
Huntington Terrace is an award-winning senior living community located on a beautiful 3.5-acre campus in the welcoming neighborhood of Hunting Beach. It offers various accommodations for seniors to choose from that include spacious studios, suites and inviting casitas. Its Connections for Living memory care program provides an individualized care plan and support for those living with Alzheimer's, dementia and memory loss. A team of caregivers is available 24/7 to assist with bathing, grooming, medications and other daily living needs. A variety of memory-enhancing activities and social events help seniors improve their mobility, decrease stress and build new relationships with others. Chefs prepare nutritious meals each day that adhere to the special dietary requirements of residents. Families are encouraged to join in the activities of their loved ones to strengthen their connections. Housekeeping, laundry, transportation and short-term respite care services are also provided at Huntington Terrace.
Huntington Terrace is a welcoming and caring place for seniors to live. One reviewer wrote, "The staff at Huntington Terrace is exceptional. The Memory Care unit is bright and cheerful. My family will forever be grateful for care provided by Huntington Terrace."
Kirkwood Orange is an assisted living and memory care community situated a few miles from the historic downtown Orange neighborhood. The community offers a variety of spacious one-bedroom and studio apartments designed for wayfinding and daily inspiration. The goal of its Connections for Living memory care program is to help enhance the life skills and cognitive abilities while living with Alzheimers, dementia or other memory loss conditions. Professional 24/7 care staff assist seniors with bathing, grooming, medications and other daily living requirements. Residents are encouraged to participate in activities and social events that stimulate all of their senses. Family nights and celebrations at Kirkwood Orange provide a warm and welcoming way to help loved ones reconnect with past memories. Three tasty meals are served in the dining area and snacks are always available. Scheduled transportation, housekeeping and laundry are services also provided.
Reviewers appreciate this community's outstanding staff. A family member said, "Kirkwood Orange has the greatest, most caring staff. My father lived here for the last 8 weeks of his life. He had memory problems, was sometimes a little difficult, but the staff was always positive."
With the sea nearby, Las Palmas offers the best of California living for assisted and independent living and memory care residents. The community offers a range of daily activities with options such as kite flying, yoga and watercolor painting, along with plenty of fitness options that enable residents to maintain an active lifestyle. Set on beautifully landscaped grounds with seasonal gardens, a heated swimming pool and a central courtyard complete with fountains, there are plenty of opportunities for residents to enjoy the outdoors. Memory care residents participate in the Enliven program, which focuses on five key areas; self-expression, movement, partnerships, relationships and innovation. Each resident has a personalized care plan so that activities can be matched to needs and interests, with life stories, movement and music playing an important role in the daily life of seniors in this area
Visitors commented on the clean community and range of amenities, with one visitor saying, ".it is a bigger facility with more amenities that stood out to me, like the pool. The staff and cleanliness seemed good. The rooms were large and very nice. The common dining areas and entryway were nice. Everything seemed very nice."
Newport Beach Memory Care is a secure and safe senior community that serves the needs of those in the early, middle and late stages of dementia, Alzheimers disease or other forms of cognitive impairments. It offers easy-to-navigate private and semiprivate rooms that can accommodate older adults who are wheelchair-bound or bedridden. Its 24-hour caregivers are trained to provide help with daily living tasks and gracefully handle any behavioral problems. The community's knowledgeable nursing staff is available to create effective treatment options and monitor the health of each memory care resident. A variety of activities and social programs help stimulate the cognitive abilities of seniors on a daily basis. Three chef-prepared meals are served every day in the family dining room. Newport Beach also has a respite program that provides short-term care for individuals recovering from surgery. Other amenities and services include housekeeping, laundry, a bird aviary, outdoor patios, walking paths, transportation and a beauty salon/barbershop.
Reviewers report that Newport Beach Memory Care offers excellent care to all its residents. One resident's family member said, "Newport Beach Memory Care is the best around. The staff is AMAZING, CARING, COMPASSIONATE, KNOWLEDGEABLE and PATIENT! I wouldn't put my mom anywhere else!"
A luxurious community with scenic views, award-winning dining and deluxe amenities, Oakmont of Orange offers quality senior care paired with a lively lifestyle. The Traditions memory care program includes engaging activities each day, with opportunities to help maintain memory and improve cognition. From movies and music to art lessons and sensory programming, theres something for everyone. Regular fitness is encouraged through daily yoga, stretching classes and a walking club, while brain fitness classes help sharpen mental acuity. Residents have 24/7 support from caregivers specially trained in dementia care and overseen by a licensed nurse. The environment is designed to feel familiar, with physical cues to help residents find their way, easy-to-navigate floor plans, resident pets to interact with and an aviary to brighten community life. Chef-prepared meals are served restaurant-style, with diverse choices available at every meal.
Loved ones praise the staff. "This is definitely the place to be for mom and dad," one relative says. "We had looked at so many places but this one had the best staff ratio, food and so clean! They provide so much care, comfort, trust, & my parents rave about the food, activities and love the staff!"
Located in a quaint neighborhood in Costa Mesa, just five miles away from Newport Beach, Pacifica Senior Living Newport Mesa is a comprehensive memory care community. The cottage-style community offers a secure and homelike environment for seniors. Residents can enjoy the fresh air in a secure outdoor area with walking paths. Meals, housekeeping, maintenance and transportation services are all provided. Numerous activities are available, including classes, creative projects, live entertainment and devotional activities. Each resident receives a personalized care plan through the communitys signature Legacies Memory Care Program. For those at advanced stages of memory loss, Namaste Programming provides therapeutic sensory stimulation. Trained staff is available 24/7 and there are regular visits by dentists, podiatrists and speech, occupational and physical therapists. Residents also have access to memory care-specific activities and events that provide cognitive, social and physical stimulation.
Family members are impressed with the level of care at this community. One writes, "This place is phenomenal! I love how they keep their residents active with daily activities. I am very happy with the quality of care given to my loved one. Adds another, "Their team truly cares about each and every resident, and provides high quality and compassionate care!
With its colorful gardens and murals of sea life in activity rooms, Pacifica Senior Living South Coast provides memory care in a warm, bright community. Staff members provide medication management, dietary monitoring and hygiene assistance as well as therapeutic cueing and behavioral intervention. Structured around Pacifica's Legacies program, a day in memory care may include yoga, birdwatching and memory match games " activities aimed at meeting social, physical, mental and emotional needs. This community also features a theater, a salon and emergency alert systems in each room. In the flower-decorated dining room, residents enjoy diet-tailored meals prepared by an experienced executive chef. Staff organize outings and host special events, including pet therapy and spiritual services.
Residents and families commend this community for its caring staff, varied activities and attractive surroundings. One relative says, "I'm glad I made this move where not only is my dad happy but I'm happy and comfortable with him being there."
Rowntree Gardens offers a continuum of care ranging from independent living, assisted living and memory care to skilled nursing. The Gardens Memory Care neighborhood has trained staff that provides expert, compassionate care with a focus on respect and patience. Activities include fun brain fitness programs to keep cognitive function at the highest level possible. The memory care neighborhood is on one level to provide ease of navigation, and community members can visit the beauty salon with the assistance of an escort. Safe premises ensure that residents are free yet secure. The beautiful landscaped surroundings let community members enjoy fresh air and sunshine under gentle supervision. Three nutritious meals and help with dining when necessary make sure memory care residents are well-nourished. An on-site pharmacy and on-call physician plus regular wellness checks help keep residents in top form.
Relatives are impressed with the overall good care at this community. A resident's daughter says, "I'm continuously amazed at the level of care, love and generosity she receives." Another family member states, "They treat her with such respect and care, and the whole family is involved and feels the same way."
Sunrise at Tustin offers memory care, assisted living and respite services to seniors and is conveniently located close to Santa Anas Western Medical Center and U.C. Irvine Medical Center. Residents with memory care needs have access to programming that provides further life enrichment through activities tailored to individual interests, including art classes, fitness classes, music, community service and spiritual endeavors. Well-balanced meals are prepared using natural herbs and fresh ingredients. Seniors can enjoy their meals in a restaurant-style setting with other community members to stay social. Other amenities include an outdoor garden and patio, party space, a beauty and barbershop and a TV room.
A family member of a resident praises the activities and outdoor spaces, saying, "There were nice gardens where you could walk around and sit down. A lot of community activities were going on. There were entertainers coming in and that kind of thing, and that was fun. They were very nice."
Located less than 10 miles away from Newport Beach and just minutes from the ocean, Sunrise of Huntington Beach offers memory care, assisted living and short-term care for seniors. The community is conveniently located near health care facilities. Residents can enjoy beach-style landscaping with walking paths and a variety of thoughtfully designed indoor common areas. Services such as meals, housekeeping and transportation are all included. The community offers two different levels of memory care. For seniors with early-stage memory loss, the Terrace Club neighborhood balances independence with some memory care support. For residents who need more structure and assistance, the Reminiscence neighborhood is specially designed to be secure, comforting and easy to navigate. Staff members trained in the latest memory care techniques, including Validation Therapy, are available 24/7 to provide personalized care. Residents are also encouraged to take advantage of memory-focused exercises and activities.
Family members are impressed with the caring staff and quality of services. As one reviewer writes, "Sunrise is the best of the best! Five stars all the way for their services. Adds another, "The facility is beautiful, the residents are active and happy, and the staff is phenomenal.
Surrounded by gardens, golf courses and palm trees, Sunrise of Seal Beach provides memory care in a sunny, warm environment. In the Reminiscence neighborhood, staff use validation methods including rephrasing and matching residents' moods to soothe them. The staff's training employs the Alzheimer's Association's evidence-based, resident-centered techniques. Therapeutic activities include painting classes, light exercise, journaling and group outings. A care manager helps form a plan of activities, and services such as medicine management and hygiene assistance are provided. Located near the dining area, the secure neighborhood features calm, communal areas. While residents requiring memory care enjoy their own amenities, they also have access to the fireside library, bistro and billiard room. From-scratch meals can be tailored to many diets including pureed options.
Residents and families praise Sunrise for making residents feel at home. One reviewer says, "Sunrise has done an amazing job and has made my grandmother feel at home! That is the one thing that matters! I cannot recommend them enough!!"
The Groves of Tustin is a vibrant senior living community that offers spacious and bright studio and one-bedroom apartments for residents. Its Generations memory care program focuses on improving the health and well-being of seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory impairments. Its 24/7 caregivers are extensively trained to assist residents with daily living tasks. Numerous memory activities, programming and therapies help older adults stay connected with family and others in the community. The Tune Into Me musical program allows residents to create a personalized playlist of jukebox music. Each day, three chef-prepared meals are served in the restaurant-style dining room, which features a cozy stone fireplace. Weekly housekeeping, laundry and scheduled transportation services are also provided at The Groves of Tustin.
Staff at The Groves work hard to keep residents and their families content. One relative writes, "They work very hard and patiently at keeping the residents safe, healthy and happy. They also communicate with the family extremely well."
Woodbridge Terrace of Irvine is a picturesque assisted living and memory care community surrounded by beautiful courtyards, manicured lawns and walking paths. Seniors can choose from the spacious studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments with kitchenettes, bathrooms and large closets. Its signature Art of Living Well program promotes independence for seniors with Alzheimers, dementia or other related memory disorders. Certified caregivers lend residents a hand with bathing, dressing, grooming and other daily living tasks. In addition to visiting medical specialists, licensed nurses are available 24/7 to manage medications and diabetic care. The community offers a variety of planned, memory-enhancing activities, programs and social outings to keep seniors engaged. Heart-healthy meals are prepared and served in the restaurant-style dining area, and quick meal and snack options are available in the bistro. Woodbridge Terrace's other services include housekeeping, laundry, apartment maintenance and transportation to shopping or doctor's appointments.
Family members appreciate the care their loved ones receive at Woodbridge Terrace. One reviewer writes, "Positive, caring environment. The staff is very responsive and helpful. Activities are engaging. The food is the best. "