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 Oakland's senior population continues to grow (18.59% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Oakland, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased 23.32% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 11.64%, 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 (9.52% in Oakland 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 Oakland. 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.
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.
When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered price information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of Memory Care in Oakland and 139 other cities in California.
Rising inflation has impacted the cost of memory care in Oakland, CA, and other urban areas. In 2022, seniors in Oakland paid $5,133 for memory care. However, the cost in 2024 is estimated to reach $6,113. That's a 19.5% cost increase in just two years. The estimated average cost of memory care for the U.S. in 2024 is $5,792, which is about $300 less than Oakland's estimated cost. Fresno and Anaheim are expected to see costs closer to the U.S.
Since inflation rates are quite often unpredictable, financial planning by seniors for memory care is strongly recommended.
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In Oakland, the expense associated with memory care stands at $5,667, a notably higher figure when contrasted with the cost of assisted living at $4,300 and independent living at $2,601. Assisted living involves 24-hour assistance with daily living activities, and memory care provides the expertise of dementia specialists. Independent living offers autonomy to seniors who require minimal assistance. Determining which level of care is needed to maintain quality of life is an important aspect of financial planning.
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 memory care more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in California.
There are plenty of support options available for retirees in Oakland, CA. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the type of care they provide for easy reference.Â
For more information about resources throughout the state and in nearby cities, we recommend visiting the California state page on memorycare.com.
The Area Agency on Aging in Oakland is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.
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Financial assistance initiatives exist in Oakland to help seniors with low income sustain their home living. These initiatives provide tax reductions, discounts on crucial services, and aid for home temperature regulation costs.
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Seniors in Oakland who wish to age comfortably at home can access financial assistance. Numerous local organizations offer help with costs such as home care, home modifications, and utilities.
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In Oakland, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.
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In Oakland, several organizations are tackling the high cost of new medical devices. They collect lightly used equipment such as wheelchairs, ramps, and walkers, distributing them to local elderly and those requiring assistance.
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In Oakland, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.
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In Oakland, there are several organizations offering cost-effective or free legal aid to senior citizens. They provide advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills, and power of attorney. Some also champion the rights of the elderly in long-term care establishments.
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In Oakland, elderly individuals find a community hub in senior centers, offering a range of recreational pursuits, events, and essential resources. These centers also provide health programs, dietary advice, and support for issues related to senior living.
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In Oakland, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.
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In the city of Oakland, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.
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For Oakland seniors facing challenges with private transport, assistance is readily available. Community resources are on hand to support the elderly and disabled with their in-city mobility, making tasks and city appointments more manageable.
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In Oakland, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.
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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 Oakland, 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:
Pacifica Senior Living Oakland Heights has been designed with a village-like atmosphere to create a sense of community that helps residents feel at home but with the added benefits and well-thought-out combination of top-level Alzeihmers care, professional assistance and dementia-focused activities. A 24-hour care system for emergency calls is available in units to assist memory loss and Alzheimer's residents. The community is staffed by specialized loving caregivers who are ready to assist residents when needed.
Residents consistently mention the care and love the staff give. One community member writes, "Pacifica Oakland Hts is an amazing community, I was blown away how luxurious looking the community is and on top of that the staff is exceptional. There was an instant bond between myself, my dad and the staff. Thank you for making this move easy. XOXO"
Located in a beautiful residential neighborhood, Sunrise of Oakland Hills offers memory care, assisted living and short-term care. The community is conveniently located near shopping, dining, parks and green spaces, and three hospitals are just minutes away. The mansion-style residence is set on beautifully landscaped grounds with panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay. Residents have a choice of floor plans, which can accommodate couples with different care needs. Meals, housekeeping, laundry and maintenance services are all provided, enabling a worry-free lifestyle. Memory care residents live in a secure and comforting Reminiscence neighborhood, designed to be easy to navigate and with direct garden access. Staff trained in the latest memory care techniques is available 24/7 to provide personalized care. Life enrichment managers offer a wide range of memory-focused activities tailored to each resident's skills and interests.
Family members appreciate the caring staff. One writes, "The staff are so dedicated and caring -- I've been impressed with every single one of them!" Adds a resident's daughter, "It has truly been a blessing to have a team of caregivers and administrators who are committed to the best possible experience for her and her large extended family."
As a premier senior living community, The Point at Rockridge offers modern amenities that go hand in hand with quality care. Seniors living with Alzheimer's and other cognitive conditions receive personalized care from certified care partners through the community's Generations memory care program. Through this program, the team helps residents recall significant memories from the past, and they create new experiences by offering meaningful daily activities and routines. Research-based signature programs are in place to encourage active participation and provide a sense of accomplishment. Life Story Display celebrates individual experiences, and It's All Right highlights creative passions. Residents also have access to music therapy, intergenerational programming, culinary activities and other stimulating exercises. The Point works with family members through educational programs and support groups.
Families praise the efficient communication and appreciate getting regular updates. "I'm glad we found this community for my uncle," says one relative. "He is in the memory care here. There are daily activities for them, and they get encouraged to join in like crafts and music, also have some church services. The staff communicates with me so well since I'm out of state."
Nestled in a peaceful neighborhood in Alameda County, Mercy Retirement & Care Center is a continuing care retirement community, minutes away from Highland Hospital and Alameda Hospital. The community provides extended support to those with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia through Reminiscence therapy sessions, assisting them to recall events, places and people from their lives. Experienced caregivers provide 24/7 service and encourage residents to grow and learn in a safe environment. Seniors are motivated to stay active by participating in various programs designed to support them as they progress through different stages of dementia. The community focuses on replacing the four A's of Alzheimer's -- aggression, anxiety, apathy and agitation -- with social participation and positivity. Engaging activities, such as movie nights, community events and therapy classes, are organized regularly to help seniors maintain their mental and physical well-being.
Visitors appreciate the amenities and ambiance of the community. One writes, "Mercy Retirement & Care Center is nice, bright, light, and airy. The rooms are nice, and they have regular religious services. They have a nice cafeteria where they have large gatherings. Every month, they have a special event with entertainment. The staff was very good."
Merrill Gardens at Rockridge, located on the coast, is a senior living community with a variety of care options. The memory care program creates memory-stimulating activities for residents and families based on each resident's abilities and interests. This program includes comfortable and secure housing in the Garden House with 24/7 staff monitoring, as well as medication management. Merrill Gardens also offers assisted living and independent living services. Residents enjoy unique activities and amenities including restaurant-style, all-day dining, a gardening program, an art program, a theater and a bistro-style wine bar.
Residents and families love the environment at Merrill Gardens. One says, "Merrill Gardens is a very nice place to live. As a resident here you are located in a quiet clean area where the residents can go on safe long walks with many beautiful sceneries. Merrill Gardens has a wonderful team of staff. Everyone is extremely nice and friendly."
With its location near the shore of Lake Merritt, Lakeside Park offers access to everyday amenities as well as a scenic environment. Certified memory care experts, called Nayas, provide 24-hour assistance to help guide and communicate with residents through validation and other forms of support. Memory care residents can participate in an enrichment program called In the Moment, from which caregivers develop a carefully curated care plan and create strong relationships and bonds to give plenty of assistance. Regular exercise programs and diverse enrichment activities and excursions help stimulate the body and mind, with activities including yoga, art, music and gardening. Residents can socialize in the neighborhood setting and relax in the community garden. The community provides local transportation, helping seniors to feel independent, and nutritious meals are prepared by an expert chef, offering variety for all tastes.
Visitors like that the staff is attentive, kind and caring. One says, "Elders with dementia are treated with love and compassion and above all, respect. The staff is warm and friendly, and truly loves what they do. I have never seen the caregivers, medical staff, or mental health interns treat the residents with anything but loving care."
Set in the bustling heart of the city, Carlton Senior Living San Leandro provides memory care, assisted living and independent living. The memory care program incorporates multiple elements, including SafelyYou, a fall prevention system, and Dakim BrainFitness, a brain-training program that helps seniors maintain and improve their memory and language abilities. The care team, who is on duty 24 hours a day, helps residents with various household tasks, such as housekeeping, laundry, linen service and apartment maintenance. A team of chefs prepares three delicious meals daily from fresh ingredients served restaurant-style in a beautifully appointed dining room. Transportation is available.
Family members praise the attentive staff and clean environment of this community. The daughter of a resident writes, "My mother moved into the memory care of Carlton Senior. The employees are very attentive to the residents' needs, it's very clean, and there's a lot of activities for the residents to enjoy."
Coventry Place is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community with over three decades of experience. Memory care residents can feel safe in a secured, specially designed residential environment with outdoor and indoor walking paths. Music is incorporated into Coventry's memory care approach, using singalongs, dancing and music therapy to help residents strengthen their memory. Activities based on each resident's interests and needs include walking clubs, daily brain fitness workouts, soirees, art classes and creative writing groups. The grounds boast a full fitness center, library, beauty salon, landscaped gardens and on-site movie theater. Chef-prepared meals can be enjoyed in either the club lounge, bistro or the full-service restaurant.
Residents are pleased with the high standard of living at Coventry Place. As one resident writes, "You leave the room, and they have nice furniture in the hallway and plants. It is very warm and welcoming. The food is excellent. I gained weight since I have been here, since I eat all the food."
The memory care program at Marymount Villa preserves dignity and enhances independence for its residents by respecting each resident's right to make personal choices. The highly-trained 24/7 care team helps residents with the activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, bathing, laundry, housekeeping and linen service. More specialized medical care services, including medication management, coordination of health and medical services, pharmacy prescription services and nursing consultation, are also available. For urgent matters, residents can use their emergency pendants to reach the staff around the clock. Seniors who need physical or speech therapies can take advantage of the various therapeutical services offered onsite, while residents who need to go off-site for doctor's appointments can schedule a ride on the community transportation service. The culinary team serves three delicious meals every day.
Family members love the friendly staff and clean environment. They also like the food. A reviewer writes, "They really care about the residents. Everyone is so friendly. The place is clean and orderly. The food smells great, and they will offer you to eat. They have many activities. I would recommend any friends or family here."
Oakmont of Mariner Point is a luxury assisted living and memory care community located on the waterfront. Memory care residents can enjoy walking clubs, yoga classes and stretch and strength activities to maintain their physical health. Brain fitness classes are offered on-site to exercise memory and enhance cognitive ability. The social health of residents is supported with happy hours, singing, community service projects and caring for animals. Oakmont's signature Traditions program provides memory care residents with the staff support they need to enjoy the grounds and activities. Residents' health is fully supported with on-site doctor's visits and transportation to outside appointments, while 24/7 staff provide discreet assistance with dressing, bathing and medication management.
Residents praise the beauty and amenities available within the community. As one reviewer notes, "It had a very beautiful setting on the water. Everything was clean, nicely detailed, sunny, and bright. The common area was beautiful. They had a hair salon on the premises; they had a shopping center right nearby. They had virtually everything you could conceivably want."
Silverado Berkeley Memory Care Community is located in a quiet, residential neighborhood just west of downtown Berkeley. Many conveniences and amenities are nearby, including shopping, dining, entertainment and health care facilities. The dedicated memory care community offers features designed for seniors' comfort, including lean rails in all hallways and personalized memory boxes outside residents' rooms to help with navigation. Residents have access to outdoor spaces, including two interior courtyards and a large garden area. Three distinct neighborhoods provide care tailored for residents at various stages of dementia-related conditions. Staff is trained in the latest memory care techniques and available at all times. Residents are offered sensory programs and activities focused on brain health and tailored to their abilities, histories and interests. The community is pet-friendly and encourages frequent intergenerational programs and outings to improve residents' health and wellbeing.
Family members appreciate the specialized care their loved ones receive. One says, "The Silverado has a staffing model that is very loving and engaged. Mom's care was top notch." Adds another, "Silverado offers truly amazing care, service, and engagement with their residents - they are always treated with respect and dignity. The level of care is worth every penny spent. "
Centrally located in the vibrant Hayes Valley neighborhood of San Francisco, The Village at Hayes Valley offers the convenience of urban living in the intimate setting of a boutique-style senior community. This community's memory care program uses the Best Friends approach to create a personalized care plan for each resident. The 24/7 care team assists residents with the activities of daily living, including dressing, bathing, escorts to meals and activities, eating and grooming. More specialized care services, such as medication management, dietary monitoring, cueing, behavioral intervention and incontinence care, are also available. Residents can take daily exercise classes in the fitness center, pamper themselves in the full-service beauty salon or learn a new hobby in the arts and crafts room.
Family members love the dedicated staff of this community. The wife of a resident writes, "I am so very happy to have found The Village for my husband's new home. I now have peace of mind knowing that he's in the very best place. The entire staff is excellent and dedicated. I could not be happier."
At Belmont Village Senior Living Albany, memory care is built around the Whole Brain Fitness program. Through Circle of Friends, residents participate in socially focused memory exercises. The Just Right Challenge gives residents personalized mental, social and physical goals they work towards with small, ability-centered groups. This evidence-based program was developed in partnership with UCLA and other universities. Other activities include walking clubs, gardening and classes from former and current professors from nearby UC Berkley. While residents have access to community amenities like a fireside living room and shaded patio, the memory care neighborhood features smaller self-contained areas. On-site physical, occupational and speech therapy bolsters staff's daily living support. Licensed nurses are on-site 24/7 for wellness checks and care planning.
Residents and families appreciate the varied, anticipatory care. One says, "This is a warm & friendly home for many people. Well organized, clean, numerous & various activities. While moving our friend into the memory, the staff was extremely helpful & anticipated our needs before we even knew we had them."
The Watermark by the Bay is a senior care community that focuses on the validation of each resident's needs. The memory care unit is housed in a specially designed building that offers a secure environment where residents can feel safe and at home. The team of caregivers is all trained to communicate with the seniors through validation instead of correction and to show the residents compassion, understanding and support at all times. Activities are designed to mimic the rhythms of daily living in traditional environments and may include cooking, cleaning, filing, gardening, woodwork and anything else that provides a sense of purpose for the seniors. A variety of Watermark University classes are offered and all of them have been created around the needs of seniors with cognitive disorders. Scheduled transport is provided by the community.
Reviewers praise the staff's effort to create a cognitively enriching environment. One says, "This beautiful community knows the little things, such as folding laundry with care, seasoning soup with special flavors, delivering the newspaper promptly, scheduling an interesting Ted Talk, sending cards following the death of a spouse means so much. Our family is very grateful for our sister's thoughtful supervision. "
Autumn Glow is a multilingual memory care community located in a two-story Victorian home near the Japantown district of San Francisco. Staff at Autumn Glow are trained in cultural sensitivity and Alzheimer's and dementia care. Located in a single, easy-to-navigate building, the community contains a large activity and dining room in the basement, common areas on each floor and a rooftop garden. Alongside assistance with daily tasks, memory care residents can enjoy ESL classes, game nights, citizenship classes, Chinese opera, birthday parties, painting, arts and crafts, Tai Chi and sightseeing tours of the local area. Families of residents are encouraged to participate in their care and to attend cultural celebrations including a Thanksgiving luncheon, dragon boat races and Chinese opera benefits.
Residents appreciate the care and multicultural atmosphere. As one review notes, "Finding a good memory care assisted living home is so difficult, especially when we needed a Cantonese specific one. Autumn Glow is amazing. My Dad's needs are being well cared for, and he is enjoying his days playing Mah Jong and interacting with the other residents and staff."
Cypress at Golden Gate is a beautifully landscaped retirement community situated in the picturesque and historic city of San Francisco, CA. Apartments in the pet-friendly community include a private bath, kitchenette, individual heat controls and an emergency call system for added safety. A trained team of caregivers helps seniors with memory impairments complete daily living tasks such as bathing, dressing, grooming and taking medications. Licensed nurses are also available to take care of any health issues that may arise. The community's Enliven memory care program encourages seniors to improve their cognitive abilities by interacting with others through music, fitness exercises, and brain-stimulating games. Other services that residents enjoy at Golden Gate include housekeeping, laundry, group transportation and family-style meals.
Cypress at Golden Gate works closely with residents and their families to provide personalized care and innovative programs. One reviewer writes, "From the front desk to the food servers I see caring for the residents here. I don't think I could have made a better decision for the care of my aunt."
Sagebrook Senior Living is a homelike community where residents can feel safe and comfortable. Specially trained caregivers are on call 24/7 to provide residents living with dementia and Alzheimer's the highest quality of care. Residents have access to their own enclosed outdoor spaces to keep them safe and on-site at all times. Emergency call systems are available in all units, and seniors are provided with three nutritious meals and snacks daily. The community offers a stimulating environment for seniors who are encouraged to maintain their memory and cognitive abilities through a range of daily physical and mental activities.
Relatives love Sagebrook Senior Living for their kind and nurturing staff and the quality of food. One family member writes, "My stepfather is living in Sagebrook Living Center. He is in the memory care unit. I cannot thank enough everybody at Sagebrook, especially during the pandemic, for all hard work they do. It has been such a relief knowing that my stepdad is safe and has great care. Thank you!"
Located in San Francisco's Garden District, Portola Gardens is a historic senior community that has offered a wide range of programs, care and services for residents since the 1930s. Its memory care neighborhood focuses on improving the quality of life for seniors with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other memory impairments. The community has alarmed exit doors and other specialized security measures in place for the safety of all residents. A 24-hour care team and licensed nurses are available to give personal assistance with daily living and health needs. Residents are encouraged to take part in various activities, such as dancing, walking, group outings and relaxing in the sunroom. Family members and friends are welcome to enjoy meals with their loved ones in the private dining room. Portola Gardens also provides weekly housekeeping, building maintenance and groundskeeping services.
Caregivers at Portola Gardens offer assistance and encouragement to seniors in a comfortable environment. One reviewer writes, "The staff is dedicated to their residents, some went above and beyond with compassion, kindness and personal/genuine care, which I will always appreciate and hold dear to my heart.
Rhoda Goldman Plaza is a senior community in historic San Francisco that offers compassionate care services for those diagnosed with Alzheimer's, dementia or other types of cognitive impairments. The community's comfortable apartments are designed for ease of mobility and come equipped with kitchenettes, walk-in showers and spacious closets. A specialized memory care floor, called The Terrace, offers seniors a safe, secure and private place to receive the personal care and support they need with daily living tasks such as showering, dressing and incontinence care. Licensed nurses are available 24-hours a day to provide emergency health care and hourly checkups whenever needed. Residents are encouraged to participate in brain-enriching games, group outings and fitness exercises to remain physically and mentally active. Chef-prepared meals, weekly housekeeping and transportation services are also provided.
Rhoda Goldman Plaza is dedicated to helping seniors remain mentally and physically well. One reviewer writes, "Rhoda Goldman is a lively, clean, airy, pleasant place. As far as care goes, the staff always contact me if my Dad has even a minor problem so I feel confident he's being looked after which is a huge load off my mind."
Memory care at AlmaVia of San Francisco focuses on the four "A's" of memory loss: anxiety, agitation, aggression and apathy. To combat these, programming concentrates on social participation, alternative language expression and emotional connectedness. This program, called I'm Still Here, encourages memory care residents to recognize their ability to learn and grow. Activities include art therapy classes, exercise, live performances and religious services. Through reminiscence therapy, staff are trained to help residents connect memories to films, music, pictures and all five senses. To enjoy these activities, residents have use of walking paths, a library, a computer lab and a chapel. Staff tracks progress and satisfaction through frequent resident and employee engagement surveys.
Residents and loved ones appreciate the continuum of care. One writes, "As [my aunt] aged, and as she developed dementia, her care levels increased, and she now lives on the memory care floor the staff truly care, from the Executive team through the entire building to the medical, dining, care and facilities staff."