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 Oceanside’s senior population continues to grow (16.84% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Oceanside, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 7.48% between 2014 and 2019, 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 (10.46% in Oceanside 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.
The average memory care cost in Oceanside is approximately $6,844 per month, which is $1,219 more than the $5,625 national average. Memory care costs about $2,531 more per month than in Visalia at $4,313 and is close to the Los Angeles average of $6,563. The Oceanside median is only about $300 more than the state’s average of $6,563 and the state capital of Sacramento at $6,531. In contrast, costs are almost $2,000 less than the estimated monthly cost of $8,810 in Santa Rosa.Â
Seniors have several care options in Oceanside. Adult day health care averages around $2,058 per month, but a semiprivate room in a nursing home averages $9,384. Memory care averages $6,844, making it only $457 more per month than the $6,387 median for in-home care and $371 more than the approximate $6,473 for home health care. The monthly cost of assisted living is about $5,475.Â
Note: Data for Oceanside was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, San Diego, was used instead.
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 Oceanside.
Oceanside and nearby areas offer many free and low-cost resources that can make a big difference to seniors and their caregivers who are navigating the challenge of a dementia diagnosis.
resource | contact | description | location |
---|---|---|---|
Alzheimer's San Diego | 858-492-4400 | Alzheimer's San Diego is a nonprofit that offers free programs and outings, support groups for adult children and partners, conversations with a dementia expert and companion volunteers. Ample relevant reading material is also available. | San Diego, CA |
Alzheimer's Association San Diego Imperial Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The website for the Alzheimer's Association San Diego Imperial Chapter provides the latest Alzheimer's news, info about local San Diego-area events such as the Walk to End Alzheimer's and the schedules for phone, virtual and in-person caregiver support groups, some of which are in Spanish. | San Diego and Imperial Counties |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman program | 800-640-4661 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman program is available via the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency. It helps those in long-term care facilities with financial matters, privacy issues and overall care. | County of San Diego |
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 Oceanside, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
Located in Oceanside, CA, Aegis Living Shadowridge is a senior living community providing compassionate assisted living and memory care services. Residents in need of memory care follow the Life's Neighborhood program, which creates personalized wellness plans utilizing residents' life and health histories, hobbies and preferences. The community is secured against wandering and confused behaviors, and residences feature pleasing furnishings for a peaceful, homelike setting. The care staff is specially trained and available 24/7 to handle health and personal care needs as well as offer personal mental and behavioral support. Personalized meal plans and an on-site chef combine to create healthy and easy-to-eat meals, and routine fitness programs include balance classes and group exercises for full-body wellness. Additionally, therapeutic programs, such as music therapy and reminiscence groups in the courtyard, facilitate moments of calm and recollection.
Residents praise the community's caring staff and its welcoming atmosphere. One resident says, "This facility is fantastic. The entire place is warm and inviting. The staff is friendly, caring and always interested in how all the residents are doing. They know everyone by name and make a point to say hello."
Located in Vista, CA, Alta Vista Senior Living is a senior living community offering assisted living and memory care lifestyle options. Its Generations program includes a structured schedule of enriching activities, such as exercise and stretching classes, community kickball games and aromatherapy sessions, designed to fully engage each resident's body and mind. Trained staff is on hand 24/7 to assist with daily needs and provide friendly companionship and calming techniques that help residents remain alert and oriented. Daily schedules feature ample time for personal pastimes, such as working on art projects and meditating on the patio. Seniors can enjoy their favorite meals in the intimate dining area, with fresh and nutritious dishes served as finger food for ease of eating. Apartments are private and furnished with personal belongings to ensure a constant sense of familiarity, and routine housekeeping ensures residences are welcoming and easy to navigate.
The community is applauded for its welcoming environment, and the compassionate and devoted staff is highly praised. One resident says, "When I arrived I needed a lot of assistance and with their help, I am now independent. My family and I are grateful for all of the help given us by the staff."
The campus of Bayshire Carlsbad, just a short 3-mile drive to Carlsbad's beaches, offers beautiful courtyards complete with tropical gardens and a gazebo to sit and take in the beautiful weather. Interactive activities for residents with dementia or Alzheimer's help foster a better quality of life for seniors. The community includes a 24-hour security system, and all accommodations include cable television hookups, kitchenettes and an emergency call system. Staff help with everyday living needs 24/7, and a nurse is available for any health management needs. The kitchen serves three meals a day planned by a registered nutritionist with accommodations for dietary requirements. Residents can also eat in their apartments. The Bayshire community experience includes social events and off-site trips, activities, entertainment, a library, fitness room and salon.
One family member expresses her appreciation for the levels of care at Bayshire, saying, "Mom has lived at Brookdale Carlsbad for three years, starting in the assisted level and now in the memory care unit. In both of these levels, we have found the staff to be attentive, efficient, knowledgeable and constantly individualizing Mom's care to fit her personal needs."
Belmont Village Senior Living Sabre Springs is an upscale senior community that offers beautiful country views. The dedicated memory care neighborhood is located in a separate building specifically designed to meet the needs of seniors with cognitive disorders. The community follows an adaptive and ability-centered approach that celebrates the things seniors can still do and helps them retain their physical and mental abilities. Physical, occupational and speech therapy services are offered on-site at the fitness center for convenient access. The Whole Brain Fitness program focuses on finding the perfect activity for each resident to spark a memory or to improve cognitive strength. Specially trained staff members offer small-group activities to seniors with similar abilities. A team of caregivers is always on hand to provide compassionate assistance.
Family members praise the exceptional care provided to residents. One reviewer says, "BV provided my father with the comfort, care and social engagement needed as a senior with severe dementia. For my family, BV provided us with the security and ease we needed to ensure that our father had the best, safest, cleanest residence available."
Brookdale Oceanside is a vibrant senior living community located in Oceanside, CA. Residents live in private or shared apartments with easy-to-navigate floor plans and large windows that fill apartments with natural light. Brookdale's memory care program, the Clare Bridge program, provides residents with a personalized structure of programs, events and stimulation within a familiar, homelike environment to allow for successful navigation and completion of tasks. These include routine fitness through walking clubs and exercise groups in the fitness center, brain games and group puzzles to stimulate minds and discussion groups to promote community familiarity and accentuate resident proficiencies. Dining is an important part of daily life at Brookdale, and tantalizing menus feature easy-to-choose selections and plenty of nutrition in each bite. Additionally, the community offers several relaxation areas, such as the community gardens, comfortable patios and aromatherapy rooms.
Residents commend the community for its robust activities and its caring, compassionate staff. One resident says, "Everyone makes me feel wanted I felt that they truly cared about my concerns and suggestions. The meals are delicious and the wait staff make me feel important by remembering my name and my usual meals."
Heritage Hills of Oceanside is a senior living community located in Oceanside, CA. Focused on memory care, the community's secure and homelike environment allows for natural and easy navigation, and specially trained caregivers are on hand at all times to assist with daily tasks and to provide familiar companionship. Residents live in private or shared residences featuring private bathrooms and regular housekeeping, while comfortable common areas, such as living rooms and balconies, enhance feelings of home and familiarity. Meals are served in four dining rooms, including a private area for residents who need assistance with eating. Healthy menus offer resident favorites in an easy-to-choose format. Structured programs, personalized to focus on residents' preferences and past lifestyles, include gardening groups and craft classes that showcase artistic talents. Ample daily time is available for personal hobbies and relaxation.
Residents and their families commend the staff's personable and compassionate care, with one family member saying, "I am so grateful for Heritage Hills, they have helped us through the journey of placing our mom into memory care. The staff supported us along each step of the process of a difficult move."
La Marea Senior Living sits along Agua Hedionda Creek, running through a large wooded area. The surrounding Ocean Hills neighborhood consists of quiet streets, golf courses and is only a 3.25-mile drive from Carlsbad Beach. Residents have access to outdoor patios with a magnificent view of surrounding hillsides, where staff often serve special dinners and BBQs. All rooms and apartments include Wi-Fi, cable, kitchenettes and are handicap accessible. The 24/7 staff provides nursing care, everyday living assistance and memory care. Staff members attend specialized memory care training and utilize Generations Memory Care programs to assist residents with dementia. The Our Elevate dining program at La Marea uses California Fresh ingredients to prepare traditional meals and accommodates dietary restrictions. Residents have a varied array of activities to choose from, and attention is given to memory care activities meant to enhance the lives of seniors with dementia.
At the time of this writing, La Marea was preparing to open its doors. Future residents who received a tour of the facility mentioned being very impressed. One reviewer shared their anticipation of opening day, "This is an incredible community! Not only is it magnificent aesthetically, the management and care staff are well-seasoned in the field and will provide an amazing experience to all future residents and their families!
Merrill Gardens at Oceanside is a senior living community offering various lifestyle choices, including memory care in the dedicated neighborhood, Garden House. Within, residents live in private residences, and specially trained staff is on hand 24/7 to assist with personal care. Caregivers deliver friendly guidance throughout the day while encouraging independence and calmness during activities. Personalized wellness plans take residents' life histories, occupations and hobbies into consideration to create tailored and engaging programs while ensuring the continued promotion of identities and personalities throughout the community. Daily schedules consist of lightly structured group activities, such as chair yoga and pool fun, for physical engagement, with art therapy, movie nights and personal gardening for mental and social stimulation. Additionally, pet therapy in the landscaped courtyard and familiar activities, such as bread baking and picnics, provide residents with moments of peace and comfort.
Reviewers applaud the community for its compassionate memory care staff and its welcoming environment. One family member says, "My mother lived at Merrill Gardens for 8 years. It was a wonderful experience for her. She had many close friends and loved the exceptional staff. Every single person on the staff were caring and kind."
Ocean Hills Senior Living provides personalized senior memory care services in its posh community along the southern California coast. Residents receive 24/7 assistance with aspects of daily living, such as bathing, grooming and dressing, in the seniors' choice of luxuriously appointed private or shared accommodations. The community's staff members oversee numerous daily resident activities, such as trivia games, joke times, guided seated exercises and religious services. Seniors can enjoy freshly prepared breakfasts, lunches and dinners in the communal dining room or the alfresco patio area. This small, pet-friendly community is also equipped with a dog run, art studio and six-hole putting green.
Family members like the personal attention that their loved ones receive in this community. One says, "I'm very impressed with the staff who are caring and qualified, their uniforms are clean, and seem very focused. They ask questions about my mom to make sure they were giving her the care she needed. The chef aims to please the residents, and they are open to suggestions."
Olivenhain Guest Home is a privately owned, intimate memory care community located in an upscale, country-like neighborhood. It features stylish boundary fencing, hydration stations throughout and access gates with surveillance cameras for the safety and security of all community members. An experienced dementia care team is on-duty round-the-clock to provide a supportive living environment while a 24/7 on-call physician is available for medical emergencies. The community's specially designed programs help seniors to recapture old memories, retain physical mobility and participate in brain-stimulating social activities such as trivia games, storytelling and word puzzles. The in-house culinary team uses fresh, organic ingredients to prepare nutritious meals and tasty snacks. Local musicians also provide daily live entertainment, which often turns into singalongs and dance parties, and community members can always take safe strolls around the luscious, landscaped grounds.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate Olivenhain Guest Home's noninstitutional atmosphere, passionate owners, daily live music and dedicated staff members who offer companionship alongside high-quality personal care. One writes, "My mother was a resident for almost a year. They treated her like family and supported us every day the personal care and attention that she received from the staff and the owners was beyond our expectations."
Pacifica Senior Living Escondido offers a homelike atmosphere with convenient and engaging amenities that include an on-site hair salon, movie nights, and chef-prepared meals. Memory care is delivered through the Legacies program, with each resident participating in an individualized care plan specific to their cognitive condition. The program includes Music and Memory, which incorporates curated playlists to stimulate residents' minds and memories. Special classes designed to reduce stress range include patterning and sensory stimulation. Physical exercise provides memory care residents with indoor and outdoor exercise options. Many of the staff members are bilingual to underscore diversity in the community. Pacific Senior Living Escondido is a pet-friendly environment.
Residents and their loved ones express the common theme of compassion, lauding the community for creating an atmosphere of empathy and kindness. One relative notes, "They know what works best for our brother. Every day, we are thankful that our brother is at Pacifica with the nurses who take care of him.
Pacifica Senior Living Oceanside is a premium senior living community that offers a range of amenities and elegant communal spaces. The Legacy Memory Care unit uses a person-centered and holistic approach to memory care. Each resident has a customized therapy and activities plan to spark their memories and help them find moments of joy in each day. The memory care unit is located in a safe, secure neighborhood separate from the main building but on the same campus. Seniors have freedom in their day and can choose between spending time in the landscaped courtyard or taking part in activities with friends. The vigilant team of caregiving staff is always available to provide a helping hand or to gently redirect any difficult behaviors. The life enrichment program includes activities that enhance cognition, brain games, gentle exercises, movie nights and musical entertainment.
Visitors comment on the professional staff and range of activities offered to the memory care residents. One says, "The room with the adjoining bathroom was very nice. They have activities, but they don't take the residents out of the grounds, so they bring the activities to them. The staff is friendly and helpful."
Located just 10 miles east of Oceanside, Pacifica Senior Living Vista offers a continuum of care for seniors, including memory care, assisted living and independent living. The community is conveniently located near shopping, dining, entertainment and health care facilities. Its signature Legacies Memory Care program offers 24/7 personalized care and innovative cognitive enhancement therapies. Under their Best Friends Approach, trained team members interact with residents one-on-one to help them remember their past and rediscover themselves. Enriching activities include tactile exercises, memory-recall games and scheduled outings. The campus spans 7.5 acres and features walking paths, patios and courtyards, a fitness center, a salon, and an arts and crafts studio. Meals, housekeeping, laundry and transportation services are all provided.
Family members appreciate the caring staff. One reviewer writes, "The thing I appreciate most about Pacifica Vista is the wonderful staff. The individual staff members are very friendly and compassionate. They treat the residents with respect. Additionally, they work well as a team. Communication among the staff, as well as with family members, is a huge asset. Adds another, "Very courteous and efficient. Extremely welcoming.
Redwood Terrace is a senior living community offering a range of senior lifestyle living options in Escondido, California. Residents in need of memory care services live in secure, homelike communities of 11 residents; private apartments and shared dining and living areas create a safe and social environment. By learning residents' personal histories, hobbies and interests, specially trained care staff minimize confusion caused by memory loss and help seniors stay oriented in their surroundings, providing residents with customized 24/7 care and support. Meals are served in the family-style dining room, with nutritious and amenable options available to satisfy any request. Daily schedules are lightly structured to encourage body and mind engagement. Activities include chair tai chi, gardening in the secured courtyard and time in hobby areas for showcasing skills and bolstering self-esteem.
Reviews praise the community for its welcoming, homelike environment and commend the staff for its personable care. "Every member of the staff from reception, security, maintenance, medical, social, dining, administrative, finance to management--they all care! And it shows in everything they do!" says one family member of a resident. "Superb organization and facilities!"
Silverado Encinitas Memory Care Community is situated less than 15 miles south of Oceanside. Conveniences located nearby include shopping, dining and medical facilities, such as Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas. Specializing in memory care, the community offers special design features, such as lean rails in all hallways and personalized memory boxes outside residences to assist with navigation. Residents have access to indoor and outdoor common areas and amenities that include a solarium, pool, courtyard, and putting green, as well as walking paths and miniature horses. Four different neighborhoods provide varying levels of care suitable for residents at different stages of memory loss. Licensed nurses and staff trained in the latest memory care techniques are available 24/7. Residents are offered personalized activities tailored to their histories, abilities and interests. The community also encourages frequent social outings and intergenerational programs to improve residents' health and well-being.
Family members appreciate the caring staff. One reviewer writes, "The facility was excellent. The care was fantastic and very attentive..The staff was highly friendly, cooperative, caring and compassionate. Adds another, "The staff really seem to care about their residents. Family is encouraged to stop by anytime and join in at meals or activities.
Silvergate San Marcos is a locally owned and operated senior living provider that has more than 25 years of experience providing customized care. The community's secure, nurturing memory care building has shorter hallways to provide a more homelike, familiar resident experience. Trained staff members assist seniors with grooming, dressing, bathing, medication management and continence, when applicable. Three fresh meals are served in the communal dining room each day, and snacks are available at all times. The activity director schedules brain health and memory-enhancing events throughout the month, and daily social engagement events are offered. Linen, laundry and housekeeping services are handled regularly by staff members.
Family members are impressed with the staff here. One says, "Silvergate Memory Care has provided an extremely caring environment for my aged mother who lives there with advanced dementia. The staff has closely monitored my mother's physical health and quickly notify me as they see changes or new services required for her health and comfort."
Somerford Place of Encinitas is a southern California senior home that focuses exclusively on providing memory care services. The community's signature Bridge to Discovery program is specially designed to help seniors living with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia experience more joy in their day-to-day lives. The program includes group exercise classes, recreational and occupational therapy sessions, and daily activities that center around each resident's personal abilities, favorite topics and individual lifestyle preferences. The chef-run communal dining room uses locally sourced ingredients to provide farm-to-table resident meals that include lean meats, seafood, poultry and fresh vegetables. Shared or private accommodations are available, and the elegant grounds feature an inviting garden and patio area, as well as a security gate for residents' safety.
Family members praise this community. One resident's daughter says, "Having had my mother in other facilities previous to moving into Somerford, I can say from experience that the staff and the program at Somerford are excellent; my mother has improved significantly with the added stimulation, well-planned routine and first-class care she receives."
Vista Gardens Memory Care is situated on nearly 5 beautifully manicured acres complete with walking paths, gardens, a golf course and a dog park, all fully gated for security. Residents are given an extensive assessment prior to moving in, and receive care in one of three neighborhoods tailored to their specific level of cognitive ability. Vista Gardens also offers individual therapy with licensed clinical social workers, mobile dentists, physical therapy and occupational and speech therapy. SafelyYou software quickly detects possible falls and determines their causes so prevention measures can be enacted. The daily schedule is full of stimulating activities, including brain games, physical exercise, live music performances, movie nights and community group outings two to three times a week.
Residents and their families appreciate the care that goes into every aspect of running this community. "It's very beautiful and couldn't be nicer," one daughter of a resident writes. "The facility location is good. They have a lot of activities, like exercising, outings, games, cooking classes, and all kinds of things. We've been extremely pleased. They have a very high/good ratio of caregivers to residents and nurses here all the time, always on duty."
Westmont Town Court's unique Compass Rose memory care program provides a culture that is life-affirming, meaningful and satisfying, while offering individualized care. The program includes comprehensive activities, a secure environment, life enrichment and family support services. The community also offers assisted living and independent living services, as well as 24/7 staff monitoring and assistance with daily activities. Activities and amenities include a fitness center, library, arts and crafts, and clubs.
Residents and their families love the environment and compassionate care at Westmont Town Court. One says, "This community is nothing short of outstanding. The staff is very professional, and the community is clean as well as updated. My mother is very happy here, and I am so happy with the care and attention that she is receiving. HIGHLY RECOMMEND!"
White Sands La Jolla boasts a beachfront setting in San Diegos coastal neighborhood, which is fondly called a jewel by the sea. This HumanGood premier life plan community on Marine Street Beach is a short drive from the VA San Diego Healthcare System, UC San Diego Health Jacobs Medical Center and Scripps Memorial Hospital. White Sands luxury resort amenities include a heated outdoor pool and Jacuzzi, fitness center and therapy spa, salon/barbershop, game room and outdoor sports facilities. Dedicated arts and crafts, sewing, woodworking and media centers cater to various hobbies. There are regular physician visits for on-site consultations. The secured memory care community has its own courtyard and family-style living and dining areas. Memory care residents benefit from 24-hour licensed nursing services and engaging activities, including exercises and bimonthly outings to restaurants and various scenic spots.
People love the scenery, ambiance and people at White Sands La Jolla. A residents spouse writes, "My husband received excellent and loving care by everyone he came in contact with. In addition, the beauty and comfort of the building, and the ocean, and the warmth of the staff, made it pleasurable for me during my daily visits.