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 Palos Verdes Peninsula’s senior population continues to grow (10.65% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Palos Verdes Peninsula, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 64.26% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 4.52%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (4.28% in Palos Verdes Peninsula 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 Palos Verdes Peninsula. In addition to an overview of the communities’ best features, this guide highlights the best memory care facilities in the city, and gives information about pricing, types of care provided, residents’ reviews, and more.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time-consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Palos Verdes Peninsula, 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:
Atria Park of Pacific Palisades is an assisted living and memory care community that offers seniors a wonderful view of the nearby ocean, mountains and outdoor gardens. For residents living with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory impairments, the community's Life Guidance memory care program provides personalized care in an intimate and secure setting, focusing on residents' strengths, successes and interests. Activities are geared to keep residents' minds active and improve their social skills. In the community's kitchen, the culinary team prepares delicious meals and encourages residents to eat with their neighbors. Food delivery is also available right to seniors' apartments, as is in-house catering for special events with family and friends. Other services include housekeeping, laundry, scheduled transportation, a beauty/barber shop and maintenance.
Residents appreciate the compassionate care at Atria Park. One family member writes, "Great environment overall. The people are happy, the food is good and the care is extensive. My grandmother had stayed here for a short period of time and couldn't have loved it more."
Situated in a premier location near shops, restaurants and area attractions, Belmont Village Senior Living Rancho Palos Verdes provides quality care paired with upscale amenities and a full calendar of enriching activities. The communitys award-winning memory care program features a private neighborhood for residents with Alzheimers and other dementias, with experienced caregivers and a licensed nurse on-site 24/7. This small, self-contained area is easy for residents to navigate, encouraging them to stay active and social. Enriching programs incorporate the Whole Brain Fitness lifestyle approach, with research-based programs that feature fitness and social opportunities, brain and body-boosting activities and small group programs throughout the day. Physical, occupational and speech therapy are all conveniently located on-site, and seniors can also enjoy chef-prepared meals at Josephines cafe, exercise in the fitness center or take a swim in the heated outdoor pool.
Visiting relatives like the wide range of activities. One reviewer says, "They have all kinds of activities like beading and art classes, and other extra classes. They have a pool. They have people come and give lectures and they have nightly movies. It was a very clean place. I would definitely recommend it."
Nestled into the heart of Los Angeles, Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood offers a full spectrum of care surrounded by renowned shops, restaurants and entertainment venues. The community features a dedicated memory care neighborhood with an award-winning program for residents living with Alzheimers and related dementias. A licensed nurse and caregivers are available 24/7 to help with daily living activities, mobility and medication management, all through a highly personalized approach. The secure, carefully monitored area includes engaging programs through Whole Brain Fitness, which is designed to improve brain health through stimulating activities. The MBA Club includes research-based brain- and body-boosting activities with personal goal tracking; another program, Circle of Friends, includes mental exercises, ability-based group activities and challenges that help seniors build confidence. Chef-prepared dining features 24 daily choices, and physical, occupational and speech therapy are conveniently offered on-site.
Family members are impressed by the upscale ambiance. "Belmont Village is fantastic," says one visitor. "They have beautiful grounds. Inside, it is very modern. They have food 24/7. Dining area is like a café. It is more like being in a hotel. They also have their own nice staff for physical therapy."
CityView is a senior community located near Beverly Hills and surrounded by local attractions, such as the Original Farmer's Market and Museum Row. It offers a wide range of furnished studio and one-bedroom suites with private bathrooms. Its Memory Care Court program provides a familiar environment for residents with dementia, advanced Alzheimer's disease or early-stage memory loss. The Court provides brain-stimulating activities, daily exercises and plenty of social events. Trained 24/7 care staff give seniors a hand with dressing, grooming, bathing, medication management and other daily living tasks. At CityView's wellness center, residents receive care from a team of doctors, nurses, nutritionists and therapists. A handicapped-accessible bus is available for free transportation to and from appointments and personal errands. In addition to three daily restaurant-style meals, services include housekeeping, laundry and a beauty salon.
CityView provides residents with great care in a calm atmosphere. A relative writes, "I'm very pleased with the level of care that my father receives at CityView. I feel they go out of their way to create a safe and enjoyable environment."
Clearwater at South Bay is an assisted living and memory care community conveniently located on a beautifully landscaped campus in Torrance. It offers seniors a choice of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartments, as well as private and companion suites. Its Clearbrook Memory Care neighborhood is designed to provide holistic and compassionate care for those with Alzheimers or other memory loss impairments. For added peace of mind and safety, an emergency call system helps monitor the movements of residents while maintaining their independence. Trained care staff assist seniors 24 hours a day with bathing, dressing, mobility and other daily living needs. An on-site licensed nurse oversees the health and well-being of residents and helps administer medications. Seniors are encouraged to participate in mentally invigorating activities, fitness classes and social events. Housekeeping, laundry, chef-prepared meals and transportation services are also provided by Clearwater at South Bay.
Clearwater offers its residents personalized care plans. A reviewer writes, "One of the best Assisted living facilities in Torrance. Very Well managed. They will help you and put the right care plan together for your loved one. I highly recommend this community."
Huntington Retirement is a remodeled former hotel offering assisted living and memory care services in the Torrance area. The Rose Garden, the memory care wing of this community, provides a secure environment for those with memory impairment. Each memory care resident participates in specialized programming specifically oriented toward those with memory loss. Seniors enjoy a range of activities, including brain fitness, movie days, and arts and crafts. Plenty of social occasions encourage residents to interact socially, such as casino days, ice cream socials and the weekly wine social. Three nutritionally balanced meals are provided daily in the restaurant-style dining room, providing the perfect opportunity to catch up with the neighbors. Residents are encouraged to participate in the community and are invited to have input into activities, dining options and other community happenings via the resident council.
Family members comment on the clean community and responsive caregivers, with one family member saying, "My mom lived here for almost 4 years. It's clean, the caregivers are caring and responsive. My mom was kept very clean, she was in a wheelchair and could not walk. They have activities suited to seniors, the place is beautifully kept ."
A peaceful atmosphere designed to feel comfortable and secure, Melrose Gardens offers a continuing spectrum of care, with two specialized memory care neighborhoods. In both, staff assists with bathing, dressing, grooming, incontinence, transferring and medication management. Club Melrose, for seniors with mild cognitive impairment, is a private area that features individualized attention for every resident. Using the Montessori method, the 24/7 team attempts to reduce the effects of memory loss by engaging seniors in daily memory exercises relevant to their interests, abilities and former careers. The Cottages is a secure environment for residents in later stages of memory loss, with 24-hour supervision from a specially-trained team and extra safety measures like Delayed Egress technology, a Wanderguard System and monitors throughout. Programs are whole-person focused, with arts and crafts, yoga, nature adventures, brain teasers and social events.
Loved ones like the individualized approach to care. One reviewer says, "My mom has been here for one year now. It is a small, sweet and safe place for her. She has dementia but is still living on the active side of the street. They accommodate her special diet, natural medicinal treatments and eccentricities with ease."
A beautiful beachfront community, Meridian at Bella Del Mar provides specialized memory care with a Montessori Moments in Time approach " a program that utilizes extensive research in Alzheimers and other dementias to honor each resident's unique experience. This secure neighborhood features a homelike setting with spacious resident suites and a 24-hour staff of skilled caregivers that lends consistent support. This team gets to know residents interests and likes so they can design programming and communication around individual needs. Family connections are a valued part of the Meridian lifestyle, with ongoing support groups and social gatherings. Scheduled life engagement activities are whole person-focused, encouraging residents with the innovative Revolution in Motion exercise program and social, cognitive and spiritual opportunities each day. Amenities include restaurant-style dining, a fitness center and complimentary transportation.
Visiting family members like the community's friendly caregivers and open ambiance. "The staff at Bella Mar are like family," one visitor says. "They are patient, cheerful and caring. The facility is quiet and peaceful. They have an amazing retractable roof over the courtyard so it can be used all year round."
Oakmont of Torrance is a senior living community providing a range of personalized care options. For residents in need of memory care, the Traditions program offers a familiar and comfortable environment conducive to a calm, engaged lifestyle. The community is designed for ease of navigation, using physical aids and orienting cues to create a safe home. Within the program, handpicked and specially trained dementia staff are on hand 24/7, providing everyday care as well as encouraging residents to participate in structured daily schedules full of targeted programs, such as brain health games, physical fitness classes and therapeutic sensory stimulation designed to engage and relax the whole body and mind. Residents can also choose their schedules throughout the day, taking advantage of the community's many comfortable lounge areas, movie theater and aviary for group and individual activities.
The community is commended by residents and their families for its inviting atmosphere and compassionate staff. The pleasing decor is regularly praised, with one family member saying, "It's very good so far. The food is excellent. Their room is outstanding, large, and beautiful. My mother said it's so clean."
Palmcrest Grand Assisted Living is an assisted living and memory care community that features one- and two-bedroom apartments surrounded by gardens and courtyards. For residents living with dementia or other memory impairments, its memory care program is designed to stimulate memories, improve life skills and encourage socialization with others. Seniors are encouraged to help with household tasks such as shopping at the nearby grocery store. The trained care staff is available 24 hours a day to assist with eating, bathing, dressing, toileting, walking and continence. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are prepared each day by professional chefs and served in the restaurant-style dining room. Residents can remain active by enjoying the many social activities, movie theater and on-site beauty salon/barbershop. Other services include housekeeping, laundry and scheduled transportation to and from appointments and regular outings.
Residents at Palmcrest Grand are appreciative of the caring environment. A relative remarked, "The home is always clean and orderly whenever I visit. The residents all look happy and are treated well and with dignity. The staff are all really friendly and cannot do enough to help."
As a community operated by Meridian Senior Living, Regency Palms Long Beach offers a memory care program, Montessori Moments in Time, that is exclusive to Meridian communities. A cornerstone of Montessori Moments in Time is to understand each memory care resident intimately: their history, loves and likes, family and what makes them tick. As such, the families of each new resident are asked to fill out a Resident Life Story form to share with the care team members all the pertinent information. Additionally, Montessori Moments in Time is made up of five directional paths: family connections, health and wellness, dining experience, life engagement and team promise. Through activities such as social gatherings, wellness classes, communal meals, purposeful pursuits and ongoing education, Montessori Moments in Time seeks to integrate purpose into the life of each memory care resident.
Family members love how caring the staff is. A daughter writes, "My mother has been a resident at Regency Palms for over a year. I could not be happier. The facilities are clean and safe, the food excellent. However, what makes Regency Palms special is the staff and management. They have provided my mother with care, kindness, and respect.
Seasons Memory Care at Rolling Hills is a modern, oceanside senior living community featuring beautiful views of the nearby hills. Its bright memory care suites include a large, private bath with an easily accessible shower and air conditioning for added comfort. For those diagnosed with dementia or other forms of memory loss, its memory care program provides customized care in a homelike setting. A care team assists seniors with daily living tasks, such as bathing, brushing teeth, dressing and getting around. The community's Life Enrichment program meets the social, physical, mental and spiritual needs of memory care residents through a variety of engaging activities. Visiting physical, occupational and speech therapists ensures the health and well-being of all seniors. For women, Seasons Memory Care also has Sisterhood Suites that offer all-female caregivers, spa services, clubs and activities designed for women only. Other services include housekeeping, laundry, fresco dining and transportation to and from appointments and outings.
Residents living with dementia or other cognitive impairments at Seasons Memory Care receive personalized care from a highly trained staff. The community works with seniors and their families to deliver services that fit their unique needs through heartfelt and skilled interactions.
Silverado Beach Cities Memory Care Community is located in Redondo Beach, CA. The community provides three distinct neighborhoods separated based on the progression of memory diseases, allowing residents to receive the targeted care they deserve in an environment of calm and familiar comfort. Homelike features are abundant throughout the community, including any-time eating at the bistro, ocean views from the deck and ample natural light. Trained dementia specialists are on hand 24/7 to offer daily care while assisting with memory care's complex behaviors and emotions with a friendly, compassionate touch. Silverado's Nexus program creates daily activity and care schedules to meet the specific needs of each resident, such as physical and mental exercise sessions for allover wellness, stress reduction through support groups and therapeutic engagement, and group games and workshops for meaningful socialization.
The community receives praise from residents and their families for its warmhearted staff members and their dedication to its residents. One family member says, "The staff creates such a lovely family environment. Each member from administration, nurses, caregivers, food and laundry service to reception know each resident by name and know how to connect with them."
Located just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Sunrise at Palos Verdes is an assisted living and memory care community in a scenic setting, with the Pacific Coast Highway and LAX each nearby. Residents living with Alzheimers and other types of dementia reside in their own secure neighborhood, Reminiscence, which features an emergency response system in every apartment. Seniors are paired with life enrichment managers who get to know their unique needs, providing a personalized care experience. Available 24 hours, the team assists with the activities of daily living while monitoring behavior and encouraging socialization among residents. Activities include multisensory experiences, group programs, art projects, exercise, and even outings into the local community, depending on the resident's interests and abilities. The easy-to-navigate neighborhood features spacious common areas, a media room, restaurant-style dining, country kitchens and soft-lit reflection rooms with relaxing elements.
Loved ones value the community's personalized care approach. "Residents are encouraged to be as independent as possible with care given to each individual's needs," one daughter of a resident notes. "Staff is quick to update us on our [mother's] activities and well-being, and always available to discuss any concerns we may have. We have peace of mind."
Surrounded by the citys upscale shopping, dining and cultural attractions, Sunrise of Beverly Hills is a senior living community with a vibrant lifestyle. Designed to be safe and stimulating, its specialized Reminiscence neighborhood gives seniors living with memory loss a place to feel at home. Within this secure wing, they can enjoy spacious common areas, restaurant-style dining, a 24-hour bistro, a media room and sunroom, all of which encourage interaction between residents. The 24-hour awake staff receives Alzheimers Association-approved training that incorporates the latest evidence-based practices to deliver personalized care. With emergency response systems in every suite, residents can easily obtain assistance with the activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming, medication management and mobility. Personalized programs allow seniors to explore their interests, with group activities, multisensory experiences, daily exercise, visits from children and outings to local attractions.
Visitors note the upscale ambiance and competent staff. "This multimillion dollar facility is absolutely gorgeous. It's almost like the Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas," one visitor says. "Aesthetics aside, the staff is one of the best that I've ever seen. All of the low level staffers (nurses and orderlies) seem very well-educated and very professional."
Nestled into a quiet community just minutes from the Pacific Ocean, Sunrise of Hermosa Beach provides quality care in a picturesque setting, surrounded by beaches and cultural attractions. The community is staffed by an experienced team of life enrichment managers and caregivers who offer 24/7 assistance with daily living activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, mobility and medication management. Staff receive Alzheimers Association-approved training to address the unique challenges of residents with cognitive impairment. The private, easy-to-navigate Reminiscence memory care neighborhood features living and dining areas next to resident suites to help prevent wandering, as well as chef-prepared dining, country kitchens where residents can help make meals, a 24-hour bistro, media room with TVs and a sun room. Therapeutic activities fill days with multisensory experiences, group programming, exercise classes, and visits from children and pets, helping keep residents engaged every day.
Visitors note the community ambiance, kind staff and tasty meals. One says, "Sunrise looks well-put-together, and the food was delicious. The facility was clean and nice. Its well-staffed, which impressed me. The staff was very helpful, knowledgeable and well-versed. The people looked clean and peaceful. Everything was organized, which is what I really liked."
Located near scenic beaches, parks and nature trails, Sunrise of Playa Vista offers award-winning senior care in a stimulating environment. Its Reminiscence neighborhood is designed for residents with Alzheimers and related dementias, with an easy-to-navigate layout and emergency response systems in every apartment. Seniors are paired with life enrichment managers who get to know their unique needs, crafting customized care plans to ensure they get the help that they need. A team of highly trained caregivers is on hand at all hours to offer assistance with bathing and grooming, continence, medication and mobility, among other needs. Each resident enjoys a personalized activity schedule; multisensory experiences, visits with children and pets, group programming, art projects and exercise programs are all available. With secure outdoor spaces, chef-prepared dining, a 24-hour bistro, a sunroom and a media room, the environment encourages socialization and engagement.
Visiting loved ones like the kind team and diverse activities. "The staff is excellent. You couldn't expect the staff to be better," reports one relative of a resident. "They care so much about the people there, and they go the extra mile to make them happy They're very compassionate people. The activities are excellent. They are very professionally done."
With a convenient setting near the citys top shops and restaurants, Sunrise of Santa Monica offers quality care paired with a lively lifestyle and health care support from nearby UCLA and St. Johns medical centers. Its Reminiscence neighborhood is designed specifically for seniors with Alzheimers and related dementias; it offers a secure, easy-to-navigate environment that encourages socialization. Residents can receive 24/7 assistance from caregivers who learn the latest evidence-based care approaches, such as validation therapy, which uses emotion matching and open-ended questions to focus on each residents unique needs. Emergency response systems in every apartment make staff easy to reach, and the support team helps with everything from bathing and grooming to continence, medication and behavior monitoring. Enriching activities are personalized for every resident; options include local outings, exercise classes, art projects, group programming and visits from children and pets.
Visiting relatives like the community's upscale ambiance and amenities, as well as its supportive staff. "Sunrise is good We chose it because it is what my dad likes. It is like walking into a 5-star resort," says one. "The staff is very welcoming. They have too many activities to describe. They are pleasant, efficient, and welcoming."
At Sunrise Villa Culver City, residents enjoy a lively lifestyle paired with 24/7 care, just a short distance from the I-405 and I-10 freeways. The community offers two unique neighborhoods for residents living with Alzheimers and related dementias. Terrace Club provides a home for those with early to moderate-stage memory loss, with structured memory support programs to strengthen cognitive abilities, fitness programs to build endurance and flexibility, resident support groups to share experiences and occupation-based activities to reinforce identity. All activities are provided at varying levels to suit each seniors unique needs. Reminiscence, for later stages of memory loss, is staffed by a team with Alzheimers Association-approved training. It features an easy-to-navigate layout that helps prevent wandering and encourages socialization. Here, residents enjoy personalized therapeutic programming, including multisensory experiences, art projects, group activities and visits from children and pets.
Loved ones like the community's quality care and family-like feel. One reviewer says, "My dad has lived here for almost three years and is incredibly happy here. The staff is wonderful. We've become friends with many other residents as well as their families. The facility feels more like a boutique hotel."
Terraza Court Senior Living is an assisted living and memory care community that offers a variety of private one- and two-bedroom residences in a comfortable setting. It works with residents living with Alzheimer's and dementia to create a personalized memory care plan that focuses on their strengths, preferences and interests. Trained care staff are available 24 hours a day to lend seniors a hand with dressing, bathing, grooming and other daily living tasks. A full-time licensed nurse monitors the health and wellness of residents as well as the administration of any medications. Seniors are encouraged to socialize with others by participating in fun activities, fitness exercises and outings. In addition to gardening, residents can also enjoy relaxing in the secure rooftop terrace and spacious common areas. Three nutritious meals are served daily in the restaurant-style dining area with table-side service. Housekeeping, laundry and scheduled transportation are other services provided at Terraza Court.
Staff at Terraza Court are compassionate and caring. A longtime resident wrote, "One of my most satisfying experiences has been getting to know how caring, loving and dedicated the staff of Memory Care department are."