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 Pasadena’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 Pasadena, 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 Pasadena 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 cost of memory care in Pasadena is $6,563 per month, the same as the state’s average and higher than the national average of $5,625 per month.
Memory care costs the same in Pasadena as the state average. However, it's $983 more than the national average. The most expensive city in the state is Santa Rosa, located in northern California. Its memory care costs average $8,810, which is $2,247 more than Pasadena’s average. Memory care in San Diego is $281 more than in Pasadena, with an average of $6,844. The most affordable city surveyed in the state is Bakersfield; with an average of $4,688, memory care costs $1,875 less than in Pasadena.Â
In Pasadena, the cost of both in-home care and home health care is $5,911, which is $652 less than memory care. Adult day health care is $4,911 less than memory care, with a monthly rate of $1,652. Assisted living costs $5,250 per month, $1,313 less than memory care. Nursing home fees start at $9,125 and can cost over $2,560 more than memory care.
Note: Data for Pasadena 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 Pasadena.
Seniors and families looking for memory care services in Pasadena may find the resources listed below helpful, especially the Alzheimer’s Association. Diagnosis and treatment options can be discussed with the professionals at the Los Angeles Memory and Aging Center. Additionally, long-term care ombudsmen can assist seniors already residing in memory care communities.
resource | contact | description | location |
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Alzheimer’s Association — California Southland Chapter | Beverly Hills Office: 323-309-8821 800-272-3900 | The California Southland Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association offers education and support groups for caregivers and seniors. Early-stage programming gives seniors a safe space to engage in intellectual activities and social events. The ALzConnected forum allows users and their loved ones to chat with others who have cognitive conditions, sharing stories and providing encouragement. | Beverly Hills, CA |
Los Angeles Memory and Aging Center | 800-872-2273 | The Los Angeles Memory and Aging Center includes a memory clinic, as well as a National Institutes of Health Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) and two California Alzheimer's Disease Centers. A team of medical professionals and social workers diagnoses cognitive conditions and provides treatment options. | Los Angeles, CA |
The California State Long-Term Care Ombudsman | 800-231-4024 | Long-term care ombudsmen advocate for the rights and well-being of seniors residing in memory care communities and other long-term care facilities. Seniors and loved ones can contact an ombudsman regarding medication mismanagement, neglect and financial abuse. Certified by the state, ombudsmen can also help families find a local memory care community that fits their needs. | Los Angeles, 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 Pasadena, 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:
Arcadia Gardens Retirement Hotel is a large, upscale retirement community, with space for up to 200 residents in total, although most of these rooms are in assisted living. Seniors with Alzheimer's live in smaller groups in a dedicated memory care neighborhood, which can help with socialization and allow for better supervision. The calendar of activities contains physically stimulating senior-friendly programs such as tai chi and chair exercise set to music, as well as quieter and more relaxed activities such as seasonal crafts, art programs and games. Residents in the memory care neighborhood also participate in seasonal events and holidays, including Halloween and St. Patrick's day parties, which give both the staff and seniors many moments to look forward to.
One reviewer whose aunt moved into Arcadia Gardens' memory care neighborhood gives praise to staff for being helpful and compassionate. He also says that "she was definitely a challenging resident for them to take on but they did so while being nice and helpful along the way.
Belmont Village Senior Living lies next to beautiful parks, top-notch medical facilities and exciting local attractions. It offers a blend of modern amenities, customized care and research-based programming across all levels of care, including a therapeutic memory care program. Seniors living with cognitive conditions benefit from flexible care plans that are adjusted as needs change. A licensed nurse and trained caregivers are available around the clock for medication management and daily wellness checks. Belmont Village's Whole Brain Fitness program nurtures the body and mind through healthy dietary choices, physical activities, mental exercises and social engagement. Guided by a dedicated team, residents with mild to moderate conditions engage in small group activities based on their abilities. Therapy services are also available at the on-site fitness center.
Family members are grateful to see loved ones comfortable and happy at Belmont Village. A residents daughter says, "I am really happy with my father's care. I think the staff are available and open to working alongside families and residents. The memory care program is brilliant. The staff love my dad and he engages with them. He is very well cared for, healthy, and stable since moving there.
Located around 25 miles southwest of Pasadena, Belmont Village Senior Living Westwood offers memory care, assisted living and independent living in an upscale residential neighborhood. The community is conveniently located near many amenities, including world-class shopping and dining, entertainment venues and the UCLA Medical Center. Memory care residents live in a dedicated neighborhood and receive an individualized care plan tailored to their needs, with support by a licensed nurse and trained staff that is available 24/7. The communitys signature Circle of Friends is an evidence-based memory care program offering a structured curriculum of mental and physical activities designed to improve cognitive reserves. On-site, seniors can enjoy a wide variety of activities, along with outdoor spaces that include a courtyard, walking paths and a swimming pool, and indoor spaces that include a bistro, screening room and fitness center. Chef-prepared meals, housekeeping, transportation and concierge service are provided, enabling a worry-free lifestyle.
Residents and family members are impressed with the food and caring staff. One reviewer writes, "I highly recommend this to others because this is a top notched place. The food is excellent, the staff is extremely capable. Adds another, "extremely professional and the caregivers are exceptional.
Canyon Trails Assisted Living and Memory Care is a pet-friendly community offering spacious studio apartments with private bathrooms, a secure balcony and an emergency response system. Residents with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory issues are provided 24/7 specialized care and support by a team of trained care partners in the Generations Memory Care program. Staff assists seniors with daily living activities, such as eating, dressing, grooming, mobility and medication management. Respite care is available for those recovering from surgery or a fall or whenever caregivers need a welcome break. Its innovative Vibrant Life program allows residents to create their own daily schedule of activities based on their interests and abilities. Nutritious meals are served in the restaurant-style dining area. Canyon Trails' other services and amenities include weekly housekeeping, a hair salon, a games room, large outdoor gardens and scheduled transportation.
Canyon Trails provide plenty of activities for residents. One wife of a resident wrote, "My husband moved into Canyon Trails about a month ago, and it's been good. He's safe and happy and seems to be doing fine. The food is OK. The staff is very good. My husband does bingo, takes walks and plays poker. He's doing all the activities."
Located just south of Hollywood, CityView is a senior living community providing a range of lifestyle options for seniors. The Court is CityView's memory care program, featuring two secured neighborhoods divided between different stages of memory loss. Both neighborhoods are designed to reduce confusion through familiar and comfortable decor, along with the compassionate nursing staff, specially trained to assist with daily care needs, routine health monitoring and monthly wellness checks. Indoor and outdoor areas are secured and spacious, and furnished residences are available as private and semiprivate rooms. Daily schedules are designed to create a structured offering of sensory and wellness activities, including daily exercise classes, brain-stimulating trivia games and craft workshops. Additionally, there is ample opportunity throughout each day for restful moments through meditation, one-on-one discussions and sensory therapies.
Residents and their families commend the community for its engaging, uplifting staff and its commitment to improving residents' lives. One family member says, "She is happier and healthier now than shes been for several years because of the stimulation and interaction she gets from the city view community and lovely caring staff."
Glen Park Glendale Boynton St. offers comfortable apartments in a beautiful single-story community to seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. The pet-friendly residences are cleaned daily by friendly housekeepers, and laundry services are available. Residents each receive a personalized care plan upon moving in, which includes medication management, 24-hour supervision and assistance with the daily tasks of living. Staff members are carefully trained in matters related to memory care, such as handling behavioral issues and anxiety, and the high staff-to-resident ratio ensures residents are given regular personalized attention. Gourmet-style meals are prepared and served by a friendly culinary team each day. Seniors are invited to join scheduled activities specially designed to provide cognitive stimulation, and they can access rose gardens during outdoor leisure times.
Family members rave over the loving community. One residents' daughter says, "Every time I visit my father, it brings me immense joy to see him so happy. I love coming here to watch him participate in all the activities and meet all of his new friends. The food is always prepared with great care and promotes a well-balanced diet."
Glen Park Glendale is a locally owned and operated community offering memory care services. The gated community has been designed with safety in mind, with video surveillance throughout. Each staff member has completed training in Alzheimers and dementia care. The changing needs of residents are recognized using the Dementia Specialty Program, which maximizes residents' participation in daily life while minimizing the effects of cognitive decline. A busy activities schedule plays a key role in achieving this goal, utilizing pet therapy, daily exercise classes, community outings and live entertainment. The Making Memories program uses art to encourage the exploration of emotions.
Visitors recognize the commitment of the staff. One family member says, "This is an amazing community, the staff are friendly, always willing to help, always smiling and always court[eous]. I can't say enough good things. They go the extra mile to make my husband comfortable,happy and they really try everything they can to accommodate him."
Sitting in sunny Los Angeles, Hollywood Hills, a Pacifica Senior Living Community, offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Inhabiting a beautiful Hollywood landmark site built by the family of the pioneering film star Mary Pickford, this community provides its residents with easy access to all the history, excitement and glamour of Hollywood just minutes away. The memory caregivers make every effort to get to know the residents as if they were family, learning their life stories, likes, dislikes, habits and schedules. To ensure their health, memory care residents receive regular physical and mental examinations. To stay engaged, they can participate in a wide range of activities, such as fitness classes, arts and crafts, baking, movie screenings and live performances. This community provides a large number of high-quality amenities, including a garden, a patio, a chapel, a beauty barbershop and party space.
Family members love the amenities and staff at this community. One daughter writes, "Hollywood Hills is wonderful. My mother actually loves it. I can't say enough about it. I'm absolutely extremely pleased. It's very well run. They're very conscientious and very empathetic. It's a great, great community. Everything is lovely. It's a brand new facility. It's absolutely beautiful.
Mountview offers assisted living and memory care in a residential neighborhood in Montrose, minutes away from the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. The community provides a safe and nurturing environment for specialized care of residents with Alzheimers, dementia and other memory loss impairments. Skilled staff is available 24/7 and helps residents with medication management and activities of daily living. Chronicles, a memory care program of the community, follows the Best Friends approach, allowing residents and caregivers to connect and understand each other. Secured and continuously monitored surroundings help prevent residents from wandering off-site. The community regularly organizes physical, speech and occupational therapy sessions for the well-being of residents. Seniors have access to a library, fitness center, salon and courtyards. Residents are served delicious meals in restaurant-style dining that adhere to their specific dietary requirements. Gardening, arts and crafts, music and exercises help residents socialize and connect.
Residents love the plentiful activities and the ambiance at Mountview. One writes. "Mountview of Montrose is an extremely nice facility. The rooms were very nice, and the waiting room has a nice patio and a great view of the outside. The landscaping is impressive. They had rare plants lined around the building and walkway.
North Lake Villa is a unique retirement community located minutes from the Angeles National Forest in a quiet suburban area that overlooks the city of Pasadena. Seniors with Alzheimer's disease diagnoses or related memory disorders are welcome in the community. Its 24-hour awake staff is knowledgeable of dementia care best practices, signature programs promote daily cognitive engagements and secure exit doors feature alarms to protect wanderers. All resident rooms are furnished in homelike yet distinguishable decor that facilitates community navigation. Manicured grounds provide multiple safe, outdoor spaces for wildlife watching and relaxing in the sun while experiencing scenic views of the Altadena mountains. Residents with some health insurance plans can also benefit from routine on-site visits from interdisciplinary in-house medical professionals, including a doctor, podiatrist and psychologist.
Family members of seniors living with Alzheimer's appreciate the beautiful surroundings and skilled memory care team found at North Lake Villa. One says, "The people who work at North Lake Villas are an extraordinary group of kind, compassionate, capable people. The setting is homey and comfortable and every effort is made to create a cheerful, clean environment."
Pasadena Highlands is a luxury senior living community that offers incredible views of the city. The memory care unit is in a secure section of the building, and residents have supervised access to all the community amenities, including a library, full-service salon, movie theater and fitness center. The Memories in the Making program is a specialized art program that is designed for seniors with Alzheimer's to boost their self-esteem and open communication channels with loved ones. A team of caregiving staff is always on hand to monitor residents and provide support when required. Each resident has a personalized care plan tailored to their specific abilities and care needs. Daily activities are designed to suit the resident's interests and may include scenic drives, bingo, musical entertainment, gardening and pet therapy.
Family members are impressed by the caring staff and delicious food offered in the community, with one reviewer saying, "My 93-year-old father has lived there since June 2014 and the staff have become his extended family! The food is yummy and they provide a variety of activities for the residents."
Regency Park Astoria is a senior living community located just minutes from Old Town Pasadena. Residents in the memory care unit have access to spacious common rooms and landscaped courtyard areas where they can safely enjoy the California sunshine. The secure memory care unit caters to seniors with all stages of memory loss. A team of specially trained caregiving staff is always on hand to provide empathetic support and assistance to residents. An on-call registered nurse oversees resident health care and carries out regular health checkups. Seniors are encouraged to take part in daily small-group activities designed to promote friendships and moments of joy each day. Some of the activities offered include fitness classes, art classes, cultural events, movie nights, live musical entertainment and cognitive games. Complimentary scheduled transport is provided.
Family members are impressed by the professional staff. One relative of a resident says, "The lovely staff at the Astoria takes wonderful care of our mom, who just turned 94! We call this our "win-win" situation: Mom loves being there and we love seeing Mom thrive! Thank you to everyone at the Astoria!"
Regency Park Oak Knoll is located in Pasadena, 11 miles northeast of downtown L.A. There are some medical facilities nearby, including the Thatcher Medical Center. Residents have everything they could need on-site, including a tranquil garden, a beauty salon and a private dining room for when loved ones come to visit. The community is designed specifically for seniors with memory loss and the professional caregivers offer 24/7 support with tasks such as grooming, medication management and laundry. There are daily organized activities to ensure residents are engaged, including arts and crafts, spiritual services and a walking club. The on-site chef prepares three nutritious meals per day for residents to enjoy in the dining area. There are community pets and residents are encouraged to bring their pets from home with them.
Family members appreciate the great amenities, with one saying, "It had two dining rooms, and the food looked beautiful. They had wonderful activities. They took them to the park to have popsicles. The staff was fabulous. It was my first choice. The nutritionist cooked all the meals for 150 people every day, and she did a good job."
Sage Glendale is a modern senior community that provides 109 assisted living and memory care apartments with various floor plans to suit each individual needs. Its holistic memory care program, called In the Moment, combines leisure, lifestyle, nutrition and wellness to deliver specialized care for residents coping with dementia and other memory impairments. 24-hour staff with nursing oversight help escort seniors to family-style meals, a variety of daily activities and engagement programs, as well as providing personal care and health monitoring. The community's chef runs a Taste and Tell food program that encourages residents with dementia to share their cooking memories. Seniors can take a stroll in the outside courtyard, attend a fitness class or participate in a dance party. Other services and amenities include weekly housekeeping, cable TV, utilities, an emergency call system, a beauty/barber shop and scheduled transportation.
Sage Glendale offers personalized care for those with memory impairments in a home-like environment. Its caring and trained staff are committed to making life happy, healthy and fun for all residents, providing patience and guidance throughout the day.
Sakura Gardens at Los Angeles is a retirement community with beautiful gardens, a koi pond and picturesque skyline views located near Little Tokyo. It offers spacious private or shared studio and one-bedroom apartments with Wi-Fi, cable TV, kitchen/kitchenette, balcony and bathroom. The memory care program at Sakura Gardens strives to meet the cognitive, social, emotional and physical needs of residents with Alzheimer's, dementia and other memory impairments. A variety of activities and therapies, such as Japanese art, crafts, music and social outings are geared to keep those with memory loss as engaged as possible. Seniors can enjoy taking a walk in the outdoor gardens, Japanese or western-style cuisine in the dining room and getting their hair done at the salon/barbershop. Weekly housekeeping, laundry and scheduled transportation services are also available.
Sakura Gardens is a caring and well-run retirement community. A relative states, "Sakura Gardens is a clean and well run Senior Retirement Community. The staff is very helpful and provides excellent care for the residents. Our Mother took an excellent tour, and decided to move from another care home to Sakura Gardens. She's really been enjoying her stay."
Silverado Beverly Place provides varying levels of memory care in a large, secure and well-staffed community located just 1 mile from Cedars-Sinai hospital and the Beverly Center mall. Seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia can choose from private and shared rooms, and they have the freedom to move around both indoor and outdoor areas, including resident gardens, while remaining safe and supervised. Pets are welcome in the community, and Silverado's music and art therapies provide further benefits. Licensed nurses are on duty day and night to monitor residents and provide assistance, and caregivers complete the Dementia Care Certification program. Silverado's residents can also join scheduled outings and events, including yacht trips and visits to art shows in the area.
Silverado Beverly Place receives high grades from family and visitors alike, with one resident's husband commenting on how smooth the transition from another community was. He also appreciates the staff, saying, "The staff is young and enthusiastic, there are plenty of activities and the atmosphere is very upbeat.
Silverado The Huntington is an upscale memory care community located in a mostly residential neighborhood of Alhambra. Due to its focus on caring for seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, staff members share a similar set of skills and training and the community itself is purposefully designed to make life easier for residents. The staff is led by medical directors, nurses and social workers in the various programs designed for each stage of the journey, such as the Nexus program for seniors in the earliest stages, which allows for greater independence. Residents are supervised and cared for 24/7 as they take part in solo and group exercises, as well as interest-based clubs. Children are welcome and encouraged to visit, and pets can stay full-time if they're fluffy and friendly.
Residents enjoy the clean and neat rooms. One family member says, "[They are] all very nice and furnished mostly with the occupants' furniture so they have a sense of being at home. Another family member notes the chef's willingness to cater to likes and dislikes by providing alternatives.
Solheim Senior community provides memory care in a specialized, secure neighborhood within this large community located approximately 6 miles from downtown Los Angeles. Residents in the memory care neighborhood have their own private rooms, walking paths, an outdoor courtyard and a solarium. Comfortable chairs and peaceful places are always nearby, as well as trained staff members to assist and supervise residents with their daily routines, medication and anything else that's needed. In addition to the memory care staff on duty 24/7, Solheim's skilled nursing program employs another team of licensed staff that's just a few doors away and is also on duty around the clock.
Visitors and family members agree that the staff is friendly and the community has a comfortable feel to it, with one saying, "The staff at Solheim Lutheran Home are very caring towards my mother-in-law. I would recommend them."
Sunrise at San Marino offers quality senior care just a short distance from Pasadena Urgent Care and the Santa Anita Park racetrack. Through personalized care plans, residents receive assistance designed around their needs. In the Reminiscence neighborhood, seniors living with memory loss are paired with life enrichment managers who offer 24/7 support with mobility, meals and the activities of daily living. All Reminiscence caregivers undergo Alzheimers Association-approved training, and they guide residents through a full schedule of therapeutic activities. Tailored around personal interests, seniors can enjoy multisensory experiences, daily exercise, art projects and group activities. The environment is easy to navigate so seniors can function independently; it features comfortable common areas, a community dining room with chef-prepared meals, a sunroom and a media room with TVs, all designed specifically for memory care residents.
Visiting family members praise the attentive team. "They truly care about the residents," one relative says. "The caregivers are so patient and understanding. They all are very experienced and seem to love their job. This is a very friendly place. The atmosphere is a positive, friendly, caring unit. Cannot say a bad thing about this place."
Located next to the Eaton Canyon Reservoir at the northeastern boundary of Pasadena, this memory care and assisted living community is home to up to 15 seniors with Alzheimer's. The Terraces at Park Marino offers three levels of memory care within its Safe Haven community, which is outfitted and staffed to meet the challenges associated with memory loss. This neighborhood is secure, which allows more freedom of movement from rooms to hallways and garden courtyards. Initial assessments and regular follow-ups help determine which level of memory care is required, whether that be directed, guided or accompanied. As such, care for seniors in the earlier stages of memory loss can be provided at a lower cost. Care and assistance is provided 24/7, and residents can take part in all activities regardless of the assigned care level.
One reviewer who visited The Terraces says it has a nice atmosphere, while another uses the words "bright and cheerful to describe the community. The second reviewer also says, "The rooms are bigger. The staff is wonderful.