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 San Diego County's senior population continues to grow (14.53% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In San Diego County, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 7.47% between 2014 and 2019. The number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 12.95%. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (10.46% in San Diego County 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 San Diego County. 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 San Diego County, 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 Vista offers the Legacies Memory Care program to help seniors with dementia live a more rewarding life by preserving their abilities and nurturing their skills. The staff gets to know each resident personally and conducts a thorough assessment of their needs and wants before developing an individually tailored treatment plan for them. Many therapeutic activities are available, such as memory recall games, tactile exercises, field trips and weekly happy hours. Residents who need to go off-site for medical appointments can schedule rides with the community transportation. The 24/7 staff helps residents with activities of daily living, including grooming, hearing care aid, bathing, medication management, incontinence care and dressing. A licensed nurse is on-site 24/7 to monitor each resident's clinical status and adjust their treatment plan accordingly. Amenities include an arts and crafts room, library and walking paths.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
The memory care program of Silvergate Fallbrook Retirement adopts the Positive Approach To Care model to offer seniors with dementia dignity and respect by creating positive interactions for them every day. Residents live in a secured, specially designed neighborhood featuring a community living area in the center surrounded by clusters of resident suites decorated with unique and easily recognizable visual themes. This design eliminates long hallways and creates a home-like environment that's easy to navigate to help reduce resident confusion and anxiety. A resident care director oversees a staff of licensed vocational nurse supervisors and highly trained caregivers available 24/7 to provide daily living assistance and clinical care, such as diabetes care, medication management, incontinence care and regular wellness assessment. A team of specialists offers occupational, physical, reminiscence and cognitive therapies. Activities include fitness classes, sensory stimulation and social engagement.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Located off Route 78 near Escondido Creek, Pacifica Senior Living Escondido is a boutique-style senior living community nestled in the foothills of the Palomar Mountains. Its Legacies Memory Care program helps residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of memory loss maintain their physical and cognitive abilities. Caring staff is available to assist residents with bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting and ambulation and provide 24-hour supervision. Housekeeping and laundry services are provided, as well as transportation to local hospitals and doctor appointments. Memory care activities and programs include its Music & Memory program, therapeutic exercises, patterning and sensory stimulation classes, dancing, movies every night, puzzles, coloring time, outside walks and scheduled outings. Three delicious, nutritious meals are served daily in beautiful restaurant-style settings, with daily monitoring of nutritional intakes and dietary needs along with healthy snacks and beverages.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Located just 38 miles north of San Diego, award-winning Silvergate San Marcos provides access to everyday amenities in a homelike environment. Trained 24/7 caregivers assist with day-to-day tasks and medication management, and certified nurses monitor seniors' health. The safe and secure memory care community is comprised of separate, easy-to-navigate small homes, each with spacious private rooms and a communal lounge, kitchen and dining room. Daily enrichment activities blend sensory stimulation, physical exercise and social interactions for overall well-being, with reminiscence, cognitive, occupational and physical therapies to enable seniors to function at their highest potentials. Tasty chef-prepared meals support brain health, and nutritious snacks are available at all times.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Alta Vista Senior Living prioritizes residents' quality of life through personalized care plans. Staff work 24/7 to provide dignified care to each resident based on their day-to-day preferences and unique health needs. Alta Vista Senior Living's Generations Memory Care program connects residents to their past while creating new, positive memories in a comfortable environment. Residents cultivate cognitive enrichment and a sense of belonging through tailored memory care plans that can include nature walks, reminiscence activities, gardening, aromatherapy, art, weekly outings, holiday celebrations and more. Residents' accommodations are warm, elegant and private, with ample room for personal furnishings and belongings. Staff provide fresh meals in a homelike dining room, with manageable finger foods for residents who require them.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Brookdale Oceanside emphasizes active living in almost every offering, from the community movie nights with popcorn to crafting classes and scheduled outings. Memory care is delivered through the Clare Bridge Daily Path program. There are six group activities for residents to experience each day, ranging from fitness classes to touch screen technology activities and light therapy. Residents are encouraged to fill the shadow boxes outside their living spaces with personal mementos, and all are encouraged to fill their interiors with familiar furnishings and decor as well. Residents can take advantage of Flex Your Brain sessions, creative writing classes and board game nights. Gardening, karaoke and a walking club are also offered to residents to provide another layer of enjoyment.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
The Montera in San Diego County, California, is a senior living community offering memory care and assisted living services in the heart of La Mesa and near shops, restaurants and the beautiful Lake Murray. The team consists of high-trained, dedicated and compassionate health care professionals who are available for 24-hour care and offer regular health checks. As well as personalized memory care plans, residents also benefit from grooming, laundry and housekeeping services. At The Montera, residents can enjoy a relaxing lifestyle with amenities including a range of walking paths, a refreshing swimming pool, a spa, a beauty salon/barbershop and a private party space. Residents are also provided with three nutritious meals each day and seasonal dining options.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
The Compass Rose Memory Care Program at Westmont Town Court focuses on maintaining the quality of life and independence of seniors with dementia by providing a meaningful and life-affirming environment that respects their choice and dignity. The staff reviews the life history of every resident to understand their background and needs before crafting an individualized care plan and life enrichment program designed to promote joy, preserve function and foster a sense of well-being. This community partners with outside physicians and specialists to offer the TOUCH on-site therapy program, designed to improve resident faculty through personalized programs, such as massage therapy, tai chi, physical therapy, yoga, fall reduction programs, speech therapy, cognitive-behavioral management program, low vision program and occupational therapy. The 24/7 staff provides daily living assistance and regular wellness assessments. Amenities include a library, fitness center, beauty salon and courtyard.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Belmont Village Senior Living Sabre Springs offers two research-based, resident-centric memory care programs catering to seniors with different needs. The traditional memory care program, for seniors with advanced dementia, features a secured and carefully monitored neighborhood that helps residents explore their surroundings safely and independently. For those with mild-to-moderate cognitive impairment and early-stage memory loss who don't need a secured environment, the Circle of Friends program is available. Residents of this program stay with the assisted living residents and participate in therapeutic activities designed to build cognitive function and improve flexibility and efficiency of processing information. This includes daily mental exercises focusing on six aspects of mental health: long-term memory, learning, memory-body movement, critical thinking, problem-solving and sequencing. Residents of both programs have access to a 24/7 staff who helps with activities of daily living and housekeeping.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Sunrise at La Costa offers award-winning memory care with an individualized approach. Staff members are trained in evidence-based dementia care, learning the latest approaches to support seniors living with cognitive impairments. Available around the clock, they design personalized service plans that address the needs of each resident, including help with bathing, grooming, eating and socializing. The Reminiscence neighborhood focuses on comfort and security, with carefully selected furniture and decor, an easy-to-navigate layout, spacious living areas, a 24-hour bistro, media room and sunroom. Residents can also relax in soft-lit reflection rooms with soothing music, have a snack in the country kitchens or create art projects in the activity areas. Meals feature fresh, chef-prepared choices served-restaurant style. Programming takes physical and cognitive needs into account; seniors enjoy multisensory experiences, exercise classes, cognitive programs, puzzles and visits from children and pets.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
The Traditions memory care program of Oakmont of Escondido Hills helps seniors with dementia live fulfilling lives by offering regular physical activities and brain health exercises designed to maintain memory and enhance cognition. Residents can participate in engaging activities such as walking clubs, stretch and strength, music therapy and multisensory stimulation. Social events, including happy hours and field trips, and purposeful activities, such as caring for animals and assembling care packages for service personnel, are also available. The 24/7 staff provides daily living assistance, including bathing and grooming, based on each resident's individualized care plan. Clinical services, such as oxygen management, diabetic care and medication management, are provided. This community also coordinates with outside specialists to offer medical care on-site, including podiatry, psychological services and physical and speech therapy. Amenities include a swimming pool, activity room and game room.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Atria Bonita provides a full spectrum of senior care under one roof, with a convenient location near medical facilities, shops and restaurants. Its Life Guidance program is tailored for residents facing Alzheimer's disease and other cognitive impairments. Staff members undergo extensive training to learn how to address the disease's unique challenges. On-site 24 hours, they assist seniors with daily tasks, such as bathing, mobility and medication management. Thoughtfully designed spaces address residents' abilities, with an easy-to-navigate layout and secure indoor/outdoor spaces that promote independence. Outside each resident's room, memory displays feature mementos and photos of their favorite moments, while artwork features nostalgic images and landmarks. Research-based activities keep residents stimulated; they enjoy daily opportunities such as walking, stretching and restorative yoga to help reduce cognitive decline, plus music events, programs and social events that help awaken old memories.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Located in central Chula Vista, Sunrise at Bonita provides quality care just minutes from Scripps Mercy Hospital. Life enrichment managers and caregivers receive specialized training in the latest evidence-based dementia care approaches, so they can assist with the behaviors and communication associated with memory loss. Staff members are on-site 24 hours to help with tasks such as bathing, grooming, medication management and mobility. Within the Reminiscence neighborhood, seniors enjoy a secure environment designed just for them. Living and dining areas are next to resident suites for easy navigation, while soft-lit reflection rooms, a 24-hour bistro, cafe, media room and sunroom offer ample space to relax. Restaurant-style dining features fresh choices crafted by professional chefs, and activities are tailored for the individual. Social, educational, physical and recreational programs include cognitive programming, puzzles, crafts, multisensory experiences and community outings.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
La Vida Real is a pet-friendly senior living community designed to encourage social engagement. Caregivers are available 24/7 to help residents with activities of daily living. The Del Oro Grille restaurant features varied menus and chef-prepared daily specials. It stays open for 12 hours each day to let residents choose mealtimes. The secure Enliven memory care neighborhood provides specialized support for residents with dementia. Guiding principles include self-expression, relationships, exercise and mental stimulation and collaboration between residents, families and caregivers. The Lifeloop program improves communication between residents and families through the internet lounge or laptops and personal devices. Recreational activities include fitness programs and yoga, lifelong learning seminars, card and board games, aromatherapy, music therapy and gardening. Residents also have supervised access to a heated pool and spa, a secure courtyard with walking paths and an on-site sundries shop.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Sitting on a lush green field surrounded by San Diego's picturesque canyons and parks, Atria Rancho Penasquitos is close to shopping, dining and medical facilities. Its Life Guidance Memory Care program enables seniors with dementia to live meaningful, joyful and engaging lives by focusing on four aspects: physical activity, social connection and engagement, individualized care and thoughtfully designed spaces. At least two physical activities, such as weight training and restorative yoga, are available every day. Residents can also participate in social activities designed to improve mood and reduce agitation, including music-based therapy programs. The highly-trained staff carefully evaluates the health and needs of each resident before crafting an individualized care plan. Seniors live in a specially designed neighborhood with secure indoor and outdoor spaces that promote independence while keeping them safe. Amenities include a library, patio, pub and outdoor dining space.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
The GENERATIONS Memory Care program of Las Villas del Norte focuses on fostering a sense of achievement for seniors with dementia by focusing on their strengths and creating an immersive environment to help them thrive. Residents can participate in many research-based cognitive activities, such as making displays that tell their life stories, cooking with nostalgic recipes from their pasts, creating personalized jukeboxes and joining intergenerational events to connect with young people. They also receive art, pet and music therapies designed to help reduce agitation. The 24/7 staff helps with activities of daily living, such as grooming and medication management, based on each resident's individualized care plan. Weekly housekeeping and laundry services are available. The culinary team prepares tasty and healthy meals every day using fresh ingredients served restaurant-style in the comfortable dining room. Amenities include a library and fitness center.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Felicita Vida Senior Living is nestled in a quiet residential community replete with all of the benefits of Southern California living. This means plenty of secure but open outdoor spaces for residents to enjoy the warm climate. Memory care residents have access to a wide array of services, including medication management, laundry and housekeeping services. Pets are also welcome, which adds another layer of comfort for residents. This community emphasizes several principles in memory care programming. For instance, the Bookmarks program encourages residents to preserve cognitive function by reading. Snapshot is the emotional support arm of the program, while Thymeless is the garden-to-table food component of Felicita Vida's memory care construct.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Nestled into the Poway Valley, Sunrise of Sabre Springs provides a high level of care with picturesque views of North County. On-site 24 hours, caregivers use evidence-based practices to aid resident well-being, including validation therapy's empathetic approach. Personalized plans include assistance with mobility, medication management, continence, and daily activities such as bathing and dressing. Reminiscence programming supports seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's and related dementias within a secure, easy-to-navigate setting with soft-lit reflection rooms, country kitchens and spacious common areas. Residents stay stimulated through multisensory experiences, exercise classes, puzzles, cognitive programming and outings. The Terrace Club is for seniors with early to moderate-stage memory loss, with a structured schedule of memory support programs, fitness classes, home, life skills and occupation-based activities and support groups. Seniors are treated to three chef-prepared meals daily, with snacks and refreshments available in the 24-hour bistro.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
The Torrey Pines Senior Living memory care program focuses on helping seniors with dementia live fulfilling lives by engaging them in diverse activities while treating them with dignity and respect. Residents can participate in many cognitive exercises, such as crossword puzzles, Chain Reaction, anagrams, Word Circle and Hangman. They can also join group sing-alongs every morning in the living room, participate in church services in the library, take up gardening in the greenhouse or enjoy manicures and massages in the full-service beauty salon. Physical activities include fitness classes and walking clubs. The carefully selected and specially trained staff is available 24/7 to provide daily living assistance and housekeeping and laundry services. A restaurant offers all-day dining with delicious and nutritious dishes prepared by a chef using fresh ingredients, while a hydration station provides snacks and fruity drinks around the clock.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
The memory care residents at Belmont Village Senior Living Cardiff by the Sea live in a secured neighborhood consisting of small, self-contained areas that provide an easily navigable layout and maintain a consistent look and feel to reduce resident confusion and anxiety. This community offers the Whole Brain Fitness program to improve the cognitive health of its residents through physical exercises, stress reduction, lifelong learning, appropriate nutrition, mental workouts, a sense of purpose and a strong social network. Seniors with mild cognitive impairment or moderate memory loss who don't need a secured environment can join the Circle of Friends program, which allows them to stay with assisted living residents while participating in brain programs. The 24/7 staff includes licensed nurses and provides personal and clinical care, such as medication management and diabetic care. Physical, speech and occupational therapies are available.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."