The Best Memory Care Facilities in Santa Fe, NM
Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Santa Fe’s senior population continues to grow (34% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Santa Fe, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 105% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 29%, 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 (6.83% in Santa Fe 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 Santa Fe. 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.
The Best Memory Care Facilities in Santa Fe, NM
Table of Contents
How Memory Care Facilities Can Help
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.
Our Selection Process
To choose the best memory care facilities in Santa Fe, 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:
- Spent over 18 hours researching memory care facilities in Santa Fe
- Read more than 65 reviews written by residents and their loved ones
- Interviewed 5 representatives from local communities
Reviews of the 8 Best Memory Care Facilities in Santa Fe
Pacifica Senior Living
- Resident Capacity:88
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:Memory Care: $4,300, Assisted Living: $3,400
Pacifica Senior Living offers dementia care along with amenities and activities that promote residents' well-being, 24-hour support and a personalized plan of care to help residents maintain dignity at all times. The Pacifica Legacies memory care program provides cognitively and physically stimulating programs for those with Alzheimer's and dementia. The program improves self-esteem and promotes social interaction within a well-knit community. Every resident has a personal care plan to address their own unique dietary needs, housekeeping and medication management.
Families and potential residents love visiting Pacifica Senior Living. They explain, "Everyone was so welcoming. I met Marty, who's in charge of the kitchen, and she was so sweet. We came after lunch, but she still offered some refreshments. The room on the second floor seemed very spacious. It was very beautifully set up."
- Reviews:4.28 out of 5 stars; 135 reviews
- Phone:(505) 672-5155
- Address:2961 Galisteo Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505
- Web:www.pacificaseniorliving.com
The Legacy at Santa Fe
- Resident Capacity:N/A
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:N/A
The Legacy at Santa Fe offers a positive and supportive atmosphere for seniors with dementia and other forms of cognitive impairment. Nestled in a peaceful town with ample local amenities and scenic views, the community allows older adults with memory loss to enjoy immersive social experiences that sharpen their mental agility. The community's memory care program includes a stimulating social calendar full of structured programs that enrich each resident's social, physical and emotional well-being. Skilled nursing staff provide 24-hour medical care, safety monitoring and therapeutic services. Seniors are served nutritious, chef-prepared meals in the lively dining room and engage in fun events with family and friends in the game room and outdoor courtyard. Residents are offered AI-powered wearable tech for safety and enjoy convenient amenities such as kitchenettes, cable TV and spacious walk-in closets.
Loved ones appreciate the well-ventilated communal areas and stimulating activity calendar in this community. One reviewer says, "The menu looked great, and the dining room was wonderful. I saw them doing some activities that were highly engaging and fun. The place where they were doing them had lots of air and lots of open room space."
- Reviews:4.60 out of 5 stars; 42 reviews
- Phone:(505) 333-0210
- Address:3 Avenida Aldea, Santa Fe, NM 87507
- Web:www.lifewellsl.com
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe
- Resident Capacity:85
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Companion Suites
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:Memory Care: $5,464, Assisted Living: $4,195
MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe takes a thoughtful approach to supporting residents with dementia and memory care needs. Its Lavender Sky program, whose motto is Enter, Embrace, Explore, serves residents with memory impairment. Shared rooms encourage better socialization, increased appetite, improved sleep, and better energy among memory care residents. To assist with medications and daily health concerns, A full-time licensed nurse is available 24/7. The community supports short-term stays to provide respite care and support after surgery.
Residents and their families enjoy the attention received at MorningStar Assisted Living & Memory Care of Santa Fe. One reviewer says, "MorningStar Assisted Living and Memory Care of Santa Fe was a beautiful place. The people were nice, the rooms were great, nice and clean. There were patios for them to sit outside and nice outside areas to enjoy the day."
- Reviews:4.64 out of 5 stars; 135 reviews
- Phone:(505) 587-8232
- Address:2041 S. Pacheco St., Santa Fe, NM 87505
- Web:www.morningstarseniorliving.com
Santa Fe, NM - BeeHive Homes of Santa Fe NM
- Resident Capacity:15
- Room Types:Private Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:$5,300 for Memory Care
Personalized care is an integral part of BeeHive Homes of Santa Fe. The community acknowledges the unique needs of each resident and assesses them regularly to individually tailor care. Social activities enrich the lives of residents, and the staff coordinates care based on the needs of each community member. All residents have private rooms, including an ADA-compliant private bathroom, as well as cable TV, internet access and a pendant call system. Residents enjoy a variety of planned activities while housekeeping and laundry are taken care of by the staff. Fresh, home-style meals are served daily and prepared with input from a dietitian. Staff is available 24/7 and a consulting nurse is also available.
Reviews praise the staff, calling them friendly and supportive. One reviewer says, "Amazing facility and staff. The staff is very knowledgeable & helpful. Highly recommend to those in need of Alzheimer's care."
- Reviews:4.70 out of 5 stars; 217 reviews
- Phone:(505) 591-7024
- Address:3838 Thomas Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87507
- Web:beehivehomes.com
The Montesito at Santa Fe, NM
- Resident Capacity:40
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:Not listed for Memory Care, $3,995 for Assisted Living, $3,950 for Independent Living
The Montecito at Santa Fe has a single-story memory care floor plan for residents with various forms of dementia. The memory care wing includes studio apartments with 24/7 security and smaller "neighborhoods" within the community to foster familiarity. Care plans are individually catered and Montessori-based, which is beneficial for memory care because it includes many hands-on activities, community roles and cognitive programs that help residents exercise independence, goal setting and purposeful living. The Montessori program focuses on giving seniors autonomy; however, there is an indoor walking track and care stations inside that let staff maintain safety for all memory care residents at all times.
Residents rave about the community's cleanliness, caring staff and meaningful activities. One resident states, "It is simply wonderful to live at a place where everybody here cares for one another. The care services so far have been very good. They do have really good activities, the kids from the local school get a chance to come over and we are able to visit and tell stories back and forth."
- Reviews:3.71 of 5 stars; 39 reviews
- Phone:(505) 428-7777
- Address:500 Rodeo Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505
- Web:www.montecitosantafe.com
Sierra Vista at Vista Living Care
- Resident Capacity:24
- Room Types:Private Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Memory Care
- Base Pricing:N/A
Sierra Vista at Vista Living Care offers a unique, intimate setting designed to meet the needs of those requiring memory care services. A shared dining room and beautiful rustic decor make this small assisted living community feel like home, while the skilled staff provides top-notch care and assistance. Experienced and compassionate staff are there to provide companionship and help with the activities of daily living. The ranch-style 24-bed home is situated on 2.83 acres of land, providing room for residents to take walks and enjoy the fresh air. A therapeutic creative space allows residents to paint and enjoy other artistic activities.
Residents and family members speak highly of the staff and serene setting of Sierra Vista at Vista Living Care. "Great place, friendly animals and a cozy environment with beautiful views," recommends one reviewer. "It is small but a highly recommended location," says another.
- Reviews:4.31 out of 5 stars; 27 reviews
- Phone:(505) 986-9696
- Address:402 Rodeo Rd., Santa Fe, NM 87505
- Web:www.vistaliving.com
Kingston Residence of Santa Fe
- Resident Capacity:105
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Respite
- Base Pricing:N/A
Kingston Residence of Santa Fe enjoys majestic mountain views and is designed with relaxing courtyards and homelike indoor common areas. All residents have access to the 24-hour nursing staff and complimentary concierge services. Kingston's secured memory care neighborhood has dedicated caregivers trained in Teepa Snow's Positive Approach to Dementia Care, using the GEMS model for effective individualized techniques in caring for residents at different stages of dementia. Memory care residents also benefit from medication management and cognitive monitoring, and they're offered daily enrichment opportunities through therapeutic sensory activities such as music, meditation, aromatherapy and socialization.
Loved ones praise the community's vibrant atmosphere and wonderful people. One reviewer shares, "My mom is well cared for at Kingston. The staff is friendly and helpful, the planned events are open to family members, and the residents are delightful to see. The meals are well-planned, and the chef is excellent. I can't wait to visit again."
- Reviews:4.36 out of 5 stars; 46 reviews
- Phone:(505) 501-7410
- Address:2400 Legacy Ct., Santa Fe, NM 87507
- Web:kingstonhealthcare.com
El Castillo Life Plan Community
- Resident Capacity:N/A
- Room Types:Studios, 1-Bedroom Apartments, 2-Bedroom Apartments, Private Rooms
- Care Provided: Assisted Living, Independent Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing
- Base Pricing:N/A
El Castillo Life Plan Community offers assisted living and memory care services. Residents coping with cognitive impairment receive personalized care and support in the community's secure memory care unit. The compassionate staff provide 24-hour personal care assistance and medication support to seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. A specially trained nursing team guides residents through rehab and therapeutic exercises to enhance their physical and cognitive functions. Fully furnished living apartment units offer several floor plan choices and convenient amenities such as a private bathroom, a kitchenette and cable TV. The community's outdoor courtyard garden provides a beautiful, warm setting for residents to play games, socialize and engage in life enrichment activities with neighbors and family members.
Loved ones speak highly of the community's wide range of services, well-maintained apartments and delicious dining. One relative writes, "They offer lots of services, and it felt very, very comfortable. The rooms are very nice. Although it's not a brand-new facility, it's very clean. Their food is great. It's better than home-cooked."
- Reviews:3.48 out of 5 stars; 23 reviews
- Phone:(505) 988-2877
- Address:250 E. Alameda St., Santa Fe, NM 87501
- Web:elcastilloretirement.com
