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 Santa Rosa’s senior population continues to grow (21.77% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Santa Rosa, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease fell 4.50% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 7.6%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (10.72% in Santa Rosa 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 several of hours researching senior living communities in Santa Rosa. 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 Santa Rosa, 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:
Surrounded by redwoods in the hills of Northern California wine country, Brookdale Chanate is a memory care and assisted living community, where seniors can enjoy an active lifestyle by taking advantage of a wide array of activities and amenities. All of the tastefully furnished living spaces include a private bathroom, kitchenette and private deck. Whether it's tai chi in the wellness center or participating in the walking club, residents have a plethora of opportunities to stay fit while building relationships with their neighbors. Chefs meticulously prepare a variety of delectable entrees, and the private dining room can be reserved when family or friends visit. Through the concierge service, residents can RSVP for the next social outing or schedule an appointment at the on-site beauty/barbershop. And the computer lab and postal services help residents stay in touch with friends and family members.
Many residents have been impressed by the courteous staff and diverse activities calendar. One online reviewer said, "They're updated and modern, and they have everything like church services, jewelry making, gardening, lectures from a local college professor, movie nights and happy hour."
MuirWoods Memory Care is a homelike community in beautiful, sunny Petaluma that's focused on providing specialized care for seniors with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. In addition to 24-hour care from highly trained, compassionate caregivers, MuirWoods offers a Connections for Living by MBK program that improves quality of life for residents through meaningful engagements. The interior of this community is thoughtfully laid out so seniors can successfully navigate the property while remaining safe and secure. Each suite offers spacious accommodations and direct access to a beautiful, open-air courtyard. Meals are created by an executive chef who incorporates seasonal ingredients into a variety of nutritionally packed entrees and appetizers. Activities involving art, fitness and games fill out each day.
A family member of a previous resident said, "They have great knowledge and understanding of dementia and had plenty of resources to help me and my family through the journey. My loved one was happy and always in the activity room with her neighbors. Even when she was no longer able to communicate, she was still part of the daily activity."
Oakmont of the Terraces is located in the city of Santa Rosa, just west of Fountaingrove Lake. Its focus is on helping residents engage all five senses to retain as much of their cognitive functions as possible, and it accomplishes this goal by learning about each resident before getting them active in physical and social settings. Happy hours and sing-alongs are regularly included in activities to encourage conversation, and memory care areas are designed to trigger familiar feelings based on each resident's life. Residents who need more advanced forms of memory care take part in the Traditions program, which offers musical therapy and sensory stimulation. Dining is also part of the facility's approach to memory care, and all meals are served restaurant-style and prepared on-site by a chef.
Residents and loved ones are impressed with the personalized attention staff members provide and the feeling of a community, with one describing it as a "beautiful, serene and highly compassionate community." Loved ones say that the property is professionally run and kept in top shape, commenting on how "everything was clean, [and] there were no smells."
Located in a quiet, scenic neighborhood in Petaluma, California, Sunrise of Petaluma provides assisted living and memory care to seniors looking for a stimulating community experience. The facility is just minutes from popular local venues, such as Shollenberger Park, Rooster Run Golf Club and the city's historic downtown. On site, residents can participate in the community's full roster of activities, which includes chair exercises, guided meditation and expressive dance. Sunrise of Petaluma boasts views of the Sonoma Mountains, and the landscaped grounds are dotted with gardens and patios that encourage outdoor experiences. New residents can choose between studio and one-bedroom apartments and are provided with weekly housekeeping and laundry services. The community also provides residents with three healthy meals a day from a varied menu, with foods ranging from baked salmon to shepherd's pie.
Online reviewers are consistently impressed by the Sunrise of Petaluma staff. One reviewer praises their compassionate care of her mother, saying, "they were hands on, and they gave her hugs. They knew her name from the very start." Another relative of a resident describes them as "very helpful and friendly."
Located in a world-class wine region with picturesque natural beauty, Sunrise Villa Santa Rosa delivers tailored care for seniors who desire a higher standard of living. The beautiful community features an in-house hair salon, gorgeous library, immaculate outdoor gardens and open living rooms. Each resident starts out with a Personal Discovery worksheet. It outlines their skills, preferences, hobbies, history and spiritual interests so that the tenured staff can help them live life to the fullest. For residents experiencing the early stages of memory loss, the Terrace Club neighborhood offers specialized suites designed to promote social engagement, which is beneficial for cognitive ability. Sunrise Villa Santa Rosa regularly schedules events where family members and people in the local community visit and spend quality time with the residents.
My mother is in Sunrise Villa Santa Rosa. I visited with my sister, and the interaction among staff and residents and cleanliness were all good. It has an overall positive atmosphere. We looked at quite a few facilities, and it was the best. They offer doctor visits, field trips and shopping excursions, said one resident's son.