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 South Gate's senior population continues to grow (7% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In South Gate, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 38% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 31%, 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 (11% in South Gate 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 South Gate. 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 South Gate, 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:
Memory care residents at Palmcrest live in a secure neighborhood designed to feel like home. Staff members are trained in the community memory care approach, designed to stimulate memory care residents' memories and foster the creation of new memories through social interaction and a well-rounded activities schedule. Residents are accommodated in private or semiprivate suites with attached bathrooms, with furnished options available on request. Memory care staff members are available 24/7 to assist residents with grooming, toileting, dressing and bathing. Additionally, the community offers incontinence care, medication management and transportation to medical appointments or shopping. The community amenities include a 46-seat movie theater, barbershop and salon, manicured gardens and numerous indoor and outdoor common areas. All meals are approved by the staff nutritionist and take into account individual dietary restrictions.
Residents and families comment on the community activities and overall interactive atmosphere. As one family member says in their review, "They hold plenty of social events and even have a movie screening room! Overall it's great for families who are struggling with taking care of their parents and there are plenty of opportunities for me and my kids to come visit."
Glen Park at Long Beach is a full-service retirement community located close to the beach, shops and medical facilities. Each resident undergoes a personalized assessment, which includes a memory care assessment, to determine the level of assistance that would best suit their needs. The memory care assessments are revised on a regular basis as the severity of the particular memory loss disorder progresses. The information from the assessments is used by staff members to understand the best options for redirection and the care level required. Caregivers are trained in managing challenging behaviors, and the whole team are certified memory impairment specialists. The community is gated, with 24/7 video surveillance to ensure the safety of residents. Daily activities include art therapy, pet therapy, outings, exercise classes and live entertainment.
Reviewers appreciate the quality of services provided by staff. One notes the wonderful care provided to her father, saying, "It has been a year since he made this place his home, and his overall well-being has significantly improved with the care that he is receiving."
Residents entering the secure memory care community at Vista Del Mar Senior Living occupy private studios or shared companion suites. The memory care neighborhood has a higher staff-to-resident ratio, ensuring needs are met for those with Alzheimer's, dementia or other forms of memory loss. The roster of activities is chosen to target multi-sensory stimulation and physical activity, including bowling, volleyball, smoothie socials, bongo, word games and off-site group outings. In addition to housekeeping and laundry services, the community can arrange transportation for residents to run errands or meet with medical providers. Meals are served in the community dining hall, with vegetarian and diabetic options available. The community features an outdoor garden and patio as well as an indoor party space for resident functions or family visits.
Family members notice the staff's commitment to keeping residents actively engaged. One reviewer writes, "They have a wide variety of activities
Brittany House is a residential memory care facility that provides a home-like setting for those with memory loss. Located in a family neighborhood close to parks and churches, Brittany House is divided into five sections, with each devoted to specialized care for a certain stage of dementia and hospice services available as the fifth. The resident undergoes an assessment to determine what stage they are at before they are placed in the home. Registered nurses and certified staff monitor residents as they develop one-on-one relationships. These caregivers undergo continuous certification, education and shadowing of experienced professionals as part of the memory care practice at Brittany House. The building has themed rooms and corridors that make it easier for residents to find their way around. Residents can also spend some time outside in the secured, well-kept gardens, and visits from family pets are welcomed. Three meals a day tailored to individual dietary requirements (such as diabetes) are provided. Activities include stimulating the imagination with creative crafts and honing motor skills with special exercises.
Reviewers appreciate the kindness and compassion of the staff at Brittany House. One says, "I do believe that the caregivers and staff are really angels in disguise, given how they care for my wife and the other residents."
Rowntree Gardens presents the Gardens Memory Care program that follows the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle plan. The community's environment is highly structured so that residents can feel safe and easily engage with a familiar routine. Care is specifically designed to provide full support for daily living as well as continual guidance in a compassionate, respectful and patient manner. One-level living adds convenience, and common areas provide safe spaces for residents to relax and participate in activities. Outdoor areas are also fully secure, and residents are supervised as they enjoy the fresh air. The community features a full-time activity team that schedules and hosts all kinds of events that stimulate residents' minds and promote meaningful interactions. Rowntree Gardens has earned the Center for Applied Research in Dementia's gold certification, and all staff members are specially trained in the Montessori approach.
Reviewers are pleased with the full care and helpful staff at Rowntree Gardens. A reviewer notes that her mother receives comprehensive care right on-site since there are both a clinic and rehabilitation services. "The staff are all wonderful," she says, "They're pleasant. They're smiling, friendly They answer all your questions."
Sunrise of Seal Beach is a senior living community that offers memory care and assisted living. Seniors seeking independent living are also accommodated. The community's care team is trained to offer skilled nursing and respite care as well as medication management, hospice care and physical therapy, ensuring all residents are in peak condition for their individual needs. Dietary requirements are met by a trained chef creating custom homemade meals. Residents attend off-site activities that encompass religious and fitness interests. Other activities include gardening and cooking to encourage seniors to stay active. More perks include parking for residents and guests as well as housekeeping and laundry service. Seniors can move around the city and participate in its social and cultural scene with the help of the community's resident transportation service.
Loved ones speak highly of Sunrise of Seal Beach, with one writing, "It was very clean, very friendly, a nice setting, lovely park, and looks like very good food and activities. I had a very positive impression."
Arbor Palms of Anaheim's philosophy on memory care and assisted living involves a whole-person approach, with tailored care programs and an activities schedule that fulfill physical, cognitive, social, emotional and spiritual needs. Memory care staff receive weekly training related to dementia treatment as part of a Montessori-based program, and residents' overall health is carefully monitored by the community's on-site wellness director. The community also sponsors educational seminars for families to help them understand their loved one's diagnoses and learn how to better communicate with them. Activities available to memory care residents include light physical activity, memory games, lectures, bingo, snack socials, live music and entertainment, pet therapy and spiritual services.
Residents and family members love the activities and dining hall menu. As one family member writes in their review, "They do all sorts of activities, just different ones every day to keep them motivated. She's doing well, and she's happy. I had lunch with her the first week she was there, and the food was good. The facility is also very good, clean, organized and just very nice."
Carson Senior Assisted Living offers the Arbor Hall neighborhood for seniors experiencing memory loss. This secure community is designed to promote familiar routines and a comfortable environment. Routine is especially important, and residents can move smoothly from activity to activity throughout the day. Common areas feature soft colors, simple flooring, quiet spaces and cozy furnishings to minimize agitation and promote relaxation. Walking areas indoors and out allow for exercise and safety. Caregivers are specially trained to support seniors with memory loss, and they assist with personal care, medication, eating, mobility and guidance. Residents receive personalized care plans and continual evaluations and updates so that their needs are always met. Activities include entertainment, games and religious devotions. The community serves three home-style meals and three snacks each day.
Residents and their families appreciate the caring staff at Carson Senior Assisted Living. One reviewer compliments the "great employees," saying, "They treat my dad like he is a part of their family. They are also very kind, helpful and responsive to me." Other reviewers praise the good meals and clean, comfortable environment.
Westmont of Cypress is a senior living community south of Los Angeles. 24-hour staff help residents remain independent by assisting with daily living activities such as personal grooming and medication management. On-site physical, speech and occupational therapists help residents gain strength and functionality. Each resident has a personalized Compass Rose memory care plan that is coordinated with doctors and family members. The community fitness center and pool allow residents to attend aqua aerobics and tai chi classes. There are clubs for every interest, from photography to dancing and golf. Professors from local universities visit to teach classes. The community is pet-friendly and provides concierge services and scheduled transportation. Outdoor courtyards with barbecue stations provide areas to socialize with friends. Residents receive three healthy meals a day.
Visitors to the community enjoy the knowledgeable staff members. One writes, "It was a great facility. Everything was very new and very fresh. This place just seemed like it was a breath of fresh air. The staff that gave me the tour was very informative. It was very uplifting to be there."
Lakewood Gardens is a memory care community near Los Angeles in Downey, CA. Caregivers provide 24/7 assistance at mealtimes or with personal grooming. They're also trained to help residents manage medications and continence care. Staff members can arrange auxiliary care, including opticology and dentistry services, and coordinate medical appointments. Physical, speech and occupational therapists work with residents to maintain mobility and independence. Wander-alert systems help keep residents safe. Each resident's room includes daily housekeeping and weekly linen and laundry services. Morning exercise programs help residents stay active. Residents can go bowling, take cooking classes or knit at the community's crochet club. Local transportation is provided, and Lakewood Gardens has weekly group outings to run errands. Three meals a day are served, and special diets are accommodated.
Family members who visit appreciate the kind and informative staff members. One writes, "The staff was super nice, and they're very well in tune with dementia. The communication with the staff is excellent. They are very interested in their residents, and we had a really lovely experience with them. The staff and employees were just great."
Silverado Rolling Hills is a memory care assisted living community that provides quality care to residents with memory impairment. Skilled and compassionate staff are available 24/7 to care for the residents and ensure they are safe at all times. Daily housekeeping and laundry services are available to allow residents to focus on improving their well-being. The community encourages residents to enjoy their independence but also socialize to improve their mental well-being. Residents can engage in personalized activities organized by the community according to their interests and hobbies, such as gardening, music, arts and crafts, games and offsite activities. They can also take leisure walks with their pets or by themselves around the secure gardens and walking paths to enjoy solitude. Restaurant-quality meals are available three times daily, served in spacious dining rooms.
Family members praise the amazing staff, with one member saying, "I would recommend it. I enjoyed the tour. They were very good. The staff was very good. I liked the bedrooms, and the whole facility was nice."
Situated in a quiet residential area, Karlton Residential Care Center specializes in memory care. Situated in an intimate setting, this community has staff trained in all types of conditions related to memory loss. They assess residents every three months to ensure that individual care plans remain effective. The physical environment is fully secured, which allows residents to freely explore common areas. Staff can also help residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, oral care and incontinence care. Activities are scheduled seven days a week to ensure residents remain engaged, and adult education is offered each week for the added cognitive benefit. Additionally, residents may participate in trivia, daily exercise programs and pet therapy. The owners make it a point to visit with residents and their families daily.
Residents and their loved ones praise the experienced staff and unique approach to memory care, with one writing, "Everybody's so nice, very caring, and watchful. I get a full report anytime we call. They're very accommodating."
Huntington Terrace provides support for seniors living with dementia, Alzheimer's, or other conditions related to memory loss. Memory care residents take part in the Connections for Living�� program, designed to deliver personalized care and unique opportunities to help seniors stay connected with their loved ones. They live in a secure wing of the community in private studio apartments equipped with an emergency alert response system, and a staff member is on call to attend to their needs 24/7. The care team develops a customized care plan for each resident, which includes various activities of daily living like housekeeping and laundry. Each week, residents can take part in a roster of fun and intellectually stimulating activities and exercises, including those hosted at the on-site swimming pool or fitness center. Seniors who love the outdoors will appreciate the gazebo surrounded by elegant landscaping, and all residents enjoy three chef-prepared meals each day. Transportation is provided to and from appointments and off-site engagements.
Family members speak highly of the warm, professional environment. One says, "The place is kept clean, the caregivers, med techs and office staff are friendly and the residents seem to be happy there."
Oakmont of Huntington Beach provides memory care to the seaside city of Huntington Beach, CA. The staff is ready 24/7 to help residents with daily living needs including personal hygiene, continence care and ambulation assistance. Nurses are available to monitor health, manage medications and provide oxygen or diabetic assistance. A concierge physician allows residents to make convenient same-day appointments. The staff coordinates care for physical and speech therapy, as well as other auxiliary services. Memory care is based on the Traditions program, which includes art and music therapies and special building design for easy navigation. The community encourages group activities to stimulate memories, and common areas promote socialization. The community is welcoming to animals and has a pet park and pet care services. Staff members provide transportation and laundry and housekeeping services. Residents eat three meals a day in indoor or outdoor dining rooms.
Visitors praise the clean community and informative staff. One says, "It's a beautiful property with gorgeous gardens. It was immaculate, very well up-kept." Reviewers also appreciate the community's entertainment options and social atmosphere.
Belmont Village Rancho Palos Verdes is a premium care community that offers a range of amenities and activities to its residents. The memory care unit is in a dedicated and secure section of the building. Couples with different care requirements can continue to live together in this community, as the whole building is licensed to provide the highest level of care. The Circle of Friends memory support group provides assistance to seniors in the early stages of memory loss. In the memory care neighborhood, seniors have access to spacious communal areas and a landscaped outdoor courtyard. Residents can safely enjoy all of the amenities the community provides, including the heated outdoor pool, fitness center and full-service salon. The Whole Brain Fitness Lifestyle Program provides daily activities tailored to each resident's interests and abilities.
Reviewers note the quality of care provided to loved ones. One friend of a resident says, "I have been very happy and satisfied with the care provided to [my friend]. She always talks about the wonderful and helpful people around her."
Residents entering the memory care program at Sunrise of Hermosa Beach are assessed by an expert using industry-standard testing practices. After an initial consultation, seniors are given a customized care plan. Sunrise CareConnect software uses an electronic medical record system that prevents accidents and helps caregivers work with residents to accomplish a checklist of important tasks every day. Using the Family Engagement App, family members can view photos and videos of their loved one in their time at Sunrise, as well as their day-to-day itinerary. Trained staff is available 24-7, and residents can enjoy chef-prepared meals and snacks three times per day. Seniors are encouraged to stay socially and physically active, participate in art projects, challenge themselves with cognitive exercises and engage in spiritual activities. Transportation is provided for residents with off-site appointments or engagements. Housekeeping, laundry service and daily trash removal are provided. Monthly health visits from a nurse and scheduled family meetings contribute to residents's overall well-being.
Family members were impressed with the community, with one writing, "We are so happy we found the beautiful, well-maintained, immaculate (per our picky mom, we agree) Sunrise of Hermosa Beach."
Memory care residents at the Preserve at Palm-Aire have the opportunity to live in a community staffed with 24-7 nursing care and curated for the level of care they need. The Evergreen memory care neighborhood is staffed by skilled caregivers with cognitive care training, designed to help residents stay safe and active while dealing with cognitive issues such as Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. The community offers various activities, outdoor areas for exploration, a pool and restaurant-style dining with chef-prepared meals. The community also utilizes a program called Dining with Dignity to make feeding difficulties easier to manage and more comfortable for memory care residents. Dementia care residents are presented with daily routines to help them stay connected with others in their community, and are regularly presented with opportunities to take field trips in the surrounding area to help engage their senses and keep their spirits high.
Family members praise the level of engagement their loved ones receive at The Preserve at Palm-Aire: "They have a number of things that cater to their [residents] to try to keep them comfortable and interactive."
Located near Moody Creek, Sunrise of La Palma provides memory care services focussed on creating a safe and stimulating environment for seniors with dementia or other conditions related to memory loss. The community has separate areas where residents participate in memory-focused activities. Memory care activities are headed by life enrichment managers who are trained in validation therapy to soothe emotional distress or behavioral issues. Residents can connect with mentors to enrich their lifestyle or attend cognitively stimulating art and music classes. Seniors with higher capabilities, or who prefer more invigorating activities, are welcomed to participate in physical exercises, excursions and community service. The community is located close to La Palma Intercommunity Hospital and several senior centers that ensure residents can receive prompt medical attention and convenient access to off-site engagements.
Families appreciate the community's considerate staff and their thoughtful outreach. One reviewer writes, "The staff is extremely friendly to us as family members and very caring and attentive to our mom."
Crescent Landing at Garden Grove Memory Care implements SPARK!, the award-winning Montessori-inspired cultural programming created for people with dementia, Alzheimer's, and other memory-affecting illnesses. SPARK! outlines a plan that helps seniors help themselves and reach their own potential. Proven rehabilitative strategies enhance interactions and cognitive skills. Days at this community are filled with failure-free activities. Crescent Landing implements a tailored-to-fit approach, using the best industry tools to evaluate each resident's capabilities and strengths. All residents receive three meals a day plus snacks as well as housekeeping, laundry, maintenance, planned activities, on-site staff 24/7 and chauffeur services. Memory care and assisted living residents get extra help with daily living activities, medication management, life-enrichment activities, appointment management and more. Residents living in the memory care community benefit from a secure environment that ensures safety.
The level of care at Crescent Landing is a comfort to family members of residents. One says, "They treated her like family, which was comforting for us to see. During the pandemic, the staff worked tirelessly to keep the residents healthy, safe, and engaged with activities. They were also good about keeping our family updated when we were unable to visit regularly."
Sunrise of Huntington Beach offers memory care and assisted living for seniors; its memory care program aims to create a safe and stimulating environment for residents. Seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia are catered to by a team of life enrichment managers who specialize in memory-based therapies. The community is secure, and floorplans feature separate areas where seniors can participate in cognitively enriching activities. Resident suites are close to dining areas, enabling easy social interaction and navigation. The local area also features shopping centers, eateries and banking services where seniors can visit and complete errands without leaving Huntington Beach. Huntington Beach Hospital and Orange Coast Memorial Hospital are conveniently located nearby, assuring residents of timely external medical support.
Relatives and friends of residents express confidence in the community environment and staff, with one writing, "The facility is beautiful, the residents are active and happy, and the staff is phenomenal."