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 Ventura’s senior population continues to grow (18.85% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Ventura, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 27.11% between 2014 and 2019.  To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 14.49%, 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 (12.58% in Ventura 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 Ventura. 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 Ventura, 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:
A Spanish-style property surrounded by gardens, Aegis Living Ventura provides a high level of care in a peaceful coastal community. For seniors living with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia, its Lifes Neighborhood program designs care around individual needs and preferences, with a focus on easing symptoms, maintaining independence and enjoying life. The secure wing helps residents stay safe and active, with a 24-hour staff of specially trained caregivers who assist with health care, bathing, grooming and medication. Spacious common areas are designed for comfort, while enclosed outdoor areas enable access to nature. Daily programming helps residents keep their minds and bodies engaged; activities center around cognitive stimulation, relaxation and social connections, with options suited to the residents cognitive level. Light and music therapy help alleviate dementia symptoms, and exercise classes in balance and stretching help seniors stay strong.
Loved ones praise the skilled team. "We cannot express our appreciation enough for the caring and loving staff at Aegis Ventura," says one relative. "Everyone there has a true heart for their residents and makes every effort to ensure their comfort, happiness, and safety. I highly recommend Aegis Ventura!"
Atria Grand Oaks emphasizes its resort-style approach to living from the exterior and in. The expansive greenspaces on the property and location in the heart of Thousand Oaks make for an ideal location. Amenities offered here include a putting green, full-service beauty salon and barbershop, cocktail lounge and outdoor swimming pool. Memory care is administered through the Life Guidance program. This approach emphasizes physical activity in the form of two daily options for memory care residents. The cognitive portion of the program utilizes music therapy to reinforce social connections and help residents to engage with their past. The program also heavily emphasizes social interaction with other residents. Each resident has a personal box outside of their living space, where they can display personal mementos, photos and items representative of their life.
Residents and their family members are pleased with the quality of care provided, as well as the efficacy of the memory care program. One writes, "I really like it; it's a cheerful, pretty place. They had a nice area for memory care. They have a little bit of everything, like mind games, bingo, and physical therapist."
Surrounded by oak trees, Atria Hillcrest is a hotel-like, luxury senior living community with a skilled dementia care team on staff. Its memory care neighborhood provides innovative accommodations, structured daily routines and individualized support services for seniors living with cognitive impairments. Outside each apartment is a display board filled with personal photos, nostalgic images and mementos that help residents navigate the neighborhood. Residents have free access to secure outdoor areas featuring walking paths and scenic gardens. The community's events and activities director ensures seniors enjoy a full social calendar as well as daily physical and mental exercise opportunities designed to boost well-being and awaken memories. An upscale spa, an anytime cafe and a movie theater with popcorn machines are among many standout, on-site amenities. Atria Hillcrest also has a fully equipped medical examination room where residents can attend appointments with visiting physicians.
A visitor says, "It was clean with wide hallways and lots of caring, nice people. They had exercise facilities and trainers." A resident's son writes, "My mother is 93 years old and has been a resident for over one year. [Her] apartment is clean and safe, the food is healthy and the complex is maintained extremely well."
Atria Las Posas is a well-designed and comfortable community, providing residents with a full calendar of activities and resort-style amenities to enjoy. This includes flavorful meals, an on-site game room and fitness center, a movie theater and more. Memory care is offered through the Life Guidance program, which emphasizes physical movement and social engagement. Memory care residents have the option to participate in two exercise options daily, ranging from walking and yoga to weight training and dancing. Music is included in memory care programming often, and social interaction is heavily encouraged. Residents also have their own individualized care plans specific to their memory conditions. The memory care spaces are also designed to make navigation easy for residents.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the community for going the extra mile to offer a comfortable and caring environment for residents. One reviewer writes, "My father is in Atria Las Posas, and it's above all the others that I've seen. The activities are engaging for the variety of folks at different levels of memory."
Belmont Village Senior Living Thousand Oaks is surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and is located just minutes away from medical facilities. The memory care unit is located in a smaller and self-contained building that is easy to navigate. Residents can safely and independently spend time in the spacious outdoor courtyard or relax with friends in one of the communal lounges. Seniors in the memory care unit have supervised access to all the amenities of the community, including chef-prepared meals in Josephine's Cafe, activities in the fitness center, transportation services and on-site therapy services. A team of carefully selected caregiving staff is available 24/7 to provide compassionate care and assistance. The registered nurse oversees the care and carries out daily wellness checks. The Whole Brain Fitness Lifestyle program offers activities tailored to the abilities and interests of each resident.
Family members appreciate the exceptional level of care provided at this community with one saying, "Everyone on staff has gone above and beyond in so many ways. They really took the time to learn what my Mom likes to eat, what activities she enjoys, her hobbies, her family stories, what extra needs she may have."
Cypress Place in Ventura offers its residents customized memory care, assisted living and independent living options. The spacious community includes carefully designed apartments in multiple layouts, ample garden, patio and pond spaces, and indoor recreational spaces for games, reading or socializing. The features of Cypress Place include freshly prepared restaurant-style meals and beauty/barber service for all residents. Daily linen, cleaning and laundry service is also provided along with other maintenance-free living options. For memory care needs, Cypress Place offers its Montessori Moments in Time program, which is designed to provide frequent mental stimulation by a trained staff of caregivers who also supervise residents in their personal care and use of amenities. Memory care clients are encouraged to keep their cognition active through conversation and activities while being kept safe and as free of agitating upsets as possible.
Clients of Cypress Place particularly love the friendliness of the staff and the quality of its amenities. As one visitor explains, "Cypress Place was very nice and appeared homey yet tasteful, not institutionalized. It was like a really nice hotel. The staff was very knowledgeable and very friendly.
Lexington Assisted Living is located in the southeast of Ventura, 6 miles north of Oxnard. Residents have access to a variety of health care facilities, including Community Memorial Hospital and Ventura County Medical Center. The community has an impressive range of amenities to ensure residents have everything they need on-site, such as a heated outdoor swimming pool, a movie theater and 3 acres of landscaped grounds. There is a memory care program for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia, which focuses on helping each resident as an individual and takes their needs, preferences and abilities into account when creating a care plan. There is a range of engaging activities, designed to slow down memory loss and optimize quality of life, including art classes, ice cream socials and exercise classes. The staff provides 24/7 care and assistance.
Visitors praise the stunning community, with one saying, "The Lexington was fabulous. It was almost like a resort more than it was an assisted living complex. It had a putting green. It had an outside barbeque, a swimming pool, and a spa. The amenities were top notch. Everything about the interior was extremely well maintained. It was outstanding."
Meadowbrook of Agoura Hills offers assisted living and memory care services and aims to make every day interesting and comfortable for its residents. The memory care neighborhood has bright, airy communal areas and secure outdoor spaces to ensure seniors' safety. The atmosphere is calm, and each resident receives encouragement to be as independent as possible. The embrace Memory Care program helps seniors make simple decisions about topics such as food choices and activities. Each day engaging activities are on offer that underpin this program and help residents feel connected to their peers and loved ones. Personalized care plans deepen relationships between caregivers and community members. Menus can be customized according to individual preferences, pureed food is available and each person who needs assistance at mealtimes receives it. Clinical staff is on duty 24/7, and seniors have regular wellness checks and get medication reminders.
Family members offer positive comments about this community. A daughter says, "The best part about the community so far has been how good the staff are at communicating with the families." Another relative states, "It is a beautiful community. The staff and caregivers are all very nice and attentive."
Oakmont of Riverpark is an elegant assisted living community with stunning landscaped surroundings. Designed to meet residents' needs, the community utilizes innovative programs to enhance the quality of life of seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. Its Traditions Program consists of structured activities through music, socialization and sensory stimulation for residents with advanced memory loss, while the Brain Fitness Program stimulates memory and cognitive issues while engaging seniors in physical and mental initiatives. With the assistance of qualified staff, residents can get help with eating, bathing, dressing, grooming and personal hygiene. Amenities and activities include 24-hour assistance, a beauty salon, movie nights, arts and crafts, singing and group outings to stimulate the mind. Gourmet meals, prepared by the extensively trained culinary team, are served three times a day in a restaurant-style setting. Residents have the option to dine indoors or outdoors, and refreshments are available all day in the bistro.
People love Oakmont of Riverpark for its compassionate and attentive staff and for the premium care services that are offered. One family member says, "The facilities look nice," and other family members agree. They were also impressed by the technology used to ensure the security of their residents.
Located 10 miles southeast of Ventura, Pacifica Senior Living Oxnard provides memory care and assisted living. The community is located within walking distance of shops, restaurants and two hospitals. Residents have a choice of floor plans and services such as meals, housekeeping, maintenance and transportation are all included. Memory care residents live in a separate and secure community, complete with a library and an expansive outdoor courtyard with a fountain. The communitys unique Legacies memory care program provides personalized care for residents suffering from memory-related conditions, with 24/7 support by staff trained in the latest memory care techniques. In addition to a wide range of enriching programs and activities designed to engage cognitive, physical and emotional functions, the community also offers innovative therapies such as Music & Memory, which uses music to improve recall and strengthen connections.
Family members praise the caring staff. One resident writes, "We find the staff to be very helpful. They always have a smile and use our first names. They show courtesy to all clients. Adds a family member, "Most of all the caregivers, staff and management are some of the best people I have ever met. They truly care.
Regency Palms Oxnard, a luxury retirement community, is a safe and secure environment with beautifully landscaped outdoor spaces. The property is located near an array of stores, restaurants, recreational areas and parks for seniors to explore. The community offers various programs specifically designed for seniors with memory issues. Residents can enjoy an active and meaningful lifestyle through the Montessori Moments in Time Program, while the Life Engagement Program aims to reduce agitation and encourage conversation. The Revolution in Motion Program includes exercises to help with mobility issues, and the Music and Memory Program helps stimulate positive emotions of happiness and joy to give seniors an exceptional quality of life. The community provides spacious common living rooms and apartments with homey decor. The nurturing staff is dedicated to providing high-quality personal care and helping residents maintain their independence.
Reviewers talk about how nice Regency Palms Oxnard is, with one reviewer saying, "What a beautiful building to call home." Another says, "Regency Palms in Oxnard will be an absolutely beautiful community. While the facility is new, their team has years of dedication to seniors."
Tucked in a scenic Simi Valley neighborhood near parks and nature trails, Sunrise at Wood Ranch provides assisted living and memory care with a strong focus on wellness. Using a person-centered approach, an experienced team of life enrichment managers and caregivers customize plans to meet every residents unique needs and preferences. Through the Reminiscence memory care program, seniors benefit from a secure, easy-to-navigate environment with adjacent living, dining and activity areas conveniently situated near their apartments. The team receives Alzheimers Association-approved training, with staff available 24 hours to help with personal hygiene and grooming, clothes selection, medication management, mobility and socialization. Therapeutic activities encourage cognitive abilities and nurture current interests, with painting, poetry, dance, fitness classes and nature programming available. Menus are designed around dietary needs, with a 24-hour bistro and cafe/tea room serving snacks between meals.
Loved ones praise the high level of support. "The care my mother received here for more than a year was outstanding," one relative says. "The Sunrise Team goes above and beyond. The attention to detail when it comes to the resident's physical, medical, emotional, and spiritual well-being is that of excellence."
An award-winning senior living community situated just off the Ventura Freeway, Sunrise of Westlake Village offers quality care in an ideal location that offers easy access to nearby shopping, dining and health venues. The secure Reminiscence neighborhood is designed for seniors living with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia, so it features spacious living areas, family-style dining and adjacent activity spaces for puzzles, crafts and cognitive programming. Residents are paired with designated life enrichment managers who get to know their individual preferences, and seniors can receive 24/7 support with everything from personal hygiene and grooming to medication management, mobility and communication. Each day is filled with activities that include excursions to area attractions as well as brain games, art classes and exercise programs to nurture the mind, body and soul.
Loved ones praise the highly personalized care approach. One relative says, "The care takers exceeded the expected norm of how they performed their job as it related to my mother. They all made an extra effort to personally comprehend my mothers idiosyncrasies, and interface with her accordingly, always ready to help and please."
The Foothills at Simi Valley is located 40 miles east of Ventura and 36 miles north west of Los Angeles, and the area has a number of medical facilities, including Adventist Health Simi Valley Hospital. For residents who enjoy being outdoors, the community has landscaped gardens, walking paths and outdoor seating areas. Indoors there is a fitness room, a movie theater and an art room. The secure community offers a home-like setting for residents with dementia. Caregivers are trained in dementia care and are available 24/7 to provide assistance with daily living tasks, as well as housekeeping and laundry. Each resident receives an individualized care plan that is tailored to their unique needs and interests. There is a full activities calendar, which is designed to slow down memory loss and includes activities such as board games and educational lectures.
Family members praise the beautiful grounds, with one saying, "My mother moved into Foothills, and it was amazing. It's beautiful outside. When you walk in, everybody greets you, is friendly, and wants to help. The apartment we chose for mom is beautiful and has a view of a beautiful courtyard."
Treacy Villa is a homelike memory care community located in Ventura, CA. The secure community provides residents with personalized care plans that take health histories, family input and individual needs into consideration. Memory care staff is available 24/7 to assist with daily tasks and personal care, such as help with hygiene and dressing. Caregivers are also trained in performing specialized de-escalation techniques and providing assistance with navigation. The on-site chefs create three meals each day using fresh ingredients and adhere to special dietary needs. A large courtyard features shaded seating and ample space for outdoor activities, including walking and gardening, and indoor common areas offer comfortable places to relax and share stories with neighbors. Therapy dogs visit often, and live musical entertainment, including concerts and karaoke, is scheduled regularly.
Residents and their families commend the caring staff and inviting community. One family member said, "Great place to leave your loved one. I honestly recommend. Staff is great, so professional and caring and loving with every resident. The place is very clean and very nicely decorated! My grandma loves it here; she feels like at home."
Ventura Grand Chateau is situated on a half-acre of manicured garden property and offers independent, assisted and memory care living. Grand Chateau is secured to provide maximum safety for residents with special personal care needs. In order to accommodate these, Ventura Grand Chateau provides 24-hour supervision by caregivers, a secured perimeter that protects against wandering, personalized bathing, grooming and dressing assistance, and a safety call system. To brighten up the lives of memory care residents, Grand Chateau also offers special holiday event groupings, digital entertainment options, an arts & crafts program and personalized care plans for residents. Amenities and services for all residents include housekeeping, linen service, full meal service that accommodates specialized diets and regular snack options as well. Concierge medical assistance is also on offer if needed. Residents and clients can also request transport for appointments and trips with the communitys wheelchair-equipped van.
According to clients of Ventura Grand Chateau, the level of care is wonderfully respectful and attentive. As one visitor mentions, "My father is currently at the Ventura Grand Chateau. The employees have been amazing. They treat my father with love and respect. I am so thankful during the COVID pandemic my dad is here. I highly recommend this facility.
Ventura Townehouse is situated on a park-like, 12-acre property with plenty of outdoor space to enjoy the southern California sun. The community nurtures residents' minds, bodies and souls through nutritious meals, physical activities, mentally stimulating games, guest lectures, garden walks and guided reminiscence. Staff provides memory care activities for those living with dementia, Alzheimers, or other cognitive impairments. A convenient transportation program runs five days a week on a 45-minute schedule to take residents to medical appointments, grocery stores and to run other errands. The community is located a short distance from historic downtown Ventura and the Ventura Harbor, but with guest performers such as dancers, magicians and musicians visiting the facility at least three times a week, residents can find plenty of entertainment in the comfort of their own home.
Residents love the friendly atmosphere, delicious food and abundance of activities. One reviewer notes "people from other places have been leaving and coming here because this is so much better.they have the most activities, the best dining room, and the finest accommodations."
The Palms at Bonaventure Assisted Living and Memory Care offers residents a safe and comfortable environment to live in. The friendly staff provides daily personal care services around the clock, focusing on each resident's individual needs. The Palms at Bonaventure Assisted Living and Memory Care helps seniors maintain their independence by incorporating a wide range of daily recreational activities that encourage social interaction. Card games, arts, crafts, live entertainment, community outings and exercise classes are among some activities available. Three nutritious meals are served each day in the main dining room. Every meal includes a variety of options to choose from, and light snacks and beverages are available at any time.
People love The Palms at Bonaventure Assisted Living and Memory Care for their personalized care and friendly staff. One reviewer says, "We went ahead with The Palms at Bonaventure Assisted Living and Memory Care, and my father-in-law is happy. The staff is very helpful, very caring, and always on top of everything. They're great. I'd highly recommend them to anybody."
Vista at Simi Valley is committed to supporting the needs of seniors with cognitive impairments by providing person-centered care in a safe, comfortable and familiar environment. Its exclusive programming, The Wellness Edge, approaches care in a way that encourages seniors to maintain a sense of independence. Staff members are specially trained to support the needs of residents with Alzheimer's and dementia, and a full-time concierge is available to schedule medical appointments and arrange transportation services. Resident apartments are equipped with individual climate controls and state-of-the-art emergency communication systems. Three well-balanced meals are served in the community's stylish dining room where seniors can socialize with neighbors. Residents have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of daily activities that encourage physical wellness, socialization, creative expression and cognitive stimulation. These include yoga, card games, painting classes, dancing and off-site outings.
People love the friendly staff and welcoming atmosphere of Vista at Simi Valley. One friend shares that she has "seen an improvement in my friend's overall spirit since moving into the Simi Vista Community. We are very happy with the care that is being given to him, as well as how they treat the family and friends."
Wellness Care Senior Living at Ojai is situated in a quiet, rural neighborhood in Ventura County, surrounded by trees. The secure campus perimeter allows residents to wander freely within the grounds, and trained staff members provide specialized memory care services. Personal care plans developed in collaboration with residents and their families take into account health care needs, individual preferences, special diets and any spiritual beliefs. Residents enjoy private living quarters while shared common areas provide space for recreation and peer companionship. Some on-site activities include reading newspapers, working jigsaw puzzles, and participating in chair exercises and holiday celebrations. The community is an advocate of the benefits of animal therapy for dementia symptoms and organizes regular visits to Lake Casitas, where seniors enjoy feeding the ducks. Additionally, seniors see horses, goats and geese from nearby farms during daily strolls through the neighborhood.
One family member says, "My mom has lived here for five years. I have never seen anything but loving care displayed here. The awareness of what is most helpful and what contributes best to the wellbeing of the residents is stellar."