California memory care facilities and Alzheimer's care options

Find California Memory Care Communities

Memory care in CA, which can also go by the terms dementia care, Alzheimer’s care, or Alzheimer special care units, are facilities that are specifically designed to meet the needs of individuals with forms of dementia. They typically include specially trained staff and other systems that constantly monitor residents to ensure they do not wander.

Alzheimer's Care Communities in California - Cost Comparison

Location	Monthly Minimum	Monthly Maximum
Sacramento	$1,654	$6,595
Fresno	$1,500	$7,100
San Jose	$1,800	$10,940

*Average monthly cost for single occupancy room in a memory care community

Recreation and Attractions in California

Some of California’s best and most beautiful attractions are its nature with the sequoia and redwood trees, beaches, and parks. Point Lobos State Reserve and California’s Pacific Coast Highway are also popular and beautiful options. The Golden Gate Bridge is a very interesting attraction as well. Additionally, there are vineyards, museums, and plenty of shopping opportunities.

California's Climate, Geography, and Culture

Because California is such a large state, the climate is very diverse. In northern California, along the coast is always windy with large waves, but inland the summer reach 85 degrees on average and the winters can be expected to be 54 degrees. The San Francisco Bay Area has surprisingly cool summer days because of the fog - dropping the temperature into the 50s. The winters are typically rainy with temperatures in the 30s or 40s. The Central Valley is known to be sunny. The northern area gets significant winter precipitation, while the rest is desert like with summer temperatures commonly exceeding 100 degrees and winter temperatures never really falling below the 60 degrees. Southern California’s weather is almost the same all year round. There is minimal rain with summers regularly being in the 90s and winters in the 60s. California’s culture is regarded as very laid back with the idea of the individual being a coveted idea. CA is usually thought as more of a liberal state, but there is a good mix with liberals generally residing along the coast and conservatives inland. The southern part of the state is more urban with major cities and suburbs and the northern part of CA is considerably more natural.

California's Dementia Care Homes Regulations and Laws

In California, residential care facilities that provide Alzheimer’s care are required to train staff that interacts with dementia residents. Direct care staff must receive six hours of training during the first four weeks and then an additional eight hours of dementia care service training every year. Facilities that have memory care units are required to have various levels of systems depending on the exact type of community. Devices and alert systems that sound during exiting the building and locked doors are often necessary. Adequate supervision, high levels of physical safety, and activity programs are necessary for Alzheimer’s residents to be admitted.

Crime and Safety in California

California is ranked 23rd in overall safety according to 2015’s Safest States to Live In.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Hillsborough	.09	9.2
Laguna Woods	.37	7.19
Imperial	.3	3.15

Payment Options for California Memory Care Homes

Medicare, private long-term insurance, and out of pocket are the most common methods that dementia care is paid for in California. California’s Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) was last renewed in 2014 and allows for Medi-Cal eligible seniors in specified counties to be placed into Residential Care Community for the Elderly (RCFE). For all insurance-related questions, please contact the US Department of Health and Human Services. The average monthly cost of Memory Care in California is about $3,884.

Senior and Elderly Rights for Alzheimer's Care in California

In CA, patients have the right to be informed about and refuse any type of treatment unless there is a defined emergency contact or determination of incapacity by law. Memory care patients also have the right to privacy, dignity, and human care. In California, residents must also have access to patient advocates that have no responsibility to the community.

CA Memory Care: Medical Record Rules and Regulations

In the state of California, medical records are considered private and can only be released with your consent or to authorized individuals by local, state, or federal law. Medical records should be made available within five days of a written request. Access can be denied if access is deemed likely to endanger one’s life or physical health.