10 Best Memory Care Facilities in San Francisco, CA
Are you looking for the best memory care communities in San Francisco? The Golden City offers plenty of opportunities for your loved one to thrive in a caring environment. San Francisco ranks No. 3 in the nation for attracting retirees, so it may come as no surprise that there are many facilities available.
In memory care, the focus is always on safety, dignity, and specialized dementia care. A Place for Mom partners with 12 memory care facilities in the city, all of which are located within a 10-mile radius of the downtown area, which includes areas such as Sausalito and the Marina District.
This guide will provide you with the best listings, payment methods and assistance resources, regulations, senior demographics, transportation options, and entertainment highlights that are available to seniors living in the city.
San Francisco Memory Care Facilities | 561 Reviews
The staff is unparalleled in their sincerity, commitment, and caring for each and every one of the residents and their families. They go the extra mile and are always there for you no matter what the...
The director [name removed] is a good communicator. Caregivers are all attentive and devoted, especially [name removed]. Front desk is sometime vacant so it may be a couple of minutes to get service there....
CARING, FRIENDLY STAFF AND ADMIN. MY PARENTS SEEMED TO HAVE SETTLED IN AND THEIR HEALTH HAS IMPROVED THRU MEALS, INTERACTION WITH OTHERS, AND ACTIVITIES. I WOULD DEFINITELY RECOMMEND IF YOU CAN AFFORD. FOR...
I am a retired Gerontologist, professionally familiar with a wide range of senior residences , Although I personally had no intention of ultimately moving into a congregate housing situation, once I was...
Overall my experience with them has been pretty good. They could do little better on keeping his room clean, especially the bathroom. I will say the staff is very friendly. The care is adequate. [name...
I am satisfied with the service of the community. I would also insist my friend to do a comparison of other communities to this community.
Peninsula Del Rey has great food, and a clean dining area. The staff are friendly and the residents are also friendly. We chose this place because it's as close to home as our home in Pacifica. Only issue...
All 5s, except 4 on meals. They're fine given the audience but I don't visit my mom with the purpose of having an amazing meal! Overall they've been very on top of care, and are enabling my mom to live as...
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Very professional and helpful staff. Attentive to people. I witnessed caring kindness and compassion.. What I experienced was not expected but it was a very eye opening experience. The personnel and staff...
The staff is absolutely wonderful. They make you feel welcomed, at home and included in the community. The residents are really supportive and friendly. My loved one has made a number of friends, in a short...
The medical team really gives enough individual attention to each of their client. Though it is a smaller facility compared to others. The staff specially customized their work to each individual need and...
The staff at Peninsula Reflections is truly wonderful. We had just days to choose a memory care center and were so lucky to find Peninsula Reflections. Every member of the staff got to know my dad - they...
The quality of the food has gone down. The value for the money is great. We picked this community, because it was close to home, the quality, it was the nicest, price point and I liked the people. My loved...
The staff is good at keeping me involved and informed about my loved one. My loved one says that the food is great and they have a variety to choose from. The community offers a lot of activities, well I...
I have known many residents of Buena Vista Manor House as a volunteer. The care is excellent and the atmosphere is warm. As a bonus, the food is delicious. I highly recommend Buena Vista Manor House to...
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We found a perfect match for my uncle. His limitations are met with kind and efficient care. The staff are professional and make suggestions so that family can assist the client. [Name removed] is a huge...
Rhoda Goldman Plaza has changed my parents' lives very much for the better. The people are lovely and humorous, there are lectures, concerts and art classes. My father can do outside activities without...
My mother went to adult day care there 5 days a week. Everyday was different. They had exercises in chairs, people come in and sing. They had a lot of activities like groups that came from Japan, girl scouts...
Our methodology
How we rank order the San Francisco community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders San Francisco community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of memory care in the San Francisco area
- What families are saying about memory care in San Francisco
- How people pay for memory care in San Francisco
- Understand California laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- What to expect from memory care living in San Francisco
- San Francisco memory care services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with San Francisco? Highlights for seniors
Costs of memory care in the San Francisco area
According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, you can expect the average actual cost of memory care in San Francisco to tally around $8,192.[02] This monthly total includes all associated fees and add-ons for services related to security, personal care, meals, medication administration, and activities at A Place for Mom partner facilities. Below, you can also view a graphic of the average baseline costs without additional fees included.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in San Francisco, CA vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in San Francisco, CA vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in San Francisco vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in San Francisco, CA by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in San Francisco over time
What families are saying about memory care in San Francisco
Recent reviews for memory care in San Francisco
The Ivy at Golden Gate in San Francisco, CA
Mercy Retirement and Care Center in Oakland, CA
Rosemont Gardens in San Leandro, CA
San Francisco review score based on 84 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 84 reviews of 44 San Francisco memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.San Francisco review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for San Francisco memory care
When memory care residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 84 reviews of 44 San Francisco memory care communities. This chart helps you compare San Francisco resident and family memory care satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for memory care in San Francisco
In the Golden City, there are a variety of payment options for memory care. In this section, we’ll talk about different methods like private pay, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. You will also find useful resources to help you apply for these benefits.
Private funds are usually the first resource that seniors and their families turn to. But other sources can also go toward paying for memory care. Some options include personal savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, and investment returns. Depending on your situation, you can also use any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in San Francisco
About 34 percent of San Francisco veterans are 75+
If your loved one served in the armed forces, they are potentially entitled to veterans’ benefits. It’s important to know that some of these benefits can help offset the costs of living at a memory care facility. In the next section, we’ll discuss two of the best options and provide you with the resources to apply for both.
The VA Pension is aimed at disabled veterans who were honorably discharged and meet the financial limits set by Congress, but you can also apply if your loved one is over 65. This monthly payment can apply toward memory care fees, clothing, groceries, or whatever your family member needs. Aid and Attendance is another popular benefit to help with memory care costs because it’s specifically designed for seniors and their spouses who need assistance with daily living and can be used for anything that improves the quality of their life.
Searching for the perfect memory care facility that will take good care of your senior family member might already be a stressful experience; you don’t need the additional anxiety when it comes to dealing with the notoriously complex application process for veterans’ benefits. Your first priority should always be to contact your nearest veterans service officer. They are VA-vetted and -recognized experts who can guide you every step of the way. They’ll also assess your loved one’s eligibility and determine whether they qualify for more benefits. San Francisco residents can utilize veterans service officers’ expertise through CalVet, veterans service organizations, and the VA office.
Resources for San Francisco veterans
County Veterans Service Office
2 Gough St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-934-4200
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – noon; 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
California Department of Veterans Services (CalVet)
1227 O St.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 800-952-5626
Email
DAV California
13733 Rosecrans Ave.
Santa Fe Springs, CA 90670
Phone: 562-404-1266
American Legion CA Posts
401 Van Ness Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 559-875-8387
South San Francisco VFW | VFW Post 4103
920 Stonegate Drive
South San Francisco, CA 94080
Phone: 650-589-4030
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 6 a.m. – 5 p.m.
In the state of California, Medicaid is called Medi-Cal. This program provides health services to certain groups, including low-income seniors.
Medi-Cal can be particularly useful for financially supporting a senior living in a memory care community. Through a program called the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver program, also called 1915(c) waivers, states can use Medi-Cal funds to provide most aspects of senior care to qualifying individuals within the community — rather than in a nursing home.
If your loved one doesn’t have medical coverage yet, you can check the eligibility requirements and also apply for Medi-Cal online. Should you have any further questions or run into problems, there are people who can help. In the next section, you can find the details of your local Medicaid office, the Agency on Aging, and the local ombudsman who can answer your questions.
San Francisco resident Medicaid resources
Medicaid Office | San Francisco Human Services Agency
2 Gough St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-558-4700
Email: SFMedi-Cal@sfgov.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Area Agency on Aging
1650 Mission St., Fifth Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Phone: 415-355-3555
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
6221 Geary Blvd., Second Floor
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415-751-9788
Email: ombudsman@felton.org
Medicare isn’t eligible to help with memory care custodial costs, meaning it does not apply toward a senior’s room and board at a memory care facility. Nonetheless, seniors are encouraged to consider Medicare benefits, which can assist with medically necessary in-home care provided at a memory care facility. The following resources can also help reduce a senior’s medical expenses further.
- Medicare Savings Programs in California can help qualified individuals cover the costs of Medicare copayments or premiums.
- California’s Prescription Drug Discount Program helps reduce medication costs.
- The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in San Francisco can assist eligible seniors with obtaining social services and health care where they live.
- The San Francisco Health Plan is a locally managed health care plan designed for-low income seniors.
If your loved one is at least 65, they can apply for Medicare online or contact the nearby Social Security Administration office. If you need further assistance while navigating the Medicare or Medicaid application process, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) gives presentations and offers free one-on-one counseling for seniors and their families. The long-term care ombudsman is an additional resource you can turn to for help.
San Francisco resident Medicare resources
Medicare Savings Programs
Phone: 800-541-5555
Program of All-Inclusive Care of the Elderly (PACE)
Gee Center
1333 Bush St.
San Francisco, CA 94109
Phone: 415-292-8888
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
601 Jackson St., Second Floor
San Francisco, CA 94133
Phone: 415-677-7520
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
San Francisco Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
6221 Geary Blvd., Third Floor
San Francisco, CA 94121
Phone: 415-751-9788
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
San Francisco Health Plan
7 Spring St.
San Francisco, CA 94105
Phone: 415-547-7800
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Social Security Administration Offices
90 Seventh St.
San Francisco, CA 94103
1098 Valencia St.
San Francisco, CA 94110
560 Kearny St.
San Francisco, CA 94108
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Understand California laws and regulations for memory care facilities
Memory care is often viewed as a subtype of assisted living care. Because more than 90% of A Place for Mom’s partner facilities in San Francisco combine memory care and assisted living, we’ll look at the regulations that apply to both.
In California, assisted living facilities (including those with memory care components) and memory care facilities are called Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) and are licensed by the Department of Social Services’ California Senior Care Licensing Program. These facilities are inspected every year to ensure they’re compliant with laws and regulations. For those interested in accessing inspection reports, they are available through this facility search webpage provided by the California Department of Social Services.
Standards specific to memory care
According to the California Code of Regulations, any standalone memory care facility or combination communities that offer both assisted living and memory care must keep a sufficient number of trained staff on duty to ensure that the needs of residents are met at all times. Similarly, communities must also employ sufficient nursing staff to cover the needs of all residents. In communities that are designated to provide memory care, caregivers and administrators are required to receive dementia-specific training.
Facilities must also offer basic services, care, and supervision, including assistance with daily tasks and personal hygiene, fun activities, arranging for medical and dental care, medication administration, and monitoring diets or food intake. Other essential services include transport, healthy meals and snacks, laundry and housekeeping, and skilled nursing services.
Residents themselves must meet the requirements to reside in a memory care facility. Residents must be screened for cognitive impairment before admission to communities that are designated to provide memory care. For more information, review the Manual of Policies and Procedures for Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) or the California Code of Regulations.
California Department of Health Contact Information
California Department of Public Health
1616 Capitol Ave.
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-558-1784
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
San Francisco Department of Public Health Contact Information
San Francisco Department of Public Health
101 Grove St.
San Francisco, CA 94102
Phone: 415-554-2500
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for San Francisco memory care facilities
Because memory care communities are viewed as long-term care facilities, their COVID-19 regulations are typically stricter than other senior living accommodations in San Francisco. Due to the vulnerability of memory care adults, such facilities are required to do all they can to protect staff, residents, and visitors from potential infection.
The San Francisco Department of Public Health advises that every person who enters a facility must be screened and monitored for COVID-19 symptoms.
Vaccinations.
Staff are required to have both an initial series of COVID-19 vaccines and at least one booster while working in a memory care facility.
Masking.
Staff must wear a mask when working with residents. This is a San Francisco-specific requirement, stricter than the state of California’s guidelines. Visitors are also strongly encouraged to wear a mask and wash their hands when arriving at a memory care facility.
Facility cleanliness.
Memory care facilities must disinfect surfaces per CDC guidance and in accordance with Cal/OSHA standards.
Staff safety.
Staff should wear personal protective equipment as needed and must be trained to recognize and respond to atypical symptoms.
Quarantining.
Quarantines are not mandated, but it is recommended that staff and residents isolate for five days after the start of symptoms; they are asked to wear a mask for a minimum of 10 days after.
What to expect from memory care living in San Francisco
Memory care in the Golden City provides a safe and dignified environment for seniors with memory impairment. These facilities are geared toward comfort, care, and supporting residents to help them live as independently as possible. In this section, we’ll look at different types of facilities available in San Francisco, some of their key amenities, and more.
Wide-ranging memory care options
Very often, a retired couple won’t have the same needs. For example, one might be more independent than the other. For this reason, combination facilities are popular with spouses who want to remain together despite their different care requirements.
Within a 10-mile radius of downtown San Francisco, there are 12 memory care communities partnered with A Place for Mom. One is a standalone memory care facility, while one is a group home with memory care facilities. Seven combine assisted living with memory care. Among the most appealing care classifications is a community that provides living arrangements for independent living, assisted living, and memory care, covering a wide range of care needs. In San Francisco, there are three such partner facilities.
High-quality amenities
Most of our partner memory care communities have cozy amenities like courtyards, TV lounges, and libraries. More than three-quarters also have visiting specialists, including podiatrists, physical therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. Roughly 83% have activity directors to ensure your loved one remains engaged.
Comfortable and supportive settings
Memory care communities are centered on comfortable living and maintaining a home-like environment. In San Francisco, you can choose between different types of rooms, from smaller units to large places. Many also have wheelchair-accessible entrances and showers. Getting outside is often important for those managing memory impairments, and 83% of our partner facilities offer enclosed courtyards, as well as redirection, cuing, and disorientation care. An identical percentage offer restlessness, pacing, and wandering care for your loved one.
San Francisco memory care services and amenities
Availability of select care services in San Francisco memory care
Availability of select dementia care services in San Francisco memory care
Availability of select dietary accommodations in San Francisco memory care
Availability of select dining options in San Francisco memory care
Availability of select programs and activities in San Francisco memory care
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with San Francisco? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in San Francisco
Median annual income for San Francisco seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in San Francisco
Transportation for Seniors in San Francisco
For safety reasons, seniors in memory care should not use transport without a family member or caregiver. While about 75% of A Place for Mom partner communities provide complimentary transportation services to their residents and 58% offer at-cost transportation, it’s important for seniors and their families to explore the public transport options available as well.
A vast 92% of our partner memory care communities are located close to public transit, and there are several public transit options to choose from in San Francisco.
San Francisco Muni’s public transportation system includes the city’s highly recognizable cable cars; it also has light rails, trolleys, streetcars, and public buses. The Muni has a transportation guide for older adults and people with disabilities that explains the area’s numerous accessibility options. Free travel training is offered for seniors, people with disabilities, and their caregivers so they can comfortably make the most of the Muni’s options; for additional information, seniors or their caregivers can contact the Mobility Management Center.
Seniors with additional physical or mental needs are not limited in San Francisco. They can board special taxis or use SF Paratransit. Paratransit’s Van Gogh shuttle is an option offering both individual and group rides specifically to social events. The city’s Shop-a-Round shuttle takes eligible seniors and those with disabilities (and their caregivers) to grocery stores or farmer’s markets to complete their grocery shopping.
Senior activities in San Francisco
The Golden City offers a rich variety of activities for older adults to enjoy, together with their caregivers or family. In this section, we explore the vibrant senior-friendly culture that has something for everyone!
Get in touch with nature
Interacting with nature often has a beneficial effect on seniors. San Francisco has no shortage of green parks, but the best place to go might be Golden Gate Park. You can spoil your loved one with several outings to this 1,017-acre reserve, perhaps for a picnic, touring the park’s gardens, or lunching at one of its many restaurants. You can also consider a day at the California Academy of Sciences. It’s an aquarium, rainforest, planetarium, and natural history museum all rolled into one.
Music, theater, and casino attractions galore
If your senior is full of spunk and prefers a more exciting evening, you can always visit the California Grand Casino, attend an outdoor festival, or visit a show venue where the city’s top performers offer concerts, theater pieces, and other entertainment.
Tasty snacks at every turn
Looking to spend some quality time together without too much exertion? Sharing a good meal with your loved one is a great way to have an amazing time. San Francisco is among the top food cities in the world, offering award-winning establishments. However, the city’s cuisine is not limited to high-end menus; it represents a variety of popular meals from local vendors and different cultures.
Get up close and personal with your favorite team
For families looking for sporting events, you’re in luck in San Francisco. Seniors and their loved ones can attend games and sporting events at the University of San Francisco. For professional sports aficionados, the city offers up the NFL’s 49ers, the MLB’s Giants, and the NBA’s Golden State Warriors. For seniors who relax best by doing, not seeing, they can golf with their families at one of San Francisco’s six public golf courses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Coterie Cathedral Hill, Sunrise of San Mateo and Oakmont of Cardinal Point, a CCRC are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near San Francisco, CA. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in San Francisco is $6,150 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 44 memory care facilities near you in San Francisco, California typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in San Francisco, California, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in San Francisco, California, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in San Francisco, California ranges from $695 to $19100. The average Memory Care cost in San Francisco, California is $6,150. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in San Francisco, California typically starts at $695. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
References
Stacker. (February 2023). Best Big Cities for Retirees in America.
A Place For Mom. (2023). A Place For Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). UCSF Health-UCSF Medical Center.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). Kaiser Permanente San Francisco Medical Center.
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