About Assisted LivingAssisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.Complete guide to assisted livingBest of 2025 Assisted Living Winners
About Memory CareMemory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering. Complete guide to memory careBest of 2025 Memory Care Winners
About Independent LivingIndependent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to independent livingBest of 2025 Independent Living Winners
About Senior LivingSenior living is a term used to describe various housing and care options for older adults from maintenance-free, 55+ facilities for active seniors, to secure, fully staffed facilities for seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia. Complete guide to senior livingFind senior living facilities near you
About Nursing HomesNursing homes provide short-and long-term care for seniors who have physical or mental health conditions that require 24-hour nursing and personal care.Complete guide to Nursing Homes
About Senior ApartmentsSenior apartments offer accessible, no-frills living for seniors who are generally active, healthy, and able to live on their own.Complete guide to Senior Apartments
About Care HomesResidential care homes are shared neighborhood homes for seniors who need a live-in caregiver to assist with activities of daily living, like dressing and bathing.Complete guide to care homes
Veteran ResourcesVA benefits for long-term care, such as Aid and Attendance benefits, can help eligible veterans and their surviving spouses pay for senior care.Guide to VA benefits for long-term care
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10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Santa Cruz, CA

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Memory care in Santa Cruz offers 24-hour care and supervision, trained staff, and specialized activities to accommodate the needs of seniors with Alzheimer’s or dementia. These communities typically offer advanced security features and engaging activities to help ensure residents’ well-being. The cost of memory care in Santa Cruz is about $6,489 per month. To find the best memory care options for your needs and budget, browse the 16 communities, read 95 reviews of families’ experiences, and learn about available services and amenities. 

As you explore memory care near you, you may also want to consider options in areas like  You may also consider nearby communities such as San Jose, Cupertino and Aptos.

Santa Cruz Memory Care Facilities | 95 Reviews

Showing 15 communities
Last Updated: 12/5/25
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Photo of Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community
1414 Photos available
9.3
Review score
43 reviews
9.3
Review score
43 reviews
5 star
52%
4 star
33%
3 star
5%
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5%
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5%
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The staff here at the Merrill Gardens retirement/residential community, in Santa Cruz, Ca., where I reside, can be described as tremendously essential, responsible and wonderfully attending supportive, not...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community is a beautiful community located in the center of all the action. We are within walking distance of the Santa Cruz Wharf, beach and boardwalk. Our beautiful building has a charming personality—and a fascinating past—all its own. Sunshine Villa, A...
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Photo of Westwind Memory Care
66 Photos available
33 Floor plans available
8.0
Review score
5 reviews
8.0
Review score
5 reviews
5 star
60%
4 star
40%
3 star
0%
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Caring staff. Good housekeeping. Sometimes communication could be better. Overall, I would recommend Westwind Memory Care to others.
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
The Westwind Memory Care assisted living community is located in the gorgeous city of Santa Cruz, Santa Cruz County, California. This area is known for its natural beauty and its proximity to Monterey Bay. Seniors who love the water and all things nature will love the Santa Cruz atmosphere. The...
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Photo of The Maple House
55 Photos available
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
The Maple House offers the best care possible to your loved ones. From highly trained caregivers to customized care and meal plans to engaging daily activities, we strive to ensure every member of our community feels at home.
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Photo of Brookdale Scotts Valley
1010 Photos available
44 Floor plans available
8.8
Review score
39 reviews
8.8
Review score
39 reviews
5 star
41%
4 star
38%
3 star
13%
2 star
3%
1 star
5%
See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Fewer Chores, More FunDo you want to experience a retirement rich in exciting events, activities and programs and free from the burden of household chores like cooking, cleaning, laundry and yard work? If that sounds like something you want for your life, we have good news. Your dream retirement...
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Photo of Paradise Villa
44 Photos available
5 star
0%
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See all reviews
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
About the communityWelcome to Paradise Villa Assisted Living and Memory Care. Our senior living community is pleasantly located in Santa Cruz, California, on 17th Avenue. We’re a dignified and affordable solution for families seeking assisted living care in the area. For over 40 years we’ve...
Photo of Maple House II
55 Photos available
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We had mom there for a little while and we really liked but they just didn't have the right level of care for her situation.
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Serving the community since 1997 Maple House II is dedicated to providing the best care to all our residents. Schedule a visit with us today to learn more!
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Photo of Aegis Living Aptos
1616 Photos available
5 star
0%
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Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Aegis Living Aptos is one of the Santa Cruz areas newest assisted living communities. Located just minutes from beautiful Monterey Bay, Aegis provides high quality assisted living services in a specially designed environment. Innovative programs, and high staffing ratios enable us to provide the...
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Photo of Live In Serenity
Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
The Chateau Guest Home is a quaint assisted living community located in the bustling city of Santa Cruz, CA. Santa Cruz is a beautiful seaside community with a lot of great amenities. It is also a tourist destination, making it an ideal location for an assisted living community, and that's why...
Photo of Santa Cruz Alzheimer's Association
Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Photo of The Mansion
5 star
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Provides: Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
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Photo of Dominican Oaks
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I've lived here for two years and I am very pleased with my life here. The community is very friendly and supportive. There are many activities offered here to keep our bodies and minds busy. Many of the...
Provides: Assisted Living, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
Photo of Valley Haven III
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
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Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Capitola ManorCapitola Manor is a uniquely beautiful and welcoming assisted living community nestled within Santa Cruz, CA. The landscaped community has much to offer in the way of being a home away from home. Trees and shrubs surround the property, which gives way to a peaceful and quiet setting...
Provides: Assisted Living, Memory Care, Independent Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Memory Care: Memory care facilities provide housing, care, and therapies for seniors who have Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia in an environment designed to reduce confusion and prevent wandering.
Independent Living: Independent living facilities offer convenient, hassle-free living in a social environment for seniors who are active, healthy, and able to live on their own.
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Photo of Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.
5 star
0%
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0%
3 star
50%
2 star
50%
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Provides: Assisted Living
Care types provided by this community
Assisted Living: Assisted living facilities offer housing and care for active seniors who may need support with activities of daily living, like bathing, dressing, and medication management.
Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc.Soquel Leisure Villa, Inc. is an assisted living community that is located in the town of Soquel, CA. Soquel is located in the Santa Cruz area. Living in Soquel you definitely get the small town feel but are still close enough to the big city lifestyle of the Santa Cruz...

Cost of memory care in Santa Cruz, CA

The average cost of senior living in Santa Cruz is $6,489 per month. Cheaper nearby regions include Pacific Grove, CA with an average of $4,823 per month.

Memory care costs in Santa Cruz, CA, vs. nearby cities

Santa Cruz, CA
$6,489/mo
$6,314/mo

Memory care costs in Santa Cruz, CA, vs. state and national averages

Santa Cruz, CA
$6,489/mo
U.S. national average
$5,004/mo

Memory care costs in Santa Cruz, CA, vs. other senior living options

Memory Care
$6,489/mo

Memory care costs in Santa Cruz, CA, by floor plan type

Semi-Private
$6,099/mo
Studio
$6,616/mo
1 Bedroom
$8,155/mo
2 Bedroom
$8,844/mo

Senior living costs in Santa Cruz vs. state and national costs

Cost comparison table showing community type costs by location. This table contains 3 rows of data across 4 columns.
Column communityType: Community type
Column destination: Santa Cruz, CA
Column state: California
Column national: U.S.
Community typeSanta Cruz, CACaliforniaU.S.
Memory Care$6,489/mo$5,460/mo$5,004/mo
Assisted Living$5,561/mo$4,504/mo$4,740/mo
Independent Living$6,097/mo$4,699/mo$4,203/mo
Memory Care
Santa Cruz, CA:$6,489/mo
California:$5,460/mo
U.S.:$5,004/mo
Assisted Living
Santa Cruz, CA:$5,561/mo
California:$4,504/mo
U.S.:$4,740/mo
Independent Living
Santa Cruz, CA:$6,097/mo
California:$4,699/mo
U.S.:$4,203/mo
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.
Table showing 5 of 3 items. Click to show less.

Discover the many ways to pay for senior living

Planning ahead can better position you to make good choices for your loved one’s care in the future. But if your aging family member needs care now, there are ways to finance the cost of long-term care through a combination of approaches.

What families are saying about memory care in Santa Cruz

Recent reviews for memory care in Santa Cruz

Villa Fontana Retirement Community in San Jose, CA

4.9
This facility is pretty nice. The Memory Care unit is separate and has a nice atmosphere. It's always very clean, they stay on top of cleanliness here (cleaning up spills, etc). Communication with the family is great. They have a good variety of activities. Overall, it's a really nice and clean ...
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Merrill Gardens at Gilroy

5.0
Merrill Gardens has been great! Especially since my mom was admitted she has some issues and they have been very accommodating & have cared for very will. I would say they are in the 5's for the above categories. We are very happy with Merrill Gardens

Carlton Senior Living San Jose

4.0
My relative is doing fine at Carlton Senior Living San Jose. It has been going well for him and has been getting a positive experience.

Santa Cruz review score based on 30 family reviews

8.7
Review score15 facilities30 reviewsWrite a review
This proprietary review score is based on 30 reviews of 15 Santa Cruz memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.
The Santa Cruz review score informs your search by letting you see at a glance how memory care residents and family members rate memory care in your area. Compare review scores in multiple locations to understand how overall satisfaction rates differ from city to city. Based on recent reviews, the maximum possible score is 10.Methodology: How we calculate our city review scores

Santa Cruz review score compared against nearby cities

8.7
Santa Cruz, CA15 facilities
8.5
Pleasure Point, CA17 facilities
8.5
Capitola, CA17 facilities

Review subcategories for Santa Cruz 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 30 reviews of 15 Santa Cruz memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Santa Cruz 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.
Santa Cruz, CA averageNational average
Cleanliness
3.3
4.1
Friendliness
3.3
4.2
Care services
3.0
3.9
Staff
3.2
4.1
Meals & dining
3.0
3.8
Activities
2.8
3.7
Value for cost*
2.8
3.8
0.01.02.03.04.05.0
*Learn more about cost details

Santa Cruz memory care services and amenities

These charts highlight some of the many care, dining, and entertainment offerings available in Santa Cruz memory care communities. They don’t represent all possible services and amenities available at assisted living communities in Santa Cruz, but support comparisons against nationwide offerings. Our Senior Living Advisors can help you find communities that fit your preferences.

Availability of select care services in Santa Cruz memory care

Memory care communities offer a variety of care services and visiting health care providers to meet seniors’ health needs. The chart below shows the percentage of memory care partners in Santa Cruz that offer these care services compared to the percentage of partners that offer them nationally.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Full medication management
Full medication management
53.3%
63.2%
Doctor on call
Doctor on call
33.3%
46.7%
24-Hour awake staff
24-Hour awake staff
80%
82.2%
Diabetic care
Diabetic care
100%
98.1%
*Visiting health care professionals
*Visiting health care professionals
40%
69.3%
Home care agency on-site
Home care agency on-site
33.3%
27.9%
Non-ambulatory care
Non-ambulatory care
93.3%
89.1%
Respite or short term stays
Respite or short term stays
40%
58.9%
Hospice available on-site
Hospice available on-site
53.3%
69.2%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%
*Including nurse, dentist, OT, PT, speech or podiatrist

Availability of select dementia care services in Santa Cruz memory care

Our community partners provide many services to keep residents with dementia or other memory concerns safe and engaged. Below, take a look at what percentage of Santa Cruz Memory Care partners offer the selected dementia care services compared to the percentage of partners nationally.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Dementia behaviors care
Dementia behaviors care
53.3%
71.5%
Specialized memory care training for staff
Specialized memory care training for staff
13.3%
44.9%
Secured community and/or wander guard
Secured community and/or wander guard
46.7%
67.5%
Memory care only community
Memory care only community
26.7%
25.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dietary accommodations in Santa Cruz memory care

Memory care communities help seniors maintain a balanced diet by accommodating their health needs, allergies, and other restrictions. Below you’ll find the percentage of Santa Cruz partners making specific dietary accommodations for seniors compared to the percentage of assisted living partners making those accommodations nationally.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Nutritionist / dietician
Nutritionist / dietician
13.3%
27.4%
Low / no sodium
Low / no sodium
26.7%
43.9%
No sugar
No sugar
20%
40.8%
Vegetarian
Vegetarian
40%
49.3%
Pureed meals
Pureed meals
13.3%
20.7%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select dining options in Santa Cruz memory care

Our memory care communities know that seniors want top-quality meals and options for how they dine. The chart below indicates the percentage of Santa Cruz communities that offer dining options to their discerning residents compared to our partners nationally.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Professional chef
Professional chef
26.7%
31.5%
Restaurant style dining
Restaurant style dining
26.7%
39.3%
Room service
Room service
20%
36.7%
Anytime dining
Anytime dining
26.7%
22.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

Availability of select programs and activities in Santa Cruz memory care

Senior living communities offer a variety of programming to keep seniors socially, mentally, and physically vibrant. The chart below shows what percentage of partnered memory care communities in Santa Cruz offer the selected activities, amenities, and programs compared to the percentage of partners nationwide.
Santa Cruz, CANational
Activity director
Activity director
33.3%
44.7%
Pet-focused programs
Pet-focused programs
26.7%
32.7%
Community service programs
Community service programs
13.3%
28.3%
Devotional activities on-site
Devotional activities on-site
33.3%
52.6%
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
Parties / BBQs / happy hour
33.3%
50.3%
Outings / off-site activities
Outings / off-site activities
33.3%
59%
Piano or organ
Piano or organ
33.3%
38.8%
Arts and crafts center
Arts and crafts center
13.3%
34.9%
Educational speakers / life long learning
Educational speakers / life long learning
26.7%
36.1%
Clubs / games / karaoke
Clubs / games / karaoke
33.3%
46.3%
Live performances
Live performances
33.3%
46.5%
Dances
Dances
20%
31.4%
Fitness classes
Fitness classes
33.3%
45.5%
0.0%20.0%40.0%60.0%80.0%100%

State regulations for memory care in Santa Cruz

Safety is a primary concern when seniors and their families look for memory care. Each state has its own laws and inspection processes to help ensure seniors reside in a safe environment and receive quality care. Learning about California memory care regulations will help you understand how memory care communities in Santa Cruz protect seniors.
Learn about California memory care regulationsDownload the Guide to Senior Living Licensure and Inspection Reports

Frequently Asked Questions

Sunshine Villa, A Merrill Gardens Community, Westwind Memory Care and The Maple House are the top-rated memory care facilities near Santa Cruz, California. See full list of communities.
There are 16 memory care facilities near Santa Cruz, California. See the full list.
The best memory care facility near you in Santa Cruz, California is Westmont of Morgan Hill. This memory care community received the highest ranking based on verified family reviews.
The 16 memory care facilities near you in Santa Cruz, California typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, 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 Santa Cruz, California ranges from $695 to $19750. The average Memory Care cost in Santa Cruz, California is $6,489. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Santa Cruz, 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.
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