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 San Antonio’s senior population continues to grow (17% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In San Antonio, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 104% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 7%, 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 (7.36% in San Antonio vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
Note: Memory care is typically provided in communities licensed as assisted living facilities, and in general, costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative cost data is available for this type of care, so we estimated memory care rates by adding 25% to assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
The average monthly cost for memory care in San Antonio is $4,266, while the average costs in Texas and across the nation are higher at $4,998 and $5,625, respectively.
Seniors in San Antonio enjoy some of the most affordable memory care costs in the state. Waco, costing $3,500 per month, is one of only three less expensive cities. In comparison, Victoria will cost seniors $7,000 per month, while Austin and Houston will set them back $6,681 and $5,306 per month, respectively.
In addition to memory care, residents of San Antonio have access to other care options. These include in-home care and home health care, each costing $4,576 monthly. Further options open to seniors include adult day health care and assisted living at $856 and $3,413 per month, respectively. Nursing home facilities are another option and will cost $5,232 for a semiprivate room.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in San Antonio.
Several free and low-cost resources are available to memory care residents in San Antonio and throughout Texas. These can provide invaluable advice to residents, family members, and caregivers alike. They range from support groups and educational programs to 24-hour helplines and opportunities to participate in clinical trials.
resource | contact | description | location |
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Alzheimer's Association - San Antonio & South Texas Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The association operates a 24-hour helpline seven days a week. Manned by highly trained and knowledgeable staff, the helpline can answer questions on any aspect of Alzheimer's or other memory-related conditions and offer emotional support to those living with the disease, as well as to their loved ones and caregivers. There are virtual educational programs and virtual phone caregiver support groups where like-minded people can share their experiences and advice. | San Antonio, TX |
Texas Department of Insurance | 800-252-3439 | This department offers advice and assistance to seniors living in long-term residential memory care facilities. It can help with matters relating to age, disability, dementia care and its costs, and how the policies work. | Austin, TX |
Texas State Area Agencies on Aging | 866-231-4922 | Through formal programs and assistance, the area's Agencies on Aging can meet the needs of older adults in Texas. Experienced and knowledgeable staff offer support to residents in all 254 counties across the state. They provide services and programs that help improve quality of life and promote independence. That includes fall prevention, chronic disease self-management, health promotion, nutrition education, and many more. | San Antonio, TX |
Baylor College of Medicine | 713-798-4734 | The college offers diagnoses of memory care problems, provides treatment and disease management, and gives seniors opportunities to participate in research studies and clinical trials. The college also provides support groups for caregivers. | Houston, TX |
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 San Antonio, 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:
Adantes large campus in San Antonio features an independent living neighborhood and a separate assisted living and memory�care community. Whether living in beautifully furnished assisted living apartments or a private studio with half bath in the secured memory care facility, residents enjoy 24-hour access to care with a self-determined level of privacy and independence. The Sagora Pathways memory care program includes an individualized culinary program, Dining with GRACE, in which residents choose their meal from two options at their table. Chatting with care associates while pleasant music plays make mealtimes a special daily event for residents. Personalized music programming, life skills programs and health and wellness programs are all tailored to the needs and preferences of residents. The compassionate caregivers and familiar surroundings that engage the senses create a calming, soothing environment for residents that helps to decrease anxiety.
Reviewers frequently mention the community's beautiful amenities, cleanliness and loving caregivers. One wrote, Our family moved our parents into Adante Assisted Living approximately four years ago. Adante is a very nice and clean assisted living home. We are very pleased with the respect and care the staff shows to their residents.�
Arden Courts of San Antonio provides�personalized care for residents living with Alzheimers and related dementias. The community design of four self-contained houses, creates a familiar homelike environment, encouraging independence. Residents freely move around the campus at will, strolling along the large backyard's paved walking paths that use color-coded visual cues�as�wayfinders. Each house has its own living room, kitchen and dining room, which fosters intimate, family-style mealtimes. Residents typically enjoy private bedrooms and baths and are welcome to bring their own furnishings for added comfort. Structured programs support residents through the disease process, and those in the later stages receive nurturing namaste therapy, which is a loving touch technique that also stimulates the senses. While residents are always closely monitored by the specially trained staff, they rarely feel restricted.
Families of residents are quick to praise the knowledgeable staff and beautifully landscaped grounds. One person wrote, I have had several loved ones at Arden Courts. The staff is loving, caring and very responsive to my loved ones wants and needs. They understand dementia and that it can affect each person differently. No cookie-cutter care here. Individualized care plans for each resident.�
Autumn Grove Cottage Stone Oak is tucked away in a wooded park teeming with wildlife. It offers assisted living and memory care in several Houston locations and�two facilities in San Antonio. Residents and their families can take�leisurely strolls in the backyard through the park-like setting, which offers a walking path with beautiful trees, or relax on the brightly colored patio furniture enjoying the pleasant, sunny weather. The small facility has 16 private bedrooms and focuses on maintaining a homey atmosphere where residents can comfortably age with dignity and well-being. With a high staff-to-resident ratio of 3 to 16, each resident�receives the�personalized daily assistance they deserve. Various activities, including art therapy, games, exercising, discussion groups and light and aroma therapies, keep community members busy and help improve the residents' cognitive functioning.
Most reviews mention the fantastic care given by staff members to loved ones. One�family member is convinced that her mom, suffering from Alzheimer's disease, really appreciated the staff's help, compassion and dedication.�Another review from a relative of a resident remarked, "I know each time I leave, my dad is loved, cared for, well fed, clean, SAFE and HAPPY!!!"
All residents at the Autumn Leaves at Stone Oak assisted living memory care facility receive care�from nurses, managers and office staff specifically trained in�dementia care. The building has wide hallways, natural light and an enclosed courtyard designed with�residents' comfort and safety in mind.�Staff offices are placed among resident living areas to�accompany the�open-door policy and help residents feel at home. The family-run and owned community focuses on a personalized Life�Engagement program and�hosts frequent�parties and special occasions for residents and their loved ones in the dining room. Residents�are encouraged to create art, exercise and participate in games and continuing education programs designed to simultaneously stimulate brain function, decrease anxiety and�promote feelings of purpose and joy.
Reviewers compliment Autumn Leaves at Stone Oaks knowledgeable and�conscientious staff. One family member says, They are very caring and always show concern even in difficult situations. My father likes the food and the people who care for him. The staff works very hard to provide activities that are uniquely beneficial, and they work hard to engage families.�
Avalon Memory Care provides a safe home-like environment for people with Alzheimers disease, dementia and cognitive impairments. Theres a strong focus on tailoring each residents therapeutic program to their specific physical, emotional and social needs. This supports self-esteem and dignity while enabling the resident to resume as many daily tasks as possible. The facility is a large ranch-style home with customized security and fire protection systems in which residents enjoy spacious private or semi-private rooms. Walls and shelves are filled with their own family treasures to reinforce positive memories. A secured patio and large backyard let residents walk safely, and the sunshine-filled shared spaces are beautifully appointed with luxurious furnishings. An experienced, well-trained staff, many of whom are Certified Nurses Assistants, provides customized care. Social and recreational activities include baking, gardening, crafting, art and music. Avalon provides continuous communication with residents loved ones and physicians as needs or functioning change.
In addition to praise for the comfortable home-like environment, family members with loved ones at Avalon express heartfelt gratitude for the knowledgeable, compassionate staff. One said, When you walk into Avalon, you can tell that the staff and management really care about the residents. It's a smaller community, so they treat everyone as if they are family. They take the time to learn about each resident's needs, and they tailor the care to each individual resident.�
Bader House in San Antonio, Texas, boasts over 20 years of experience in caring for people with Alzheimers disease and is manned with a well-trained staff that administers personalized programs to suit individual needs. The facilitys layout is not based purely on architectural principles but on an understanding of how people with Alzheimers live from day to day, providing a place that looks and feels like a real home. The living area features recliners for comfortable socialization around the fireplace, while a large open window offers visual access to the kitchen, helping bring back memories of home cooking. Each of the private rooms has a unique door design, helping the residents recognize their own rooms. Allowing residents to care for house pets or do gardening activities within the large backyard adds to the homelike atmosphere. While Bader House lets its residents live as freely as theyve been used to, it provides a safe, secure community where families can confidently entrust their loved ones.
On one online review, a daughter says she appreciates that her mom feels loved, safe and secure and has gained friends at Bader House, while on another site, a reviewer mentioned the availability of therapists and the good job theyre doing. The management team also got a favorable review, cited for providing the utmost Alzheimers and memory care within the Shavano Park area.
Blue Skies of Texas is nestled in a quiet neighborhood in San Antonios Far West Side. The inclusive retirement community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Memory care residents live in cozy households with no more than eight other seniors to encourage socialization. Each household has access to a secure outdoor courtyard. Residents can take advantage of the facilitys many amenities, which include a fitness center, dining room and bistro. The communitys staff has memory care expertise, and to help residents stay healthy, the community offers wellness programs and support groups. Seniors can join one of the facilitys many clubs, such as the art club, bird club or garden club. Special activities for memory care residents include pet therapy and visits to the communitys childcare center.
Reviewers speak highly of the facilitys staff. A friend of a resident says, The staff was great and treated the residents very well.� Visitors are also impressed by the communitys security measures. My father could go walking or take a walk on the grounds, and he would have a GPS necklace,� says one reviewer.
Brookdale�North Fredericksburg�sits in an urban section of northwest San Antonio. It offers residents and loved ones peace of mind via a 24-hour security system and an emergency response system in every room. Residents receive housekeeping services and transportation to appointments, and the facility provides a wide range of activities, including group community trips, ice cream socials, arts and crafts and board games. The facility offers three meals a day planned by a professional dietitian in accordance with residents' needs and cooked in-house. Amenities encourage residents to pursue several interests and include a game room, piano, walking paths and computer area.
Loved ones say that the facility is roomy and in great condition, and the living areas are "very clean, nice, and well-kept." Family members praise the staff members' positive demeanor and attention to detail, noting that "they�handled everything very well while I was away." Visitors comment favorably on the activities director,�saying that she "brings a breath of fresh air to all the residents by keeping them engaged physically & mentally!"
Colonial Gardens San Antonio is located in the Oakwell�Farms section of northwestern San Antonio. The facility focuses on maximizing�quality of life for residents and helping them feel as independent as possible. The community offers several activities with an emphasis on spiritual and mental health, including daily meditation, religious services, family get-togethers and walks in the garden. Amenities include a fruit and vegetable garden and a full-service beauty salon, which provides daily services to all residents. Private dining rooms are available for special occasions, and meals are prepared on site with fresh vegetables from the facility's garden whenever possible. Residents are encouraged to inform chefs of their favorite meals so they can be included on the menu.
Residents and loved ones appreciate the property's commitment to providing spiritual services and find the facility clean and cozy. Staff members earn praise for their understanding demeanor and are described as "very compassionate and easy to work with." One reviewer also says, "The facility feels more like a home than assisted living."
Elmcroft of Windcrest, which is conveniently located near restaurants, shops�and hospitals, provides assisted living and memory care in San Antonio. The single-story facility creates a homelike atmosphere by encouraging residents to decorate their rooms and even bring their pets. Its on-site amenities include a library, post office and beauty shop. Each resident receives a customized activity schedule through the Vitality Club, and residents may sing their favorite hymns, create art projects or perform chair exercises. Memory care residents are encouraged to continue participating in their favorite hobbies, such as gardening and crafts. Through the unique Second Wind Dreams program, residents can check items off their bucket lists. The fully trained staff includes memory care�personnel and on-call physicians.
Reviewers compliment the facility for its varied activities, with one visitor noting the residents all get to choose their own schedule and activities, according to their abilities and interests.� The facility also receives praise for its comfortable rooms, which one reviewer says are clean, fresh and smell nice.�
Franklin Park TPC�Parkway�is located in the Stone Oak neighborhood of northern San Antonio. This community places a high emphasis on activities and offers unique daily schedules for residents at all three levels of care. Activities are plentiful and include bingo, movie nights, Zumba classes and religious services. The facility also offers a wide range of amenities, among them a hair and nail salon, library, game room and arts and crafts center. All residents are issued a wireless emergency response pendant that allows them to contact staff should the need arise, and residents are welcome to bring small pets with them. The facility's kitchen prepares meals on-site from scratch, and residents can reserve a private dining room for special occasions.
Residents appreciate having a separate bedroom from their living area and say the rooms are "very nice . they're�kept up very well." Loved ones praise the condition of the facility and its upbeat atmosphere. The staff members earn special recognition and loved ones say, "Everybody is very welcoming and friendly."
One of San Antonios newest�assisted living and memory care communities, Heritage at Westover Hills offers a progressive, person-centered approach to senior living. Amenities and programs are�personalized, acknowledging each residents interests and level-of-care needs, and focuses on keeping them�involved and thriving in all aspects of social life. The daily schedule�includes a wide variety of opportunities for cultural, vocational, environmental and intergenerational pursuits. The community is thoughtfully designed to feel like a neighborhood, combining apartment-style living with tranquil courtyards, walking paths and a resident garden to encourage friendships. This holistic approach to senior wellness extends to the Traditions memory care program, which provides meaningful life engaging�activities and secure care for residents with Alzheimers and dementia, promoting feelings of comfort. Heritage at Westover Hills is a pet-friendly community.
Residents and family members appreciate the convenient location and welcoming atmosphere�of Heritage at Westover Hills. One online reviewer says, "its a wonderful, state-of-the-art facility with caring and kind employees. This place feels like a dream home.�
Discovery Village At Dominion is a sprawling campus in San Antonio with two distinct communities: an independent living neighborhood and a separate assisted living and memory�care neighborhood. Active seniors can find an array of recreational activities and high-end amenities along with elegant apartment homes and world-class dining. Seniors who require support with activities of daily living are assisted by the 24-hour professional health and wellness team while also enjoying a luxurious lifestyle that includes concierge services and daily events. For those with Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia, Discovery Village provides personalized care that celebrates small successes and focuses on strengths with the Exploration of Discovery memory care program. Nutrient-dense gourmet meals are paired with Food on the Run� for residents who frequently wander, ensuring optimal nutrition. Noncompetitive activities that are free from failure and match residents attention spans foster a sense of control and personal success that helps to restore dignity and independence.
Its not only a beautiful facility, the staff has been amazing! They have bent over backwards to adjust us to the transition. More importantly, every caregiver we have interacted with has been kind, compassionate, gentle and patient with Mom and Dad.�
Memory Care of Westover Hills is located in San Antonio, Texas, and offers memory care for seniors. Two of the goals of the facility are to maximize the functional independence of residents and to encourage them to participate in activities that foster social engagement, such as exercise classes and bingo games. Residents also participate in arts and craft classes along with spiritual and faith-based activities.The�facility features walking paths and a beauty salon along with a fitness center and billiards lounge, and spa and massage therapy are offered.
Family members of residents and visitors to the facility note that the rooms are clean and the personnel is organized and friendly. Visitors describe the facility and grounds as beautiful. One visitor said in a�review, "Beautiful facility and grounds! Excellent Management and Staff!"�Pet therapy is also offered and appreciated by family and friends of residents.
Poet's Walk is a memory care community conveniently located in the historic and culture-rich San Antonio, Texas. The community is proud of its commitment to caring for those with dementia, and believes in a holistic approach to care, with a focus on one-on-one attention. They strive to make each senior feel as though they are a respected member of the family,with an emphasis on connection, comfort, and caring. Residents participate in life enrichment activities designed to engage all stages of memory loss, ensuring a warm and safe environment. The community welcomes families as an important part of residents lives to ensure a smooth transition and continued support during their stay.
A daughter mentioned through an online review that the system at Poets Walk allows the staff to identify the memory care needs of the residents. Another relative noticed�that her mom's life has�a purpose�again�since she's�having fun with new friends she met at the community. Another reviewer appreciates�the facility's designated Family Ambassador, whom they can easily contact for information and updates regarding their loved one.
Nestled in the verdant hill country north of San Antonio, Sodalis at Garden Ridge is an intimate, homelike facility for seniors seeking assisted living and memory care services. The community is intentionally small to facilitate a very personalized, dignified experience for residents. The laid-back country setting offers lush lawns, mature shade trees and plentiful wildlife viewing opportunities. Residents enjoy spacious private rooms and baths. They share large communal spaces, including a living room with fireplace, dining room, patio and exercise area. A high staff-to-resident ratio and 24-hour support ensures residents with dementia�receive attentive, compassionate care. An innovative exercise and wellness program combines with technology enhancement programs and a specialized culinary program to help keep memory care residents physically active, mentally stimulated and nourished with mind-healthy recipes. An enthusiastic full-time engagement director orchestrates bridge and bingo games, live music and entertainment, dancing and walking clubs.
Clean� and comfortable� are words frequently used to describe Sodalis at Garden Ridge. Families appreciate the warm, homey environment and the peaceful country setting. One reviewer wrote, My mom is in Sodalis. It's very good, and we like it. Everybody is super nice and seems to really care about the residents.�
Sodalis�at Stone Oak is a smaller, people-focused community providing 24-hour assisted living and memory care as well as short-term respite care in an elegant�yet comfortable setting. Its intimate size is coupled with a�high staff-to-resident ratio and a compassionate, intelligent staff that aims to give skilled, highly personalized care�suited to each resident's specific needs. Memory care residents enjoy intentionally-designed, attractive and secure outdoor spaces with brightly cushioned chairs and sunny indoor community�gathering rooms.�Residents' unique interests inspire daily activities�facilitated by the full-time engagement director that�include�walking clubs, live music and memory enhancement programming. The internet cafe, bar area and luxurious living room provide ample space for socializing, and a culinary team serves flavorful, nutritious meals in the tastefully decorated�dining room.
Reviewers praise Sodalis�at Stone Oak's�kind,�accommodating�staff and excellent food. One�resident's family member says, "From day one the entire staff has been there to help and assist with any special needs or accommodations. The food has been exceptional, and they've worked with us on the special diet needs (no seasonings). We are thankful every day that we found this home for our loved one."
Stone Oak Care Center is located by North Central Baptist Hospital in northern San Antonio. It places an emphasis on social bonds and offers several activities to further them, including arts and crafts, bowling, gardening and outings in the community. The facility provides Wi-Fi to help residents stay connected, and several amenities encourage socialization, including an ice cream parlor, a gazebo with a pond and a gym designed for senior citizens. Residents have the option of enjoying meals in the privacy of their rooms or in the dining area, and meals are prepared in accordance�with both local cuisine and residents' preferences.
Residents and loved ones appreciate Stone Oak's senior-friendly atmosphere, which includes wide hallways and an emphasis on cleanliness. Staff members earn praise for their treatment of residents and are described as "nothing but caring and compassionate." One reviewer notes, "They cared for our father as if he was a member of their own family."
The Forum at Lincoln Heights is a full-service Five Star Senior Living facility emphasizing quality of life and engagement through unique, well-run�activities, 16 acres of manicured grounds with numerous lifestyle amenities�and a Bridge to Rediscovery Montessori-based memory care program. The program's focus is to provide individualized attention for each resident, and to utilize recreational and occupational therapy to keep them engaged.�Residents can also enjoy the on-site amenities ��they can view films in the theater, get a manicure in the beauty salon or�participate in a beer brewing, sign language or bible study class. In the large, upscale dining room, a�culinary team serves meals that incorporate fresh, healthy ingredients and recipes designed by celebrity Executive Chef Brad Miller.
Reviewers rave about The Forum at Lincoln Heights caring staff and excellent food. One family member writes, "The staff is proactive, highly responsive and always ready to help. I get questions answered quickly and my family member looks younger and healthier. I have lunch there nearly every Sunday and have yet to experience a bad or even mediocre meal."