Best Memory Care in San Mateo, CA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 5 memory care communities in San Mateo, CA using CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank memory care in CA
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Last updated
We analyzed These are the facilities in San Mateo, CA our team has analyzed — not a count of every memory care provider in San Mateo, CA.
5 homes
Other senior care options in San Mateo:

Video Tour: Top-rated Memory Care facilities in San Mateo, California.

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Avg Walk Score: 72/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in San Mateo, CA. A third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100) measuring convenience and context, not healthcare quality. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 50/ 100
Avg No. of Beds: 89The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in San Mateo, CA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Memory Care around San Mateo

Info below is compiled from the CA Dept. of Social Services (CDSS), senior community websites & trusted data sources such as Walk Score & BBB.

Communities are listed from highest to lowest based on our ranking methodology.

Care Types in This Table AL (Assisted Living): Housing with help for daily activities like bathing, dressing, and medication, without 24-hour skilled nursing. MC (Memory Care): Secured, specialized care for people living with Alzheimer's or dementia. RC (Respite Care): Short-term temporary care that gives family caregivers a break. RESC (Residential Care): Personal care and daily-living support in a smaller, more intimate residential setting. IL (Independent Living): Community living with dining, activities, and transportation for active seniors who need little personal care. HC (Home Care): Professional care delivered in the person's own home, from companionship to skilled nursing. HOS (Hospice Care): Comfort-focused care for those with a terminal illness, prioritizing quality of life over treatment. PC (Palliative Care): Comfort-focused care for serious illness at any stage, including alongside curative treatment.
City and state of the facility. Used for mapping and state-average comparisons.
Licensed bed capacity (maximum allowed). Not the same as how many beds are currently filled.
Indicates whether residents are allowed to have pets in the facility.
Third-party neighborhood walkability score (0–100). Convenience/context metric, not a healthcare quality measure.
A composite 0–100 score combining this facility's inspections, citations, complaints, and enforcement actions relative to the California state average. See the benchmark below for the typical California score; higher is better. This is a proprietary Assisted Living Magazine score.
Count of regulatory inspections in the reporting window. Higher volume can reflect more oversight visits, complaint-driven surveys, or routine licensure cycles.
Visits or investigations linked to complaints, as counted in the state record (may differ from routine annual surveys).
Count of California state "Type A" citations — the state's most serious citation category (immediate or serious harm to residents), from California state inspection data.
Number of years the company has been in operation.
Reported or derived occupancy for the facility—typically how fully licensed capacity is utilized. Compare across peers in the same market.
Better Business Bureau grade for the operating company. Reflects complaint handling and business practices, not clinical care quality.
Name of the licensed owner, operator, or managing entity as filed with the state. Useful for grouping facilities under the same organization.
Housing or bed configuration options (e.g. studio, shared), often from facility-reported amenities and licensing details.
Sunrise of San Mateo
MC
AL
San Mateo (Central San Mateo)
85
Facility 85
CA AVG 103
Rank #879 / 1,645
Yes
88
Facility 88
CA AVG 59
Rank #218 / 2,057
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 81
Rank #649 / 1,474
9
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 13
Rank #442 / 1,387
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #898 / 1,433
25
Facility 25
CA AVG 13
Rank #268 / 1,505
78.8% -Szr San Mateo LLC And Sunrise Senior Living MgtStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
B&B Residential Facilities, Inc.
MC
AL
HOS
PC
RESC
RC
San Mateo (South San Mateo)
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 103
Rank #1,317 / 1,645
Yes
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 59
Rank #267 / 2,057
95
Facility 95
CA AVG 81
Rank #124 / 1,474
3
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 13
Rank #210 / 1,387
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1,433
35
Facility 35
CA AVG 13
Rank #67 / 1,505
100.0% -B & B Residential Facilities, Inc-
Atria Park of San Mateo
MC
AL
IL
San Mateo (East San Mateo)
175
Facility 175
CA AVG 103
Rank #233 / 1,645
Yes
70
Facility 70
CA AVG 59
Rank #739 / 2,057
61
Facility 61
CA AVG 81
Rank #1,324 / 1,474
53
27
Facility 27
CA AVG 13
Rank #1,224 / 1,387
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 3
Rank #1,309 / 1,433
25
Facility 25
CA AVG 13
Rank #268 / 1,505
42.3% -Wg Hillsdale Sh LP And Atria Management Co LLCStudio / 1 Bed
StarLight CareGivers, Inc.
MC
HC
RC
Los Altos (North Los Altos)
-No
92
Facility 92
CA AVG 59
Rank #137 / 2,057
----
13
Facility 13
CA AVG 13
Rank #565 / 1,505
-A+-Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
Sage Eldercare Solutions
MC
HC
Millbrae
-No
22
Facility 22
CA AVG 59
Rank #1,825 / 2,057
--------Private Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms

Rank badges are statewide: each community is ranked against every CA community we track that reports that metric, not just the 5 analyzed for San Mateo.

Overview of Sunrise of San Mateo

Operated by SZR San Mateo LLC and Sunrise Senior Living Mgt, Sunrise of San Mateo is a senior living community in the Central San Mateo neighborhood of San Mateo, California. Liza Hix serves as the administrator. The community is about half a mile from downtown San Mateo and close to San Mateo Medical Center.

It has been serving residents for 25 years and is housed in a mid-rise building with 85 beds. Residents can choose from studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom residences, and the community currently operates at 79% occupancy.

The community offers assisted living, memory care, and short-term stays, giving families flexibility when choosing the level and length of care that best fits a loved one’s needs. Residents also have access to transportation services and fitness and recreation programs. Pets are welcome in the community.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 88, and it’s very walkable. Residents and visiting family can complete many errands without relying on a car.

State inspections have addressed a variety of topics over time, including medication storage, staff background clearance procedures, emergency supply preparedness, and standards related to personal care and hygiene. Some findings were substantiated while others were not. The community has addressed the issues identified during the review process.

Contact Sunrise of San Mateo

Overview of B&b Residential Facilities

B&B Residential Facilities, Inc. offers a nurturing haven that seamlessly blends the comfort of home with round-the-clock care and supervision in  in San Mateo, California. Within this inviting atmosphere, a heightened standard of living awaits, enriched by the proximity to a range of local conveniences including shopping centers, places of worship, local transportation, and healthcare services. Their dedicated team of caregivers, well-versed and extensively trained, also ensures that residents experience an elevated lifestyle.

Their fully furnished rooms include private bathrooms. B&B Residential Facilities takes utmost care to accommodate special dietary needs as directed by physicians, and they extend their thoughtfulness to arranging transportation for local events as well. Their commitment reaches beyond the ordinary, encompassing respite care, palliative care, and hospice care, ensuring that every facet of daily living is thoughtfully addressed. Amid this welcoming and serene environment, residents can relish a quality of life that goes beyond expectations.

Contact B&B Residential Facilities, Inc.

Overview of Atria Park of San Mateo

Situated just 20 miles south of San Francisco, Atria Park of San Mateo extends a warm welcome to San Mateo, California seniors, offering a blend of assisted living and memory care services. With a dedicated staff taking care of the driving, housekeeping, laundry, and home maintenance, residents can dedicate their time to what truly ignites their passions.

Atria Park of San Mateo stands out with its Engage Life® program, presenting many opportunities for residents to explore, create, and engage. This San Mateo, California community is tailored for active seniors seeking a dynamic lifestyle complemented by premium amenities. Nestled within the Hillsdale neighborhood along the waterfront, this community thrives on fostering connections and bringing people together, enriching the lives of its residents.

Contact Atria Park of San Mateo

Overview of StarLight CareGivers

Serving families in the North Los Altos neighborhood of Los Altos, California, StarLight CareGivers, Inc. provides memory care, home care, and respite care for older adults and individuals with disabilities. The community has supported local families for 13 years, establishing a long history of personalized care and assistance.

Care is built around individualized, 24-hour support that includes help with daily activities such as bathing and toileting. Staff also maintain regular communication with family members, helping loved ones stay informed as care needs change over time. This may appeal to families looking for a smaller, more relationship-focused setting instead of a larger institutional environment.

The community operates from a two-story building with both private and semi-private accommodations, giving residents a choice of living arrangements. Residents also have access to transportation services, fitness programs, and recreational activities to stay active and engaged in their daily routine.

The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 92, which is highly walkable. Many nearby shops, services, and everyday destinations can be reached on foot. StarLight CareGivers is also close to the Palo Alto VA Medical Center. Residents and visiting family have convenient access to nearby healthcare services.

StarLight CareGivers offers memory care, home care, and respite care in one location; families may want to ask which services are designed for long-term care needs and which are intended for short-term or temporary support.

Contact StarLight CareGivers, Inc.

Overview of Sage Eldercare Solutions

Serving families throughout the Bay Area, Sage Eldercare Solutions provides memory care and home care services in Millbrae, California. Since 2001, the community has supported older adults and individuals with disabilities through a range of care and care management services.

A multidisciplinary team of nurses, social workers, gerontologists, counseling psychologists, and activity specialists also provides care based on residents’ needs. Services include Professional Care Management, Specialized Home Care, and a Therapeutic Activity Program. For those opting for home care, dedicated care attendants assist with activities of daily living while supporting independence and quality of life.

The community has a two-story building and offers private and semi-private accommodations, providing flexibility for different needs and preferences. Transportation services, along with fitness and recreational opportunities, are also available as part of daily support.

Kaiser Permanente South San Francisco Medical Center is also located within five miles, offering convenient access to hospital services for residents and their families. The surrounding area is largely car-dependent, with limited walkable amenities nearby, making personal transportation helpful for errands and appointments.

Sage Eldercare Solutions provides a combination of care management, home care, and therapeutic programming to address a variety of needs, from coordinating community resources to providing hands-on daily assistance.

Contact Sage Eldercare Solutions

Weighting overview

  • 35%
    Resident Experience
  • 25%
    Regulatory
  • 15%
    Visual Media
  • 10%
    Website
  • 10%
    Stability
  • 5%
    Environment
01

Resident & Family Experience 35%

The single largest share of every ranking. Aggregated review sentiment and volume from major platforms — the closest signal to real resident experience.

  • Includes
  • Review Sentiment
  • Review Volume
02

Regulatory & Safety Record 25%

State inspection records, citations, and complaint visits. We weight per-inspection rates more heavily than raw counts.

  • Includes
  • State Inspections
  • Citations/Inspection
  • % Inspections w/ Citations
  • Complaint Visits
  • Accreditations
  • BBB Rating
03

Visual Media & Transparency 15%

Communities that publish high-quality visuals give families a real preview. No photos or tours = a negative transparency signal.

  • Includes
  • Video Tours
  • Virtual Walkthroughs
  • Photo Quantity
  • Photo Quality
04

Website & Operator Transparency 10%

Site quality and whether the operator publishes basic accountability information — staff names, contact details, ownership.

  • Includes
  • Website Content
  • Mobile Usability
  • Staff Info Available
  • Owner Info Available
05

Community Stability 10%

Operational signals indicating whether a community is well-run and meeting demand.

  • Includes
  • Occupancy Rate
  • Bed Options
06

Environment & Pricing 5%

Walkability and pricing transparency. Walk Score is weighted higher for Independent Living than for Memory Care, where most residents do not leave unaccompanied.

  • Includes
  • Walk Score
  • Pricing Transparency
No paid rankings Communities cannot pay to influence placement.
How we're paid: If we help you find a community and you move in, that community may pay us a referral fee. This never affects where they rank or what you pay. Learn more
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Frequently Asked Questions about Memory Care in San Mateo, CA

What is the average cost of memory care in San Mateo, CA?

The average monthly cost of memory care in San Mateo, CA is approximately $6,500. Actual rates vary by community, level of care, and floorplan.

What is the price range for memory care in San Mateo, CA?

Memory care in San Mateo, CA typically ranges from $5,000–$8,000 per month, depending on the community, room type, and care needs.

What is the typical staff-to-resident ratio at memory care communities in San Mateo, CA?

Memory care communities in San Mateo, CA typically operate with a staff-to-resident ratio in the range of 1:5–1:8.

What's the difference between assisted living and memory care in California?

Assisted living in California supports residents with daily activities (bathing, dressing, medication management) while preserving independence. Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's or dementia, and adds 24/7 secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and structured routines designed to reduce confusion and wandering.

Does California Medicaid cover memory care?

California Medicaid does not directly pay room-and-board for memory care, but most states (including California) offer Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers that can offset the cost of care services delivered inside a licensed community. Eligibility, waitlists, and covered services vary — check directly with the state Medicaid agency.

What is memory care?

Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living for residents living with Alzheimer's disease or other forms of dementia, with secured environments, dementia-trained staff, and routines built to reduce confusion and wandering.

How many memory care communities are listed on this page?

This page features 5 memory care communities in San Mateo, CA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.