Other senior care options in Santa Barbara:

Best Memory Care in Santa Barbara, CA

Why trust this guide? Our editorial team analyzed 12 memory care communities in Santa Barbara, CA using California Department of Social Services (CDSS) data, inspection records, complaints, amenities, and facility-level details. How we rank memory care in CA
Reviewed by
Last updated
Jul 2026
We analyzed
12 homes
Other senior care options in Santa Barbara:

Video Tour: Top-rated Memory Care facilities in Santa Barbara, California.

Watch this Video to see Santa Barbara's Top-rated Senior Communities
Avg Walk Score: 52/ 100The average Walk Score across facilities in Santa Barbara, 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: 122The average licensed bed capacity across facilities in Santa Barbara, CA. Individual facilities can vary widely from this average.
National Average: 90

Compare Memory Care around Santa Barbara (Metro Area)

The information below is reported by the California Department of Social Services and Department of Public Health.

Covenant Living at the Samarkand
MC
AL
NH
SNF
Santa Barbara (Samarkand)
379
Facility 379
CA AVG 104
Rank #31 / 1648
No
50
Facility 50
CA AVG 57
Rank #1343 / 2087
90
Facility 90
CA AVG 81
Rank #398 / 1399
6
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 13
Rank #210 / 1388
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 3
Rank #599 / 1160
33
Facility 33
CA AVG 13
Rank #92 / 1494
85.2% A+Covenant Living West-
Heritage House
MC
AL
Santa Barbara (Goleta)
68
Facility 68
CA AVG 104
Rank #1013 / 1648
No
67
Facility 67
CA AVG 57
Rank #829 / 2087
96
Facility 96
CA AVG 81
Rank #1 / 1399
5
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 13
Rank #1 / 1388
0
Facility 0
CA AVG 3
Rank #1 / 1160
23
Facility 23
CA AVG 13
Rank #292 / 1494
85.3% -Heritage House GroupPrivate Rooms
Vista Del Monte Retirement Community
MC
AL
IL
Santa Barbara (Hidden Valley)
266
Facility 266
CA AVG 104
Rank #74 / 1648
Yes
18
Facility 18
CA AVG 57
Rank #1869 / 2087
91
Facility 91
CA AVG 81
Rank #355 / 1399
37
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #324 / 1388
1
Facility 1
CA AVG 3
Rank #412 / 1160
28
Facility 28
CA AVG 13
Rank #159 / 1494
75.6% A+Walgenbach, Brian & Gill, DougStudio / 1 Bed / 2 Bed
Casa Dorinda
MC
AL
NH
SNF
Santa Barbara
360
Facility 360
CA AVG 104
Rank #34 / 1648
No
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 57
Rank #2039 / 2087
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 81
Rank #630 / 1399
5
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #525 / 1388
-
32
Facility 32
CA AVG 13
Rank #108 / 1494
85.3% -Montecito Retirement Association-
Villa Alamar
MC
Santa Barbara (North State)
43
Facility 43
CA AVG 104
Rank #1183 / 1648
No
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 57
Rank #267 / 2087
82
Facility 82
CA AVG 81
Rank #792 / 1399
9
2
Facility 2
CA AVG 13
Rank #324 / 1388
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #829 / 1160
30
Facility 30
CA AVG 13
Rank #133 / 1494
60.5% -Gl And Vl 2, LLC, Gp Of G And V 2 LP-
Alexander Gardens
MC
AL
Santa Barbara (Upper East)
36
Facility 36
CA AVG 104
Rank #1230 / 1648
No
64
Facility 64
CA AVG 57
Rank #922 / 2087
86
Facility 86
CA AVG 81
Rank #630 / 1399
7
5
Facility 5
CA AVG 13
Rank #588 / 1388
3
Facility 3
CA AVG 3
Rank #753 / 1160
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #667 / 1494
63.9% -Gl And Vl LLCPrivate Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
Mission Villa
MC
AL
HOS
RESC
Santa Barbara (Oak Park)
15
Facility 15
CA AVG 104
Rank #1288 / 1648
No
73
Facility 73
CA AVG 57
Rank #641 / 2087
72
Facility 72
CA AVG 81
Rank #1050 / 1399
9
9
Facility 9
CA AVG 13
Rank #809 / 1388
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 3
Rank #829 / 1160
4
Facility 4
CA AVG 13
Rank #1108 / 1494
80.0% A+Universal Bond, LLCPrivate Rooms / Semi-Private Rooms
Maravilla
MC
AL
IL
Santa Barbara (Calle Real)
131
Facility 131
CA AVG 104
Rank #482 / 1648
Yes
42
Facility 42
CA AVG 57
Rank #1523 / 2087
67
Facility 67
CA AVG 81
Rank #1155 / 1399
12
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #845 / 1388
7
Facility 7
CA AVG 3
Rank #984 / 1160
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 13
Rank #614 / 1494
95.4% -Maravilla Subtenant LLC And Srg Managment LLC1 Bed / 2 Bed
Westmont of Santa Barbara
MC
AL
IL
Goleta
99
Facility 99
CA AVG 104
Rank #726 / 1648
Yes
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 57
Rank #1793 / 2087
59
Facility 59
CA AVG 81
Rank #1300 / 1399
23
24
Facility 24
CA AVG 13
Rank #1182 / 1388
18
Facility 18
CA AVG 3
Rank #1129 / 1160
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #746 / 1494
72.7% A-Mariposa Mgr Gp Of Mariposa Oper And Westmont LivingStudio / 1 Bed
Oak Cottage of Santa Barbara
MC
Santa Barbara (Oak Park)
50
Facility 50
CA AVG 104
Rank #1126 / 1648
No
75
Facility 75
CA AVG 57
Rank #562 / 2087
67
Facility 67
CA AVG 81
Rank #1155 / 1399
10
10
Facility 10
CA AVG 13
Rank #845 / 1388
11
Facility 11
CA AVG 3
Rank #1070 / 1160
8
Facility 8
CA AVG 13
Rank #746 / 1494
64.0% -Oak Cottage Operator Nt Hci LLC And Integral Sl MgmtStudio / Suite
Overview of Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Covenant Living at the Samarkand is a senior living community that mainly provides services for residential living, assisted living, and skilled nursing seniors. The senior living community is dedicated to empowering all residents to live on their terms. The resort-like community boasts a relaxing and calming experience for its residents because it allows them to choose a lifestyle that matches their needs independently.
The Covenant Senior Living lifestyle is all about convenience and individuality. Many of their amenities and services are designed to ensure that a resident’s needs are met and satisfied. These include a library, wellness center, courtyard, and garden, and an arts and crafts studio, while services include housekeeping, laundry, and transportation.

Contact Covenant Living at the Samarkand

Heritage House

5200 Hollister Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Overview of Heritage House

Operated by Heritage House Group, Heritage House is an assisted living and memory care community in the Goleta area of Santa Barbara, California. Alejandra Nunez serves as the administrator. The two-story community is about 8.5 miles from downtown Santa Barbara. It offers 68 beds with private rooms and has served residents for 23 years.

The community currently has 58 residents, with an occupancy rate of about 85%. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 67, which is moderately walkable. Some nearby shops and services can be reached on foot, but other errands and outings require a short drive.

Meals are prepared by an on-site culinary team and served in a pub, café, and dining room, giving residents several places to dine and socialize. Shared amenities include a ballroom, billiards lounge, fitness centre, computer and media centre, and a fireplace lounge. Residents also have access to wheelchair-accessible showers, kitchenettes, and ground-floor accommodation.

Alongside assisted living, Heritage House provides specialized memory care for residents living with memory loss. Recreational and social programmes are available across both care settings. Transportation services help residents attend appointments and local outings.

State inspections by California regulators have consistently found the community free of deficiencies. Reviews noted well-maintained facilities, strong fire safety practices, and accurate staff and medication records. Families touring Heritage House should ask how the memory care program is staffed.

Contact Heritage House

Overview of Vista Del Monte Retirement Community

Vista Del Monte is a cozy, comfortable, and oasis-like home with quality service. Offering independent living, assisted living, and memory care services, residents continue to maintain their individuality. Vista Del Monte is undeniably a place where seniors belong to live on their terms. Seniors will discover an elevated lifestyle in its elegant and gracious approach to modern-day senior living.

As a member of the Front Porch group, a not-for-profit organization, it provides philanthropic support for its seniors to gain a wonderful experience during their stay. They also offer their exclusive Humanly Possible® program that focuses on the holistic wellness of its residents in a positive, person-centered approach to individual growth.

Contact Vista Del Monte Retirement Community

Overview of Divine Care for the Elderly

Divine Care for the Elderly is an astounding senior living community located in Frances Street, Santa Barbara, CA providing 24-hour care, Personal Care, Recreational Activities, and Meal Preparation for seniors. The community focuses on individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. The community provides dedicated care professionals round-the-clock to assist with their needs to ensure the seniors receive the high-quality care they deserve.

Divine Care for the Elderly promotes a warm and friendly environment to ensure the comfort of its residents. The community also conducts brain-stimulating activities to keep the seniors socially and mentally active. For the residents’ dietary restrictions and preferences, healthy and delicious meals are served daily.

Contact Divine Care For The Elderly

Casa Dorinda

300 Hot Springs Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93108
Overview of Casa Dorinda

Casa Dorinda is a nursing home in Santa Barbara, California. It’s located on Hot Springs Road in a quiet, car-dependent area outside the city center. Medicare and private pay are welcome, so families have different coverage options. Owned by Ramona Clark, the community is operated by the Montecito Retirement Association under Brian Mccague’s administration.

The home is a substantial community with 360 beds, currently at 70 percent occupancy with 251 residents. After operating for over three decades, the community has built a stable resident population with an average stay length of 126 days, reflecting a mix of short-term rehabilitation stays and longer-term nursing care. Casa Dorinda employs a full clinical team, with total nursing care averaging nearly 6 hours per resident day, supported by a mix of registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and nurse aides. Daily life centers on structured meals and recreation. The kitchen prepares three fresh-made meals per day, with special events like Sunday Champagne Brunch and holiday celebrations in the calendar. Residents can partake in cultural events, arts and crafts, fitness classes at an on-site gym, and nature walks that get people outside when the weather permits.

For residents working on recovery post-hospital stays or injury, Casa Dorinda supports rehabilitation services. A fitness center and gym exist for residents wanting to maintain strength and mobility, and housekeeping services keep the building tidy and orderly. Families evaluating Casa Dorinda should take time to tour the home and meet the care team, so that a real sense of the daily environment and the care pacing is felt and perceived.

Contact Casa Dorinda

Overview of Abundant Care

Abundant Care is a boutique-style Santa Barbara community offering memory care support. The elegant community gives off a homelike atmosphere for residents to feel a sense of belonging in a community they found. Abundant Care provides endless opportunities for seniors to discover their new home.
Community accommodations are designed and created to maximize every feature for an enhanced living. The staff encourages an active lifestyle, providing activities that include outings and programs while experiencing state-of-the-art amenities. The well-trained nursing staff helps the residents fulfill their wellness, safety, and security.

Contact Abundant Care

Villa Alamar

45 E Alamar Ave, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Overview of Villa Alamar

Villa Alamar, located in Santa Barbara, CA, is a memory care community offering quality care services for their senior residents living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Their highly skilled staff ensures each residents wellness by providing personalized care through a variety of services including cognitive stimulation and social activities, assistance with daily living activities as well as medication management. This unique community is the last independently owned memory care provider on Santa Barbara’s Upper East Side
Additionally, this senior living community also provides residents with eating and dietary support monitoring by ensuring that they receive balanced and nutritious meals, daily. Furthermore, incontinence support and monitoring, beauty services, and laundry and linen services are also provided, to support the residents’ need of a hygienic living environment, where they can all thrive with dignity.

Contact Villa Alamar

Alexander Gardens

2120 Santa Barbara St, Santa Barbara, CA 93105
Overview of Alexander Gardens

Alexander Gardens Assisted Living proudly provides a home-like environment where its residents are treated like family. Residential living heeds a lifestyle of comfort. The community is where seniors thrive and retire gracefully thanks to the genuine support and care from a team of professionals. The assisted living home promotes a villa-type setting balanced with a permanent vacation feeling that can inspire residential living. This unique community is the last independently owned provider on Santa Barbara’s Upper East Side.

One of Santa Barbara’s most trusted communities, Alexander Gardens practices a person-centered approach, providing a reliable environment through maintenance-free services, housekeeping services, comfortable common spaces, and delicious dining experiences. They boast their highly trained care staff, spacious apartments, and a list of calendar-filled activities for an engaging and enriching experience during their stay.

Contact Alexander Gardens

Mission Villa

321 W Mission St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Overview of Mission Villa

Operated by Universal Bond, LLC, Mission Villa is a senior living community in the Oak Park neighborhood of Santa Barbara, California. Gerr serves as the administrator. The community offers assisted living, memory care, residential care, and hospice care in one location. The single-story building has 15 beds with private and semi-private rooms and has served residents for four years. It currently operates at about 80% occupancy.

Mission Villa is less than one-third of a mile from Pueblo Care Complex and about 1.25 miles from downtown Santa Barbara. Residents and families have convenient access to nearby medical care and local amenities. The neighborhood has a Walk Score of 73, which is very walkable. Many everyday errands are within walking distance.

Residents have access to transportation services along with fitness and recreation programs that support an active lifestyle. It’s easier to attend appointments and outings without relying on family for every trip.

State inspections in California have generally described the community as clean and well-maintained. Reviews have mainly focused on recordkeeping, staffing, and the management of daily resident care. More recent complaint investigations did not substantiate the reported concerns. Families touring Mission Villa may want to ask how these areas are managed as part of the community’s daily operations.

Contact Mission Villa

Maravilla

5486 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93111
Overview of Maravilla

Managed by Senior Resource Group, Maravilla is a senior living community in Santa Barbara, California. It offers assisted living, independent living, and memory care. The community is operated by Maravilla Subtenant LLC and SRG Management LLC, with Ruth E. Grande serving as the administrator.

The three-story community has 131 beds. It offers suites along with one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom residences. Maravilla has served residents for 11 years. Currently, it has an occupancy rate of 95%, which shows residents and families have a steady home here.

Resident services include beauty services, housekeeping, transportation, a swimming pool, fitness and recreation programs, and a variety of social activities. The community also offers the Zest Wellness fitness and wellbeing program, the Dine Your Way dining program and the broader SyneRGy wellness initiative. The Walk Score for the neighborhood is 42, so it’s somewhat walkable. You can walk to a few places nearby, but for most trips and errands, you’ll need a car.

State inspections have mainly focused on staff training, communication, building safety systems, and the timely delivery of care, including mobility assistance and family communication. Earlier inspections also identified a caregiver background check issue that was later corrected. Families touring Maravilla may want to ask how these areas are monitored as part of the community’s daily operations.

Contact Maravilla

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.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Memory Care in Santa Barbara, CA

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 12 memory care communities in Santa Barbara, CA. Use the filters and comparison tools above to compare ratings, amenities, and pricing.

How do I choose the right memory care community in Santa Barbara, CA?

Start by matching the level of care offered to the resident's current and anticipated needs, then compare licensing status, staff-to-resident ratios, recent inspection results, and pricing. Tour at least two or three communities in Santa Barbara, CA, talk to current residents and families, and confirm what is included in the base rate versus billed as add-on services.

What should I look for when visiting memory care communities in Santa Barbara, CA?

Pay attention to staff interactions with residents, cleanliness and odor, food quality at meal times, the activity calendar, and how questions about pricing and care plans are answered. Ask to see the most recent state inspection report, the move-out / level-of-care-change policy, and a sample monthly bill that lists every fee.