Memory Care at Hillcrest: Comfort, Connection and Continuity.
At Hillcrest, we walk alongside one another through all of life’s seasons. When memory changes arise, we offer compassionate support designed to honor each person’s story while easing the challenges that can come with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia.
Southwoods Lodge, our dedicated memory care neighborhood, is nestled within our La Verne campus. It’s a welcoming, residential space where individuals live with dignity, surrounded by familiar comforts, caring team members and a steady rhythm of meaningful activity. For those already part of Hillcrest’s residential or assisted living neighborhoods, memory care may be the next logical step when needs change. On occasion, openings are also available to the greater La Verne community, but for the most part, memory care is reserved for residents who are already part of our community.
A Calming Space that Feels like Home.
Southwoods Lodge is intentionally small—just 24 private and semi-private rooms—each with its own bathroom and space for favorite furniture and keepsakes. It’s an environment designed to help ease anxiety and bring comfort through routine and familiarity.
Shared Spaces Invite Connection:
- A country-style kitchen encourages helping with everyday activities like preparing a snack or sitting down for a shared meal.
- A cozy living room offers space to relax or spend time with visiting friends and family.
- Two secure, flower-filled gardens provide safe access to fresh air, sunshine and moments of calm among the greenery.
Our residence is also filled with natural light—an important element in supporting restful sleep and a sense of day/night rhythm. Bright, welcoming spaces help promote well-being and ease late-day confusion.
A Great Option for Couples.
When one spouse lives with dementia, the other often becomes the caregiver. When that becomes too much, Hillcrest offers a way forward. Couples can live on the same campus, just steps apart—staying connected while each receives the care they need. Shared meals, walks, and everyday moments continue, with added peace of mind for both.
Support That’s Thoughtful and Personalized.
Hillcrest’s approach to memory care is grounded in respect. Each resident is seen as a whole person and every care plan reflects individual preferences, routines and needs. Trained team members provide around-the-clock assistance with daily activities, medication management and personal care—all delivered with warmth and patience.
We also offer a range of therapeutic activities that help spark joy, reduce agitation and nurture connection:
Occupational Therapy
Encourages residents to engage in familiar routines and purposeful tasks, such as folding laundry or setting a table. These familiar motions strengthen motor coordination and help reinforce cognitive patterns. For someone you love, these simple, everyday tasks can provide a reassuring sense of purpose, dignity and connection to who they’ve always been.
Music Therapy
Taps into emotional memory by using familiar songs and rhythms to evoke positive feelings and connection. Singing, listening or even gentle movement to music can reduce agitation, improve mood and spark joy. This can be especially powerful for a loved one who responds more to music than words, helping them feel more at ease and emotionally engaged.
Pet Therapy
Animal visits bring joy and calmness through gentle, nonverbal connection. Simply spending time with or petting a dog or cat can ease anxiety, lower stress, decrease feelings of loneliness and even lower blood pressure. These quiet moments of companionship can offer your loved one comfort and warmth, especially if they’ve always cherished animals.
Art Therapy
Offers a creative outlet for expression. Painting, drawing and working with texture allows residents to explore emotions and find personal joy in the creative process, no matter their skill level. Whether or not your loved one has an artistic background, this kind of engagement encourages self-expression and brings joy in the moment.
Natural Daylight Exposure
Bright, light-filled common areas and resident rooms help regulate circadian rhythms, which can improve sleep patterns and reduce late-day confusion (commonly known as sundowning). A well-lit environment supports alertness during the day and encourages restful nights. Time spent outdoors and exposure to natural daylight can help your loved one feel more balanced, calm and in tune with a healthy daily rhythm.
A Community You Know—Care You Can Trust.
Being part of the Hillcrest community means support is always close by. For residents of residential or assisted living, Southwoods Lodge offers continuity of care in a familiar setting. For those seeking care from outside our community, we welcome inquiries when space allows.
Our memory care team walks with each resident and their loved ones, offering knowledge, kindness and reassurance along the way.
Services Included in the Monthly Rate:
- 24-hour care team and health observation
- Assistance with bathing, dressing, grooming and hygiene
- Medication management and coordination
- Three home-cooked meals per day and snacks
- Weekly linen and housekeeping service
- Supervised activities and therapeutic engagement
- Secure outdoor access and common areas
- Transportation coordination for medical appointments
- All utilities, except telephone
- Enhanced cable television
- Emergency response and 24-hour security
- On-site beauty salon and barbershop (additional fee)
Helpful Terms & Phrases.
Memory Care
Memory care provides 24-hour specialized support for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia, with services designed to promote safety, dignity and quality of life.
Assisted Living
Assisted living provides housing, meals and personal care support for individuals who need help with daily activities while maintaining as much independence as possible.
Let’s Take the Next Step Together.
If you or someone you care about is beginning to need memory care, we’re here to help. We invite you to learn more, schedule a visit or speak with a member of our team.
Please note: Memory care apartments are primarily reserved for permanent residents currently living at Hillcrest. Call us at (657) 279-4495 for more information or use the form to check availability.
DSS: #191501662 and COA: #069
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