I placed my dad here and I'm very pleased - the staff are warm, attentive and made him feel special from his nervous first day. The small, home-like community is clean, safe and active (great meals, lovely courtyards, lots of activities), and administration and nurses communicate clearly and support out-of-state families with video chats. Their dementia care is thoughtful and personal; I'm grateful for the compassionate, professional care and peace of mind.
Loved one of resident
Jul 2026
Pricing
Prices shown are estimates and subject to change. Contact your senior living advisor for current pricing.
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Amenities
Healthcare services
Activities of daily living assistance
Assistance with bathing
Assistance with dressing
Assistance with transfers
Coordination with health care providers
Hospice waiver
Medication management
Mental wellness program
Healthcare staffing
24-hour call system
24-hour supervision
Meals and dining
Diabetes diet
Meal preparation and service
Special dietary restrictions
Room
Cable
Fully furnished
Housekeeping and linen services
Kitchenettes
Telephone
Wifi
Memory care community services
Dementia waiver
Mild cognitive impairment
Specialized memory care programming
Transportation
Transportation arrangement (medical)
Transportation to doctors appointments
Common areas
Beauty salon
Dining room
Garden
Outdoor space
Community services
Move-in coordination
Activities
Community-sponsored activities
Resident-run activities
Scheduled daily activities
Reviews
4.54·(89)
Overall rating
5
4
3
2
1
Care
4.7
Staff
4.6
Meals
4.5
Amenities
3.8
Value
3.1
Pros
Compassionate, attentive caregiving staff
Knowledgeable leadership and nursing oversight
Small, home-like setting with personalized attention
Chef-prepared meals and social dining
Engaging activities program including live music and outings
Secure, single-level layout with enclosed courtyards
Private rooms with individualized care plans
24-hour care availability
Clean, bright common areas and outdoor spaces
Helpful move-in guidance and informative tours
Active family-connection support (video chats, appointment updates)
Dementia-focused expertise and steady staff continuity
Cons
Inconsistent staff responsiveness and variable care quality
Gaps in family communication and follow-up processes
Financial-accounting and reimbursement process weaknesses
Insufficient personal-item security and property controls
Evening and night staffing limitations
Aging building systems and dated interior areas
Limited private-bathroom availability in some rooms
Ongoing renovation-related disruptions
Unclear fee structure and occasional unexpected charges
Summary of reviews
Overall impression: The facility is characterized by a small, home-like environment and a caregiving team that many families describe as compassionate, patient, and resident-focused. Strengths frequently cited include attentive direct care, dementia-specific knowledge among leadership and nursing staff, comprehensive 24-hour coverage, and the benefits of a single-level layout with enclosed courtyards that support safe mobility. The community emphasizes social dining with chef-prepared meals and maintains an active calendar of activities — live music, outings, crafts, and celebrations — that contribute to resident engagement and social connection.
Care and staff: Care quality is generally described as warm and person-centered, with staff who know residents by name and who provide emotional support during transitions. Leadership and clinical oversight are highlighted as professional and informative, and several accounts note effective coordination with families for appointments and health updates. However, families should be aware of variability in day-to-day responsiveness: reviewers indicate that while some team members consistently go above and beyond, others are perceived as unavailable or slow to respond. Evening and night coverage is a specific operational area where staffing constraints have been mentioned.
Dining and activities: Dining is a clear asset — meals are described as well-prepared, social, and varied, with mentions of favorite dishes and chef-led menus. The activity program appears robust for a small community, offering frequent events, music, outings, and opportunities for one-on-one attention. These programs support resident mood and family satisfaction, and administrative communication about activities (newsletters, calendars) is noted as helpful.
Facilities and environment: The single-level layout, private rooms, indoor common areas, and two courtyards create a secure and navigable environment well-suited to memory-care needs. Many reviewers praise cleanliness and the inviting atmosphere. That said, the building shows signs of age in places: some areas are described as dim or in need of updating, renovations are ongoing, and certain rooms lack private bathrooms or have shared fixtures while showers are under construction. The facility uses secured entry/locked doors for safety, which some families appreciate and a few find institutional in feel.
Management, billing, and policies: Admissions and move-in support are generally seen as smooth and well-guided, with staff assisting paperwork and transition. At the same time, there are consistent concerns about financial and administrative processes: delayed reimbursements, unclear fee adjustments, and billing/accounting practices that families found difficult to resolve. There are also operational weaknesses around personal-item security and property controls, including allegations of missing belongings; prospective families should seek clear written policies on belongings, inventory, and refunds.
Notable patterns and guidance for families: The dominant positive themes are compassionate caregiving, a small-community atmosphere, good food, and active programming tailored to memory-care residents. The dominant cautions are variability in responsiveness and staffing consistency, administrative and billing process opacity, and some infrastructure limitations related to older construction and ongoing renovation. Prospective residents and families would benefit from discussing specific expectations during a tour: confirm evening/night staffing levels, private-bathroom availability, item-security procedures, billing and refund policies, and communication protocols for medical updates. Doing so can help align expectations with the facility’s strengths and address operational areas that families have identified for improvement.
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Location
Santa Barbara Memory Care is located at 325 W Islay St, Santa Barbara, CA, 93101.
About Santa Barbara Memory Care
Santa Barbara Memory Care sits in a quiet neighborhood near Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital and local medical offices, which can make trips to the doctor easy for residents. The facility mainly serves those with Alzheimer's disease and other kinds of dementia, with both Memory Care and Respite Care options. What stands out is the Legacies memory care program, which uses personal approaches like art and pet therapy, a Music and Memory program, and various activities such as yoga, fitness classes, gardening, and arts and crafts, so residents have regular ways to keep busy and active. Staff stay on site 24/7 and watch over everyone to keep them safe, using security measures like a gated property, wander alert systems, and bracelets that sound alarms if a resident tries to leave an unsafe area. They help with everyday needs, from bathing and getting dressed to handling medications, and they're trained to handle behavioral and wandering issues too. Both doctors and nurses are available if someone needs medical attention, and there's always someone there to help with things like insulin shots or extra medical needs.
The community itself feels homey and never like a hospital. Both private and semi-private rooms are available, each with emergency alert systems, cable TV, individually controlled thermostats, private bathrooms, and easy ways to get around. Housekeeping, laundry, and linen services are done every week, and meals are served three times a day in a restaurant-style dining room, giving people choices for their diets, whether that means low salt, gluten free, organic, or something else, and snacks are always nearby. Pets are welcome, including dogs and cats, and there's even help for taking care of them.
Residents can take part in all sorts of programs from karaoke, art classes, cooking classes, and intergenerational events to stretching, chair yoga, and trips outside of the community. There are outdoor gardens, courtyards, community lounges for relaxing, and even beautician and hospice care services if needed. Santa Barbara Memory Care makes it easy for families to keep in touch through video chats too. Transportation is available for appointments, errands, shopping, or just getting out for a bit.
For those staying only a short while, respite care is an option, letting people recover or give caregivers a break. The staff is described as kind and attentive, always trying to keep everyone's best interests in mind, and the whole set-up aims to help people live as independently as possible while staying safe and comfortable. The community provides all the modern technology you might need, like internet, cable, and phone hookups in every room. Bible studies and other devotional services are offered both on-site and off-site, and the staff helps with things like home sale assistance or finding financial guidance for families when needed. The setting is clean, with nice touches like updated interiors, outdoor gardens, and places to sit and visit with friends or family. Santa Barbara Memory Care is licensed under state license number 425802116, and offers both studio and semi-private rooms, with pricing usually in the $3,300 to $4,300 range.
Pacifica Senior Living, a division of Pacifica Companies (family-owned since 1978), was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in San Diego, California. Operating over 90 communities across 13-14 states with concentrations in California, Florida, and Arizona, Pacifica has grown to become the 13th largest overall senior care provider in the United States. The company ranks as the 5th largest memory care provider, 10th largest assisted living provider, and 21st largest independent living provider nationally, serving thousands of residents from coast to coast through their comprehensive care offerings.
Pacifica's mission centers on creating a lifestyle of independence, security, and peace of mind for each individual and their family. The company provides personalized, compassionate care services through their signature Heartland™ Assisted Living and Legacies™ Memory Care programs, which focus on the individual while offering customized care plans that respect each resident's needs, preferences, and privacy. Their philosophy emphasizes striking a balance between assistance and independence, providing dignified and compassionate retirement experiences in environments that feel like home. Each community is managed individually, allowing for tailored support of unique resident profiles and communal character, with everything from scheduling to dining menus designed around residents' preferences.
The company's specialized memory care programs demonstrate their expertise in dementia care. Their Legacies™ Memory Care program helps patients with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of memory loss feel safe and secure while providing memory-boosting activities. The innovative Amara Memory Support program creates welcoming and empowering environments that celebrate the essence of people rather than focusing on their diagnosis. Programming encompasses nine Focus Elements of Life: Recreation, Service, Spirituality, Movement, Sensory, Household Connection, Community, Exploration, and Creative Arts, delivered through stimulating activities including gardening, culinary adventures, musical experiences, creative artistic outlets, and mindfulness practices.
Pacifica offers a comprehensive continuum of care including independent living, assisted living, memory care, respite care, skilled nursing, and adult day care services. All communities focus on promoting well-being by meeting care needs while facilitating social interactions, activities, and wellness programs. Despite recent financial challenges leading to the bankruptcy of one management entity affecting approximately 20 California facilities, the majority of Pacifica's nearly 100 communities continue operating, maintaining their commitment to advancing senior living and providing peace of mind to residents and families through warm, family-like communities where each resident receives individualized attention while maintaining dignity and independence.
People often ask...
Santa Barbara Memory Care offers competitive pricing, with rates starting at a cost of $4,200 per month.
Santa Barbara Memory Care offers assisted living and memory care.
There are 19 photos of Santa Barbara Memory Care on Mirador.
The full address for this community is 325 W Islay St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101.
No, Santa Barbara Memory Care does not offer respite care.
Respite care in assisted living communities provides temporary, short-term relief for primary caregivers by offering professional care for their loved ones. It allows individuals to stay in an assisted living community for a limited time, giving caregivers a break while ensuring residents receive necessary support and assistance with daily activities.
Safety & Compliance
In California, the Department of Social Services' Community Care Licensing Division licenses residential care facilities for the elderly, conducting inspections and investigating complaints.
License number
425802116
Status
Licensed
Facility type
Residential Care Elderly
Capacity
36 residents
Licensee
PAC COAST INC.;PACIFICA COAST LP;SANTA BARBARA MGR
Identified that a resident was inappropriately touched by another resident and staff did not protect residents or maintain a safe environment.
Type A87468.2(a)(4)
07 Apr 2026Inspection
07 Apr 2026Inspection
Observed that a resident was denied visitors and prohibited from leaving the premises, affecting personal rights.
Type A87468.1(a)(11)
Type A87468.1(a)(6)
25 Feb 2026Inspection
25 Feb 2026Inspection
Observed 16 residents in care, including 2 on hospice and 2 bedridden; no deficiencies noted.
15 Jan 2026Complaint
15 Jan 2026Complaint
Investigated allegations that insufficient supervision allowed a resident to enter another resident's room and defecate on belongings, and that a resident physically assaulted another. Also investigated a claim that staff did not treat a resident with respect.
Type B87468.2(a)(4)
27 Aug 2025Complaint
27 Aug 2025Complaint
Investigated the allegation that a refund was not issued to a resident; billing records showed late fees and potential overbilling, with some refunds issued and a significant balance remaining.
Type B87507(g)(3)(B)
25 Jun 2025Complaint
25 Jun 2025Complaint
Investigated the allegation that staff mismanaged a resident's medications, including a missing Olanzapine 2.5 mg after discharge.
Type A87217(i)
21 May 2025Inspection
21 May 2025Inspection
Investigated a complaint and found a direct care staff member was not cleared in the required background check system at the time, and a Register of Residents was not available on demand.
Type A87355(a)
Type B87508(b)
16 Apr 2025Inspection
16 Apr 2025Inspection
Identified that a non-conserved resident without a dementia diagnosis was admitted to a locked memory care unit, posing an immediate health and safety risk to residents.
Type A87705(f)(4)(B)
04 Apr 2025Inspection
04 Apr 2025Inspection
Verified Chapter 7 bankruptcy information and related lawsuits reported by the media, with no financial impact on residents or staff.
19 Mar 2025Inspection
19 Mar 2025Inspection
Identified that the death of a resident on 3/3/2025 was not reported to the licensing agency until 3/11/2025, creating health and safety risk for residents.
Type A87211(a)(1)(A)
24 Feb 2025Inspection
24 Feb 2025Inspection
Identified three staff not properly associated to the site before beginning work, and failure to notify hospice placement timely, along with food storage practices not meeting requirements.
Type A87355(e)(2)
Type B87632(d)(2)
Type B87355(b)(9)
11 Jun 2024Complaint
11 Jun 2024Complaint
Observed unsanitary and unsafe conditions with old feces, unflushed toilets, and dirty linens, affecting residents in care.
Type B87303(a)
11 Jun 2024Complaint
11 Jun 2024Complaint
Investigated a complaint that a resident became septic due to neglect in medication management. Found that the resident's prescribed medications were not provided timely, leading to serious health issues.
Type A1569.312(a)
11 Jun 2024Complaint
11 Jun 2024Complaint
Investigated and found that the resident's records were not provided to the responsible party after a request, and visitors were not admitted promptly at the front gate.
Type B87468.1(a)(11)
Type B87468.2(a)(19)
11 Jun 2024Complaint
11 Jun 2024Complaint
Investigated allegations that staff did not notice a change in the resident's condition, did not assist with hygiene, did not administer medications as prescribed, did not feed the resident, and did not notify or respond to the resident's representative about changes. Also noted concerns about staffing levels not meeting residents' needs.
11 Jun 2024Complaint
11 Jun 2024Complaint
Investigated three allegations related to activities, special diets, and medication administration; found insufficient evidence to support them.
11 Jun 2024Complaint
11 Jun 2024Complaint
Investigated four allegations regarding medication management, toilet condition, cleanliness, and staff conduct; findings indicated no evidence to support these claims.
11 Jun 2024Complaint
11 Jun 2024Complaint
Investigated a complaint alleging dehydration, a fall, vaccination without consent, failure to notice changes in condition, and limiting resident-family communication, and found insufficient evidence to prove these allegations.
03 Jun 2024Complaint
03 Jun 2024Complaint
Investigated a complaint that two prospective residents paid pre-admission fees but did not receive refunds after deciding not to move in.
Type B87507(g)(5)(E)(1)(a)
06 May 2024Complaint
06 May 2024Complaint
Investigated allegations of no permanent administrator and inadequate supervision. Found there was no certified administrator on record for months, and a resident left the premises without staff supervision.
Type A87405(a)
Type A87468.2(a)(4)
06 May 2024Complaint
06 May 2024Complaint
Identified that during a COVID outbreak cleaning supplies were inaccessible due to a locked laundry room, hindering infection control. Staff reported not having access to towels, toiletries, toilet paper, and other basic supplies, and plumbing and maintenance problems were observed.
Type A87470(b)(1)
Type A87307(a)(3)
Type B87303(a)
06 May 2024Complaint
06 May 2024Complaint
Investigated the allegation that a resident sustained an injury while in care and found insufficient evidence that the injury resulted from staff neglect or abuse.
06 Mar 2024Complaint
06 Mar 2024Complaint
Investigated a complaint that staff did not ensure residents received mail promptly. Observations and interviews indicated mail was distributed timely and residents reported no ongoing mail issues.
13 Feb 2024Inspection
13 Feb 2024Inspection
Conducted a case management continuation visit and reviewed staff records; a follow-up visit will occur.
30 Jan 2024Inspection
30 Jan 2024Inspection
Observed fire safety and maintenance issues at the site, including extinguishers past due for service and foul odors in multiple bedrooms and bathrooms.
Type A87203
Type A87303(a)
24 Jan 2024Complaint
24 Jan 2024Complaint
Identified that staff did not consistently answer the main phone due to attending to residents' needs, and did not notify the authorized representative about a resident's hospital visit.
Type A87411(a)
Type A87211(a)(d)
Type A87211(a)(1)
18 Dec 2023Inspection
18 Dec 2023Inspection
Confirmed that an immediate exclusion order remained in effect and that a staff member had not been physically present since 12/6/2023. The facility disassociated the staff member from the fingerprint clearance roster during the visit.
13 Jun 2023Complaint
13 Jun 2023Complaint
Investigated the allegation that a refund was not issued promptly after a resident's death. Documentation showed the refund should have been issued within 15 days after the resident's personal belongings were removed.
Type B1569.652(c)
30 May 2023Complaint
30 May 2023Complaint
Investigated a refund dispute after a prospective resident canceled; determined a $2,500 refund should have been issued within 15 days of cancellation.
Type B87507(g)(5)(E)(2)(g)
21 Feb 2023Inspection
21 Feb 2023Inspection
Observed a staff member with no face covering during the inspection, posing an immediate health and safety risk to residents.
Type A87368.1(a)(1)
Type A87468.1(a)(1)
21 Feb 2023Inspection
21 Feb 2023Inspection
Identified two regulatory violations related to hospice notification and death reporting. Hospice notifications have not been received since 6/18/2021 and death reports since 9/11/2021.
Type A87632(d)(2)
Type A87211(a)(1)(A)
14 Dec 2022Inspection
14 Dec 2022Inspection
Identified noncompliance related to late or missing serious illness/injury reports and failure to submit required documentation, resulting in civil penalties.
Type A87211
Type B809-D
14 Dec 2022Inspection
14 Dec 2022Inspection
Identified failure to submit 21 COVID-19–related serious illness/injury reports to licensing within seven days.
Type B87211(a)(1)(D)
05 Dec 2022Inspection
05 Dec 2022Inspection
Identified that five serious injury/incident reports were not submitted to the licensing agency within seven days of their occurrence on 11/26/2022.
Type A87211(a)(1)(D)
14 Nov 2022Inspection
14 Nov 2022Inspection
Identified that staff in the common area did not wear face coverings, posing a health and safety risk to residents.
Type A87468.1(a)(2)
16 Sept 2022Inspection
16 Sept 2022Inspection
Identified two deficiencies: designated administrator coverage was not maintained on the premises 24 hours per day, and staff did not wear masks fully covering the nose and mouth, posing health and safety risks to residents.
Type A87468.1(a)(2)
Type B1569.618(b)
16 Sept 2022Complaint
16 Sept 2022Complaint
Investigated allegation that a resident's rate was increased despite a two-year rate guarantee; the increase was rescinded.
Type B87507(f)
05 Jul 2022Inspection
05 Jul 2022Inspection
Observed an abandoned washing machine in front of the property visible to residents, staff, and passersby. This demonstrated failure to maintain a clean, safe, sanitary, and in good repair environment at all times.
Type B87303(a)
10 Mar 2022Complaint
10 Mar 2022Complaint
Identified two issues: a refund for October 2020 wasn't issued after the resident died. A copy of the signed admission agreement wasn't provided to the resident's representative.
Type B1569.652(c)
Type B87507(e)
10 Mar 2022Complaint
10 Mar 2022Complaint
Investigated the allegations that a resident assaulted other residents, that staffing levels were not adequate to meet residents' needs, and that admission procedures were not followed.
Type A1569.312(a)
Type A87411(a)
25 Feb 2022Inspection
25 Feb 2022Inspection
Identified one staff member working without required criminal background clearance; noted PINs not posted in a location visible to residents and some sinks lacking paper towels.
Type A87355(e)(1)
30 Jul 2021Complaint
30 Jul 2021Complaint
Investigated the allegation that the premises were not kept free of insects and rodents around a bird cage; observed bird feces, food, and flies around the cage. Additional concerns about personal hygiene supplies, resident accommodations, and staffing were reviewed, with no issues identified.
Type B87303(f)(1)
29 Jan 2020Inspection
29 Jan 2020Inspection
Identified deficiencies in water temperatures, storage of toiletry items, and failure to submit criminal record transfer for staff.
Type B87303(f)1
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Mirador Living is not affiliated with the owner or operator(s) of Santa Barbara Memory Care. The information above has not been verified or approved by the owner or operator. For exact information, please contact Santa Barbara Memory Care directly. There is no cost for this service. We are compensated by the community you select.
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