Irvine Cottage 5 sits on Brandywine in Irvine, CA 92620, and is one of several small care homes run by Irvine Cottages, LLC, holding license number 306006261 under the OC2 category. This place takes in adults 55 and older and offers memory care services with separate sections for Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia, splitting the care into three levels to match Mild, Middle, and Late stages, and you'll see that the staff here does regular medical checks, pharmacy audits, and even has onsite laboratory and X-ray services so residents don't have to go far for most of their health needs. They make entry easy with all-inclusive pricing, though there's an entry fee, and before anyone moves in, everyone gets a complete geriatric and medical evaluation with ongoing follow-ups, so changes in health don't slip by unnoticed, and if there's a need for high acuity care, non-ambulatory support, incontinence care, transfers with a mechanical lift, medication management, or even managing insulin and blood sugar, the staff is trained and ready. There's a full-time nurse and full-time psychiatric nurse, plus a full-time medical director on staff, with a geriatric psychiatrist and MDs involved directly, so help comes fast, while nurses stay on site around the clock and there's always a doctor or nurse on call.
The memory care program stands out, as there's 24-hour camera monitoring and personal/fall safety alarms, and a unique camera monitoring system for memory care that's not found anywhere else in the U.S., and they give residents a bracelet alarm if a resident gets near an exit, helping to prevent wandering for those who need secure boundaries. Rooms are furnished, include private bathrooms and outside exits, and each area is kept bright with skylights, extra windows, wood padded floors, and calming touches like art murals, aroma diffusers, and memory boards for keeping track of important daily events. The cottages allow both men and women, depending on care program, and everyone gets nutritious meals with vegetarian options, prepared fresh, focused on dietary needs, and served in a common dining area. Staff check on each person often, offering reminders for grooming and toileting if needed, as well as standby help for those needing assistance with bathing, dressing, and transferring, and residents get physical therapy, hospice care, and pharmacy reviews too.
Community life's designed to keep people social, so you'll find plenty of onsite activities that match residents' interests and strengths, including indoor and outdoor spaces, a beauty and barber salon, laundry help, and both community events and move-in coordination help. There are quarterly newsletters and support groups for families to stay involved, and a care plan report goes to each resident's family every month so they always know what's happening. The home accepts dogs as pets, but smoking isn't allowed in any indoor areas. For moving around town, there's a wheelchair-van for transportation and extra ride options at added cost, plus parking for residents or visitors. Safety always comes first, as there's a full security system with locked garages and keypad entry, fire sprinklers, fire safety training, and 24-hour camera recording. Both wheelchair accessible showers and non-ambulatory care are available, with staff trained to help with mobility needs.
All in all, Irvine Cottage 5 is a small, friendly home where medical care teams, memory programs, nutritious meals, and simple comforts come together for seniors needing assisted living or memory care, especially for those with Alzheimer's or dementia, and the place is set up so people can stay as independent and safe as possible while being part of a close community.
