The Carlisle Ivy Signature Living: Luxury Memory Care in San Francisco
The Carlisle Ivy Signature Living is a premium memory care community in San Francisco, CA, specializing in personalized care for Alzheimer's disease and dementia. This boutique community combines sophisticated amenities with evidence-based dementia care and 24/7 skilled supervision.
Core Care Services
- 24/7 Skilled Supervision - Licensed staff trained in dementia care
- Personal Care Assistance - Bathing, dressing, toileting, grooming, meals
- Medication Management - Nurse oversight of prescriptions and medical schedules
- Nutritional Services - Three meals daily with dietary accommodations
- Dementia-Specific Programming - Cognitive therapy, reminiscence activities, music therapy
- Activities - Art, music, pet therapy, sensory programs, adaptive exercise
- Housekeeping & Transportation - Laundry service and medical appointment transport
The Carlisle Ivy Signature Living Pricing: 2026
As of January 2026, memory care in San Francisco ranges from $7,000-$12,500 monthly. The Carlisle Ivy, as a premium community, is positioned at the higher end of this spectrum.
| Room Type | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Semi-Private Room | $8,200 - $9,200 | $98,400 - $110,400 |
| Deluxe Private Room | $10,500 - $11,800 | $126,000 - $141,600 |
| Signature Suite | $12,000 - $13,500 | $144,000 - $162,000 |
What's Included
- Private or semi-private room with bathroom
- Three meals daily plus snacks
- 24/7 professional care staff
- Medication management and housekeeping
- Activities and programming
- Utilities and transportation
Additional Costs (Not Included)
- Specialized Care: $500-$2,000/month
- Incontinence Supplies: $150-$300/month
- Physical Therapy: $500-$1,500/month
- Salon/Dental Services: $75-$500/month
- Concierge Services: $300-$800/month
Comparison: San Francisco Memory Care Options
| Care Type | Average Cost | Staff Ratio | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Memory Care | $6,500 - $8,000 | 1:6-1:8 | Cost-conscious families |
| Premium Memory Care | $9,000 - $13,500 | 1:3-1:4 | Luxury environment seekers |
| Assisted Living | $5,500 - $7,500 | 1:8-1:10 | Early-stage impairment |
| Skilled Nursing | $8,500 - $15,000 | High nursing presence | Complex medical needs |
Key Features and Amenities
Security
- Secure perimeter with keypad-controlled exits
- Visual cues and memory-friendly wayfinding
- GPS tracking for wandering prevention
- Video monitoring and 24/7 emergency response
Therapeutic Environment
- Secured outdoor courtyards and gardens
- Activity centers for art, music, cooking
- Spa and wellness amenities
- Chef-prepared dining with special menus
Is The Carlisle Ivy Right for Your Loved One?
Best If:
- Diagnosis of Alzheimer's, dementia, or cognitive impairment
- Wandering, safety concerns, or behavioral challenges exist
- Family seeks luxury amenities and personalized service
- Higher staff-to-resident ratios desired (1:3-1:4)
- Proximity to top-tier medical facilities important
Consider Alternatives If:
- Early-stage memory impairment with minimal care needs
- Budget more limited—standard memory care appropriate
- Preference for smaller, family-run communities
- Home care with professional caregivers preferred
Memory Care vs. Other Senior Living Options
| Setting | Best For | 2026 Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Home Care | Mild impairment, family support | $4,800-$7,500/mo |
| Assisted Living | Independent seniors needing ADL help | $5,200-$6,800/mo |
| Memory Care | Moderate-advanced dementia | $6,500-$8,500/mo |
| Premium Memory Care | Advanced dementia, luxury desired | $9,000-$13,500/mo |
California Memory Care Regulations
The Carlisle Ivy Signature Living operates under California Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFE) regulations, Title 22, Division 6. Required standards include:
Staffing Requirements
- Minimum ratio: 1 staff per 15 residents (day); 1 per 20 (night)
- Awake overnight staff required for memory care units
- Administrator must complete dementia care training (12 hours minimum)
- All care staff require 8-hour dementia-specific training within 4 weeks
Physical Environment Standards
- Secured perimeter preventing unsupervised exit
- Visual cues and memory-friendly wayfinding
- Separate secure outdoor space with walking paths
- Accessible bathrooms with grab bars
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between memory care and assisted living?
Memory care provides specialized dementia care with 24/7 supervision and secured environments. Assisted living helps with daily activities but doesn't specialize in cognitive impairment. Memory care costs 20-30% more due to specialized staffing and training.
When is memory care appropriate?
Memory care is appropriate when cognitive impairment creates safety risks—wandering, medication errors, getting lost. Early-stage dementia may work with assisted living; moderate-to-advanced stages typically require memory care.
How much does premium memory care cost in San Francisco?
Premium memory care costs $9,000-$13,500/month as of 2026. Medicare doesn't cover long-term memory care. Medicaid may provide partial coverage. Most families pay through private funds or long-term care insurance.
How long do residents typically stay in memory care?
Average stay is 2-3 years, varying by dementia stage at admission. The Alzheimer's Association notes individuals diagnosed in their 60s may live 7-10 years; those in their 80s typically live 3-4 years.
What activities are offered?
Premium communities offer reminiscence therapy, art and music therapy, pet therapy, sensory activities, adaptive exercise, and spiritual programs—all tailored to resident abilities and interests.
Can family visit anytime?
Most communities allow visits 8am-8pm daily; many permit 24/7 visits for immediate family. Ask about specific policies during tours—this is an important selection factor.
San Francisco Senior Care Resources
- SF Dept of Aging: (415) 355-6700 | Information and benefits counseling
- Alzheimer's Association: (800) 272-3900 | 24/7 helpline and support groups
- SF Ombudsman for Long-Term Care: (415) 655-1335 | Resident rights advocacy
- Senior Legal Hotline: (415) 391-1905 | Legal advice for aging families
Choosing The Right Memory Care Community
Key Tour Questions
- What is your staff-to-resident ratio (day/evening/night)?
- What dementia-specific training do care staff receive?
- How do you handle behavioral challenges and medication management?
- What cognitive health activities are offered?
- How is family involved in care decisions?
- What is your approach to end-of-life care?
- Can I speak with current residents' families?
Conclusion
The Carlisle Ivy Signature Living represents a premium memory care option in San Francisco, offering specialized dementia care with luxury amenities, strong staffing ratios, and access to world-class medical resources. With 2026 costs ranging from $9,000-$13,500 monthly, the community appeals to families prioritizing quality of life and personalized service. Families should visit, speak with current residents' families, and assess whether the community's dementia care approach aligns with their loved one's needs and values. For more information, contact local San Francisco senior care resources or professional elder care advisors.