How Many Memory Care Facilities Are in Florida?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
In the state of Florida, there are 2,170 memory care facilities that provide a wide range of services and amenities to elderly patients suffering from Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia.
Benefits of Memory Care
Memory care facilities are a type of senior living community catering to seniors with memory impairments. These facilities may be independent, or part of a larger senior living community offering assisted living and even independent living services. In the latter case, memory care may be offered in a separate part of the compound or wing. Memory care facilities use advanced security features to lower the chances of seniors with memory issues wandering and getting lost. 24/7 CCTV surveillance, secure fences and limited floor access help keep residents within the facility. Seniors may also wear necklaces and bracelets with electronic trackers, identifying information and emergency contacts to make it easy to get them back to safety if they get lost.
Memory care facilities also offer personal care, health care services and memory care assistance to seniors with dementia. Caregivers can help seniors with activities of daily living, such as bathing, grooming and dressing. They can also provide medication reminders and help seniors move and eat if they cannot do so independently. Moreover, memory care facilities curate activities to help boost seniors’ cognitive abilities. Physical exercise, yoga, meditation, painting, crafting, singing or playing musical instruments, completing puzzles or playing cards are some of the activities offered in memory care facilities to boost memory retention in seniors with dementia.
Memory Care Facilities in Florida
Florida is among the most attractive states for retiring seniors, with around 20% of residents being 65 years or older. The region’s warm climate, characterized by refreshing summer rains and mild winters, appeals to seniors who want to escape extreme weather conditions in other states. Florida’s white sandy beaches and endless blue waters are another selling point for seniors with the spirit of exploration and the ability to enjoy scenic natural sights. Consequently, Florida has more senior living communities than its neighbors, Alabama and Georgia.
- Florida: 2,170
- Alabama: 242
- Georgia: 874
Seniors receiving memory care in Florida can still enjoy what the state offers through well-planned and guided outdoor trips. Many memory care facilities plan walks and hikes in local and state parks to help seniors remain physically active. Seniors with dementia can also enjoy visiting zoos, marine parks and museums around Florida. Seniors who love the water can swim in the ocean or join short, guided cruises to make new memories with their peers and loved ones.