The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Bay County, FL for 2024

Florida has the second highest rate of Alzheimer’s in the country. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, as many as one in 40 Floridians are living with this disease. In Bay County, which has about 184,000 residents and a senior community that makes up nearly 17 percent of the population, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services reports that over 12 percent of seniors receiving Medicare benefits have Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.  

Bay County has three memory care facilities in the cities of Panama City Beach, Bay City and Panama City. In this county, as in the rest of Florida, memory care facilities may have their own dedicated residence, or they may be situated within assisted living facilities that have specialized care staff, training and activities designed for residents with dementia. 

• Florida residents do not pay state income tax on any type of income, including retirement income. This may leave more money in the budget for memory care expenses in Bay County. 
  
• Ozone pollution levels in Bay County are very low, with the American Lung Association giving the county an A for this type of pollution. The county's clean air may benefit seniors with respiratory illnesses or cardiovascular disease. 
  
• Bay County residents enjoy about 241 days of sunshine annually, and the county receives 61 inches of rain and virtually no snow. July highs are around 90 degrees and winter lows are in the low 40s. The county's climate may be well-suited for seniors who enjoy being outdoors.
  
• Bay County is a relatively affordable place to live, which may make the county a good option for families and seniors with tight memory care budgets. Overall living expenses are just slightly above the national average and about 10 percent lower than the state median, and health care expenses are on par with state and national averages. 

Memory Care costs in Bay County start around $4,425 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,694 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Bay County and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Memory Care in Florida page.

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:

• Veterans Benefits
• Life Insurance Policy
• Long-Term Care Insurance
• Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Florida page.

Bay County-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in Florida are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Florida page for more information about these laws.