Just east of Tampa, Lakeland, FL, is a community home to over 115,000 residents. Rich in history and natural beauty, the city offers a welcoming environment for seniors, who make up nearly 22% of the population. Elderly individuals are, however, at a greater risk of developing dementia—a condition that affects one in every nine American seniors.
In Lakeland, data from the CDC shows that between 2016 and 2020, the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths decreased by more than 12% from 253 to 221. This is largely due to the access local seniors have to dementia care through community programs and memory care facilities. Memory care communities are great resources for seniors and families impacted by dementia. They allow residents to thrive in a safe, supportive environment, surrounded by highly trained, 24-hour care staff. Residents can also enjoy daily meals, personalized wellness programming and household chore services.
This guide explores memory care as a long-term care option, including how much these communities cost, where to go for local support and what life in Lakeland is like for seniors.