Venice is a small city on the Gulf Coast of Florida, a state that has the second highest incidence of Alzheimer’s disease in the nation. According to the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, more than 510,000 people in the state are living with dementia, and this number is expected to increase over the next decade. The city itself has a little over 23,000 residents, with nearly six out of ten residents over the age of 65.
To support seniors with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, the Venice area has 19 memory care facilities. Seven facilities are located within the city, while an additional 12 are located in nearby cities, including Sarasota and Englewood. These facilities are housed within assisted living facilities that meet specific guidelines regarding staffing, staff training and facilities requirements.