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Memory Care in Florida

One in five Florida residents are aged 65 or older, and that means that rates of Alzheimer's disease and dementia are higher in the Sunshine State than in many other areas of the country. According to the Alzheimer's Association, approximately 580,000 Florida seniors are currently living with Alzheimer's disease, and 11.3% of all adults in the state aged 45 and older are experiencing some degree of cognitive decline. 

By the year 2025, the number of Alzheimer's cases in Florida is expected to reach 720,000, representing a 33% increase between 2018 and 2025. This growing health crisis takes a tremendous toll on seniors, their caregivers and the medical system. Thankfully, there are now a number of memory care programs that can help slow the progression of dementia symptoms while providing much-needed relief to family members. In Florida, the average cost of residential memory care is $4,375 per month, which is $689 below the national average of $5,064. 

This guide provides an overview of memory care in Florida, including average care costs and links to financial aid programs for low and moderate-income seniors. There is also information on the state regulations regarding memory care and a list of free and low-cost memory care resources for seniors and their family members. 


SeniorAdvice's Guide to Memory Care in Florida



Comparing retirement destinations can be challenging, especially when it comes to considering factors such as access to health care services, tax rates and the climate. The SeniorScore is a numeric indicator compiled from over 100 data points that provides seniors with a snapshot of how suitable an area is for senior living. Florida's SeniorScore is 75, which is above the national average of 72. 

The SeniorScore is broken down into four categories, and Florida's lowest category score, 63, is for Health & Safety. While Florida does have a high number of Medicare-registered physicians and other health care providers, the state loses points in this category due to the high overall property and violent crime rates. 

In the General Quality of Life category, Florida scores 71. This is largely due to the fact that Florida has warm year-round temperatures, which makes it possible for seniors to enjoy outdoor activities without worrying about slipping on snow and ice. There are also many state parks and easy access to ocean beaches. 


The Cost of Memory Care in Florida



Memory care is similar to assisted living in that both services include room and board, but memory care programs also provide a much higher level of care geared toward the unique needs of those living with memory loss. These extra services and specialized programming make residential memory care costs approximately 25% higher than assisted living costs. In lieu of any studies on memory care rates, we've estimated costs by adding 25% to the assisted living rates listed on Genworth's 2019 Cost of Care Survey. 

Compared to the national average of $5,064, average monthly rates for residential memory care services in Florida are quite affordable at $4,375 per month. Average rates in the neighboring states of Georgia ($4,169) and Alabama ($4,063) are also well under the national average, while South Carolina memory care costs are the same as Florida, $4,375 per month. Further north, costs are higher in North Carolina at $5,000 per month. 

  • Florida: $4,375
  • National: $5,064
  • Alabama: $4,063
  • Georgia: $4,169
  • South Carolina: $4,375
  • North Carolina: $5,000

The Cost of Memory Care in Florida's Top Cities

Throughout Florida, residential memory care rates vary widely depending on the location. The highest rates in the state are in The Villages, a master-planned retirement community located just north of Orlando, where memory care rates run about $6,719 per month. Florida's lowest average memory care costs are found in Sebring, where seniors can expect to pay approximately $3,545 per month. 

  • Sebring: $3,545
  • Tampa: $4,063
  • Orlando: $5,343
  • Panama City: $5,750
  • The Villages: $6,719

Senior Care Cost Comparison in Florida

Residential memory care is one of many long-term care options available to Florida seniors. At an average monthly rate of $8,547, nursing home care is the costliest, while adult day care services are the least expensive at $1,473 per month. 

  • Memory Care: $4,375
  • Assisted Living: $3,500
  • In-Home Care: $4,004
  • Home Health Care: $4,195
  • Adult Day Care: $1,473
  • Nursing Home: $8,547


Top Memory Care Communities in Florida




Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Florida



Statewide Managed Medicaid Care, Long-Term Care Program


Address: 4040 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399-700
Phone Number: (850) 414-2000
Website: http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/doea/smmcltc.php

The SMMC-LTC program is Florida's managed Medicaid waiver program. It provides a wide variety of long-term care services and supports to seniors who meet the financial eligibility requirements for Medicaid benefits and who also require placement in a memory care facility. Benefits are assigned on an as-needed basis as determined by the Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services screening program. 



VA Aid and Attendance


Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

Aid and Attendance is an enhanced VA pension program that provides beneficiaries with monthly cash benefits that can be used toward the cost of residential memory care services. 

To qualify for Aid and Attendance, applicants must be eligible for the regular VA pension and:

  • Be legally blind; or
  • Be bedridden due to chronic illness or disability; or
  • Reside in a skilled nursing facility; or
  • Require help from another person to perform one or more activities of daily living, such as getting dressed, bathing or using the toilet


VA Housebound


Website: https://www.va.gov/pension/aid-attendance-housebound/

Housebound is another enhanced VA pension program that provides a higher monthly cash benefit than the regular VA pension does. Housebound benefits can be used to pay for residential memory care services. 

To qualify for Housebound, applicants must have at least one disability rated as 100% by the VA that leaves the applicant restricted to their place of residence, which may be a memory care facility. 


Florida Memory Care Rules and Regulations



Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, Division of Health Quality Assurance is the state agency responsible for the regulation and licensing of residential memory care programs in Florida. In the state, assisted living facilities either provide memory care services in a dedicated wing or unit, or facility-wide. 

Scope of Care

ALF's that offer memory care services may admit residents who are able to participate in communal activities and can perform some activities of daily living with assistance. Excluded are those who need around-the-clock skilled nursing care; who are violent or engage in self-harm; or are unable to take part in group activities such as meals and recreational programming. 

Care Plan Requirements

Residents must be examined by a physician or nurse practitioner within the 30 days preceding or following admission to a memory care facility. This information, combined with input from the resident and their family, is used to develop a care plan that must be reviewed at least once per year. 

Medication Management Requirements

Only licensed medical professionals can administer medications in accordance with the scope of their license. Unlicensed memory care staff may assist residents with self-administration of prescription medications with the consent of the resident and/or their legal guardian and upon completion of an approved four-hour training program. Unlicensed staff cannot administer injection medications or as-needed (PRN) drugs. 

Staff Screening Requirements

Staff who work with vulnerable persons, including seniors, must complete a comprehensive preemployment screening protocol, including fingerprinting through Clearinghouse, Florida's background screening provider. 

Staff Training Requirements

Staff employed in a secure memory care unit must have a minimum of four hours of training in dementia care prior to commencing employment, and they must complete at least four hours of annual in-service training in Alzheimer's care. 

Medicaid Coverage

Florida's Statewide Managed Medicaid Care, Long-Term Care Program includes memory care benefits for eligible seniors. 

Reporting Abuse

Anyone who suspects that a vulnerable adult is being abused, neglected or exploited is expected to file a report with the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2872. Concerns that pose an immediate threat to the health and safety of a senior must be reported to local law enforcement officials. 


Free Memory Care Resources in Florida



Long-Term Care Ombudsman


Address: 4040 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000
Phone Number: 1-888-831-0404
Website: http://ombudsman.myflorida.com/

Florida's Long-Term Care Ombudsman program works to protect the rights of long-term care residents statewide, including those who reside in memory care facilities. Trained and vetted volunteer ombudsmen advocate for long-term care residents, provide residents and guardians with information about state rules and regulations and work to resolve conflicts and concerns regarding long-term care services. If necessary, ombudsmen can escalate complaints and concerns to the appropriate authorities. 

Anyone can contact the Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, and services are free of charge. 



Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute


Address: 4001 East Fletcher Avenue
Phone Number: (813) 396-0606
Website: https://health.usf.edu/medicine/byrd

The University of South Florida Health's Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute offers a range of services and supports to those living with memory loss as well as to family members and caregivers of people diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. The institute conducts a number of clinical trials for dementia care and treatment at no cost to participants as well as multiple in-person and online family caregiver support groups and community education programs. 

The institute accepts inquiries from across Florida. 



Alzheimer's Association


Phone Number: 800-272-3900
Website: https://www.alz.org/local_resources/find_your_local_chapter

The Alzheimer's Association is a national nonprofit organization that funds Alzheimer's disease research as well as educational and support programs. Florida is home to three local chapters of the AA, and these chapters offer case management services, patient and caregiver support groups and assistance with securing long-term care resources.

Anyone can contact the AA for information or assistance. 



Area Agencies on Aging in Florida


Area Agencies on Aging are federally mandated organizations responsible for the administration of state and federally funded programs and services designed to help seniors remain as healthy and independent as possible. In Florida, a network of 11 regional Area Agencies on Aging, also known as Aging and Disability Resource Centers (ADRCs) help adults aged 60 and older access long-term care resources, including memory care programs and financial aid to help cover long-term care costs. 

To connect with the nearest AAA/ADRC, Florida seniors and their caregivers can call the statewide Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337 or locate their local AAA online. 



Veteran Affairs Offices in Florida


Florida's 1.5 million veterans, their dependents and survivors can contact the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs for free information on county, state and federal programs, including the VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound enhanced pension benefits. Certified Veterans Service Officers act as advocates for vets who need help applying for VA benefits to cover memory care costs. 

Veterans can also seek assistance through a local VA office. To find the nearest VA office, conduct an online search on the VA directory. 



Social Security Offices in Florida


Florida seniors aged 65 and older who have few countable assets and little to no income may qualify for monthly cash benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI), a program of the federal Social Security Administration. To be eligible for SSI payments, seniors need to meet current income and resource limits, and these limits are adjusted on an annual basis. While SSI payments won't cover the full cost of residential memory care services, qualifying for SSI can make seniors eligible for additional benefits and income support programs. 

Florida seniors can find the nearest Social Security office by entering their ZIP code into the SSA office locator website, or by phoning the SSA at 1-800-772-1213. 

 

Other Cities in Florida

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