10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Fort Myers, FL
With a rich history, a warm sense of neighborhood camaraderie, and a beautiful Gulf Coast climate, Fort Myers is a lovely place to call home. Because so many local facilities and communities are dedicated to serving people with memory care needs, Fort Myers is also a good choice for seniors with dementia, Alzheimer’s, and other memory-related conditions.
The memory care environments you’ll find in our network offer safety, security, attentive care, and specially designed spaces that cater to the needs of memory care residents. All of these features should help families relax so they can better enjoy time spent together.
A Place for Mom’s listings cover a 10-mile radius of the Fort Myers downtown area. There are 15 memory care facilities within our partner network that you can explore through these listings, but we also provide a guide to local health care facilities, local transportation, what to expect from memory care in this area, as well as tips for how to cover the costs involved.
Fort Myers Memory Care Facilities | 1311 Reviews
Absolutely recommend! It's very well run and everyone is friendly. If I had to move to a retail location I would definitely choose The Palms.
So many activities for all to enjoy. Food is great and is like eating at a restaurant. Daily menu to order from everyday. Facility is very clean and organized and has the best view with a waterfront view...
My mom has lived at this facility for about a year and she absolutely loves it. The food is good and she is always doing some sort of activity. I am happy knowing that she is happy and well taken care of.
Find out if you have one person as a contact person for your loved one. In the case of discovery, there are medical staff, physical therapy and occupational therapy vendors, the aids that are direct...
The facility is clean, the food is excellent.. If you don't have anyone around, you are kinda stuck. The cost was a HUGE factor. Springwood was the most reasonable in the area and overall it is a safe and...
Overall experience is still good. They've had personnel changes which are a challenge. The cleanliness and staff are a 5. They are always helpful and communicate with me. Meals and dining are good....
Everyone is very welcoming and lovely. The atmosphere walking in is homelike. There were people watching a movie and the smell of popcorn was in the air when I first visited. All the staff are incredibly...
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Everything has been wonderful. The staff has been very sweet. My father seems to be doing very well which makes less stress for the whole entire family. so I just want to say thank you to the staff and I...
Don't feel there is enough activities for them. Hoping with new director that will change. Otherwise, very happy with American house.
The Windsor of Cape Coral is an older facility, but has recently been updated, and is conveniently located to stores and restaurants. It is very welcoming. Staff is very friendly and helpful, and gets to...
The staff is amazing. Very helpful when we need anything. This is based on her level. I don't know or see the next level that my mom will eventually need. My family and I have had the food there - the Chef...
I moved my mother from IL to AL. The experience has been wonderful.The staff are wonderful the head nurse and day nurse are GREAT. We are so happy with Highpoint of Cape Coral. If you’re looking for a place...
Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in Ft. Myers
15950 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33908
Very caring for all and helpful! very happy for finding Arden Courts They actually care for their residents which I did not find at [facility name removed]. Rooms are small but very nice. They don't want...
My mother is a resident of Brookdale Cape Coral. Everyone on staff has been amazingly friendly, kind and caring, and fully dedicated to helping her adjust and feel comfortable in her new home. This...
Brookdale is a good fit for my husband because all of the staff from office personnel to kitchen to medical staff are all very caring individuals who get to know each resident. They are always polite and...
We picked this community because of personal recommendations from nurses who see patients there, plus after touring, it was clearly the best.
[name removed] passed away. We were happy with the facility which is now [community removed]. Staff was excellent and the facility process was fair. We had no complaints. Price was fair compared to other...
My family member has resided at Promised Sky for seven months and I have only good things to say. The facility is clean, inviting and cozy with plenty of sofas and chairs for the residents to relax in the...
I am currently a resident at Seaside at Fort Myers and my experience at this facility has been good. The staff is nice and passionate. The cleanliness and friendliness is good. The care services, value for...
Yes, I would recommend this community to other families. I learned no facility is perfect. I visited him at least 5 times a week to advocate for his care. I also recommend having a video camera to assure...
My mom just moved to Hidden Oaks, and she says she loves the activities and the staff. Everyone's really nice to her, and the food is fresh and delicious. I highly recommend Hidden Oaks to anyone looking...
Great; well managed and friendly.
Our methodology
How we rank order the Fort Myers community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Fort Myers community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of memory care in the Fort Myers area
- What families are saying about memory care in Fort Myers
- How people pay for memory care in Fort Myers
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- What to expect from memory care living in Fort Myers
- Fort Myers memory care services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Fort Myers? Highlights for seniors
Costs of memory care in the Fort Myers area
The average cost of living in one of our partner memory care facilities in Fort Myers is $4,545, based on the actual costs that seniors pay in our network of facilities.[01] This figure includes any associated fees and service fee add-ons.
The graphic below illustrates the baseline costs of memory care in Fort Myers without taking into account any add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Fort Myers, FL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Fort Myers, FL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Memory Care in Fort Myers vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Memory Care in Fort Myers, FL by room type
Average cost of Memory Care in Fort Myers over time
What families are saying about memory care in Fort Myers
Recent reviews for memory care in Fort Myers
Shell Point Retirement Community in Fort Myers, FL
Lehigh Acres Assisted Living
American House Bonita Springs Senior Living
Fort Myers review score based on 316 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 316 reviews of 42 Fort Myers memory care communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Fort Myers review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Fort Myers memory care
When memory care residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 316 reviews of 42 Fort Myers memory care communities. This chart helps you compare Fort Myers resident and family memory care satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for memory care in Fort Myers
Memory care can be costly because it usually involves intensive care, well-trained specialists, and adapted facilities along with amenities. Fortunately, there are numerous ways seniors and their loved ones can better afford care. Seniors may be able to use a combination of private payment methods, veterans benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and other helpful resources. In this section, you will find advice and resources to help you in using any of these methods.
Seniors could use any number of private pay methods at their disposal to pay for memory care. Most will combine methods like savings, income sources, pensions, Social Security benefits, and investment returns. They may also make use of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Fort Myers
Veterans in Fort Myers are well-supported, with numerous local resources dedicated to assisting them. Because there are thousands of senior veterans in the area, the sense of community is strong, and there are very capable local veterans services officers, government bodies, and charitable organizations that are available to help. Jewish War Veterans, Disabled American Veterans, and other veterans services organizations (VSOs) will be able to help you access more specific help and apply for benefits as well.
To help pay for memory care, senior veterans should see whether they are eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit. This benefit serves veterans who require daily help with necessary tasks, have limited eyesight, live in a nursing home, or spend a significant part of the day in bed due to illness. Memory care residents qualify for the benefit if they meet at least one of these criteria. Still, because the actual process of applying for Aid and Attendance and other VA benefits can be complex, it’s always a good idea to meet with a veterans services officer for additional guidance.
Resources for Fort Myers veterans
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., Suite 214
Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 727-319-7440
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Lee County Veteran Assistance Program
2440 Thompson St.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-533-8381
Email: veterans@leegov.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jewish War Veterans
Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 813-404-5616
Disabled American Veterans
2489 Diplomat Parkway East
Cape Coral, FL 33909
Phone: 239-652-1800
Rodney Van Ness
Phone: 239-533-7977
Email: rvanness@leegov.com
Joe Delorenzo
Phone: 239-533-7978
Email: jdelorenzo@leegov.com
Jonathan Ramirez
Phone: 239-533-7975
Email: jramirez@leegov.com
Medicaid is a health care program designed for low-income seniors and those with disabilities, and its purpose is to help them access affordable care. It is especially relevant to seniors living in memory care communities because it can help cover costs associated with in-home, medically necessary care for those who qualify. However, Medicaid does not cover the cost associated with room and board in a memory care facility.
In Fort Myers, Florida, eligible seniors can receive in-home health care benefits via home and community based services (HCBS) waivers. HCBS waivers cover health care delivered at home or within the community (such as at a memory care facility) if a doctor orders it as medically necessary.
There are three categories of help Medicaid can offer — Dental, Long-Term Care, and Managed Medical Assistance — and memory care residents are likely to qualify for any of these options. Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care allows most seniors to access their Medicare eligibility and enrollment status online. The public can also access an online, state-created guide to applying.
There is a range of helpful programs and organizations in Fort Myers to help you navigate the Medicaid application process. The local Area Agency on Aging, which offers an Elder Helpline, is one of these groups. The local ombudsman will also be able to connect you with the most appropriate services and solve disputes and issues if they arise. You can also reach out to SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) to connect with free counselors who can assist you.
Fort Myers resident Medicaid resources
Florida State Medicaid Managed Care
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, MS 62
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
2830 Winkler Ave., Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-652-6900
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Florida Ombudsman Program
2295 Victoria Ave., Room 152
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-338-2563
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 800-963-5337
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
Elder Helpline
Phone: 866-41-ELDER or 866-413-5337
While Medicare does not cover memory care-related custodial costs like room and board, it can be very useful for covering drug-related costs and other care costs, such as hospital stays and doctor visits.
In Fort Myers, seniors can find helpful programs to assist them with applying for these benefits. The application form itself can be found on the Medicare website.
Free benefits counseling to help you navigate that application process can be accessed through Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE), Fort Myers’ local Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). The Fort Myers Social Security Administration Office is there to help, and so is your local long-term care ombudsman.
Some seniors may also be able to take advantage of the Medicare Savings Program, which reduces costs related to Medicare. Hope PACE, the local Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), can help seniors with every aspect of their care journey, handling anything from medication needs to in-home equipment.
Fort Myers resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
4220 Executive Circle, Suite 25
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SHINE
2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-652-6900
Fax: 239-652-6989
Toll-free number: 866-413-5337
Hope PACE
2668 Winkler Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-985-6400
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
2295 Victoria Ave., Room 125
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-338-2563
Understand Florida laws and regulations for memory care facilities
Memory care facilities are required by law to be licensed. This is done through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. Memory care facilities are first licensed as standard assisted living facilities, and then they can receive one of three specialty licenses offered by the state: Limited Nursing Services (LNS), Extended Congregate Care (ECC), or Limited Mental Health (LMH).
In addition to following the rules and regulations required for a Florida assisted living facility, memory care facilities must also adhere to these additional requirements:
- Must have staff on hand 24 hours a day
- Must have staff awake at all times
- Staff must have specialized training in caring for people with Alzheimer’s or dementia
- Activities specifically for people with cognitive impairments must be provided
In addition to providing housing, meals, and personal care, the following standard rules also apply, such as:
- Staff must pass criminal background checks
- All staff members must be certified in administering CPR and first aid
- A sufficient number of staff member members must be scheduled so the needs of all residents are met at all times (a specific number is not given)
- The types of staff (nurses, nurse aides, etc.) that must be on hand depends on the type of license the facility has received
- Medication assistance must be given
- Three meals per day plus snacks must adhere to federal dietary standards
Facility inspections
Regular inspections are required by law to make sure memory care facilities are upholding all the regulations set forth. As a facility delivering essential care in the community, memory care homes are inspected in the same way as assisted living facilities at least every two years. The state has created a searchable database of completed inspection reports that the public can access online. You can also find inspection information on this Facility/Provider Locator.
Florida Department of Health contact information
Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Fort Myers memory care facilities
While the state of Florida no longer has mandates for its COVID-19 response, it does continue to follow government and CDC guidance. Memory care facilities themselves may have additional guidelines related to community rates of infection and vulnerable residents, so be sure to check with the facility in question if you’re unsure.
Vaccinations.
Anyone in a memory care facility — whether resident or staff member — is advised to stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations, including booster shots.
Masking.
Masking is recommended; however, it is not required.
Social distancing.
A distance of six feet or more is also recommended when visiting elderly or vulnerable people.
Quarantining.
Self-isolation is recommended for anyone who has COVID-19 symptoms, has had a positive test, or has been around someone who has.
What to expect from memory care living in Fort Myers
Fort Myers offers many ways to relax and live well for both seniors and their families. For those with memory care needs, it’s vitally important to have a peaceful, restorative environment.
A Floridian slice of life
Fort Myers is the epitome of Floridian living. Beach-lined coastal roads, palm trees, swimming pools, outdoor courtyards, city streets, and unique wildlife all coalesce between the banks of the Caloosahatchee River and the shores of the Gulf of Mexico. Whether it’s walking along the beach, taking trolley rides around the River Districts, following nature trails, or attending accessible concerts, there are lots of things to do for seniors and their families.
Choose a community that meets your needs
Memory care communities in our network are purpose-built for those with memory-related needs. Some have on-site physician care or nursing care for seniors with dementia. Others are designed around mobility needs with layouts that are color-coded or have single-direction hallways. Some residents may not need all of these special amenities now, but their needs could change in the future. That’s why it’s important to choose your community based on its capacity to adapt to your loved one’s shifting needs.
Additionally, several of the facilities in our network that cater to residents with dementia and Alzheimer’s are also categorized as assisted living facilities or independent living communities. These facilities might be a good fit if you think your loved one will need more intensive care in the future.
Great, affordable services
The facilities in our network have some stellar features and amenities, along with a high level and quality of care. Because Fort Myers is a relatively budget-friendly place to live, they do this without breaking the bank. For example, many memory care communities in A Place for Mom’s partner network have on-site libraries and arts and crafts centers. Most facilities have an activities director that helps seniors and their families get the most out of living in the community, allowing residents to pursue their hobbies and interests in a safe and accessible way.
Fort Myers memory care services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Fort Myers memory care
Availability of select dementia care services in Fort Myers memory care
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Fort Myers memory care
Availability of select dining options in Fort Myers memory care
Availability of select programs and activities in Fort Myers memory care
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Fort Myers? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Fort Myers
Median annual income for Fort Myers seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Fort Myers
Gulf Coast Medical Center
Gulf Coast Medical Center, located in Fort Myers, is a highly respected general medical and surgical facility. It is particularly renowned for its exceptional stroke care, proudly housing the only certified comprehensive stroke center in the area. Additionally, it demonstrates outstanding performance in nine other specialized areas, such as diabetes and COPD care.
Lee Memorial Hospital
Lee Memorial is a comprehensive medical and surgical facility that encompasses various specialties. It features a specialized cardiac ICU and is the exclusive provider of a Skilled Nursing Unit in the region. The hospital is widely recognized for its excellence in several specialty areas, including lung cancer surgery and stroke treatment, earning high recommendations from patients and health care professionals alike.
Transportation for seniors in Fort Myers
The wonderful thing about our partner memory care communities in Fort Myers is that 93 percent of facilities offer complimentary transportation for their residents, and 47 percent offer at-cost transportation. In the vast majority of cases, residents can get to their personal appointments safely and efficiently, with the added bonus of trained staff chaperoning them.
If you want to journey further afield or explore other routes with your loved one, the Fort Myers community has some accessible options for public transportation. For example, if you’re enrolled in a Statewide Medicaid Managed Care plan, you can receive non-emergency transportation with trained chaperones and wheelchair accessibility. LeeTran, the public transit system, also offers discounted rides for seniors and those with disabilities. Fully accessible buses and trolleys are available throughout the Fort Myers area, but seniors with memory care needs will need to ride with a carer or family member.
Senior activities in Fort Myers
Memory care facilities all offer a range of specially designed activities and outings to help memory care residents and their families enjoy themselves. There are also many options for things to do in Fort Myers and the surrounding area.
The city’s public beaches could be a wonderful leisure destination for seniors and their loved ones. With the ocean so close by, it’s easy to spend an afternoon picnicking, basking in the sun, or frolicking with pets.
You could also enjoy a cup of coffee at one of the region’s lovely memory cafes, which have specially trained staff and offer sensory activities and connection-making events. An RSVP is required; you can make do so by calling 239-437-3007.
If you and your loved one enjoy history, check out the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, which will give you more information about Fort Myers seasonal residents Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. This map of accessible areas will help you plan how to get around.
Dive into more local history at the Southwest Florida Museum of History or the Lakes Park Railroad Museum.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canterfield of Fort Myers, The Palms of Fort Myers and The Opal at Lakes Park are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Fort Myers, FL. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in Fort Myers is $4,660 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Gulf Coast Medical Center.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Lee Memorial Hospital.
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