10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Fort Myers, FL

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.

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.

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.

Health care for seniors in Fort Myers

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.