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.
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.Read more
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 | 1192 Reviews
Amavida Living has been nothing short of wonderful for our loved one. From all the staff across the board, they are very friendly, talkative, caring and seem to really take individual care with each and...
Mom is a professional complainer :-) but The Springs has been fabulous working with her and us to insure her safety and well-being!
My mother was in the independent living facility for 2+ years and then moved to the assisted living facility, Palm View. Both facilities were clean with good food and adequately staffed. Mom is safe and...
I met [name removed] on "A Place for Mom" website. Little did I know that she was going to be a champion game changer for my Mom's life! Highpoint at Cape Coral has been an absolute blessing for my Mom. She...
Our loved one was only there for 12 days, but what we really liked the most about the Palmview at Gulf Coast Village was the quality of care. Also we have to put emphases on the cleanliness of the community.
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The Woodlands is wonderful they are 5 stars all the way! I couldn't have picked a better place, my mother was in the hospital and when she was ready to leave, she asked to go back to The Woodlands. They are...
- What families are saying about alzheimers care in Fort Myers
- Costs of memory care in the Fort Myers area
- How people pay for memory care in Fort Myers
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- Get to know memory care in Fort Myers
- What to expect from memory care living in Fort Myers
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Fort Myers? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about alzheimers care in Fort Myers
Recent reviews for alzheimers care in Fort Myers
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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 Alzheimers Care in Fort Myers, FL vs. nearby cities
Fort Myers, FL
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.
Get to know memory care in Fort Myers
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.
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
Brookdale Fort Myers The Colony, Gulf Coast Memory Care and Canterfield of Fort Myers 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 4735.37 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 51 memory care facilities near you in Fort Myers, Florida typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Fort Myers, Florida, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in Fort Myers, Florida, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in Fort Myers, Florida ranges from $1300 to $16470. The average Memory Care cost in Fort Myers, Florida is $4735.37. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Fort Myers, Florida typically starts at $1300. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
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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