Sarasota, Florida, is one of the most highly sought-after retirement cities in the United States. Warmth, culture, and a historically fortunate geography during hurricane season are just a few of the reasons why so many people over 65 dream of moving to Sarasota. Also known as the Crystal City, Sarasota is home to the world-famous Siesta Key Beach and punches above its weight when it comes to senior living, outdoor activities, and culture.
Memory care is the fasting growing senior care type in Sarasota County. Over 37% of the city’s population is over 65, and many of these seniors need memory care or will begin needing memory care in the next few years. A Place for Mom partners with 25 memory care communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Sarasota.
In this guide, you’ll find local data about memory care costs, how to pay, Florida memory care regulations, and a deep dive into what living in Sarasota’s memory care communities is really like.
10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Sarasota, FL
Sarasota, Florida, is one of the most highly sought-after retirement cities in the United States. Warmth, culture, and a historically fortunate geography during hurricane season are just a few of the reasons why so many people over 65 dream of moving to Sarasota. Also known as the Crystal City, Sarasota is home to the world-famous Siesta Key Beach and punches above its weight when it comes to senior living, outdoor activities, and culture.Read more
Memory care is the fasting growing senior care type in Sarasota County. Over 37% of the city’s population is over 65, and many of these seniors need memory care or will begin needing memory care in the next few years. A Place for Mom partners with 25 memory care communities within a 10-mile radius of downtown Sarasota.
In this guide, you’ll find local data about memory care costs, how to pay, Florida memory care regulations, and a deep dive into what living in Sarasota’s memory care communities is really like.
Sarasota Memory Care Facilities | 1325 Reviews
I have no complaints! The people and staff here are great. I recommend Aviva Senior Living highly to others looking for independent living.
We moved our father into Heron East and we were surprised at how the staff went over and above to make him feel comfortable and cared for. The move in was easy, the food is great and he has made some new...
Caring for elderly people is very difficult emotionally and physically. They helped us make the hard decision with our mom. The transition was smooth and as they gotten to know her, they have given her...
My mom has lived at Aravilla for over a year and we are so very grateful for her care. Staff is friendly, engaging, she's always smiling. Absolutely the best decision we ever made. They've also made extra...
Aravilla has all you would hope for and expect in a caring and efficiently run facility. The staff are are helpful and quickly get to know the newbie. I would definitely recommend Aravilla to anyone who is...
Listening to my mother and father say the food needs improvement more variety . But everything else is good needs met and satisfied with the facility.
I like the care that my mom is getting from this caring community. The staff have been very attentive to her needs and always make sure that is able to be with the other residents during the activities. We...
I chose Inspired Living at Sarasota for my loved one because of their lovely outdoors. the individual rooms were big and the community seemed to be well run. unfortunately, my loved one was only able to stay...
This community is very nice and very clean - they could use more help just like everyone, but all of the staff members are very nice and really try to be helpful. They are very good with the residents and we...
We chose Discovery Village at Sarasota Bay because they have 24 hour nursing which was very important for us. There is not someone just on call - they are present in the building at all times. The facility...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
I would highly recommend Savannah Grand of Sarasota to others for their loved ones. I feel the staff have a genuine concern for the residents that are coming in to the community. The communication has been...
- What families are saying about alzheimers care in Sarasota
- Costs of memory care in the Sarasota area
- How people pay for memory care in Sarasota
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for memory care facilities
- Get to know memory care in Sarasota
- What to expect from memory care living in Sarasota
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Sarasota? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in Sarasota
- Transportation for seniors in Sarasota
- Senior activities in Sarasota
What families are saying about alzheimers care in Sarasota
Recent reviews for alzheimers care in Sarasota
The Fountains of Hope in Sarasota, FL
Venice Green Village
Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in Sarasota
Costs of memory care in the Sarasota area
On average, families paid $4,497 a month total for their memory care costs in Sarasota at our 25 partner communities.[02] This amount includes the following:
- Rent for a shared or private room
- All meals and dining
- All care services
- Amenities and activities
Memory care is costlier than assisted living
Memory care tends to cost more than assisted living, regardless of location. Memory care requires more staff training and specialized design features, such as wander-proof security systems. This, paired with the need for round-the-clock supervision, means memory care is more expensive than most other care types, with the exception of skilled nursing care.
Sarasota is expensive for Florida but average for the United States
Housing costs 22% more in Sarasota than it does in other parts of Florida, on average.[03] Sarasota has a reputation for glamour, and it has plenty of high-end neighborhoods where most of the mansions are residents’ second homes. Sarasota is still more affordable than Miami.
However, the cost of memory care in Sarasota is at or below national averages. Seniors pay less for memory care in Sarasota than in places like Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Richmond, Virginia; and Asheville, North Carolina, according to our proprietary data.
Florida offers tax breaks for seniors
Florida can be a haven for some seniors who move there to avoid state income tax. Florida also doesn’t tax income from Social Security or pensions, and it doesn’t have an estate or inheritance tax.
Many seniors are also interested in moving to Florida because of the high quality of their nursing homes. Medicaid-approved nursing homes are covered by Florida Medicaid, making Florida a very friendly state to seniors who know they’ll need this type of care in the future.
Average monthly cost of Alzheimers Care in Sarasota, FL vs. nearby cities
Sarasota, FL
How people pay for memory care in Sarasota
Most people try to pay for as much of their loved one’s memory care as possible with Medicaid, Medicare, and other benefits. However, most people need to supplement these methods with some savings or other personal income. In this section, you’ll find an overview of how to pay for memory care in Sarasota, including private payment methods, veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
While you may be able to cover aspects of memory care using other means — such as Medicaid or pensions — you’ll likely have to pay for some of your loved one’s memory care yourself. Because memory care is more expensive than other care types, you may want to make a payment plan early. Whether you choose to rely on your loved one’s retirement account, your own savings, or other income sources, it’s possible to keep the right memory care community within reach with careful planning.
Discover how to leverage your financial assets to pay for memory care by reading the articles below.
Number of veterans who live in Sarasota, Florida
About 78% of Sarasota veterans are 65+.
In Sarasota, about 78% of the city’s veterans are over 65, meaning senior veterans and their families will find a welcoming community.[04] Sarasota’s County Department for Veterans Services connects local veterans with helpful resources and compassionate advice.
Paying for memory care in Sarasota with veterans benefits
You may be able to pay for some of your loved one’s memory care using veterans benefits. Benefits like the VA pension and the Aid and Attendance benefit can be used to pay for anything that improves a veteran’s quality of life, which includes any expenses related to memory care. Other veterans benefits can only be used to pay for specific expenses, such as care needs.
Eligibility for veterans benefits
It can be a challenge to understand which benefits you or your loved one are eligible for because each benefit has different eligibility criteria. Some criteria include how long or in which war the veteran served, or health requirements. Other benefits include family members and caretakers. Even veterans or loved ones with a strong grasp of veterans benefits may need assistance to apply. You may want to reach out to a local benefits counselor who can help you determine the right benefits and help you apply.
Veterans benefits counseling in Sarasota
Veterans in Sarasota can access expert veterans benefits counseling from the state and local county organizations. The Sarasota Vet Center also offers mental health counseling to local veterans.
You can reach out to all of these benefits counselors on behalf of your loved one.
Local and state veterans benefits counseling in Sarasota
- Veterans service organizations (VSOs). Veterans service organizations often provide veterans benefits counselors. Benefits counselors can help you understand your loved one’s benefits and can help you through the application process. To contact a local VSO, go to the VSO webpage and click on “Find a new representative.” You can also go to the National Resource Directory and search for “VSOs in Florida.”
- Sarasota County Department for Veterans Services. You can find easy-to-understand information about veterans benefits, including eligibility information, on the Sarasota County Government webpage for the Department of Veterans Services. The department also provides application paperwork and offers benefits seminars to help you understand you or your loved one’s veterans benefits. You can request to speak with a benefits counselor by calling the department or by mailing this form to the address provided on it.
- The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA). The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs offers virtual benefits counseling for veterans and their families. Benefits counselors are employed by the department and can help you apply. You can set up your appointment by calling 727-319-7408.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Sarasota. VFW and DAV Sarasota chapters are both nonprofit organizations that are unaffiliated with either the federal or state government. Both offer benefits counseling services and help you apply for benefits.
Resources for Sarasota veterans
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., #214
St. Petersburg, FL 33708
Phone: 727-316-7440
Email: VSO@fdva.state.fl.us
Virtual benefits counseling
Sarasota County Department for Veterans Services
2200 Ringling Blvd., Suite 125
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-861-3024
Email: veterans@scgov.net
Benefit seminar request form
Sarasota Vet Center
4801 Swift Road
Sarasota, FL 34231
Phone: 941-927-8285
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3233
124 S. Tuttle Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-365-1918
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 97
7177 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, FL 34241
Phone: 727-319-7444
A state-run health insurance plan for low-income individuals, Florida Medicaid may cover some of your loved one’s memory care expenses. The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) runs Florida’s Medicaid program.
Your loved one may be eligible for one of these two different health insurance plans:
- Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) plan. The SMMC LTC plan is for people who need a nursing home level of care. If your loved one is eligible for Florida Medicaid and needs memory care, they should consider applying for the SMMC LTC plan. This plan covers more services — including rent and meals at Medicaid-approved facilities — and has more inclusive income eligibility requirements than the Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) plan.
- Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) plan. The MMA plan is the general Florida Medicaid health insurance plan. It covers doctors’ visits, hospitalization, prescriptions, and some procedures. The MMA plan does not cover rent or meals at any long-term care facility.
What’s covered under Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan?
Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan covers the following:
- Everything covered by the MMA plan, including doctors’ visits, procedures, and prescriptions
- Rent and meals for seniors who already reside in a Medicaid-approved nursing home
- Occupational, physical, respiratory, and speech therapy
- Personal care, including assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs)
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
The SMMC LTC plan covers room and board under certain circumstances
The SMMC LTC plan covers rent and meals for seniors who meet the following requirements:
- The senior is already eligible for or enrolled in the SMMC LTC plan
- The senior already resides in a Medicaid-approved nursing home
Seniors who live in a memory care facility that isn’t Medicaid-approved may be able to pay for some of their personal or medical care using the SMMC LTC plan, but they won’t be able to use the plan to cover their rent or meals.
Additionally, seniors who become eligible for the SMMC LTC plan while living in their community may be placed on a waitlist to receive rent and meals assistance through the SMMC LTCs.
Eligibility for Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan
Seniors should meet the following criteria to be eligible for Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan:
- Be a Florida resident
- Be without health insurance
- Be low-income, making no more than $18,075 a year or $24,353 for a couple (These numbers are regularly adjusted for inflation.)
- Qualify for a nursing home-level of care by completing the Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) program
Get help applying for Florida Medicaid
If you’re unsure if your loved one qualifies for Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC Plan, or if you’re unsure if the SMMC LTC plan will cover your loved one’s rent or meals in their memory care facility, reach out to one of the resources below.
While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with Medicaid-approved memory care facilities, you can still reach out to these experts to help you navigate your loved one’s Medicaid benefits:
- The Florida Department of Health — Sarasota County. Human services counselors can help you apply for the right Florida Medicaid plan.
- The Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) program. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the local area agency on aging run the SHINE program. It provides benefits counseling for both Medicaid and Medicare and operates out of Sarasota’s Senior Friendship Centers. Call 866-413-5337 to set up a benefits counseling appointment.
- The Florida Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide. Any complaints about Medicaid or the application process can be directed toward the Florida Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide.
Home and community based services waivers
Some seniors would rather receive their memory care from home. Home and community based services waivers (also called HCBS waivers) may be able to help your loved one afford home care services. There are a few things you should know about HCBS waivers in Sarasota, Florida:
- HCBS waivers are also called Section 1915(c) waivers.
- HCBS waivers are one part of Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan.
- If your loved one is eligible for the SMMC LTC plan, they’re likely also eligible for HCBS waivers.
Sarasota resident Medicaid resources
Florida Medicaid
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 866-762-2237
Apply for Florida Medicaid, MMA plan
Department of Elder Affairs for the State of Florida
Phone: 800-963-5337
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc.
2830 Winkler Ave., Suite. 112
Fort Myers, FL 33816
Phone: 239-762-6900
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over 65. Most seniors are eligible if they or a spouse have paid Medicare taxes during their career.
While Medicare won’t cover custodial costs, such as rent or meals, it will cover the cost of some procedures, medications, and items. A general rule is that Medicare will cover only medically necessary and short-term medical costs.
Medicare covers short-term and medically necessary health care costs
Short-term medical expenses include hospital stays under 20 days, prescription medications, and procedures. Short-term may also include recurring expenses for procedures, such as dialysis. Medically necessary expenses vary from person to person. A physician and representatives from Medicare should agree that the expense is medically necessary before Medicare will agree to cover it.
You can get a sense of what types of items, procedures, medications, and tests Medicare covers by using the Medicare coverage tool.
Medicare may cover some memory care expenses
Medicare may cover some costs incurred while in a memory care facility. For example, if a senior has a medically necessary procedure, such as an appendectomy, Medicare may cover it. Medicare may even pay for rehabilitation or recovery while a patient is in a skilled nursing facility or wing. However, Medicare will not pay for a senior’s rent, meals, or personal care in a memory care facility.
Sarasota Medicare Savings Programs
Some seniors may be eligible for Medicare Savings Programs, which help cover the costs of Medicare premiums. Medicare Savings Programs have local income limits for eligibility. To be eligible for the programs, seniors in Sarasota can make no more than $1,549 a month. You can find more information about these programs, including how to apply, on the Medicare website.
Medicare benefits counseling in Sarasota
You may want some extra help when applying for a loved one’s Medicare coverage. The following organizations can help you understand your loved one’s Medicare benefits, and they can help you apply. These organizations offer Medicare benefits counseling at no cost to you or your family.
- Florida Department of Health. The Florida Department of Health can pair you with a benefits counselor. Contact the department directly to get started.
- The Department of Elder Affairs in Sarasota. Local benefits counselors from the Sarasota Department of Elder Affairs can help you understand your loved one’s Medicare benefits. Call the department to schedule your appointment.
- The Florida Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide. You can direct all concerns or complaints about Medicare or Medicaid to your local Florida Ombudsman Citizens’ Aide.
Sarasota Medicare resources
SSA office — Sarasota
2001 Siesta Drive
Sarasota, FL 34239
Phone: 800-772-1213
Understand Florida laws and regulations for memory care facilities
Your loved one will receive expert care from compassionate caregivers in Sarasota’s memory care communities. Florida memory care communities are held to high standards by the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation. The bureau licenses memory care communities as a type of assisted living facility, so they go through the same regulatory procedures as all other assisted living facilities in Florida.
Sarasota memory care facilities follow assisted living standards
Memory care facilities are a subset of assisted living facilities in Florida, so they follow the same standards and requirements as all assisted living facilities. Florida’s Residential Care and Assisted Living Policy explains the foundational standards that assisted living facilities must follow:
- Facilities must communicate with family members or guardians at least once every 30 days.
- Facilities must be kept clean and hygienic, following all building codes.
- Facilities must provide residents with daily nutritious meals.
- If a couple resides in the same facility, they should be allowed to live in the same room.
- Facilities should allow residents to keep their personal belongings in their rooms.
Memory care facilities in Sarasota have additional requirements
Even though the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation doesn’t offer specific licenses for memory care facilities, they do outline additional requirements for any facilities that offer memory care. If a community offers memory care services, they must meet these standards:
- Facilities should be wander-safe, with additional security features to keep residents secure.
- Facilities should provide regular activities appropriate for people with memory loss.
- Facilities should have staff members on-site 24 hours a day.
- Facilities with 17+ residents should have awake staff on-site 24 hours a day.
Sarasota memory care facilities undergo additional training
In addition to the regular training at assisted living facilities, caregivers and administrators at memory care facilities should undergo the following trainings:
- Staff members who interact with people with memory loss should have at least 4 hours of memory care training within nine months of their employment.
- All staff members who work with people with memory loss should undergo an additional 4 hours of memory care training each year.
- All memory care training should be approved by the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation.
Memory care facilities in Sarasota get regularly inspected
Prior to opening, memory care facilities in Sarasota undergo an initial inspection. After the initial inspection, memory care facilities then go through an inspection every two years. Inspection results are all public, and you can find them on the Florida Health Finder portal. You can search by location or care type.
Florida Department of Health contact information
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456
Feedback form
Bureau of Health Facility Regulation
COVID-19 regulations for Sarasota memory care facilities
Florida doesn’t enforce masking, vaccine, or quarantine policies for memory care facilities. Instead, Florida provides recommendations for quarantine and cleanliness in the event of an outbreak. Visitors are allowed in any Floridian memory care facility regardless of vaccination status. Sarasota provides vaccination sites, testing centers, and local updates about COVID-19 on the Sarasota COVID-19 FAQ page.
Facility cleanliness. High-use areas are regularly disinfected in Sarasota memory care facilities.
Staff safety. Caregiving staff members go through a 4-hour training course on senior care and disease prevention.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines. Memory care facilities in Sarasota follow all CDC guidelines.
Get to know memory care in Sarasota
What to expect from memory care living in Sarasota
Memory care is the fastest-growing type of senior care in Sarasota. While the city may have the reputation as a young retiree’s paradise, it also attracts older adults who need the personalized help of professionals at an assisted living or memory care facility.
Standards and demand for memory care facilities tend to be high in Sarasota. Memory care communities are often newer than other care types in Sarasota because of an increased demand in recent years. State-of-the-art design, secure grounds, and highly trained staff are the norm for Sarasota facilities offering care for people with Alzheimer’s disease or other dementias.
Sarasota’s memory care facilities may partner with other care types
In Florida, memory care facilities are licensed as a type of assisted living community. Because of this, most memory care facilities in Sarasota are attached to assisted living facilities or are part of facilities with multiple levels of care. This means residents’ needs range from basic activities of daily living (ADL) assistance to round-the-clock memory care, and different areas of the facility accommodate those needs accordingly.
Multilevel care facilities in Sarasota tend to be large, with 100 or more residents. These large facilities have more amenities, such as gyms, craft rooms, and pools, which may not be available to residents of the memory care wing.
Memory care wings in Sarasota provide a seamless transition
Some residents move into a memory care wing from another care type within their multilevel care facility, which can be an easier transition. Staff members often work throughout the facility, which means residents may enjoy a level of familiarity with their caregivers. Moving to a memory care wing in a multilevel care facility can also mean an added level of care continuity. Families can also have increased peace of mind by having an established relationship with the staff.
Stand-alone memory care facilities in Sarasota are newer and more expensive
Sarasota has an increasing number of facilities that only offer memory care. These are smaller, with up to 50 residents, and they’re newer. Most have been built within the last 10 years, and it shows in the details. Stand-alone memory care facilities in Sarasota are more likely to have research-backed design features, such as the village model and circular hallways. They may also provide more extensive memory care training for their staff members. Because these facilities are often newer, they’re more expensive and many have waiting lists.
Daily life in Sarasota’s memory care facilities
Seniors living in Sarasota’s memory care facilities live in private or shared rooms, eat in communal dining areas, and spend their time in common areas like the library, game rooms, or on walking paths. Real estate is in high demand in Sarasota, so rooms tend to be smaller than in other areas in Florida. However, many have views of palm trees and glowing beaches.
Activity coordinators organize daily games and social events to keep residents active and engaged. Crafts, singalongs, and reminiscence activities are some of the most common, but some communities go high-tech by using virtual reality.
Memory care in the surrounding Sarasota suburbs
Memory care in Sarasota is more expensive than in most other Florida cities, so some families choose to place their loved one in the surrounding communities. Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton are two of the most popular communities. Lakewood Ranch is inland from Sarasota and tends to have young families and seniors. Bradenton is just north of Sarasota, and about 25% of its population is above 65.[06]
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 Sarasota? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Sarasota, Florida
Health care for seniors in Sarasota
Many memory care facilities in Sarasota are paired with on-site skilled nursing facilities. While these can’t take the place of a hospital for an invasive procedure or more serious illnesses, they can help seniors who need to recover from a procedure or illness.
For a city with a population of 54,764, Sarasota has a high concentration of health care facilities.[01] This is largely due to the many seniors who call Sarasota home. Sarasota’s health care facilities are evenly spread throughout the city, and because Sarasota is only about 24 square miles across, medical care is never far away.
With 895 beds, Sarasota Memorial Hospital is the largest public hospital in Sarasota. It’s operated by the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, and it offers every specialty, including robust programs in geriatrics and neurology. This hospital has six different locations across Southwest Florida, but it’s based in Sarasota.
1700 S. Tamiami Trail
Sarasota, FL, 34239
Phone: 941-917-9000
An award-winning acute care hospital, the HCA Florida Blake Hospital specializes in trauma. This includes emergency medicine, burn care, strokes, heart heath, and orthopedics. It’s technically in Bradenton, but it serves all of Sarasota County.
2020 W. 59th St.
Bradenton, FL 34209
Phone: 941-792-6611
The Roskamp Clinic is a research institute and clinic specializing in memory disorders, such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other kinds of dementia. Expert physicians and researchers study the causes of dementia and attempt to find ways to limit memory loss and other effects. The clinic offers comprehensive exams and treatments to local seniors with memory loss.
2040 Whitfield Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34243
Phone: 941-256-8019
Transportation for seniors in Sarasota
Public transportation alone isn’t the best way for seniors with dementia to get around. Thankfully, most memory care facilities in Sarasota offer complimentary transportation to and from appointments. Most of these facilities also provide a caregiver escort during the ride. Additionally, Florida Medicaid provides transportation from medical appointments.
Visiting family and friends can take advantage of Sarasota County’s public transportation system, Breeze (formerly known as The Sarasota County Transit System, or SCAT). Breeze offers affordable bus rides to most areas around Sarasota County, including Siesta Key.
Breeze also provides OnDemand, which is a pick-up and drop-off service for people with disabilities, including seniors with memory loss. You can find route and fee information on the Breeze website.
Senior activities in Sarasota
Beautiful weather, accessible museums, and world-renowned beaches make Sarasota a friendly place for seniors with memory loss. While seniors with memory loss shouldn’t engage in any of these activities unsupervised, they all provide invaluable social and cognitive stimulation. And more importantly, they’re fun. Read on to discover the best activities for seniors with memory loss in Sarasota.
Activities in Sarasota’s memory care communities
All of A Place for Mom’s partnering memory care communities have a dedicated on-staff activity director whose job is to keep seniors active and engaged.[02] Reminiscence activities are the norm, such as singalongs to hits from the past. Some communities even use virtual reality to help seniors relive moments from their past. Brain games, like checkers, are also popular.
Sarasota’s Senior Friendship Centers
Sarasota’s Senior Friendship Centers are the city’s one-stop shop for daily activities and social events. With a membership, seniors can access all the amenities and activities at the center, including the library, computer room, kitchen, and gym. The center organizes educational events, social hours, and a daily lunch that’s free to members.
The Senior Friendship Center in Sarasota also provides adult day care services for seniors with memory loss. Caregivers can register to participate in adult day care on the Senior Friendship Center website. Membership to the center is $125 each year per senior. You can learn more about what membership includes and how to pay on the Senior Friendship Center website.
Siesta Key Beach
The most famous attraction in Sarasota is Siesta Key Beach. Known for its bright white sand and clear water, Siesta Key Beach remains an accessible day trip for seniors with memory loss and their loved ones. The beach is one of the few in the area with lifeguards, and seniors can request a sand wheelchair at no cost at one of the lifeguard stations. Siesta Key Beach is large, so you’ll likely find plenty of space.
If you want something a little different, you can head to other local beaches. Lido Beach, Caspersen Beach, and Longboat Key Beach each offer a slightly different feel, but all are safe and relatively large. Note that these beaches may not employ lifeguards.
The Ringling Museum
More than just a museum, The Ringling Museum houses two circus museums, the fanciful Cà d’Zan mansion, the State Art Museum of Florida, the Bayfront Gardens, and the Asolo Theater. Spread over expansive grounds, the museum started as an homage to the circus traditions of Sarasota helmed by John Ringling.
For seniors with memory loss, an entire day spent in the museum may be overwhelming, so you may want to consider buying a membership and exploring the museum for a shorter time over a few days. Seniors can ask for a discount at the door.
Celery Fields
Nature is often the best medicine. Enjoy some fresh air at Celery Fields, considered one of the area’s premier birding destinations according to the Sarasota Audubon Society. The Celery Fields are the region’s storm water collection zone, but they’re mostly known as an exceptional picnic area. With 100 acres of restored wetlands and shaded picnic areas, the fields make a wonderful afternoon activity for seniors of all abilities.
Sarasota Classic Car Museum
The Sarasota Classic Car Museum is an ideal place for seniors to reminisce. Although the museum has a range of historic models, most notable is its collection of celebrity vehicles. Within its collection are Paul McCartney’s Mini Cooper and John Lennon’s Mercedes Benz. Traveling exhibitions, such as The Automotive Art of Ferdinand Porsche and Enzo Ferrari, regularly cycle through the museum.
Local guides to Sarasota
Visitsarasota.com is a great resource for weekly activities in and around Sarasota. It publishes updated information about events, sales, and weather conditions. You can find information about social events, farmers markets, and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Windsor of Bradenton, Bayshore Guest Home and Gardens and The Fountains of Hope are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Sarasota, 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 Sarasota is 4984.79 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 74 memory care facilities near you in Sarasota, Florida typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Sarasota, 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 Sarasota, 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 Sarasota, Florida ranges from $595 to $66650. The average Memory Care cost in Sarasota, Florida is $4984.79. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Sarasota, Florida typically starts at $595. 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
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Sarasota city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Rentcafe.com. (2022). Cost of living in Sarasota, FL.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Sarasota city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Bradenton city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Florida Department of Health. (2020). Probable Alzheimer’s cases (aged 65 years and older) [Data set]. FL Health Charts.
More questions?
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
- Bradenton, Florida
- Lakewood Ranch, Florida
- Venice, Florida
- Palmetto, Florida
- Hidden River, Florida
- Siesta Key, Florida
- Osprey, Florida
- Ellenton, Florida
- Palma Sola, Florida
- Nokomis Beach, Florida
- Gillette, Florida
- Parrish, Florida
- Desoto Acres, Florida
- North Sarasota, Florida
- Beverley Terrace, Florida
- Desoto Lakes, Florida
- Matoaka, Florida
- Tallevast, Florida
- Kensington Park, Florida
- Ballentine Manor, Florida