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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.
Types of care available in Sarasota, FL
Memory Care
I would recommend this facility to anybody, the level of certification which was a huge learning curve from us is outstanding here. They have higher certification so they are able to care for our loved one. The head nurse that was there our loved one was, had a dynamic personality. She was so caring and on top of everything. She was particularly outstanding. The activities person seems to be very caring, they always have the residents outside in the common area. The receptionist was an angel sent from God - she was truly amazing. They also had a lot of fresh fruit also and did not ever seem to really repeat meals.
My mother has been at Venice Green Village for over a year. It gives me peace if mind to know my mother is being well cared for. Her health has actually improved now that she's eating better and gets her medication at the proper times.
Don’t even know where to start from [name removed]to [name removed] your loved ones will be treated as family always a smiling face and just down right a good place to live,visit, volunteer, or work They are definitely setting the bar for how a memory care community should be ran
3260 Lake Pointe Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34231
The Fountains at Lake Pointe Woods, located in Sarasota, Florida is a retirement community that offers Independent Living, Assisted Living, and Skilled Nursing at The Springs operated by Summit Care INC. on a large and comfortable senior campus notable for spacious, beautifully landscaped...
My father died in 2017, but my mother continues to live at the Fountains, now over 15 years. She moved to the Assisted Living residence in 2021. Overall, this has been a great place for both of them. They...
5501 Swift Road, Sarasota, FL 34231
Putting the Life Back In Senior LivingYou’ll find exceptional memory care and assisted living at this community located in desirable Sarasota, Florida. Sarasota is a popular destination for people of all ages, boasting stunning Gulf beaches, a rich history that includes the Ringling Brothers...
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...
3251 Proctor Road, Sarasota, FL 34231
Where Happiness BloomsAravilla Sarasota’s Memory Care community combines thoughtfully designed surroundings, stimulating activities and compassionate care, guided by the most recent breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease. Our resort-style community caters to your...
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...
3271 Proctor Rd, Sarasota, FL 34231
Aravilla Sarasota is a unique independent assisted living community with private apartments ranging from studios to two bedroom two baths units.We have wonderful views, a pool to relax in or enjoy the aqua-therapy classes.Aside from healthcare and compassion, we are known for our delicious menu...
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...
7130 Beneva Rd, Sarasota, FL 34238
Savannah Grand, offering gracious retirement assisted living is located in prestigious South Sarasota, Florida. The assisted living community in Sarasota is adjacent to the Beneva Road main entrance of the impressive Palmer Ranch residential community. It is an elegant yet affordable assisted...
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...
2290 Cattlemen Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
Heron East Assisted Living has been providing a warm, lively community setting and outstanding care for Sarasota seniors since 1999. Our dedicated and experienced staff reflects a stable team with many years tenure, offering more than 60 years of experience in elder care. The City of Sarasota...
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...
1414 69th Ave W, Bradenton, FL 34207
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...
1900 Phillipi Shores, Sarasota, FL 34231
Located just off the South Tamiami Trail, Inspired Living at Sarasota provides personalized care with assisted living services specifically designed for those with Alzheimer's disease, dementia or other memory impairments. Residents are truly at the center of their care, forming the foundation...
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...
5750 S Honore Avenue, Sarasota, FL 34233
Quality of Life is a priority at Angels Senior LivingIt’s priceless to give your loved one a nurturing and loving home environment when they are no longer able to live independently in their own home. We deeply understand the transition stage that seniors and families go through and we know it...
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...
743 South Beneva Road, Sarasota, FL 34232
We offer a home like setting and cheerful smiles from our professional staff who greet you every day. Our caring staff offers the assistance you need while respecting your independence. Our peaceful setting, restaurant style dining experience, activities and beautiful setting combine to create a...
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.
5700 24th St E, Bradenton, FL 34203
The Cottages of Bradenton is an assisted living community that sits in the lovely gulf town of Bradenton, Manatee County, Florida. Our beautiful community is close to the gulf with the fresh air that comes along with water life. Bradenton is a great place to reside and its features often draw...
The community is well organized and kind of laid back as the residents are able to socialize with each other. There are a lot of freedoms and activities for the residents to participate in. The care staff...
4450 8th Street, Sarasota, FL 34232
Cabot Reserve on the Green is a free standing assisted living community licensed for 60 residents and has been open since 1999. The community is part of Family Extended Care, a not for profit organization, with five communities in Florida and one in Georgia. Residents enjoy the serenity of...
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...
1120 33rd Avenue West, Bradenton, FL 34205
This stunning assisted living community is located in the relaxing, blissful Bradenton, Florida. It is located on four acres that will make your loved one feel like they are in the country. Surrounded by the tranquil sounds of the wildlife, fountain and pond located near the community, residents...
4151 Ashton Rd, Sarasota, FL 34233
We are a family owned facility and opened in 1996. We built the building and I am an accessible on site owner and an LPN. Tour some corporate facilities and then ours. Our continuity, long term staff, culture and consistent improvement in all aspects of what we do has resulted in a product that...
The care at this community is good. The staff is caring and attentive. The community is clean and offers a good environment for the residents. They offer the residents activities. We would recommend this...
1501 N Orange Ave, Sarasota, FL 34236
1777 18th St, Sarasota, FL 34234
1809 18th St, Sarasota, FL 34234
1401 16th St, Sarasota, FL 34236
700 John Ringling Blvd, Sarasota, FL 34236
894 42nd St, Sarasota, FL 34234
1616 Presidio St, Sarasota, FL 34234
4000 N Tuttle Ave, Sarasota, FL 34234
2630 University Pkwy, Sarasota, FL 34243
4440 Fruitville Rd, Sarasota, FL 34232
5201 Bahia Vista St, Sarasota, FL 34232
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:
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.
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 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.
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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.
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.
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:
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:
In addition to the regular training at assisted living facilities, caregivers and administrators at memory care facilities should undergo the following trainings:
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 Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456
Feedback form
Bureau of Health Facility Regulation
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.
Number of in-network assisted living facilities in market
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Sarasota, Florida
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within Sarasota, Florida[01]
Percentage of seniors over 65 in Sarasota County with Alzheimer’s disease[07]
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. 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
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.
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.
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. 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Windsor of Bradenton, Bayshore Guest Home and Gardens and Brookdale Punta Gorda Isles 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 4,450 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
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.
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