10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Naples, FL

Navigating payment options can be daunting if you’re looking for a memory care facility for your loved one. However, there are many ways to finance memory care, including private payment methods, veterans’ benefits, and insurance programs like Medicaid and Medicare. In this section, you’ll learn more about each payment method and how it applies to memory care.

Because memory care is considered a specialized type of assisted living, all memory care facilities abide by the same regulations that assisted living follows. They must also follow additional rules to support memory care residents.

As with traditional assisted living, memory care communities are licensed and regulated by the Bureau of Health Facility Regulation.  In addition to the standard license, some memory care communities may hold specialty licenses such as limited nursing services, extended congregate care, and limited mental health services.

Before receiving a license, communities must undergo an initial inspection. They are then inspected at least every two years after that. All inspection reports can be found online on the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration website.

The inspection process covers various areas, including staff-to-patient ratios, staff training, resident care plans, and the number of registered nurses on staff. There are also some specific regulations for memory care facilities. These requirements include:

• 24/7 staffing capabilities
• Awake staff on duty at all hours if a facility has more than 17 residents
• Specialized dementia training for staff who provide direct care or have contact with dementia patients
• Yearly dementia-specific training for direct care staff
• Activities specifically designed for people with cognitive impairments
• Care plans that are created no more than 30 days after admission and reviewed monthly
• Safe and secure premises

Check out our resource for more information about Florida memory care laws.

Florida Department of Health contact information

4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Naples memory care facilities

Currently, Naples has no citywide COVID-19 ordinances. However, individuals and businesses are advised to follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some memory care facilities may also have their own COVID-19 protocols, so you’ll want to contact specific facilities for more information.

Naples, which experiences 264 days of sunshine a year, is the perfect city for a memory care patient. Your loved one will enjoy the subtropical weather and plentiful community amenities. Services at memory care facilities include:

• Housekeeping services
• Personal care
• Activities and outings designed for residents with memory loss
• Dining services
• 24-hour emergency response

Varying levels of care

Most memory care facilities in Naples are part of other care communities, such as assisted living and independent living. Here’s a breakdown of our partners in Naples:

• Four stand-alone memory care facilities
• Five memory care and assisted living facilities
• Three combination memory care, assisted living, and independent living facilities

These facilities with combination care are particularly appealing because seniors may need different levels of support as they age. Selecting a community that has memory care as part of its offerings ensures seniors have access to the specialized care and assistance they may eventually need.

Safe and secure environment

Memory care facilities in Naples prioritize security and have implemented various measures to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. All communities have trained staff who can offer redirection and disorientation care to residents. Such care helps residents to stay engaged, focused, and oriented in their surroundings, reducing their risk of falls and other accidents.

All of our partner communities have secured courtyards, and several offer WanderGuard or a similar system. This means residents can’t leave the premises without supervision, minimizing their risk of getting lost.

Activities designed for cognitive ability

Memory care facilities are designed specifically to accommodate memory loss. So, communities have layouts, features, and amenities that are tailored to the unique needs of residents with memory impairments. For example, all communities have an activity director, and many have an arts and crafts center, game room, library, and/or theater.

Several transportation options exist for loved ones in memory care. Complimentary transportation is available at 75% of our partner communities, and 58% of communities provide at-cost transportation.

Beyond community options, there is also the Collier Area Transport (CAT) bus system. CAT offers 19 routes throughout the city, making it easy to navigate Naples without a car. The buses are also fully accessible, making it easier for individuals with mobility impairments to board and exit. However, this is only a useful option for people in memory care who are traveling with a loved one or caregiver.

Additionally, CAT provides a door-to-door paratransit service called CATConnect for individuals who meet Americans with Disabilities Act eligibility requirements. This can be especially helpful for seniors with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Caregivers can travel with approved seniors free of charge if application is approved.

Finding activities to take part in with your loved one can feel challenging, as people with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia have differing needs depending on their physical and cognitive abilities. Luckily, many communities in Naples offer on-site activities that family members and friends can participate in, such as cooking classes, gardening, arts and crafts, and more. These recreational opportunities help seniors with their dexterity, provide residents with chances for social interaction, and allow people to spend quality time with their loved ones.

Want to take your loved one on a day trip? If they love nature, check out the Naples Botanical Garden. The garden has ADA-accessible paths, and wheelchairs and scooters are available for rent. The garden also has a social experience story, a parent/caregiver guide, and a visual schedule to help people plan their visits. The Naples Preserve Butterfly Garden is another option for those who want a peaceful afternoon out.

Other nature-based spots to visit include Lowdermilk Beach and Naples Pier. Beach wheelchairs are available at Lowdermilk Beach, and both sites have ADA-accessible beach mats. There’s also Baker Park, Cambier Park, and Fleischmann Park, which all offer accessible amenities.

Naples Zoo is another popular attraction. You and your loved one will enjoy seeing giraffes, primates, alligators, tigers, and more. The zoo is wheelchair accessible and provides chairs available for rent at the gift shop counter. Service dogs are also welcome in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Owners will want to review the zoo’s policy on sensitive areas and email the form before visiting.