Pensacola ranks No. 3 in the nation for being one of the best places to retire. A cost of living that’s slightly lower than the national average combined with gorgeous white sand beaches and plenty of Southern charm make it obvious why Pensacola is a great place for seniors.
If you’re looking for a memory care facility in Pensacola for your loved one, you’ll find a variety of options — some of which are stand-alone and some that are part of broader communities with other aging in place arrangements. At a Place for Mom, we’ve partnered with seven memory care facilities within a 10- to 25-mile radius of Pensacola’s downtown. The majority of these communities allow well-mannered pets and feature dynamic activity calendars to help keep seniors with impaired memories healthy, entertained, and thriving. They’re ideal settings for individuals who require the security of enclosed, gated courtyards and professionally trained staff but who also deserve the ability to live a rich, fulfilled life.
Throughout this Pensacola memory care facility guide, you will be introduced to more than just places for your loved one to reside. Additionally, you’ll learn more about how people pay for memory care costs, what health care systems are highly ranked in the city, how to get around when you’re visiting your loved one, and activities appropriate for seniors who have conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease who are accompanied by a responsible adult.
Staff is friendly and caring. The nurse techs gives my brother his medicine on time. He get a hot meal three times a day. I come and wash his clothes once a week. The laundry room is always available....
We needed a home for my FIL that he would be comfortable in and have lots of activities. He had no desire to do activities but now that he’s been there a few months, we can never find him because he’s...
The Beacon staff have been wonderful taking care of my Father in memory care. He has such a nice room with his own bathroom and lots of activities to keep him occupied. The food is delicious and...
I was not happy with the facility until recently when the new [name removed] and [name removed] came on board. The atmosphere has definitely improved and I am now a happy camper! [name removed] is also...
We were looking for a smaller, more homey facility which Sodalis Pensacola provides. We created a quick relationship with [name removed] the director and [name removed] the nurse which gave us comfort in...
We Love Sodalis Cantonment. It feels like home when you walk in the door. The residents are always out and about doing activities. They have really fun family nights with wonderful food and entertainment.
Residents are more "mobile" seniors even with walkers/wheelchairs. Housekeeping and maintenance, and administration do an amazing job with a smile and hello for everyone.
My dad has been a resident here for over a year. I'm so thankful that he's going to be able to age in place and not have to move to another facility as his dementia progresses. He's happy, and that's what...
Beautiful clean apartments and common areas. Good food with an extensive option menu. Friendly and helpful staff, variety of activities.
The staff is very nice and they have a lot of social activities. They could improve on checking the residents thoroughly. They give my mom 2 showers a week and they completely miss an infection in her right...
I have lived here for several years. The new owners are making things great! My room was renovated and it's beautiful. We go on all sorts of outings and have lots of fun activities. I'm thankful for this...
The Blake at Pensacola is a very clean, light and bright community. It was a decent space for our loved one and he has a nice private room. From what we saw the meals looked to be really good but they just...
If you need a place for mom, dad, uncle Joe or aunt Mabel this is the place, so much to do, the food is good, free cable and internet, and so very much more, I would not be anywhere but here Come check it...
I have my aunt here. The reputation used to be bad here but it has changed with the new management. I want everyone to know that this place is much better than the past.
My mother is there and has had excellent care. The nurses and staff are very caring and take pride in there patients. If you really want to know what kind of care your loved one is receiving visit them! No...
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Pensacola community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Cost is an important consideration when choosing a memory care facility for your parent, spouse, or loved one. According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, the average monthly cost to live in our partner Pensacola memory care facilities is $4,773.[02] This figure includes all baseline costs for living in this type of secure, structured environment, as well as any additional fees or service add-ons.
The graphic below, however, shows the baseline cost of a memory care facility in the Pensacola area without including any additional fees.
It can feel understandably difficult to unravel all the ways to help your loved one pay for a move to a memory care facility in Pensacola. Often, seniors pay for memory care using a combination of direct and indirect payment methods, including spending their personal savings and relying on Medicare to cover some of their short-term medical fees.
Individuals who fall within low-income guidelines may be able to depend on Medicaid to pick up most or all of their health care costs, leaving more room in the budget to cover the cost of a memory care facility in Pensacola.
Paying for memory care costs out of pocket is a reasonable way for some seniors to afford living in a special community designed for those with conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s. Depending on your loved one’s situation, he or she may have a savings account, receive Social Security benefits or a pension, or get returns from a retirement or investment vehicle. If your relative owns a home, selling the home or entering into a reverse mortgage arrangement may make sense to tap into any existing equity.
Below are more personal and private payment choices that you may not have thought about before, such as selling a life insurance policy or checking to see if the senior in your life has a viable long-term care insurance package. It never hurts to exhaust all personal payment possibilities.
Number of veterans who live in Pensacola
About 19% of Pensacola veterans are 75+
Veterans of all ages will find Pensacola to be a welcoming place to call home. With a thriving naval base and plenty of monuments, museums, and military landmarks, Pensacola is an easy place to enjoy for seniors who served their country. Veteran seniors who live in Pensacola and Escambia County may find themselves eligible to receive benefits.
If either you or your loved one has served in the military or is the spouse of a military veteran, veterans benefits can potentially provide support in covering certain expenses related to transitioning to a memory care facility in Florida. The most well-known of all these benefits is the VA Pension. The VA Pension is a sum of money sent every month. Even if it’s not enough to cover all the baseline and add-on fees of living in a memory care facility, it could help offset some of the financial obligations.
Not every veteran can receive this Pension, so be sure to check the eligibility standards before deciding to apply. If you’re confused as to whether or not your loved one may meet the criteria for the VA Pension, you can always contact the Regional VA Benefits Office or a local veterans service officer.
Another benefit offered to veterans in the United States is the Aid and Attendance benefit. Like the VA Pension, this benefit is deposited monthly. It can be used in any way possible to improve the recipient’s life.
Not sure that your relative can apply for a VA Pension or Aid and Attendance benefit? Or are you wondering if there are other benefits for which your loved one might qualify? Try calling representatives from the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs (FDVA) or the Florida Department of Elder Affairs. Both organizations should give you a better idea of how to proceed.
Veterans services officers are also standing by to help answer any and all questions. These trained professionals are located at veterans services organizations (VSOs) that serve Pensacola’s veteran population and the surrounding municipalities or the Escambia County Veterans Services Office.
Resources for Pensacola veterans
Regional VA Benefits Office
9500 Bay Pines Blvd.
Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 800-698-2411
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Escambia County Veterans Services Office
221 Palafox Place
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 850-595-2409
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Contact: Martin Merillat, Escambia County Veterans Services Officer
Phone: 850-595-1479
Email: mrmerillat@myescambia.com
VFW Post 706
5000 W. Lillian Highway
Pensacola, FL 32506
Phone: 850-455-0026
Email: vfwpost39+ContactUs@gmail.com
Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Office
4504 Twin Oaks Drive
Pensacola, FL 32506
Phone: 727-319-7444
Frank Marston American Legion Post 33
1401 W. Intendencia St.
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 850-359-4260
Email: media.post33@outlook.com
American Legion Post 240
8666 Gulf Beach Highway
Pensacola, FL 32507
Phone: 850-455-6111
The topic of Medicaid may arise when you and your loved one begin to talk with representatives of Pensacola memory care facilities. Most memory care admissions professionals are well-versed in this government program that provides medical support for seniors 65 and older who fall within low-income criteria. However, you may want to do a little homework so you can have the best possible conversation if you’re asked whether or not your loved one is receiving — or probably will transition to — Medicaid. Seniors who live long enough often qualify for Medicaid when their personal pay sources run low or are completely depleted.
In Florida, the Medicaid program is simply called Florida Medicaid, run by the Agency for Health Care Administration. You need to complete and submit a Medicaid application to the Agency for Health Care Administration for consideration. It can take months to receive an answer about Medicaid, so it’s best to learn about it before your loved one needs it.
Once approved for Medicaid, you can help your loved one seek a 1915(c) waiver, commonly called a home and community based services (HCBS) waiver. In our A Place for Mom HCBS waiver guide, we lay out how waivers work in different types of senior living communities, including those created for the sole purpose of serving people with impaired cognition.
As you begin to look more into HCBS waivers, you’ll find several waivers offered to Florida residents may be applicable to your loved one’s condition or situation. These include:
This is not an all-inclusive list, so be sure to check eligibility for other waivers and benefits based on financial or health needs.
Rest assured that you don’t have to go through the process of navigating Medicaid alone. Pensacola’s long-term care ombudsman can serve as your Medicaid guide. Two other places to get in touch with about Medicaid are the HHS Region 4 Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)/Health and Human Services (HHS) Regional Office, and the Northwest Florida Area Agency On Aging, Inc.
Pensacola resident Medicaid resources
Department of Children and Families Escambia County Service Center
33 Brent Lane
Pensacola, FL 32503
Phone: 866-762-2237
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Northwest Florida Area Agency On Aging, Inc.
5090 Commerce Park Circle
Pensacola, FL 32505
Phone: 850-494-7101
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
160 W. Government St., Suite 514
Pensacola, Florida 32502
Phone: 850- 595-0469
Fax: 850- 916-6722
Like Medicaid, Medicare is a government program designed to help cover some medical costs. However, Medicare is set up to echo a more traditional health insurance plan, and it is only for those who are at least 65 or have certain disabilities. Accordingly, it doesn’t cover long-term medical care needs, such as the costs associated with living long-term in a memory care facility.
Does this mean your loved one’s Medicare is of little help? Not exactly. People on Medicare still get discounts and savings on routine appointments and medically necessary treatments. Therefore, if your relative needs extra care or requires surgery, Medicare may pay for all or most of it with the exception of any copays.
To begin your journey to learn more about how Medicare works, try The Pensacola Social Security Administration office and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, called Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) in Florida. Representatives from the Aging & Adult Service office at the Florida Department of Elder Affairs or the long-term care ombudsman may be able to assist you as well.
If you believe your loved one is still overpaying, check out the Medicare Savings Programs available through the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. The Florida Discount Drug Program is another choice to save on medications. Each of these programs can lower out-of-pocket costs. Saving just a few dollars here and there can be welcome, especially if your loved one has a limited income.
Pensacola resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
411 W. Garden St.
Pensacola, FL 32502
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Florida Department of Elder Affairs (SHINE) program
4040 Esplanade Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-494-7100; 800-414-2000
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456
Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
160 W. Government St., Suite 514
Pensacola, Florida 32502
Phone: 850-595-0469
Memory care units, communities, and buildings in Florida are considered assisted living facilities. As such, they are licensed by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. Licensing helps maintain a standard of living and care to ensure security and safety for residents. Assisted living communities with memory care facilities must apply for specialty licenses beyond the standard licensure due to the unique and focused services they offer.
It is up to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) to inspect all Florida assisted living and memory care communities regularly. Each thorough inspection ensures the facility is complying with licensing guidelines for space requirements, staff training, staff-to-patient ratios, residential care plans, resident activity requirements, sanitization, zoning, and other considerations.
Inspections provide an important safety net to assure residents with Alzheimer’s and related diseases and their loved ones that their needs are being met. In fact, memory care facilities must go above and beyond to prove that they are focused on meeting the needs of their particular population. Not only are all memory care facilities expected to disclose their specific services, but they must record and provide proof of all advertisements to maintain a license to operate in Florida. They must also meet standards of operation, as well as train all staff on dementia-specific curriculum.
If you are interested in checking into a Pensacola memory care facility’s inspection report, use this facility locator. Be aware that when an assisted living facility doesn’t pass a part of the inspection, its deficiencies are noted by the AHCA and are available through a public record search. After your relative moves into a memory care facility, you can always report a concern to the AHCA.
Pensacola memory care facilities also need to meet Escambia County zoning requirements. That is, they can’t just be licensed and inspected by the state. They must also meet all local zoning and ordinance expectations.
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.
There are no COVID-19 restrictions or guidelines currently in place for Pensacola or greater Escambia County. Escambia County’s COVID-19 spread remains at a low level per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Nevertheless, memory care staff, residents, and visitors should remain vigilant and make certain they’re taking steps toward keeping the risk of contracting and spreading COVID-19 and the flu to a minimum.
You can register for a COVID-19 vaccine or booster online in Florida, although memory care residents are likely to be offered vaccines and boosters at their facilities. All individuals who are healthy enough to be vaccinated should consider protecting themselves.
Wearing a quality mask in heavily populated indoor settings can make it harder for the virus that causes COVID-19 to pass from person to person.
Maintaining clean private and communal spaces lessens the likelihood of germs, bacteria, and viruses being able to linger on high-touch services.
Memory care facilities may take special measures to ensure everyone’s safety, such as expecting staff to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer in between all resident interactions.
Though social distancing in residential communities like memory care facilities can be tricky, it’s not impossible. During cold and flu season, social distancing can be an excellent way to reduce the chance of COVID-19 spreading from person to person.
As the aging in place movement has evolved, so have the possibilities when it comes to memory care facilities. Many memory care communities extend far beyond being mere properties where individuals with Alzheimer’s and dementia can safely reside. Today, memory care facilities are frequently arranged as beautiful, welcoming communities featuring leading-edge therapies, amenities, and plenty of opportunities for residents to live fulfilling lives. In Pensacola in particular, residents of memory care facilities can take solace in the proximity of white sand beaches and calming ocean waves.
Each of the seven memory care facilities in Pensacola partnered with a Place for Mom has its own distinct environment and architectural layout. Two are stand-alone facilities, meaning that they’re communities intended just for people with impaired cognition. The five others are a mixture of combined living types, which may be preferential if your loved one isn’t quite ready for full memory care services yet.
For instance, one of the memory care facilities you’ll see listed in this guide combines independent living, assisted living, and memory care. This type of arrangement is especially attractive if you’re looking for a way to help your relative progress from being fully independent to needing more help as the years go by. Picking a combination-style facility can also be ideal if your loved one has a spouse who doesn’t need memory care but wants to live close by for daily visits.
It’s worth mentioning that one of our partner memory care facilities is a personal care home. These homes are very small and may cost less than larger communities. As the name suggests, the property is a converted residence, so the setting is homey, welcoming, and intimate.
Safety is always a priority at all our partner Pensacola memory care facilities. To maintain the highest degree of care, all our partners have staff who are awake round-the-clock to make certain that residents always have access to someone who can assist them.
To encourage freedom of movement within parameters, all our partner memory care facilities in Pensacola have gated areas. These include outdoor spaces such as enclosed courtyards for the enjoyment and protection of residents. By offering spaces that are always monitored, memory care facilities can preserve the dignity of residents without risking their security.
Another safety factor inherent in our partner memory care facilities is attention to redirecting residents exhibiting common symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s and dementia. These may include exit-seeking behavior, hallucinations, disorientations, and wandering. Staff members are also taught how to identify and approach these types of side effects of cognitive impairment to avoid progressive episodes of agitation or confusion.
Life in a memory care facility in Pensacola shouldn’t be dull. Of all our partner Pensacola memory care facilities, 86% have a dedicated activity director who arranges opportunities for residents to congregate or participate in events. These events can include highly supervised outings to places such as Pensacola’s waterfront downtown or white-sand beaches that visiting family members can attend.
It’s not unusual for our partner memory care facilities to include a wide range of spaces for residents to indulge in their favorite pastimes. These can include arts and crafts areas, libraries, TV lounges, and gardens. Access to private dining can be yet another way to help residents feel like they’re in more of an at-home environment.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Pensacola
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within the Pensacola population
Median annual income for Pensacola seniors 65 and older
Baptist Hospital is part of Baptist Health Care, which has served the Pensacola community for generations. Baptist Hospital’s services are extensive. Those most relevant to the needs of aging seniors include heart and vascular care, oncology, and orthopedics. In 2023, Baptist Health Care began constructing a new building to house the future Baptist Hospital.
Specialty care is Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola Hospital’s calling card. Offering everything from cancer and neurology care to orthopedics and cardiology, Ascension Sacred Heart Pensacola remains a top regional health care provider.
Personalization and affordability are just two of the benefits of choosing HCA Florida West Hospital. HCA Florida West Hospital is highly patient-centered, where you’ll find cutting-edge medical treatments, including robot-assisted surgeries and advanced rehabilitation services.
Getting out to see the best of Pensacola and its subtropical climate is possible for residents living in memory care facilities. As long as they are with responsible, dedicated caregivers, they can get out using a variety of transportation options. For example, 86% of the memory care communities partnered with A Place for Mom offer complimentary transportation to residents. And 71% of them provide transportation at a budget-friendly cost.
If you’re visiting your relative in Pensacola and would rather use another type of transportation method than a facility-run shuttle or your personal vehicle, try the ECAT. Run by the Escambia County Area Transit system seven days a week, ECAT buses crisscross the city day and evening. You’ll find ECAT both affordable and easy to use. All ECAT vehicles are wheelchair-friendly, but the ECAT also has a curbside ECAT ADA bus if you or your loved one finds the regular buses difficult to use.
Another way to get around Pensacola to medical appointments is the Go Seniors! Transportation Program through the Escambia County Medical Society Foundation. Go Seniors! only offers transportation to medical appointments and costs $20 per ride. Your relative must obtain a voucher for this private transportation through his or her physician. If you don’t have a voucher, try Comfort Keepers for dependable fee-based transportation for individuals and their caregivers.
The ECCT Paratransit Services program is yet another resource ideal for seniors, particularly those with limited finances. It’s a free transportation option but requires you to call a day ahead to see if it’s possible to get a ride on your preferred date. Since ECCT Paratransit Services is first come, first served, it can fill up fast and isn’t guaranteed.
Freedom To Go is our final private transportation service exclusively designed for seniors in Pensacola. With this service, seniors can easily navigate the city, whether it’s for essential doctor appointments, grocery shopping, or enjoying brunch with friends. Their drivers are available from Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Prices may vary in response to fluctuations in gas prices, ensuring fair and up-to-date rates.
Life and activities in Pensacola tend to revolve around two prominent features of the city: its subtropical climate and welcoming atmosphere. Not surprisingly, some of the favorite pastimes residents and tourists love are visiting the city’s many beaches and exploring its most appealing, well-known landmarks.
Heading out to the beach isn’t difficult in Escambia County, with its miles upon miles of shoreline. Pensacola Beach is one of the largest and most popular surfside attractions. Its 1,500-foot pier makes for a wonderful place to stroll and watch ships, waves, and sea birds. If you’re up for it, your loved one can even try their hand at a little old-fashioned fishing if they have the right gear. For a more rustic beach environment, head to the protected Gulf Island National Seashore. There, you’ll find a couple of beaches and plenty of trails.
What could be a more convenient way to see all the area’s highlights from the comfortable seat of a refurbished and air-conditioned 1930s Ford transit bus? Going on a tour of Pensacola’s landmarks allows you and your loved one to sightsee in the most relaxing way possible. Or, you could cruise around by waterways on the Pensacola Bay City Ferry.
Afterward, you can always pick and choose specific places to tour on your own. For example, many seniors appreciate The National Naval Aviation Museum with its free admission. If your loved one likes history, try the Historic Pensacola Village. All seniors and military members receive discounts to go there and learn about the past people who built Pensacola and this part of the Florida Panhandle.
In addition to the beach and museums, you’ll want to go to a minor league baseball game at the Blue Wahoos Ballpark at least once. Located along the beautiful Pensacola Bay, it’s a great venue for anyone interested in supporting the home team. Plus, the ballpark is the site for other festivities like seasonal holiday celebrations and live performances. When you’re done at the ballpark, be sure to grab a bite at a nearby coffee shop or restaurant. There’s no limit to the types of foods available in Pensacola. From tapas bars to barbecue eateries, you’ll find exactly what you’re in the mood to try while you’re spending time with the person you love.
The Waterford at Carpenter's Creek, The Beacon at Gulf Breeze and The Waterford at Creekside are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near Pensacola, 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 Pensacola is $3,853 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 27 memory care facilities near you in Pensacola, Florida typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in Pensacola, 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 Pensacola, 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 Pensacola, Florida ranges from $1000 to $7850. The average Memory Care cost in Pensacola, Florida is $3,853. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in Pensacola, Florida typically starts at $1000. 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.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). What’s it Like to Live in Pensacola, FL?
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). Best Hospitals in Pensacola.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). What’s it Like to Live in Pensacola, FL?
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). Best Hospitals in Pensacola.