10 Best Memory Care Facilities in St Petersburg, FL

Those looking to move a loved one into a memory care facility have a variety of ways to pay. This includes private funds, public funds, and veteran benefits. This section will go over private pay, veteran benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.

Memory care facilities are regulated the same way as assisted living facilities with one big difference: Memory care facilities require that staff have specialized training when it comes to caring for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. While assisted living facilities are given a standard license to provide personal care, memory care facilities must receive a specialty license.

The Bureau of Healthy Facility Regulation licenses all memory care living facilities in Florida. Licensing is only accomplished if memory care facilities meet certain standards set forth by the Bureau of Healthy Facility Regulation; all memory care facilities are inspected upon licensing, with licensing needing to be renewed every two years.^[03] Inspections cover food safety, physical safety, staffing requirements, and emergency procedures. You can find inspection reports via the Agency for Health Care Administration’s public records.

In memory care facilities, it is required that there is at least one staff member on hand at all times who has specialized training for dementia care; all memory care facilities are required to be properly staffed at all times.^[03] Memory care facilities are also required to offer activities specifically for those who have dementia. Staff who directly interact with residents are required to take four hours of ongoing education each year, and staff who work indirectly with residents are required to take dementia-specific training three months prior to being placed in a facility.^[03]

Residents also have to meet certain requirements. To be admitted to a memory care facility, one must have a medical evaluation no more than 60 days prior to moving in, or no more than 30 days after moving in. This evaluation is used to determine a personalized care plan for each resident in memory care.^[03]

Florida Department of Health contact information

Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for St. Petersburg memory care facilities

No COVID-19 mandates for memory care facilities exist in St. Petersburg. The city primarily recommends following the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.

Those seeking memory care living in St. Petersburg, Florida, will find plenty of options for their loved ones among A Place for Mom’s 22 partner communities. Seniors with memory impairment will find one standalone memory care facility, as well as one combination group home and memory care facility. Eleven offer a combination of assisted living with memory care, while three are a combination of adult day care, assisted living, and memory care. Six facilities support a combination of memory care, assisted living, and independent living; this progressive care type is appealing because of its ability to allow seniors to age in place across a variety of stages.^[01]

Amenities for specialized memory care

A Place For Mom’s partner memory care facilities are designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory impairments get the most out of life. This means that there is staff on hand 24 hours a day trained in redirection, cueing, and disorientation care. St. Petersburg memory care facilities offer secured communities — some with wander detection systems — and nearly all offer special staff assistance with exit-seeking behavior, restlessness, pacing, and wandering care.

Catered activities to empower residents

This orientation centered on memory care residents also means that activities are set up so residents are able to enjoy themselves fully from day to day. With enclosed courtyards, activity directors, game rooms, libraries, and arts and crafts centers, these communities are designed to give residents an opportunity for on-site engagement. Here residents can expect dining services, entertainment, and social activities with their peers.

Accessible facilities near downtown attractions

All 22 A Place For Mom partnered memory care facilities are within 10 miles of downtown St. Petersburg. That means that residents will be close to plenty of attractions and activities for both themselves and their families, ranging from awe-inspiring museums to beautiful beaches. Seniors will be able to enjoy these attractions with escorts while getting the assistance they need for their memory care needs.

Health care for seniors in St. Petersburg

Transportation for seniors in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is a city where you will need transportation to be able to run errands and do other activities. Fortunately, 91% of A Place For Mom’s partner memory care facilities offer complimentary transportation services for residents.^[01] Many partner memory care living facilities also offer at-cost transportation services as well.

There are no transportation services in St. Petersburg that offer transportation specifically for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or related memory impairments. However, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PTSA) offers a discount for anyone over the age of 65, making it a strong option for memory care residents traveling with caretakers. The PTSA also offers the Disabled Special Citizen Program, which offers discounts for anyone who has applied for and been accepted to the program.

Senior activities in St. Petersburg

St. Petersburg is nicknamed “The Sunshine City.” It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, to hear that it is known for its beautiful weather and sunny beaches. Temperatures hover between the 50s and the 80s year-round, making it an ideal place for spending time outdoors.^[05] However, there is plenty more to do in St. Petersburg than lounge in the sun; it is also a city that offers wonderful museums and other attractions for people who live in memory care facilities.

Art lovers can enjoy a day at one of the many art museums spread throughout St. Petersburg. The Dalí Museum shows off works spanning the entire life of famous artist Salvador Dalí. If you are a lover of glass, you can find plenty of it at the Duncan McClellan Gallery. In fact, St. Petersburg is kind of a glass lover’s paradise; the Morean Arts Center, aside from other exhibits, showcases the work of master glassblower Dale Chihuly. Even better, both of these museums are free! However, the love for glass doesn’t stop there: You can also go to the Imagine Museum, which is home to thousands of stunning pieces of glasswork. For a different medium, check out Charlie Parker Pottery. You can see amazing wares and even learn how to make some yourself, making it a perfect low-key activity for someone in memory care to enjoy with their whole family.

And, of course, we can’t mention attractions in Florida without mentioning the flora and the fauna! The Sunken Gardens started as a hobby in 1903 by George Turner; now, it is a special place where you can see rare plants while having a quiet and relaxing stroll.

St. Petersburg is a great place for seniors who love the warm weather and a calm way of life. Not only are there all of the attractions mentioned above, but the infrastructure for senior services in St. Petersburg is robust. With care and services available and a calm lifestyle in a temperate climate as the norm, St. Petersburg could be perfect for your loved one looking to move into memory care.