Dementia, and specifically Alzheimer’s, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Clearwater’s senior population continues to grow (11.35% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Clearwater, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 26.3% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 5.01%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (5.02% in Clearwater vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
To help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s or other forms of cognitive impairment find the support and care their loved ones need, we applied our unique methodology and spent dozens of hours researching senior living communities in Clearwater. In addition to an overview of the communities’ best features, this guide highlights the best memory care facilities in the city, and gives information about pricing, types of care provided, residents’ reviews, and more.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, 83% of all caregivers are unpaid family members, relatives, or other friends, and nearly half of all care is for older adults with some form of dementia. Caregiving, especially when it involves Alzheimer’s or dementia, is extremely exhausting and time-consuming, leading many caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.
As a loved one continues to progress through the stages of dementia and his or her cognitive abilities continue to decline, behavioral problems, safety, and general care often become more than one caregiver can handle. This is when it’s important to find extra help, and residential facilities that have specialized memory care programs are often the best solution.
In addition to providing a safe environment, memory care programs seek to delay or halt cognitive decline while providing the opportunity for a social, independent lifestyle.
To choose the best memory care facilities in Clearwater, our team of researchers started by using our unique methodology to develop a list of contenders. We further refined the list in the next phase of our process by completing hands-on research for each one of the companies that we developed. Finally, we compiled online reviews from residents and families and wrote summaries of each facility that made it through our selection process.
Overall, our team:
Arden Courts of Largo is a friendly community owned by a not-for-profit healthcare organization. It specializes solely in memory care and is focused on the unique needs of seniors with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. The caregivers are dedicated to taking care of the everyday health of residents, but they're also committed to providing an environment that allows residents to truly enjoy life. This care is supported by a community layout with inviting spaces that are enclosed for the residents' safety. Starting with an initial assessment, each resident at Arden Courts has an individualized plan that can be changed as their needs shift. The caregivers at Arden Courts frequently communicate with families to find out what residents enjoy and how the community can make their experience better.
The son of one resident says, "She was home alone for many years thinking she was doing fine. Now she enjoys her life and many new friends. We know she is being well cared for and that is a great relief itself. Knowing she is having fun is a great bonus!"
Atria Countryside is an active, engaging senior community nestled in Clearwater near Florida's Gulf Coast. Residents soak in the sunshine among meticulously landscaped outdoor spaces, including a patio, courtyard and walking paths. This small-scale neighborhood strives to support a simplified yet rich life for seniors looking for an independent or assisted living arrangement. Customized care is available 24/7 for needs ranging from personal assistance to specialized Life Guidance memory care. World-class culinary experiences await residents every day, with cuisine featuring locally sourced foods and inspiration from around the world. Through Engage Life, Atria Countryside's trademark activities program, residents cultivate relationships with each other and nature, unleash their creativity and stay physically and mentally fit.
Residents and their families are pleased with the welcoming atmosphere, supportive staff, social opportunities and delicious meals at Atria Countryside. One resident's daughter appreciates how the staff keeps her up-to-date on her father's progress. She also comments, "We like knowing that he is happy in a nice environment. We highly recommend the care and the value to other families for the care of a loved one."
Residents of Bayside Terrace in Pinellas Park, Florida, can enjoy the tranquility of a suburban neighborhood and the conveniences of a nearby metropolitan area. Residents with visiting loved ones can explore local interests at their own pace, and the facility provides transportation for community outings in the surrounding area. On-site entertainment includes separate gaming and billiards rooms, a fitness center and several activity areas for meetings and events. Residents can also enjoy the facility's library and theater. A patio and walking paths help community members enjoy Florida's warm weather in comfort, and an indoor fireplace keeps the common room cozy during the winter.
Loved ones, particularly this reviewer, enjoy the clean accommodations and helpful staff"I found the facility clean, and the food seems to be really nice. Just everything about it was what I was looking for her. They've just been extremely helpful."
Brookdale Beckett Lake provides seniors in Clearwater, Florida, with compassionate care in a homelike environment. Surrounded by 5 acres of landscaped grounds, residents can enjoy the facility's walking paths, garden and lakeside patio. A variety of amenities are available on-site, including a library, beauty and barber shop, fitness center and games room, and a concierge helps residents in any way they need. Visual guidance and gentle reminders are positioned throughout the facility to help seniors navigate the space with a sense of independence. The facility's gently structured Clare Bridge program takes a person-centered approach to memory care with six daily programs that instill a sense of security and help residents maintain their skills. Additionally, a full calendar of special events, activities and cultural enrichment programs are offered, including a walking club, painting classes, happy-hour socials and musical performances.
Reviewers appreciate the facility's warm and welcoming atmosphere. One woman comments, "The staff and other residents have been so welcoming and helpful. The monthly themed family nights are something we always look forward to. The care that my aunt receives is amazing, and the true compassion of the staff is something you cannot find anywhere else!"
Located in Largo, Florida, Cypress Palms provides residents with a resort-style experience that offers all the comforts of home. Staff members help community members engage with one another through a rotation of scheduled activities that focus on spiritual, mental and physical well-being. Regular events also involve residents with local youth groups and schools as a way of nurturing intergenerational connections. Personalized care is designed to help each memory care resident maintain their interests and honor their personal history and individual identity. Meals at Cypress Palms feature fresh, whole food ingredients to maximize nutritional value. Each meal service offers residents a variety of healthy and appetizing dishes to choose from.
This review from a family member finds the facility's accommodations and staff both favorable"This is a beautiful community. Mom has a nice large room. The staff have been very attentive and encouraging. They offer a nice variety of activities."
Elison is located in a tranquil neighborhood with convenient access to the heart of the city and the nearby Largo Medical Center. The facility provides a variety of outdoor comforts that encourage residents to enjoy Florida's warm weather at their leisure. A secure, shaded garden patio features a tropical mural, and there are designated areas for shuffleboard and golfing. Indoors, plush seating and elegant decor create a warm atmosphere for socializing in the library, billiards room or common areas. Personalized daily schedules ensure that residents enjoy enriching experiences that fit their interests while having the opportunity to learn new skills. Dining options at Elison include restaurant-style seating inside and occasional outdoor barbecues and picnics. Menu selections focus on home-style meals and gourmet dishes made with carefully selected ingredients for optimal nutrition.
The activities impressed me. There is a swimming pool; theres bingo. There are all kinds of visiting musicians and choirs. They have very liberal transportation service and very elegant dining The food is excellent with a large variety of choice at every meal, and its very well done.
Seniors at Freedom Square can enjoy a luxurious lifestyle with access to a full continuum of care. Brick-paved streets, outdoor gazebos and manicured gardens give the appearance of a quaint downtown setting, while amenities such as a pool, on-site salon and concierge service create a resort-like atmosphere. The facility's Alzheimer's and dementia program takes a person-centered approach at care with the goal of giving residents a sense of belonging and purpose. Residents have the opportunity to participate in unique activities, including Spanish classes, dance lessons, art projects and a writer's club, as well as outings to nearby attractions. In addition to the regular calendar of activities, memory care residents are given a structured daily path of six supplementary programs to help them utilize their individual skills and abilities.
Residents and their loved ones are consistently impressed by the quality of life offered at Freedom Square. One resident's family member shared, "What I like about Freedom Square is the facility itself, and the staff is friendly and helpful. The place is clean, and it has beautiful grounds. They have a lot of activities to offer. They have a full calendar of activities with music and socials."
The pet-friendly senior living community of Grand Villa of Dunedin is in a residential area near a shopping center and the Mease Dunedin Hospital. Seniors in assisted living enjoy a variety of daily activities, including exercise classes, brain games and bingo. Grand Villas secured memory care neighborhood and outdoor courtyard encourage residents to explore freely and choose their own activities. Daily music therapy, pet therapy, sensory stimulation and Dakim Brain Fitness are designed to promote residents independence and preserve their dignity. Life Skill stations in the neighborhood recreate familiar scenes from the past and encourage seniors to remember and engage. As a special security precaution, residents wear a SafetyNet bracelet locator device. Additionally, the private and companion apartments are equipped with state-of-the-art motion sensors and safety lighting.
The communitys cleanliness and great food impress residents' loved ones. The friendly, helpful care team also receives high praise. A daughter shares, Our mother is very happy, comfortable and loves the staff and everyone who helps her at Grand Villa. Our family thinks the administrative staff and employees are the greatest.
Grand Villa of Largo is located in tropical Largo, Florida. The assisted living and memory care community offers spacious common areas, such as the luxuriously appointed lobby and homey communal dining area. There's a salon on-site to help residents keep up their appearance, and the library is a good place to curl up with a great book. Residents enjoy housekeeping services and chef-prepared meals in a safe environment set up to keep memory care patients secure. A full-time activities coordinator oversees lectures, exercise classes and parties to promote a fun, engaging environment. Excursions around town include recreational outings to local restaurants, malls and the nearby beach. Specially trained staff assists residents in activities that promote memory retention, such as pet therapy, computer classes, trivia, entertainment, church services and gardening.
Guests comment on the care taken to safeguard residents. "I like the system they have in the rooms that if the patient gets up at night, they have a little alarm, so they'd be aware," said one visitor, who also praised staff members. "It has good people, and it's pretty big. They have good personnel, and the common areas are very spacious."
Grand Villa of Pinellas Park offers a wide range of activities aimed at helping memory care residents live as independently as possible. The facility's treatments include several forms of therapy, such as musical therapy and pet interaction, to connect residents with past memories. Other links are forged via the property's Life Skill stations, which place residents in a familiar setting designed to trigger past memories and keep them fresh. The facility believes in family interactions for its residents, and relatives are encouraged to visit and participate in activities along with loved ones. The property places a high emphasis on resident safety, with 24-hour security and motion sensors to illuminate walkways and alert staff members when necessary.
Residents and loved ones praise the property's atmosphere, referring to it as "very family-friendly and very warm. We felt comfortable being there." Loved ones appreciate the alarm system and the size of the facility, saying "Their apartments were spacious, [and] their dining area was excellent."
HarborChase's flagship Palm Harbor community sets a standard for luxurious senior living that's followed by its other Florida locations. The beautiful facility features tastefully furnished common areas with floor-to-ceiling windows and abundant natural light. The exterior landscaping offers a walking path and easy access to a lake, which many of the one-bedroom apartments overlook. In addition to assisted living and respite stays, this community offers The Sound program to support and stimulate residents experiencing mild memory loss. The Cove is HarborChases program developed for seniors experiencing Alzheimers disease and other forms of dementia. Personalized programs designed to celebrate daily successes might incorporate art or music therapy as well as Compassionate Touch, Fit for Life and the Its Never Too Late technology program.
Family members are pleased by the numerous on-site activities and local excursions. Others praise the committed, professional care team. My dad has been here for a year. I can't say enough about the staff. They are very caring people. I can sleep at night knowing he will be taken care of, and I will be notified if anything happens, one daughter writes.
Pacifica Senior Living Belleair is located in suburban Clearwater, Florida, near several parks, shopping centers and restaurants. The facility provides a homelike setting, with tastefully decorated interior common rooms and beautifully manicured grounds linked by walking paths. The pet-friendly cottage-style residences feature covered porches with views of the courtyard and its gardens. Residents and their loved ones are welcome to take part in a variety of scheduled events and activities, such as crafts, karaoke, movies and family dinners. Enrichment classes keep residents actively involved in their favorite hobbies and offer a chance to learn new ones. Celebrations for birthdays, holidays and other special occasions help the community come together in a friendly, relaxed atmosphere.
The carefully maintained accommodations receive praise from several reviewers. One writes, "Staff are friendly and ask important questions. The property is beautiful! The rooms have private restrooms, and the food is excellent. Lots of room to walk around and enjoy nature. The facility is secure and on a large property."
The Palms of Largo is an intergenerational living community sprawled over a 96-acre campus. Along with family apartments and townhomes, it includes independent and assisted living apartments, a memory care neighborhood and a Parkinsons program. This Goodman Group community also houses a 30-bed pediatric wing for children who require long-term care. The facilitys extended congregate care (ECC) license lets residents transfer to a higher level of medical care as needed, making aging in place possible. Regal Palms memory care program, Pearls of Life, is provided in an intimate, structured environment. Care is based on the Montessori Inspired Lifestyle, a program that Dr. Cameron Camp, founder of the Center for Applied Research in Dementia, adapted specifically for seniors living with dementia or Alzheimers disease. This positive approach focuses on residents existing strengths and abilities, engaging them in meaningful activities that stimulate the mind and enhance their overall quality of life.
The resort-style grounds and excellent food are often-cited highlights. One daughter shared, My parents are in Regal Palms. It is spotless. It is heavily staffed with very caring people. It is the best place I have seen, and I have seen a lot in this area.
Princeton Village of Largo provides a caring, homelike environment for seniors, with a focus on building strong relationships and enriching residents' daily lives. Its neighborhood layout features memory care-specific accommodations with designated areas for dining, living and activities that support the needs of those with Alzheimer's and dementia. The memory care program has its own activity director, who develops individual programs tailored to residents' needs and abilities. Activities are designed to engage residents creatively, socially, physically and spiritually, and include watercolor painting, community service projects, movie nights, sing-alongs and religious programs. Recognizing the importance of individual preferences, Princeton Village offers a diverse selection of on-site amenities, such as a Cybersenior computer area, wellness center, beauty salon, therapy room and a multipurpose room for arts, crafts and pet therapy. Residents can also enjoy quiet time relaxing on the screened porch or taking a walk through the courtyard. If residents are ever in need of anything, they can utilize the facility's helpful concierge services.
The high level of care and attention from staff offer residents and their family members peace of mind. One daughter says, "The staff are always helpful and smiling. They will go out of their way to help you and make your loved one happy. I felt that my parents were both safe and well cared for."
Housed in a renovated historic landmark, Safety Harbor Senior Living offers care in a comfortable, supportive environment that instills a sense of belonging. Located right on Main Street, residents can relax on the verandas and take in the sights and sounds of the city's vibrant downtown district. The facility's 24-hour on-site staff, medication management, personal housekeeping services and three home-cooked meals allow residents to enjoy a sense of comfort and relaxation in their daily lives. Staff members develop customized care plans designed to provide a balance of assistance and independence. The facility offers a variety of programs seven days a week to help seniors develop friendships and maintain an active lifestyle. Options include exercises, such as a walking club, chair yoga and seated chair massages, and stimulating sensory projects, including painting and games. Social events, such as lunch outings, picnics and special parties, are also offered.
The staff's dedication and compassionate care are what set this facility apart. One family member of a resident shares, "The staff is authentically invested in doing whatever is necessary and possible, including thinking outside the box, in order to help a resident not just exist but thrive in their environment."
Seasons Belleair is located in Clearwater, Florida, just moments from the harbor. The staff provides supervision and assistance to residents with Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia. Specially trained caregivers gently remind residents to attend to the tasks of daily living, such as grooming and bathing. The community is staffed around the clock, and safeguards are in place to keep residents from wandering off. Pet owners can bring a cat, and pet care is also provided to keep furry friends purring. Devoted staff members assist residents with gardening, kitchen work and other activities that give seniors a chance to engage in meaningful life skills. The vibrant downtown Clearwater area is full of shops and restaurants, where family and friends can visit with their loved ones.
Visitors appreciate the activities and friendly staff at the facility. "I like the location of Seasons Belleair and the activities available. They have music, field trips and craft activities Its new and well appointed, and the staff is very friendly and helpful. They have three meals and snacks all day long," one visitor said.
The Oaks of Clearwater is a 15-story high-rise located on the intracoastal waterway approximately a mile away from Clearwater Beach. There are also four free-standing villas on the campus. The facility caters to the needs of each resident, and trained staff members work hard to provide caring, compassionate service. This is particularly important when providing care for residents living with the challenges of Alzheimers disease and dementia. Regular communication between staff and family members includes weekly updates with pictures and details of their loved ones' recent activities, which may include arts and crafts, music, gardening and religious services. Residents are escorted to daily meals, receive assistance with personal care and are provided with housekeeping services to promote a clean, safe environment.
Relatives stated that the view was impeccable. "I moved my mom at the Oaks of Clearwater. I chose this place because of the view. Literally, when you walked into her apartment, all you see is water on both sides. When my mom wakes up in the morning, all she sees is the blue sky," said one visitor.
The Preserve at Clearwater is an assisted living and memory care facility in Clearwater, Florida. This community features an on-site health and wellness center with a heated pool, whirlpool, fitness studio and rehabilitation area. Seniors can spend time outdoors in the landscaped gardens or near the pond and nature-viewing area, which features a firepit. Residents are also welcome to enjoy fresh air by strolling down scenic walking paths in the secure outdoor courtyard. Nutritious, homemade meals are served in the restaurant-style dining room, and some menu items are prepared table side. Seniors can dine in the lakeside restaurant, private dining lounge or bistro. Weekly housekeeping and linens service are offered as well as assistance with personal care and medication management. The Preserve at Clearwater has an arts and cooking studio that promotes healthy activities and keeps residents busy.
A current resident comments on the variety of activities offered at The Preserve at Clearwater. She notes, "There are quite a few activities available, and they have some outside activities where they take people shopping, to the museum or to eat. They have a library and an exercise room."