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 Fort Myers’s senior population continues to grow (27.84% growth between 2013 and 2018), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Fort Myers, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose by 64.67% between 2013 and 2018. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 14.67%, 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 (5.35% in Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers. 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 Fort Myers, 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:
Amavida Living provides senior memory care services in a posh, resort-style setting. The sprawling 32-acre estate features numerous swimming pools, a tennis court, a clubhouse, an art studio, a theater and a library. Residents enjoy all-day access to restaurant-style meals as well as assistance with bathing, dressing, shaving, dining and walking. The community's specialized memory care program encourages residents to connect with past hobbies and passions, and it enables them to learn new skills as well. A licensed nurse is on staff 24/7 to ensure that each resident has access to immediate medical care, and around-the-clock security guards allow residents to wander the grounds freely under supervision.
Visitors state that the beautiful grounds and feedback from existing residents helped them to make the right choice for their family members. One says, "The lunch at the cafeteria or restaurant was lovely, we liked the pool, and the rooms were very nice. It's the number one on our list, and we're looking forward to moving my mother-in-law there."
American House Fort Myers provides assisted living and memory care in a tranquil wooded area of Southwest Florida. The professionally trained care staff provides personal care services to memory care residents. Located next to Lee Health's Gulf Coast Medical Center, this community is close to shopping centers and local entertainment. There is a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-service restaurant and a casual bistro, and a theater and spa. For music-lovers, there are regular concerts and sing-alongs. But what residents will most enjoy are the Murder Mystery dinners.
One family member was impressed with the attentive personnel, saying, "They do a fantastic job. She seems very clean and happy. They offer her good food, give her showers, and have a beauty salon where she gets her hair done every week. I like the staff. They're very good and very caring. [They] treat her well."
Arden Courts of Ft. Myers is a senior living community dedicated to memory care. Its thoughtfully designed living spaces create a calm, familiar setting, featuring visual cues that support effortless navigation. Halls and pathways are dotted with descriptive photos, symbols and colors that not only allow seniors to safely and freely explore the communitys secure environment but also help stimulate the mind and trigger memories. Resident-focused programs are managed by trained professionals and tailored according to individual needs and functional abilities. The Engagement Therapy Treatment helps promote interaction and sharing through activities that incorporate personal and historic information. Life skills programming provides a sense of purpose by encouraging residents to perform simple everyday chores such as table setting, folding laundry and other light housekeeping activities. Those living with latter stages of dementia benefit from the communitys Namaste care and are nurtured in a caring environment designed to stimulate the senses.
Families feel at ease moving their loved ones into Arden Courts and are impressed at the staffs skills in memory care. "I have watched countless times as the activities staff checked for residents in their rooms to encourage them to join the group, asked questions to engage, and took time to truly listen to what the residents have to say, says a family member.
Life is made easier for seniors at Atrium at Liberty Park, with its well-designed apartments, convenient amenities and enriching activity programming. At its memory care neighborhood, the trained staff strives to know each residents personal life story, skills and interests that serve as the foundation for individualized programming. The community utilizes the Montessori Moments in Time approach to memory care, which combines comprehensive, compassionate care with a homelike environment and supervised access to amenities. Life engagement programming includes scheduled activities that explore residents highest potentials and inspire interaction while minimizing stress and agitation. Family involvement is encouraged through planned events, support groups and learning activities. With its lush landscaped courtyards and functionally designed indoor spaces, Atrium at Liberty Park creates a calm, nurturing environment for seniors.
The community is a safe place with a bright, clean environment, according to reviewers. Family members appreciate the attentive care, and one writes, "We are so glad we found the Atrium at Liberty Park for our mother. This has been an extremely difficult few months for everyone but especially for Mom as she struggles with advancing dementia. The Atrium staff has been amazing and we so appreciate them.
For more than 30 years, Barrington Terrace of Fort Myers has helped residents with assisted living and memory care in the Lee County area. With its focus on relationships and wellness, Barrington Terrace has designed a memory care program that centers on social, physical, mental and spiritual health. This community encourages its staff and caregivers to create a meaningful connection with residents. The Dining with Dignity program allows residents to enjoy expertly prepared food in a custom dining experience. As for activities, there are plenty. From painting classes and workouts to gardening and manicures, seniors live purposefully and healthily.
Residents and their loved ones are pleased with the facilitys cleanliness and the welcoming atmosphere. One says, "There is a walking space out in the garden where my mother-in-law can go outside by herself. They have very nice people. She also has an exercise program every morning."
Brookdale Fort Myers Cypress Lake provides assisted living and memory care in a tranquil wooded area of Southwest Florida. The community's holistic approach to senior care includes physical therapy, arts and crafts and round-the-clock care. With its trademark Clare Bridge program, residents at Cypress Lake participate in dementia-friendly activities every day, such as gardening, fishing and swimming. The scenic forest setting has a landscaped garden and walking path that nature-lovers will relish, and the generous rooms ensure each resident is comfortable.
Relatives appreciate the clean, well-run facility. The friendly and caring staff is another highlight. One writes, "My mom is in the memory unit of Brookdale Fort Myers Cypress Lake. I am very happy with her being there. The nursing care is wonderful. They are very attentive and accommodating to my mom. I am very comfortable with them."
Nestled in a beautifully landscaped garden in Southwest Florida, Brookdale Fort Myers The Colony community specializes in memory care for seniors. Its well-trained team of caregivers provides personalized care for residents with dementia and Alzheimer's. With a color-coded menu, the community aims to empower seniors to live as independently as possible. The signature Clare Bridge program helps residents learn new digital skills with smart devices, computer labs, virtual reality, and voice-assisted technology. A person-centered approach to memory care gives residents care plans tailored to their needs. The courtyard is perfect for morning strolls or an afternoon of reading. Residents are also encouraged to pursue new hobbies and interests, such as baking, reading, fitness and technology skills.
The levels of care and well-kept grounds get high marks from both residents and visiting loved ones. One writes, "We're very pleased with how things have turned out with Brookdale Fort Myers; they're taking great care of our loved one! The staff were incredibly friendly and welcoming to Mom. It's a clean, well-kept community, and they've got a great activities program for memory care residents."
Brookdale Santa Barbara is a memory care community conveniently situated close to Cape Coral, which offers several great off-site amenities nearby, including a church and a golf course, as well as on-site amenities, including a beauty salon, a library and a games room. Residents who enjoy nature can also take advantage of the secure landscaped grounds. With the 24-hour security system and the team of caring staff available around the clock, residents can always feel safe and secure. There is a range of activities created specifically to encourage their current skills and to enrich their body, mind and spirit. Activities are all research-based to help maintain brain health and include dancing, brain games and art classes. Residents can enjoy nutritious meals together in the spacious dining room with new friends and loved ones who come to visit.
Visitors appreciate the spacious rooms, with one saying, "Brookdale Santa Barbara was very nice. The rooms were very large, nice, and it had just been newly remodeled so it's in very good condition. It's very attractive, and clean. The double rooms were large, and good-sized. The dining area was very nice.
Surrounded by a beautifully landscaped courtyard and garden, Cypress Point helps enhance the lives of residents diagnosed with Alzheimer's and dementia. In addition to on-site therapy services and physical wellness programs, residents have access to licensed and skilled personnel in the fitness studio, beauty salon and day spa. Residents are encouraged to explore new interests with daily trivia games, memories-with-art classes and color therapy sessions. The restaurant-style dining room serves professionally prepared meals three times a day.
Visiting relatives remarked how accommodating staff members are and compliment the skilled nursing service. One says, "My mother-in-law is in Cypress Point. She likes it there. It's got a fountain in front. The staff is nice. They call us if there's an issue. I email them if I have an issue. There's a nurse on-staff 24 hours a day."
Discovery Village at the Forum is an upscale senior memory care provider in southwest Florida just minutes away from white sand beaches and the downtown River District. The resort-style community provides personalized memory care services that seek to rebuild and preserve the lives of its residents. Trained staff members help seniors with all aspects of daily living, They incorporate scientific principles to enhance engagement, lifestyle quality and comprehension for all residents suffering from Alzheimer's and dementia-related issues. Residents enjoy three restaurant-style meals per day, and 'food on the run' is also offered for patients who can't sit and focus at mealtimes or who need to keep moving. Staff members encourage the residents to participate in failure-free, non-competitive activities designed to match each resident's attention span.
Family members are grateful for the level of care provided by this community. One says, "Both of my parents are currently living in Discovery Village, one in memory care, one in assisted living. I cannot express how pleased and thankful I am. Professional, compassionate and truly caring from the moment we walked through the doors, Discovery Village has exceeded our expectations."
Gladwell Fort Myers helps seniors retain independence at its memory care, assisted living and independent living programs. Just off U.S. Highway 41 and across from Fort Myers' River District, the community's grounds directly border the Caloosahatchee River and one of its tributaries, making for a beautiful, relaxing environment. Along with a WanderGuard anti-wandering system, Gladwell Fort Myers' memory care unit requires passcodes for entry and exit to keep residents out of harm's way. The community is packed with amenities, including a fitness center, physical therapy suite, movie theater, salon, barbershop, in-house dining room and wireless internet. Residents can even live with their pets here. Memory care residents' nutritional needs are met through customized dietary plans, assisted eating devices and hands-on caretaker assistance.
Reviewers love the high-quality food served at this community's dining hall. One says, "We've had our family down to visit, and we went in there for Thanksgiving dinner. Even on regular days, they have really good food. There's a main course and if you don't like that they have maybe five or six alternate things that you can choose from."
Situated in the heart of Cape Coral and near some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, Gulf Coast Village residents are located on a campus with plenty of outdoor amenities. Additionally community offerings include an on-site beauty salon and barber shop, the option of in-room or restaurant-style dining, and transportation to off-site events. Memory care services include the community's LifeBio program, which emphasizes journaling to document pertinent memories, and Music Connections, a music therapy program designed to help reduce anxiety. The community also provides residents with specialized technology for brain stimulation and a virtual reality activity that provides sensory engagement. Memory care residents enjoy private suites, with a personal box situated at each doorway to reflect important life events.
Residents and relatives praise the way the community's programming fits every need, from independent living to memory care support. As one notes, "I really liked the memory care of Gulf Coast Village. Its extremely good. It's a good place, and my mom likes it. She's very happy.
Keystone Place at Four Mile Cove offers three levels of care from independent living to memory care, which ensures residents can transition between them easily. The Holistic Harbors memory support lifestyle program offered at Keystone Place focuses on individualized care that ensures residents have a healthy diet and consistent daily schedule, as well as exercise to support mental and physical wellness. The fitness center and yoga studio offer a great environment for the Namaste validation therapy that helps residents develop an inner non-stressful center. The swimming pool offers exercise opportunities. The communal dining room and secure courtyard also provide the chance to engage with fellow residents. Both indoor and outdoor games are available for residents to play, along with music listening, billiard tables, and beauty treatments.
Residents and families alike love the community, with one writing, "I was so impressed by this place. They treat my grandmother like a queen. The nurses are beyond helpful and kind. The place is clean and well kept. Some nurses even come in on their day off to say hello to the guests! I can't get over this place. Excellent!"
Noble Senior Living at Fort Myers offers residents care in a South Florida setting with opportunities for year-round outdoor recreation. Residents can commune in the well-appointed lobby, life enrichment center and on-site bistro. Part of the approach to comfort is the way the community encourages residents - especially those receiving memory care services - to bring items from home to make their stay more comfortable. Memory care also includes special activities to reduce possible agitation and promote a sense of calm. This includes ice cream socials, music therapy, puzzles and spiritual programming.
Reviews of this community point out the professionalism of the staff and the quality of care provided to residents. One notes, "My mother has been a resident since December 2016. I am pleased with the services she is receiving If you are looking for a good, dependable quality care group " this is a place for your loved one.
The memory care and assisted living programs at Pacifica Senior Living Fort Myers help residents socialize with others, make new friends and maintain good health, in turn promoting their well-being and sense of self. Wedged between a network of beautiful lakes, the community is just feet away from HealthPark Medical Center, an in-network hospital that practices emergency medicine. Led by a well-seasoned chef, its culinary program offers vegetarian options and specialized diets to residents. With its on-site beauty and barber salon, led by an on-site beautician, residents are free to get haircuts, trims or makeovers whenever they'd like. Sports fans and athletes can enjoy the putting green, getting the full golf experience without traveling off-campus. The memory care program places residents with similar diagnoses together in cottages to improve resident satisfaction.
Reviewers appreciate how empathetic and understanding this community's caregivers are. One says, "This team is amazing. The love and compassion that they show their families and residents is unmatched. This is a beautiful property specializing in small cottage-like homes that meets every resident's stage of the dementia process. The food is amazing, activities are fun."
The Palms of Fort Myers enhances the lives of residents experiencing Alzheimer's and dementia. The community's holistic approach to memory care includes a specialist team of in-house doctors and physical therapists, along with exercise opportunities and regular wellness checks. In addition to personalized memory activities, residents can enjoy game nights, cooking classes and strolls along the walking path. All-day dining allows both early risers and late sleepers to take meals according to their personal schedules.
Family members cherish the professional staff and home-like environment. "One of the things I appreciated was how the staff all knew my mom and worked as a team to care for her," one said. "I also appreciated the activities staff and how they worked to engage all the residents and provide activities they would enjoy and keep their minds sharp. The nursing staff was also very good about communicating with me."
The Rose Garden of Fort Myers provides assisted living and memory care in a quiet garden estate in Southwest Florida. This community is dedicated to creating an environment where residents are cared for and nurtured. Its holistic approach to memory care includes a specialist team of in-house physical, occupational, and speech therapists and 24-hour skilled nursing services. Trivia nights and film screenings are a regular feature on the activity calendar. For nature lovers, the community hosts a picturesque rose garden and regular nature walks. The themed dining events give residents a chance to get all dressed up and have fun. The chef-prepared meals are carefully developed by a licensed dietitian and served in a restaurant-style dining hall.
Loved ones have described the staff as very friendly, with one family member stating, "From the owner to the absolutely amazing nurse to the lovely front desk ladies to the kind considerate staff attending to my dad, to the fabulous Activities director and to the great chef and food service folks just everyone has been fabulous."
Designed with a beach resort in mind, The Waters of Cape Coral serves seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia and related memory conditions. Memory care services are personalized to each resident, with the My Legacy program being an integral part of day-to-day life. It helps meaningful relationships develop. Staff members are on-site 24/7 to help seniors with the activities of daily living, and licensed nurses are available to manage medication and related services. The community also gives residents an emergency call pendant to ensure a prompt response. For entertainment and mental engagement, residents have access to puzzles, brainteasers, word games, and sensory boxes. Additionally, a variety of clubs for residents' interests are run, including gardening and art. Alzheimer's and dementia support groups for residents and their families are available.
Residents love the staff and amenities, with one person writing, "Its like living in an all-inclusive hotel or think about a cruise ship on a dock. Its got everything. The staff is friendly and prepared. If I could buy an apartment there I would. And Im only 37 years old. Great future ahead for this place and company."
The Windsor of Cape Coral serves residents with assisted living and memory care in a tranquil suburb in the Fort Myers area. With innovative therapies, such as the PARO Seal therapeutic robot program, this community uses cutting-edge robotics and biofeedback technology to keep residents stimulated and fulfilled. The courtyard has a gorgeous landscaped garden and fountain where residents can enjoy the Florida sun or read a book from the on-site library. Golf enthusiasts appreciate the indoor golf and floor shuffleboard sessions.
Relatives praise the professional, compassionate staff. One says, "My mother is in assisted living at The Windsor of Cape Coral. They're very professional and caring. They seemed to understand what the senior citizens require, which is a great deal of dignity and respect, which we liked. The place itself was very clean, bright and cheery."
Located in sunny surroundings, Thrive at Beachwalk is a care community serving those with Alzheimer's and memory-related conditions. All staff, including the chefs and housekeepers, are certified by the National Institute for Dementia Education and available 24/7, ensuring that residents are looked after by dedicated and knowledgeable staff. The community creates individual care plans for seniors that take into consideration their needs and wishes, helping them remain in charge of their own lives. Amenities include a communal dining room as well as a formal dining room for parties. The community offers special event days and guest speakers as well as activities such as arts-and-crafts classes, movies, and gardening. To ensure residents retain a connection to their home, small pets are allowed in the community.
A resident's family member writes, "Thrive at Beachwalk is above and beyond what it claims to be. The modern, warm environment is highlighted by the engaged team members who all provide excellent cheerful service. You have my total appreciation and respect. for all the care and compassion you show my parents."