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 Homestead’s senior population continues to grow (11.7% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Homestead, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 45.38% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 6.82%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is higher than the rest of the nation (7.15% in Homestead 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 more than a dozen hours researching senior living communities in Homestead. 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 Homestead, 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:
The Pointe of North Gables is a senior care community that's in the former Dankers Inn. Its trained caregivers provide round-the-clock care for those with limited mobility, memory loss, dementia or Alzheimer's, giving residents dignified assistance with everyday tasks such as grooming and laundry. Residents may choose between private and shared accommodation, each fully furnished and equipped with safety features such as grab bars and specialty medical equipment where required. They can decorate their living spaces how they please and bring furniture, keepsakes and belongings from home to create a more familiar living space. The Pointe encourages its residents to remain social and strives to make every day unique and engaging by offering regular family visitation, games, DJ nights, celebrations and excursions.
Family members appreciate the dedication of the staff and the comforting feel here. One says, "Came here with my dad to look at options for him and we loved that it doesnt look like your typical assisted living home. We felt like we were in a nice hotel in the middle of Miami. The staff is great and very caring."
Residential Plaza for Elderly At Blue Lagoon is an assisted living community that provides a robust memory care program for seniors facing various challenges. These residents receive treatment using the Montessori for Aging and Dementia Program. This community's homelike environment makes residents more comfortable, and caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with medication management, skilled nursing and other services. Daily life includes access to restaurant-style dining, multi-purpose activity rooms and wellness programs designed to keep residents sharp, engaged and socializing, as well as off-site activities such as shopping trips and family outings. The community offers private studio apartments with housekeeping and maintenance services included.
Residents and family members speak highly of the medical care at Residential Plaza for Elderly At Blue Lagoon as well as the hospitality. One person says of her parents' experience, "Our family members have received excellent care since the day they arrived. We've had the opportunity to enjoy a meal in the dining hall, and it's like a luxury hotel."
Residential Plaza For Elderly At Blue Lagoon is a senior living community with assisted living and memory care services. Its memory care program is based on the Montessori approach and includes 24-hour help and supervision in a soothing homelike environment. Carefully trained staff members assist individuals with dementia, and wellness programming promotes mental and social engagement each day. A certified nutritionist approves menus, which are served daily in an inviting community dining room. Nurses are on-site to monitor chronic conditions and medications, and a physical therapy room and pharmacy services support residents' overall health. Common areas, including exterior spaces where residents can enjoy outdoor activities, are secured to enhance personal safety. Recreation is provided regularly, and residents can access a beauty salon for moments of pampering.
The helpful staff members are frequently praised by family members, including one resident's daughter who also shares her appreciation for the personalized attention seniors are given. She comments, "The staff is amazing! We feel they truly care for the residents. They have activities throughout the day that keeps them entertained with choices."
Located in Homestead, Fla., Swankridge Care Center offers assisted living and memory care options. The memory care option includes specialist programming aimed at preserving function with the rehabilitative model of care developed at Swankridge used throughout the country. The focus of the model of care is maintaining resident dignity and quality of life. The community maintains a family feel, with residents enjoying healthy meals together in the communal dining room. A large patio overlooks the gardens, which are home to a large pond complete with fish and walking paths, providing the perfect spot for some quiet time in the outdoors. Every resident is important, with birthdays and other special occasions celebrated by the community.
Family members praised the dedicated staff and healthy food, with one family member saying, "My Mother has been a resident of Swankridge for 4 years.A home away from home; a place to trust with your loving family member."
The Palace Gardens provides assisted living and memory care services to seniors. Its private apartments are beautifully furnished and feature multiple safety enhancements, such as a 24-hour emergency call system, windows with hurricane-impact glass and grab bars in the bathroom. The campus is guarded around the clock by security personnel, and an emergency generator provides backup electricity in the event of a power outage. Licensed nurses and caregivers trained in memory care offer gracious assistance with daily needs and medications, and on-site therapy, rehabilitation services and physician visits are available. Interactive Life Stations appeal to various senses to spark memories, simulated pet therapy allows seniors to interact with lifelike mechanical pets and a multisensory room offers a calming atmosphere to alleviate anxiety. Three delicious meals are provided each day, and seniors who enjoy sleeping late can request continental breakfasts. A robust selection of common rooms and daily activities keeps seniors mentally and physically engaged, including water exercises and recreational time in a heated pool.
The community regularly earns praise for its cleanliness and inviting atmosphere. One resident's sister says, "It was just a happy place. When you walked in, there was music playing and you can do so many different things there. They had an ice cream parlor and a movie theater. They went out of their way to accommodate people."
The Palace Renaissance & Royale is an assisted living community focused on serving the needs of residents with Dementia. Residents live in a home-like environment secured with WanderGuard security systems for their safety. Members of this community can benefit from both housekeeping and managed medication services. Skilled caregivers monitor residents and are available for emergencies on a 24/7 basis. The Palace Renaissance & Royale offers the use of several amenities, including a multitude of recreational programs, religious services, a library and computer lab and a beauty salon. Each studio residence in this community has access to WiFi, furnishings, full utilities with A/C and daily maid services.
Residents and relatives praise the quality of care rendered here and appreciate the social opportunities offered by The Palace Renaissance & Royale. One relative speaks of her grandmother's experience, stating "After a few months, I can say with confidence that my grandma is happy here by how highly she speaks of the people around her. I am so thankful for the kind hospitality shown by everyone who works at The Palace!"