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 Largo’s senior population continues to grow (11.3% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Largo, 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 5.0%, 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 (5.47% in Largo vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
Note: Memory care is typically provided in communities licensed as assisted living facilities, and in general, costs 20-30% more than standard assisted living services. No authoritative cost data is available for this type of care, so we estimated memory care rates by adding 25% to assisted living fees in the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey.
Seniors diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease require a number of specialized services to thrive in a senior community. Seniors who live in Largo pay an average of $4,188 per month for memory care services.
Largo is located in one of the least expensive areas in the state for seniors with cognitive impairments. It offers memory care at a rate almost $1,500 less than the national average and $800 less than the state average. The city's average cost of $4,188 per month is also almost $1,000 per month cheaper than memory care in North Port and approximately $1,200 per month less than Homosassa Springs. The only city of comparable size in western Florida with a lower cost for memory care is Lakeland, situated further inland where the average cost of living is much lower.Â
Memory care in Largo is more expensive than assisted living and adult day health care at $3,350 and $2,123, respectively. However, in-home care costs $4,767 and home health care $4,862, and the cost of living in a nursing home is even higher, averaging $8,927 per month for a semiprivate room.
Note: Data for Largo was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Tampa, was used instead. Â
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Largo.
Largo is a coastal city nestled in the Tampa metropolitan area. Its convenient proximity to the heart of Hillsborough County provides local memory care seniors with access to the same high-quality resources as Tampa residents.  Â
resource | contact | description | location |
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Alzheimer's Association Florida Gulf Coast Chapter | 800-272-3900 | The local chapter of the national Alzheimer's Association, this office provides resources for seniors and their families who are impacted by the disease. Seniors have access to online information and support groups, as well as in-person volunteer opportunities and local events. | Tampa, FL |
Department of Elder Affairs Hillsborough County | 800-336-2226 | Connected with the Florida Division of Community-Based Services, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs provides referral and support services for seniors with dementia and their families. It also offers counseling and case management. | Tampa, FL |
USF Health Byrd Alzheimer's Center and Research Institute | 813-396-0606 | This Alzheimer's Center is affiliated with the University of Southern Florida. It provides area seniors a range of services that include caregiver support and medical treatment options. In addition, the center's research division offers seniors the chance to join in clinical trials. | Tampa, FL |
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 Largo, 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 dedicated memory care facility with an environment designed to cater to the needs of residents with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. The secure grounds include four houses that include private or shared bedrooms and common areas for seniors to enjoy. House amenities include a craft studio, beauty salon and wellness center. The houses each have an individual decor scheme, and the rooms within them are also uniquely designed, making it easier for those with dementia to get their bearings. Seniors have the freedom to retain some level of independence, but trained staff are always on hand to help with any activity that proves challenging. Individualized memory care plans are created for each resident, and families are welcome to participate in the care of their loved ones.
Many resident families appreciate the availability of nursing staff and the efforts made to include family members. One family member was impressed with the little touches, saying, "It is a homelike atmosphere. They include families in activities and schedule larger events at holidays, such as a Christmas light tour " things that touch your heart and bring joy again."
Arden Courts is the specialized memory care community under the nationwide HCR ManorCare umbrella. Each community is intentionally designed to provide those with cognitive impairments and various forms of dementia with a safe, nurturing, homelike environment. The thoughtful layout promotes independence, preserves dignity and helps to prevent disorientation and confusion. This campus in Seminole provides Florida seniors with four themed houses, each with its own porch, kitchen, living and dining room. The shared areas encourage interaction and socialization, while the clutter-free and comfortable private bedrooms facilitate easy navigation. A central common core area connects the four houses. It features a health center, beauty and barbershop, studio and community room. The landscaped backyard offers places to garden, paved walking paths, a gazebo and plentiful seating areas. The entire campus is secured and monitored, enabling residents to walk freely both indoors and outdoors.
Family members appreciate the wide variety of engaging activities loved ones enjoy here as well as the caring staff. One daughter wrote, We moved our Mom there because of memory issues. She thrived there and had friends and was very active We have had excellent communication when something not expected happened.
Bayside Terrace offers a variety of activities and amenities for those in need of memory care services. The community is staffed by knowledgeable professionals, trained to help seniors achieve their highest level of independent function. Memory care residents and their families receive the benefit of the facility's Montessori-based commitment to capture meaningful life moments. Seniors have 10 different activity rooms to stimulate creativity, social connections and personal growth. Meals are prepared daily by the facility chef, and residents have use of the on-site community theater, fitness center and library. All rooms are equipped with emergency response systems for the safety of occupants. An outdoor patio and designated walking paths allow residents the chance to enjoy the outside air.
Most residents and their families remark on the cleanliness of the facility and the kindness and professionalism of the staff. One relative was impressed with the communication from staff, saying, "I am happy with the care of this community. The staff keeps me informed on how [my mother] is doing when I call, and that helps me out a lot."
Family owned and operated The Goldton at St. Petersburg is planted on a private 6-acre parcel in the heart of St. Petersburg. This intimate setting provides Florida seniors with both assisted living and a specialized memory care program that is medically proven to increase well-being, help create happy memories and minimize the use of medication. The sensory-based program accommodates residents with early, middle and late stages of Alzheimers and dementia, providing a carefully designed environment thats stimulating yet manageable. The care team works with residents families to complete a Habits of a Lifetime assessment, from which an individualized care plan is designed. The goal is to stimulate residents still-intact long-term memories, so they can continue to enjoy lifelong activities and interests and be the person theyve always been. Residents live in private or semiprivate apartments on a monthly fixed-rate rental system.
The clean, well-maintained community and friendly staff put family members at ease. One resident wrote, I have lived at The Goldton at St. Petersburg for almost seven months and cannot say enough good things about it. Everyone has been so nice to me and allows me to live independently but are always there if I need something. I can't imagine living anywhere else.
The Pointe is located in the Bay Pines section of western St. Petersburg, near the Bay Pines VA Healthcare System facility. The Pointe focuses on making the facility feel homelike and offers residents a helping hand to give them more time to do the things they enjoy. The property is pet-friendly, and residents have a wide range of amenities, including a library, fitness center and game room. Group trips, exercise classes and bingo are just a few of the daily activities available. The dining area offers three meals a day, giving residents several choices in a restaurant-style dining situation. Staff members are available 24 hours a day, but residents are given the freedom to be as independent as possible.
Residents and loved ones say that the facility offers large personal areas but maintains a smaller community atmosphere. Loved ones have described it as "very homey, and everybody knew everybody." Loved ones appreciate the easy access to doctors, and the "friendly and knowledgeable" staff also earns praise.
The Colonnade at Beckett Lake is a pet-friendly facility providing seniors with assisted living and memory care in a comfortable, yet elegant setting. The facility's landscaped grounds span five acres and include numerous walking paths, a garden and courtyard. Additionally, the outdoor lakeside patio gives nature lovers the opportunity to bird watch or simply relax and take in the scenic views. In the Clare Bridge memory care unit, residents enjoy holistic, personalized care and their own schedule of activities designed to accommodate their unique skills and interests. Balloon tosses, B-fit exercises, trivia games and season-themed coloring sessions offer ample opportunities for socialization and sensory stimulation. In the restaurant-style dining room, professional chefs prepare nutritional and tasty three-course meals.
Family members comment on the facilitys cheerful ambiance, good food and abundance of amenities. One reviewer says, My mother is in Brookdale Beckett Lake. The community is a fine, very nice, well-kept place with lots of activities They have a salon, an area where there are books, an arts and crafts area, a multipurpose room, and a lounge downstairs with a fireplace.
Resort-like living where residents with special needs get the care they need and deserve is what Cypress Palms is all about. The exterior features ponds, fountains, lush greenery and winding pathways, while the interior boasts spacious rooms with easy layouts that encourage social gathering. Cypress Palms hosts a wide range of activities to promote both physical and mental health, including arts and crafts, cooking classes, games, fitness exercises and live music. Every staff member is committed to fulfilling the core principle of unparalleled service. At the Learning Center, residents have an opportunity to share activities with children in truly transformative experiences. Platinum Programs have been purposefully designed to enrich the lives of individuals according to their own unique needs and expectations.
My mother just moved into Cypress Palms, and I could not be happier. I have watched the staff closely as they interact with residents, and they have consistently been gracious, gentle, and prompt. They have been open to questions and concerns my family has had, and have worked to accommodate my mother's special requests. Highly recommend, said a daughter of one of the residents.
Independent and assisted living residents at Elison have over 300 activities and entertainment opportunities to keep them busy every month. This pet-friendly senior living community offers screened-in patios for pets, along with walking paths, a dog park and doggy play-dates in the activity room. The dedicated memory care neighborhood provides a comfortable, secure and nurturing home for seniors with Alzheimers, dementia or other forms of memory loss. The community utilizes the Chronicles program, which includes Elisons signature Best Friends approach. This care plan integrates each residents life history, cultural heritage, current interests and abilities. High caregiver-to-resident ratios ensure personalized attention, and the monitored environment promotes both safety and independence because it's easy to navigate and prevents residents from wandering off-site. Caregivers are trained in communication techniques and best practices for supporting seniors with memory loss, including the handling of aggressive outbursts and confusion.
Relatives of seniors in memory care appreciate the personalized activity and reminiscence programs. One resident shared, I'm in independent living right now at Elison. This place has a wonderful reputation. It is physically beautiful. They offer lots of activities and amenities. They have good people, both the staff and the residents.
Freedom Square offers luxurious senior living in the vibrant community of Seminole, Florida. The campus resembles a quaint downtown setting, with brick-paved streets, lush greenery and charming gazebos, and offers access to high-end, resort-like amenities. Residents can enjoy pampering at the on-site salon and spa, stroll through the manicured gardens or relax by the pool. A concierge service is also available to meet their every need. Freedom Square's Clare Bridge Alzheimer's and dementia program is designed to preserve identity and cultivate a sense of belonging and purpose through a gently structured, six-program approach focused on residents' abilities and skills. In addition to its routine scheduled activities, the facility designs a monthly social calendar with events based on residents' interests. Transportation services are also available for outings to local shops, eateries and nearby attractions.
The staff's commitment to developing deep and lasting relationships is consistently recognized by residents and their loved ones. As one family member of a resident shares, "The care is very good, and the staff has been very good as well. They are friendly, professional and responsive. The facility has a clean, healthy environment, and they provide transportation to and from doctors."
Grand Villa of Dunedin provides Florida seniors with a lovely assisted living and memory care community located minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. The exit-controlled memory care neighborhood and secured courtyard encourage residents to explore, touch and select their own activities. With a focus on living life with a purpose, the program draws upon the most current memory care research to create activities specifically designed for those with Alzheimers. Daily therapeutic and recreational activities that help preserve dignity and independence include music and pet therapy, Dakim Brain Fitness and sensory stimulation. Specially designed Life Skill Stations recreate familiar scenes from the past to encourage resident engagement while helping to sustain memories and provide cognitive exercises. Residents participate in light physical exercise programs that help to maintain flexibility and muscle mass. The comfortable private and companion apartments are equipped with state-of-the-art motion sensors.
Visitors find the recently renovated, well-maintained property clean and welcoming, with airy and modern rooms. One family member shared, "'Looks like home, feels like family' is a motto the Grand Villa staff lives up to. My mother lives here, and I know she's in a safe and loving place and is well cared for.
Grand Villa of Largo is located near the East Bay Country Club in the Village Green area. This facility emphasizes helping residents live as independently as possible by offering transportation to medical appointments and for other important errands. A robust slate of activities designed to keep residents active includes Zumba classes, Bible studies and gardening clubs. The dining area offers three meals a day, prepared on-site by private chefs and served in a restaurant-style atmosphere. Residents are encouraged to share recipes with the kitchen staff so they can enjoy their home-cooked favorites along with the facility's rotation of selections.
Residents and their loved ones are pleased with the facility's cleanliness and the welcoming atmosphere. Loved ones have described the staff as very friendly, with one family member stating, "They all call (my mom) by name and give her the hugs she loves."
Grand Villa of Pinellas Park focuses on only giving residents the services they need while letting them remain as independent as they desire. This is accomplished through Resident Care Technology, a program that ensures that each resident gets the appropriate amount of care. The property offers several outdoor amenities, including sitting areas, walking trails and a shaded area for residents to read and relax. The dining area provides three meals per day, and the property's Tasty Traditions program encourages residents to pass along their recipes to the on-site chefs so they can enjoy their favorites without having to cook themselves.
Residents and loved ones appreciate the property's spaciousness. They comments on how the facility ensures residents' safety by offering a notification system at night; if a "patient gets up at night, they have a little alarm, so they'd be aware." Staff members also earn praise for providing an atmosphere that is "very family-friendly and very warm we felt comfortable being there."
Inspired Living at Ivy Ridge is located in the Magnolia Manor section of St. Petersburg, just east of the Gulf of Mexico. This facility focuses strictly on memory care and aims to offer a safe and secure environment that feels as similar to home as possible. Part of the property's philosophy includes doing things with residents rather than for them, even if it takes longer to accomplish the task. The facility conducts regular evaluations of residents' needs and makes changes in their care if needed. Residents enjoy several amenities that encourage physical activity, such as walking paths and putting greens. Meals are prepared on-site by a team of chefs and served all day in a restaurant-style atmosphere. Pets are welcome at the facility, and Inspired Living includes a dog park to help residents connect with their four-legged friends and feel more like they're at home.
Residents and loved ones praise the small, intimate feel of the facility, pointing out that it allows residents to "get more individual attention." Staff members also earn praise for their demeanor, and they are described as "very loving and caring for their patients."
Seniors in Clearwater seeking an intimate and cozy assisted living or memory care community might find it at Pacifica Senior Living Belleaire. Residents live in one of 7 cottage-style buildings that accommodate a maximum of 14 residents. Each cottage has its own living room, dining room and kitchen. A charming covered front porch overlooks the landscaped grounds enhancing the relaxed feeling and providing a lovely place for morning coffee or evening tea. Paved walking paths around the yards are ideal for leisurely strolling, while benches and a gazebo offer places to sit. The community uses the Legacy Memory Care program to support residents in all stages of Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. Life-enriching group activities include ice cream socials, happy hour with karaoke and Saturday movies with popcorn. Music, art and pet therapy, including Hug a Pug with Sugar, offer many different forms of creative self-expression.
The secured facility on a large, peaceful parcel of land puts family members at ease. Perfect place for mom. 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, shared one daughter.
Princeton Village of Largo cares for seniors in Florida in a stately facility with a traditional design aesthetic that feels warm and gracious. The centrally located senior living community is just 1.5 miles from Largo Medical Center and is in close proximity to numerous retail shops and houses of worship. Assisted living residents choose from a variety of apartment styles, each with a kitchenette, emergency call system and large handicapped-accessible bathroom. A licensed nurse is on-site 24/7, and physical therapy is also provided in the facility. The library and computer room keep residents well-read and connected, while the barber and beauty shop makes personal grooming a breeze. This pet-friendly community features a spacious outdoor patio with a water feature and landscaped gardens that create a peaceful outdoor respite.
A staff thats always smiling and go out of their way to make your loved one happy is priceless to family members. If you want people that truly care for your relative, this is the place for you. We had moved our mother here after she was in the hospital and have been very pleased with her treatment and the caring attitude of the employees, wrote one daughter.
Like all Seasons communities, the Bellaire property is specially designed in cooperation with USF Health Byrd Alzheimers Institute for residents with assisted living needs and memory impairments. The facility is equipped with state-of-the-art security features and an advanced monitoring system that ensures safety while promoting independence as residents move about freely. Seasons memory care program utilizes a person-centered approach that gives each resident a feeling of belonging and purpose. Each days calendar is filled with opportunities for socialization, physical exercise, artistic self-expression and entertainment. The attentive staff delivers a program that balances engaging activities and fulfilling experiences with the familiar structure and routine those with memory loss need. Residents can use their life skills and special talents in a variety of projects, such as gardening and helping in the kitchen.
Patient caregivers who treat residents like family are invaluable to loved ones. A daughter wrote, We could not have found a better place for Dad. Were comfortable leaving town for a few days knowing that hell be taken care of. I highly recommend that if you have a family member in need of full-time memory care, you need not look any further than Seasons Belleair.
Seasons Largo offers assisted living and memory care in a beautiful Mediterranean-style facility with gardens, a pond and an aviary. An advanced community-wide monitoring system lets residents move around the common areas freely, enjoying as much independence as possible. Seasons state-of-the-art living communities are designed in partnership with USF Health Byrd Alzheimers Institute in Tampa. The memory care program utilizes a person-centered approach to give each resident feelings of purpose and belonging while preserving a sense of self. Residents live in a homey apartment equipped with premium safety features. The nurturing staff is available around the clock to meet any care needs that arise, and a daily calendar of events provides opportunities for safe engagement in programs and activities that include exercise, gardening, kitchen work and crafts.
Seasons delicious food gets high marks from both residents and loved ones who join them for meals. The friendly and caring staff is another highlight. We just moved our mother here to the memory care unit and our father will join her soon. The assessing nurse was very encouraging and informative. The staff was very responsive to our calls and emails to get our mother moved in, shared a daughter.
The Oaks of Clearwater is a continuum care community that offers Florida residents spectacular bay views and easy access to Clearwater Beach. The large campus in downtown Clearwater includes a 15-story high-rise building and four freestanding villas. Seniors enjoy an all-inclusive lifestyle, whether they choose independent or assisted living, memory care or skilled nursing. Memory care residents live on two specially designed floors that create a dedicated care community for those with Alzheimers and dementia. The trained staff delivers a program of activities and social experiences designed to stimulate cognitive recall. Each resident has a personalized care plan that promotes independence, but assistance in the form of escorts to meals, room checks, supervised outings and walks outdoors ensure safety and security. Residents are monitored daily for any changes in physical or cognitive conditions.
Family members are quick to praise both the gorgeous ocean views and the communitys caregivers. One daughter wrote, This is a five-star review for the staff on the 2nd floor. Thank you for taking wonderful care of my Dad in his last few months of life. These caregivers are compassionate, caring and professional. The took care of my Dad like family.
Bordered by a protected nature preserve, The Preserve at Clearwater offers seniors a lush retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life. Those in assisted living enjoy upscale amenities, including a restaurant with lake views, a bistro, an arts and cooking studio and a heated pool. The beautifully landscaped grounds feature walking paths and a pond viewing area with a fire pit. Individuals living with Alzheimers disease or dementia reside in the secure Inspirations memory care neighborhood. The homelike living space is comforting and easy to navigate thanks to the use of calming colors and visual cueing. Residents may choose a private studio or a semiprivate apartment. A secured outdoor courtyard enables relaxing time in nature, and a specially trained staff is on-site 24/7. The person-centered programming integrates each residents life story into an individualized care plan that has significance and meaning.
Family members with loved ones here value the beautiful community with a loving and attentive staff, including the hands-on owners who are always available. One daughter wrote, We have been extremely pleased with everything at The Preserve. Mom has been very well taken care of, and that is a tremendous relief.