Dementia, and specifically Alzheimers, is a serious, growing problem. In fact, 1 out of every 10 adults over the age of 65 has Alzheimer’s dementia. As Lehigh Acres’ senior population continues to grow (5.33% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Lehigh Acres, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 77% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 25%, 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 (5.33% in Lehigh Acres 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 Lehigh Acres. 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 Lehigh Acres, 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:
Brookdale Fort Myers Cypress Lake overlooks the scenic Seven Lakes Golf Course in Cypress Lake. Residents have easy access to local amenities, including the Gulf Coast Medical Center. The community features a wide array of amenities, including a theater, outdoor pool, chapel and library. For seniors who enjoy being outside in the fresh air, there are landscaped grounds and walking paths. The team of caregivers, which includes licensed nurses, provides personalized assistance and help with tasks of daily living, medication management and transportation. There is a robust menu of activities, designed to slow down the process of memory loss and enhance quality of life. Activities include tai chi, table games and cooking workshops. The chef prepares three delicious meals per day that residents can enjoy together.
Visitors appreciate the helpful staff, with one reviewer saying, "Brookdale Fort Myers Cypress Lake is very well-run and has very nice people. I was pleased and the residents seemed happy. I think it's clean, it's well run, and the people are fabulous. That's all you need. The staff members are friendly, knowledgeable, and willing to help in any way. Everything was nice, neat and clean, and in place."
Pacifica Senior Living in Ft. Myers is a provider of assisted living and memory care services. The secured community is nestled in a suburban neighborhood between two of the area's best medical care facilities, Healthpark Medical Center and Gulf Coast Medical Center. It is also conveniently close to the Lee Health Group Memory Care Program, which evaluates and treats seniors with Alzheimer's. Seniors reside in pet-friendly, cottage-style homes that include 24-hour supervision and luxury features such as walk-in showers and cozy, private bathrooms. Pacifica utilizes the Legacies Memory Care program for its seniors with dementia. This unique programming offers physical, cognitive and occupational therapy options designed to improve a senior's memory and recall abilities.
According to residents and their families, Pacifica Senior Living offers a pleasant, homelike atmosphere that caters to seniors with memory issues. Families like the cottage layouts and the close proximity of health care options available. One family member remarks that it is a "very friendly, very nice, well-kept facility" that has a lot of activities for seniors to participate in.
The Rose Garden of Fort Myers provides assisted living, memory care and respite care in the quiet and scenic Lehigh Acres area of Fort Myers. Located in close proximity to shopping, restaurants and medical facilities, this community sits directly across from Golf View Park. With 24/7 skilled nursing care available, dedicated staff work together with therapists and doctors to provide the most independent living possible. With a ballroom, a barbershop and beauty salon and a wide array of daily activities, this community provides a homelike atmosphere. Chef-prepared meals are served in a formal dining room or in each room, and meals are individually created by a dietician.
The kindness of the staff and the comfortable environment are highlights of remarks by residents and family members. In the words of one relative, "Our loved one was there for just a year. He was very elderly. He loved everyone and was on first-name basis with the entire staff. We were always able to quickly find someone to address his special needs. I would recommend this for anyone. So thankful for the tender care he received from everyone."
American House Fort Myers is a community designed to care for residents with dementia and provide them with consistent supervision and aid. Its caregivers can provide 24/7 medical assistance and help with activities of daily life, such as dressing or showering. The accommodations have their own private baths and showers and include housekeeping and laundry services, so residents are always in a clean environment. This community provides access to common areas, such a living room, a dining room and an outdoor courtyard, so residents can move around and socialize freely while being kept safe by advanced lock systems and surveillance. American House Fort Myers organizes activities to stimulate those with dementia both physically and mentally and help keep them socially involved and having fun each day.
Residents describe a beautiful campus and praise the food at American House Fort Myers. A son of two residents says, "The unit, the dining area and the outdoor space are meticulously designed and maintained. It's almost a spa-like environment. I ate several meals in the dining room and the food was delicious."
Brookdale Fort Myers The Colony is a senior living community designed to serve the needs of residents at all stages of dementia, helping seniors feel comfortable and involved with their surroundings as much as possible. It features two memory care programs, the first being Clare Bridge, which is designed for residents in earlier stages of dementia who can still engage and communicate to some extent and participate in some activities. Its Solace program is for residents in later stages of progression who require more extensive attention and redirection. Caregivers are consistently available to assist if residents face problems with mobility or need help with hygiene, eating or drinking. This community is secured with anti-wandering systems and offers communal spaces where residents can move around freely. Social and recreational activities are available each day.
Residents describe high-quality care at Brookdale Fort Myers The Colony. A resident's spouse says, "My wife has been a resident for six years at the colony. Her care has been exceptional. This includes an evacuation during a flood and during Covid-19. The [community] is well maintained and the staff has been responsive to my wife's changing needs."
Arden Courts of Fort Myers is located 11 miles southwest of Fort Myers in a tranquil neighborhood. The community is carefully designed, with self-contained houses that have community and outdoor living spaces where residents can relax safely. Shared areas include a craft studio, a beauty salon and landscaped walking paths. There are visual cues everywhere to help residents navigate and avoid confusion. Residents receive individualized memory care plans tailored to their unique needs and abilities. Programs include individual pursuits such as pruning plants, along with cognitive therapies to link past experiences with present interests. The staff is specially trained in caring for seniors with memory impairment and offers 24/7 care and assistance. Three chef-prepared meals are served daily in the elegant dining room.
Visitors appreciate the kind staff, with one reviewer saying, "Arden Courts a Fort Myers is a truly amazing place. The staff that works there truly puts their heart and soul into caring for their residents. They are specifically trained to handle all Memory Care patients and go above and beyond your expectations. I could not ask for a better team to care for my loved ones."
Seaside at Fort Myers is conveniently located in sunny southwest Florida and offers easy access to sandy beaches, beautiful parks, shops and the Gulf Coast Medical Center. This community's Inspiritás memory care program provides personalized holistic care to seniors with dementia in a safe environment. Residents live in a specially designed neighborhood featuring life havens, courtyards, interactive arts and an enclosed garden to encourage social connection. The professionally trained staff carefully assesses the health and preferences of each senior to design a care plan that meets their needs. Licensed nurses are on duty 24/7 to provide clinical care, and attending physicians and rehabilitation services are available on-site. Residents can participate in group exercises, community outings and brain games, and the culinary team serves three delicious meals daily with snacks available all day. Amenities include a library, an activity room and a beauty salon.
People praise the dedicated staff and clean environment. A resident's son writes, "My 98-year-old mom loves Seaside!! Talk about customer service to their residents. Just superb. [Community] is spotless. Food in restaurant is varied and delicious. I enjoy visiting and dining with her. Activities every day. Much happier here than when she was living alone."
The Palms of Fort Myers' Bridge to Rediscovery memory care program helps seniors with dementia stay connected and live with a sense of purpose by providing individualized attention in a safe and nurturing environment. The highly trained staff carefully evaluates each resident's abilities, health and interests before creating a care plan focusing on maintaining and building basic skills, such as eating and grooming, that many with dementia could lose without targeted intervention. Residents live in a secure neighborhood to ensure safety, with specialized visual cues and themes placed throughout to stimulate cognition and support navigation. The Lifestyle360 program offers engaging social and physical activities, such as balance and strength training, community outings and intergenerational events, and the culinary team serves three meals made of local ingredients daily. Amenities include a heated outdoor pool, beauty salon, billiard room and bowling alley.
People love the top-notch staff and engaging activities. A resident's offspring writes, "I appreciated how the staff all worked as a team to care for mom. I also appreciated the activities staff and how they worked to engage all the residents. The nursing staff were also very good about communicating with me any concerns or issues."
Located in tropical Cape Coral, Discovery Village at the Forum offers a sunny living environment minutes from shopping and the Select Specialty Hospital. This community's SHINE Memory Care Program builds on scientific principles to improve engagement and quality of life for seniors with dementia. The highly trained staff, which includes nurses and licensed nursing assistants, thoroughly evaluates each resident to understand their needs, likes and dislikes. Seniors live in a supervised neighborhood featuring specially designed community spaces and activity centers to foster social interaction. An activities director organizes engagement programs, such as ice cream socials and reminiscence therapy, tailored to each resident's ability and attention span. A holistic wellness program offers yoga, water aerobics and spiritual gatherings, and seniors enjoy amenities that include a pool, library and movie theater.
People love the friendly staff and clean environment. A resident's son writes, "My mom moved into Discovery Village at the Forum. She was the most comfortable there of all the places we looked at. Everyone's friendly, and there's always a lot of activities. It's a beautiful place and clean. We haven't had any problems so far."
Nestled in a vibrant green field in warm and sunny southwest Florida, minutes from HealthPark Medical Center, Barrington Terrace of Fort Myers offers easy access to nature preserves, shops and restaurants. This community's Evergreen memory care program helps seniors with dementia live fulfilling lives through meaningful social activities and positive dining experiences in a safe setting. The staff is trained in the latest best practices for connecting with adults with impaired memory to understand their needs, preferences and histories. Residents live in a secure neighborhood with specially designed community spaces to ensure safety and encourage social engagement. A care director thoroughly assesses each resident's habits and health to devise an individualized care plan, and a licensed nurse supervises the caregivers to administer medication and help with daily living activities. Amenities include a library, a beauty salon, a courtyard with gazebo and landscaped gardens.
People love the knowledgeable staff and clean environment. A resident's loved one writes, "Our loved one is not just living there, but is thriving there. The staff is skilled, informed and caring. Her care level is above and beyond our expectations. The community is sparkling clean, meals are delicious. The administrative staff is always present."
Wickshire Fort Myers is a community created to care for seniors with memory loss who need daily assistance to maintain their quality of life. It's a safe environment for residents with dementia because of its controlled access entry and its trained caregivers, who manage each part of the residents' days. The community's signature Artistry of Moments program trains caregivers to deal with the challenges associated with dementia/Alzheimer's care and provides them with specialized techniques to de-escalate and redirect upset residents. The caregivers check on residents to ensure that they shower, brush their teeth, eat and drink water regularly. The residents have access to community events and group activities to prevent them from feeling isolated.
Residents compliment the staff members at Wickshire Fort Myers and the services they provide. A resident's child says, "New management team is making great changes, and you can see how much they enjoy their jobs. The staff are wonderful, the facilities are first-rate, and the food service is honestly amazing. They really listen to the residents and make appropriate changes."
Discovery Commons Cypress Point cares for residents living with dementia or Alzheimer's and helps them to navigate each day by providing direct support for their needs. Each resident lives in accordance with a customized care plan in a secure environment where security guards and lock systems protect them from wandering away from the campus or harming themselves. Caregivers make sure that residents take their medications and bathe each day, and they are available 24/7 to help seniors who are having trouble with their daily routines. The residents participate in lifestyle enrichment programs that involve games, exercise, social interactions and creative activities that entertain and engage them and help slow the progression of further cognitive decline. Residents are able to use the living room, dining room, activity room and other common areas with supervision.
Reviewers are pleased with the care provided at Discovery Commons Cypress Point. A resident's child says, "Discovery Commons has the best staff and customer service. My mom moved into Discovery Commons after leaving the hospital. It was a seamless transition. They're here for their patients and the family members."
The Windsor of Cape Coral is a senior community featuring memory care services. Its residents receive 24/7 attention from staff members specially trained to care for those with memory loss. These caregivers also act as companions, helping residents to get ready for the day and for bed, assisting with hygiene and incontinence needs, serving them meals and escorting them from place to place safely. Each resident's services are designed to meet their own needs, so adjustments can be made to their schedules, diets and activities based on their personalities and levels of cognitive decline. The Windsor of Cape Coral organizes therapeutic activities that help to comfort those experiencing the frustrations of memory loss.
Residents praise the services provided at Windsor of Cape Coral and describe caring, professional staff members. A resident's child says, "The Windsor of Cape Coral is a highly professional, caring assisted living facility. Exceptional value for the expenditure, the outstanding management staff ensures high quality care to the residents."
The Waters of Cape Coral is a luxury senior living community that offers a range of resort-style amenities and activities. A team of certified caregivers is on-site 24/7 to provide compassionate care and assistance. The caregivers are specifically trained to assist seniors in all stages of dementia. The staff members are able to gently redirect difficult behaviors and calm seniors who are feeling confused or frustrated. The Cottage memory care unit is completely secure but has been designed to ensure seniors can navigate to activities and meals on their own, which gives them a sense of independence and freedom. All the activities provided have been proven by scientific research to slow the progression of memory loss and improve quality of life. Some of the activities offered include themed sensory boxes, interactive life stations and intellectually stimulating games.
Family members praise the excellent caregiving staff and premium feel of the community, with one reviewer saying, "Our overall experience with having my mom at The Waters of Cape Coral is very pleasant. It's beautiful, it's like a luxury hotel, and it's just wonderful. The staff is wonderful; they're very caring and they're just super."
This community offers a laid-back Florida lifestyle with 24-hour nursing and attentive caregivers. Staff plan activities, handle transportation and provide residents with chef-prepared meals. The memory care neighborhood features customized programs, homelike suites and access to amenities with supervision. The community uses the Montessori Moments in Time memory care program so that seniors have purpose and activity in their lives, whether they need a lot of supervision or very little. For example, the life engagement aspect helps staff understand why residents might be agitated and how to redirect them to a more joyful place. Amenities and activities are plentiful and include games, visits from schoolchildren, walks, on site-therapy, a reading room and a spa. The social calendar focuses on residents' physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Basic cable and wireless internet are available, and residents and their families can schedule transportation to outings and appointments.
Families praise the varied activities and nice rooms. One relative says of his father's experience, "The rooms have individual heating and cooling, so he can keep his room as hot as he wants it. He goes down for exercises, games, and parties. They have bingo, cards, darts, a pool table, a movie theater with popcorn, birds, singers, entertainers that come in, shopping and restaurant trips."
Brookdale Santa Barbara is in a serene yet well-connected area in the north of Cape Coral. The community is conveniently located next to Hunter's Run Golf Club and Cape Coral Hospital. It is designed specifically for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia and features easy-to-navigate floor plans. Residents can relax outside in the garden or get pampered in the beauty salon. Brookdale Santa Barbara takes a holistic approach to memory care. It gives residents a structure of planned programs each day to encourage the use of current skills and give a sense of purpose. Residents can take part in enriching activities, such as chair yoga, Brainfit and dance classes. Chefs prepare three delicious meals per day for residents to enjoy in the community dining room or in the private dining room with loved ones for special occasions.
Seniors praise the beautiful community, with one reviewer saying, "The community is very lovely and very light. The rooms are really good. It's fairly new, so it's a very nice place. The people there are extremely friendly and very helpful. The person who gave me the tour was very helpful and very patient."
Highpoint at Cape Coral's Masterful Moments memory care program improves the quality of life for seniors with dementia by creating daily opportunities for engagement, enrichment and socialization. Residents live in a dedicated memory care neighborhood equipped with an emergency call system in each apartment to ensure safety and specially designed community spaces to support easy navigation. A registered nurse is on duty 24/7 to supervise the care staff and monitor each senior's health, while the licensed care associates perform medication management and help with activities of daily living, such as grooming, bathing, mobility and dressing. Maintenance and weekly housekeeping, linen and laundry services are also available. A staff fitness instructor helps residents improve their well-being by setting personal wellness goals and incorporating movements and exercises into their daily lives. Amenities include a fitness center, heated swimming pool and coffee bar.
People love the dedicated staff and beautiful environment. A resident's family member writes, "The staff here are all very cooperative & more than helpful. They will go out of their way to help you & will answer any questions you may have promptly. The nursing staff is top rate, and so are the people working at the front desk."
Gulf Coast Village takes an integrated approach to senior care. It's the only continuing care retirement community in Cape Coral to offer memory care, assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services to its residents and area seniors. It designed the private residences in the Palmview wing with assistive independence in mind, and it has secure, shared spaces for residents to socialize and enjoy the activities they love. The licensed nursing staff is available around the clock to assist residents with the challenges of memory loss and dementia. Memory care residents benefit from innovative programs and user-friendly technology to stay connected with family, lessen anxiety and provide interactive entertainment. The community campus offers an elegant restaurant for dining and a bistro cafe for lighter meal options, which are open to guests visiting with loved ones.
Family members compliment the high level of care and compassion shown by the staff at Gulf Coast Village. One reviewer writes, "I really liked the memory care of Gulf Coast Village. It's extremely good. They have a very good director over there and they're very on top of things. The people are very compassionate."
Sitting on a quiet plot surrounded by trees, American House Bonita Springs offers easy access to shopping, dining, parks and the NCH North Naples Hospital. This community's memory care program provides a safe environment and personalized care to seniors in all stages of dementia. The skilled staff closely communicates with each resident and family to understand their wants and needs. Caregivers are on duty 24/7 to help with activities of daily living, such as bathing and grooming, and to provide clinical services, including medication administration and medical assistance. Housekeeping and laundry services are also available. Seniors can choose from many recreational, physical, social and spiritual activities, such as chair yoga, community outings and massage therapy. They can also swim in the outdoor pool, read in the library or socialize in the game room. Transportation is available for group trips and personal appointments.
People love the caring staff, engaging activities and great amenities. A resident's daughter writes, "They are very topnotch. It has worked out for us. The staff members are very good. They have great activities. They have a swimming pool and a great therapy program. The food has been very good. The room is very nice."
American House Coconut Point is located in the north of Bonita Springs, next to Lee Health Coconut Point Hospital and Spring Run Golf Club. The memory care wing is designed with memory impaired seniors in mind and features a variety of useful amenities, including a gym, game room and pool. Caregivers provide personalized care plans that take the individual needs and interests of the residents into account. The staff is available 24/7 to assist with activities such as grooming, bathing and eating. There is a full schedule of life enrichment activities, designed to slow down cognitive decline and nourish body, mind and spirit. Activities include chair yoga, aromatherapy and a book club. Three chef-prepared meals are served in the elegant dining room every day.
Visitors appreciate the great amenities, with one reviewer saying, "I went to American House Coconut Point, and I liked that it was clean and beautiful. It was new, it looked pretty, and it was nice. He sat down with me and gave me a personal tour. They had a salon, a bakery, a library, and a pool. It just felt comfortable there, and they were accommodating."