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 Miami Gardens’ senior population continues to grow (18% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.Â
In Miami Gardens, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 37% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 35%, 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 (7.19% in Miami Gardens vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).Â
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 Miami Gardens. 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.Â
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 Miami Gardens, 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.Â
Overall, our team:Â Â
The Palace Renaissance is 17 miles southwest of Miami, close to Baptist Health Baptist Hospital and other health facilities. It is specifically designed to cater to seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia, with a security system and carefully designed floor plans. Residents can access a variety of services, including assistance with dressing, grooming and personal care, along with medication supervision and health monitoring services. There is a nurse on call 24/7 and a skilled nursing unit next door. A personalized memory care plan, uniquely designed to address individual needs and preferences, is given to each resident. Three delicious meals are served in the spacious dining room daily. Residents can take part in regularly scheduled enrichment activities designed to slow down cognitive decline and optimize well-being. Activities include pet therapy, holiday celebrations and exercise classes.
Family members appreciate the delicious food and helpful staff, with one reviewer saying, ?"They're very professional. My dad has physical therapy where they get him walking and active. His diet was modified because he had too many sweets, so they cut back on that and he's now at the right weight. I have eaten there, and the food is actually pretty good, I can't complain."
The memory care program at Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon is based on the Montessori for Aging and Dementia program. Person-centered care that provides independence and dignity includes community education programs, wellness programs and specialized services for families and individuals living with dementia. Home-style meals are provided, and nutrition counseling is also available to meet residents' changing dietary needs. Studios' homelike appearances create familiarity, and the ADA-accessible community features a secure environment, a terrace, social gathering areas and easy-to-read signage and colors. Specialized 24-hour care, pharmacy services and medication management are also available to all residents.
Families are happy with the quality of care at Residential Plaza at Blue Lagoon. One reviewer states, "We recently needed to place two family members. We selected Residential Plaza because it is near our home. Our family members have received excellent care since the day they arrived."
The Sterling Aventura's memory care neighborhood makes Alzheimer's and dementia patients feel secure by personalizing the four components of wellness: physical, social, intellectual and spiritual well-being. Social and fitness activities are tailored to help residents flourish through staff-led classes, individual coaching and specific dietary accommodations. Each memory care apartment's bathroom is equipped with an emergency response system, and assistance with the activities of daily living are readily available. Housekeeping, laundry, concierge services, transportation and 24/7 security and health monitoring are provided.
Residents and family members believe the recipe for success at the Sterling Aventura is based in their wonderful staff. One family member says, "Their nursing is excellent. They just really have a good group of people there. They're friendly, and they're taking good care of my mom. She told me she's happy there, and she seems to be happy. For her to say that is amazing."
Located north of Miami, Courtyard Plaza provides compassionate care for people living with memory loss. Residents in the memory care unit live in a home-like setting with a program designed to help maintain their skills and abilities. The staff at Courtyard Plaza understands the complex emotions associated with memory loss and aims to preserve residents' dignity, independence and privacy. Rooms are fully furnished and restaurant-style meals are provided daily. Each resident has access to enrichment activities, such as social games, fitness exercises, excursions, crafts, trivia and live entertainment. The community offers a spacious central courtyard for residents to get some fresh air and sunshine. Available around-the-clock to provide care, staff speak languages ranging from English, Spanish, Creole, French and Hebrew to Tagalog. On-site physician visits are available.
Relatives are impressed by the knowledgeable staff. One reviewer says, "The staff is wonderful. They are very informative, kind to my mom, make sure all of her needs are met, and they are very pleasant to talk to. The staff manages all of her appointments and assists her with medications. They do her laundry and housekeeping very thoroughly as well."
Presidential Place treats memory care residents with dignity and compassion, offering assistance with daily living, 24-hour health monitoring and security, housekeeping and laundry services, fitness and wellness programs and scheduled transportation to social events. Rooms and environment are designed to be home-like, and emergency buttons are installed in all bathrooms. Medication management, rehabilitation and therapy are offered, with more specialized health care available from hospice aides and visiting physicians.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the friendly staff and welcoming environment. A reviewer whose mother lives at Presidential Place says, "We've been very happy. It's a very pretty place. When you drive up, it looks like a condominium / apartments and is very welcoming, which is not what we experienced at other places we visited. My mom has had some wonderful staff that she absolutely adores."
The Peninsula Assisted Living and Memory Care offers complete care, utilizing the Montessori Moments in Time memory care program, which focuses on residents' personal stories, to safely provide all levels of secure and specialized memory care to residents. Resident amenities include an atrium with a brick walking path to enjoy the mid-morning warmth. A dedicated activities coordinator facilitates activities designed to nurture the mind, body and soul, including religious, social and fitness activities. Families are welcome to visit without restriction and make use of the game room, bistro coffee shop and private dining rooms for personal family gatherings.
Families of residents compliment the staff at The Peninsula, commenting, "The Peninsula has provided an excellent program for giving her assistance with daily grooming, providing meals in a community setting, dispensing medications, following up with doctors visits, entertainment and much more. " Another resident notes, "It feels like I'm living at a resort."
The Sheridan at Cooper City offers memory care and assisted living in Hollywood, Florida, using the Embrace memory care program, which encourages socialization and fosters meaningful moments. This system's multifaceted approach incorporates lifestyle enrichment programs that include the Bookmarks reading program, the Essence multi-sensory experience and the Thymeless garden-to-table food program. Memory care residents can also take a stroll down one of the secured walking paths, attend movie nights and participate in chair yoga and Zumba fitness classes.
The Sheridan at Cooper City earns top marks from families for being a well-maintained community with fresh, appetizing food options. One resident's family member writes, "Mom is in the memory care unit. The rooms are always clean, food always served colorful and fresh. Every dinner is served with fresh vegetable salad."
Oakmonte Village of Davie offers compassionate care a short drive from Hollywood Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Residents can enjoy a resort-like atmosphere thanks to comfortable furnishings and a calendar full of scheduled activities. The community provides specialized care for seniors with Alzheimer's disease or dementia. The premises are secured and staff provides assistance with activities of daily living such as dressing and bathing. A wellness program is available for residents as well as therapies designed to maintain cognitive abilities. The common area features a pool, a restaurant-style dining room and a party area where seniors can enjoy the company of fellow residents. Religious services are also available. Rooms have all utilities including cable television, phone and internet, and seniors may bring small pets to their living quarters.
Relatives of residents at Oakmonte Village of Davie speak highly of the quality of care and customer service. One reviewer says, "My mom has lived at Oakmonte Village since November 2019. I cannot say enough outstanding things about the care she is receiving! The staff from the aides to the wellness center to the dining room to the reception area are superior!"
MiCasa Senior Living is an all-inclusive memory care community just a short distance from Hollywood Beach and Fort Lauderdale. Residents can enjoy a home-like setting and always have access to trained caregivers. Rooms have a wireless emergency call system so that urgent care can be carried out as promptly as possible. For the safety of residents living with Alzheimer's disease or dementia, the community is secured and monitored by closed circuit video surveillance. Residents can enjoy a leisurely and social lifestyle thanks to a number of scheduled activities and fitness classes. As part of their enrichment program, the community has a team of activity coordinators who provide fun and mentally stimulating games that offer entertainment while helping to maintain cognitive functions. Nutritious meals are served daily and there is regular housekeeping and laundry service.
Family members of residents at MiCasa Senior Living speak highly of the living conditions and quality of care. One reviewer says, "My sister has been a resident at MiCasa Senior Living for the past seven months. She is very happy there and enjoys the many activities. The administrators and the nurse have taken very good care of her."
Five Star Premier Residences of Hollywood is a senior living community in Miami Gardens, Florida. It's nestled in a peaceful, home-like environment close to hospitals and other specialized health care centers. Its Bridge to Rediscovery Alzheimer's and dementia care program provides 24-hour individualized support to residents. On-site nurses conduct regular health and wellness assessments and medication monitoring. Residents can build their strength and mobility through daily exercises and speech, physical and occupational therapy at the on-site Agility state-of-the-art gym. Chefs prepare nutritious meals three times a day, served restaurant-style. Residents stay in safe, secured memory care studio apartments with hurricane-impact windows and doors and access to an emergency call system. The open floor plan and enclosed garden-style courtyard help residents move around safely.
People speak highly of the quality of care and amendments at Five Star Premier Residences of Hollywood with one reviewer stating, "My mother moved into Five Star early in 2015. She has expressed happiness at making the move. I live abroad, but have seen for myself on two visits that the facility is clean, well-organized and maintained, and provides a variety of essential and enrichment services."
Belmont Village Senior Living is an assisted living community in the heart of Fort Lauderdale. With a resort-like layout, residents can enjoy a social and laid-back lifestyle with access to 24-hour care. The staff includes licensed nurses who can attend to minor medical issues and assist with medication management. Residents with Alzheimer's disease or dementia are assigned a memory program coordinator who can organize therapeutic activities to maintain cognitive functioning. The secured premises are carefully monitored to ensure the safety and well-being of residents. The expansive common area has a number of amenities, including a library, swimming pool, landscaped garden and patio. Nutritious meals are provided in a restaurant-style setting, and there is regular housekeeping service to ensure the cleanliness of residents' living quarters.
Residents are complimentary about the interior design at Belmont Village Senior Living. One resident writes, "I moved into Belmont Village Fort Lauderdale two weeks ago. It's convenient for my son who lives not far away. Physically, it's magnificent, beautifully decorated, and very elegant. I'm sitting out on the patio now."
Wickshire Fort Lauderdale is a senior living community nestled in a calm, peaceful neighborhood close to hospitals and other specialized health care centers. The Artistry of Moments program trains caregivers to work with memory care residents, who receive individualized care based on their needs. The Monogram program hosts daily activities, and residents can build their strength through daily exercises and speech, physical and occupational therapy at the on-site fitness center. Chefs prepare healthy meals three times a day, served restaurant-style. Safe studio apartments feature weather-resistant windows and an emergency call system.
Families speak highly about the level of care and amenities in the community. One reviewer says, "The people at Wickshire Fort Lauderdale were very, very nice. They welcome you very nicely. They spoke very good English, so we can understand exactly what they say. The building was very clean. I love all the equipment and the different areas. It's very clean and very nice. I've seen some people in the exercise room. The design and the layout of the rooms were very acceptable."
The Meridian at Waterways is an independent living, assisted living and memory care community located just blocks from the coast in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. There is an on-site surround sound theater where residents can watch movies as well as a luxury spa and salon where they can enjoy being pampered. The Montessori Moments in Time memory care program incorporates first-hand experience with extensive research to help residents experience meaningful moments and foster a sense of purpose. Life engagement programming is used to inspire connection by learning about residents' personal histories and preferences and working to bring joy into their daily interactions. The Moments in Time approach also sees mealtimes as an opportunity for memory care residents to be more connected by using this time as a chance to socialize and reminisce.
The Meridian at Waterways earns praise for having kind, attentive staff members. One resident's loved one writes, "The medication management, the food, the cleanliness, all of it is immaculate. The staff interacts with him fantastically and you can tell that they are who they are They seem to be great at working with the elderly and with people with dementia."
Pacifica Senior Living Forest Trace in Lauderhill, Florida, about 22 miles from Miami Gardens, is in a green setting full of local nature. Seniors with Alzheimer's or dementia age in place in a secure memory care center with trained caregivers who take time to know each resident. Staff is available 24/7, personalizing services such as activities of daily living, medication management, nutrition and therapy. The activities director crafts programs and events for residents to socialize, engage and enhance their physical and cognitive strengths. Each community member has access to indoor patios or terraces with beautiful views. They can also enjoy the tranquility of the outdoors overlooking an expansive lake. Rooms feature individual climate control for comfort, with emergency alert systems and a daily check-in service ensuring resident safety. Linen, laundry, housekeeping and trash services are provided.
Residents and family members appreciate the professional and caring staff at Pacifica Senior Living Forest Trace. One reviewer writes, "Great facility and the staff are very friendly and professional." Another one comments, "I have never seen a busier manager. He was so kind and helpful. They even fed us during our tour. Hats off to the chef!"
Atlantis Senior Living and Memory Care offers tailored cognitive therapy for seniors living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Seniors benefit from expertly designed cognitive programs that deliver impactful mental stimulation in a low-stress environment. Through frequent training, dedicated staff continually acquire new skills and knowledge in mental health. Seniors are supported 24/7 by nurses and direct caretakers who establish routines to help them maximize their abilities. The property, which is monitored around the clock, has a fully secured, gated courtyard to prevent seniors from wandering off. Delicious home-cooked meals are provided daily.
Families feel reassured by the care and attention of staff. One family member writes, "Placing a loved one in a facility is one of the hardest decisions you will have to make. I couldn't hope for a better group of people to take care of my partner. The care and attention far exceeded my expectations."
The Preserve at Palm-Aire is located eight miles from the coast, close to Broward Health Imperial Point General Hospital. The community, designed with memory-impaired seniors in mind, features beautiful secure outdoor spaces and cozy indoor spaces for relaxing with friends. Residents receive a personalized memory care plan designed to adapt as their needs change. The team of compassionate staff offers 24/7 support with grooming, bathing and medication management. Activities are designed to reinforce current skills and hobbies and to encourage socialization and new skills. The Dining With Dignity program provides assistance to residents who require extra support at mealtimes.
Visitors appreciate the excellent amenities, with one reviewer saying, "The Preserve at Palm-Aire looked beautiful, cheerful, fun and even luxurious. It was very nice. The menu looked good, and they had so much to do. They have a calendar with the things every day that people do, and they have a beautiful outdoor area. The staff took a lot of time with us."
The continuing care community of Five Star Premier Residences of Hollywood is spread out over a sprawling 22 acres of fountains, walking paths and lakes. The resort-like senior living community offers independent living, assisted living and memory care. Seniors in the memory care unit receive care via the patented Bridge to Rediscovery Alzheimer's and dementia care program. It provides residents with individualized support while allowing them to retain the independence to attend activities that interest them, make their own dining choices based on preferences and boost their mobility and strength via exercise classes. In addition, open floor plans and a secured interior courtyard allow seniors to safely navigate their home and socialize with friends while support for the daily activities of living is always nearby.
Reviews of Five Star Premier Residences of Hollywood are highly favorable, with many reviewers commenting on the amenities and friendly staff. One reviewer writes, "Five Star Premier Residences of Hollywood is a beautiful place The apartment was delightful and very nice. Everything else was nice and clean, and the people were friendly. "
The W at Pompano Beach is home to a warm, welcoming community of seniors less than three miles from the beach. With 24-hour support staff, residents' medical needs are well taken care of. Memory care services include assistance with daily activities and medication management, and residents and families have access to individualized financial and case management. The W at Pompano Beach provides transportation, housekeeping and meal services to all residents. A recreational calendar offers the opportunity to try new things and enjoy beloved activities. Assisted living and skilled nursing are also available.
Residents and their loved ones write about the attentive and compassionate staff at The W at Pompano Beach. One reviewer says, "The staff truly care and go out of their way to help you. I got a call back just to check on me and let me know everything was going ok."
The Reminiscence memory care program at Stratford Court of Boca Pointe creates a safe and stimulating environment to help seniors with dementia live purposeful lives. The staff learns the preferences and abilities of each resident before crafting an individualized care plan that can include multisensory stimulation, daily exercises and therapeutic activities. Seniors live in a dedicated neighborhood featuring an emergency response system to ensure their safety. Reflection rooms with soft lighting and calming music improve residents' moods. The caregivers, who are trained in dementia care best practices developed by the Alzheimer's Association, are on duty 24/7 to provide continence and medication management and help with activities of daily living, including personal hygiene, grooming and dressing. Amenities include a heated swimming pool, beauty salon, arts room, hot tub and fitness center. A licensed nurse visits monthly to ensure the wellness of every resident.
Family members rave about the individualized services, dedicated staff and delicious food. The daughter-in-law of two residents writes, "It's a great community that is tailored to the needs of each individual. The food is excellent. The in-house doctors have been wonderful, the nursing services have been great, and it's been a great experience."
Brookdale Deer Creek provides high-quality senior living services in Deerfield Beach, Florida. Its memory care unit features a secure setting with circular pathways and a screened patio to keep wandering residents safe. Trained 24/7 staff provide care and emergency responses. The Clare Bridge program provides structured activities to help residents stay healthy and active, including cognitive workouts, brain stimulating discussions, games and dances. The Solace program, which cares for residents in advanced stages of memory loss, includes help with performing daily activities and sense-stimulating activities such as music and aromatherapy. Residents can get nutritious meals in the luxurious restaurant-style dining room or through room service. Memory care apartments feature emergency call systems and in-room cable TV.
People have positive reviews about Brookdale Deer Creek and its staff members. One reviewer says, "Brookdale Deer Creek was absolutely beautiful. It's a huge place and the rooms were very nice. They have a little kitchenette, a nice bathroom, and a good-sized closet. Not only did the employees talk to us, but they also talked to the residents as we were walking around."