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 North Port's senior population continues to grow (20.16% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In North Port, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 110% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 13.64%, showing that Alzheimer's is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is slightly higher than the rest of the nation (7.05% in North Port 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 North Port. 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 North Port, 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:
Discovery Commons South Biscayne welcomes seniors to its charming, relaxing residence, with its natural beauty, modern amenities and round-the-clock professional care. A high quality of life awaits elderly individuals dealing with various cognitive issues, offering a person-focused memory care program. The living environment is safe and secure, and with an Impressions housekeeping program in place, residents are assured of comfortable, clean apartments and external surroundings. Residents benefit from customized care plans that incorporate an active lifestyle program. Daily routines usually include one-on-one or group activities, sensory exercises or just some quiet, relaxing moments. On-site therapy services and senior-friendly wellness exercise classes are also available. Mealtimes consist of delicious, nutritious choices, made more appealing through the use of soothing colors and sounds. Discovery Commons encourages active involvement for family members through effective communication.
Families like the open communication and are happy to see loved ones adjust smoothly into the community. "My mom has been very happy here in the memory care unit. She could not walk when she moved in and she is now exercising at ballet bar and participating in activities. They offer tons of activities to keep their residents busy," shares one family member.
Residents of Grand Villa of Englewood's exit-controlled memory care neighborhood participate in daily Dakim brain fitness games, sensory stimulation exercises and music and pet therapy sessions. Senior accommodations include special bathroom nightlights that help them maneuver back and forth throughout the night safely. Motion sensors around each resident's room alert staff members to respond to the senior's movements. Life skills stations that recreate familiar past life situations, such as gardens, workbenches or baby nurseries, are positioned strategically throughout the community to jog joyous senior memories, increase cognitive function and encourage physical movement. Restaurant-style dining, seasonal hobby groups and special occasion events help residents remain connected to family members and other community members throughout the year.
Family members appreciate the gracious, warm and gentle treatment that their loved one has received from the staff here. One relative says, "I have been extremely pleased with the care of my parents in memory care at Grand Villa. The staff treats them with compassion, kindness and patience."
The Windsor of Venice in North Port, FL, offers memory care services to seniors experiencing memory loss. Caregivers are trained in providing dementia care, and they plan individual services based on seniors' unique needs. Residents receive assistance with bathing, dressing, eating and medication management on an as-needed basis. Specially designed neighborhoods within the building help seniors feel more independent and familiar with their surroundings. The community also operates the Gold Leaf Dining program for those who require extra support and assistance at mealtimes. Therapeutic services are available on-site, and transportation to off-site appointments is provided.
Residents are impressed with the community's cleanliness and the care provided by staff. One reviewer writes, "The Windsor of Venice was immaculately maintained, seemed to have a caring staff, and had plenty of nursing help. It seemed to have good quality organization. They have Bridge, Poker, and a book club. It seems to be a pretty robust senior exercise schedule and they have an activities director who seems very responsive to monthly community meetings and activities."
Truewood by Merrill, Charlotte Center is located just blocks from Murdock Circle and minutes from Fawcett Memorial Hospital. The community provides seniors facing Alzheimer's and dementia with a safe, secure and caring environment. Its caregivers are trained to provide memory care support that focus on each resident's unique needs. On-site services include 24/7 care support, medication management, scheduled transportation, weekly housekeeping and personalized programming that's based on residents' interests and abilities. Residents have full access to all indoor common areas, such as the TV room and computer lab, as well as a large, secured outdoor area. Daily meals are served restaurant-style in the main dining room.
Residents are impressed with the level of care the community provides. One family member noted, "I like that it is divided into smaller sections. They offer all kinds of activities. They offer three meals a day. They take care of the medications, they have wound care and they wash the clothes. The staff is excellent."
Located in a beautiful coastal city, Heritage Oaks of Englewood honors each resident's individuality by offering tailored care in a stylish, homelike community. The Village memory care program engages residents in daily routines that incorporate familiar hobbies, interests and activities within an environment designed to minimize stress. Care plans include group and one-on-one activities, sensory cueing, dementia care technology, daily living assistance and landmarks that cultivate a sense of familiarity and belonging. The community offers therapies from community partners, as well as transportation services that connect residents to Englewood's cultural and commercial attractions. Residents can participate in a vibrant activities calendar with scheduled movie nights, exercises, games and crafts, and they can connect socially at the library, the putting green and the community gardens. Dining features healthy, homemade meals with family-style dining available. Accommodations include safety features and medication management.
Residents and family members praise the attentive care and compassionate atmosphere. One family member writes, "I can't begin to say how happy I am with the care my husband is receiving at Heritage Oaks, Memory Care. Everyday [the caregivers] smile, show amazing compassion, and just dig in and do whatever it takes to keep the residents clean, healthy and content."
Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay's caregivers implement their treatment plans based upon the community's Aspire wellness philosophy. This practice encourages senior memory care residents to live with passion and joy and engage in signature programming that includes cognitive-enhancing activities and events. Group exercise classes, religious services and happy hour socials are held regularly. Anytime dining allows residents living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease to enjoy meals at their own preferred times throughout the day, while complimentary transportation to nearby doctor's appointments and events ensures that the seniors feel connected to the local community.
Family members are impressed with the friendliness of staff, cleanliness of the community and excellent food here. One says, "My father moved into Tuscan Gardens of Venetia Bay. It is very friendly and very clean. The food is outstanding, and my father loves it. The staff is excellent, very professional, courteous, kind and organized."
AdviniaCare Venice's caregivers spend all day with its memory care residents. The staff members assist seniors with all activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing and grooming, then provide personal escort services to the communal dining room and help with resident menu selection and eating, if necessary. Once fed, seniors are encouraged to participate in the community's daily life enrichment activities, including sensory stimulation exercises, word games, trivia tournaments and group sing-a-long sessions. The secured community features paved sidewalks for memory care residents to enjoy nature without leaving the grounds. Current events discussions, religious services and ice cream socials round out the activities offerings, ensuring that the mental, spiritual and social needs of all memory care residents are met regularly.
Family members state that this is an excellent community with professional, dedicated staff members. One says, "Harbor Chase is a top-notch facility. The nurses and nurses' aides were outstanding with my mother, extremely kind and caring. The reception representatives were always ready to help and greeted us with a smile."
Situated in a tranquil seaside city, Liana of Venice is a family-owned memory care community that centers the individuality of each resident. Through the Life Engagement Program, specially trained caregivers design personalized care plans that enrich cognition, promote calmness and create joyful moments. Fitness and wellness activities, creative expression, spiritual support and music provide opportunities for community involvement. Centered around a cozy atrium, the community's abundant natural light and wide hallways create a safe and soothing atmosphere indoors, while a secure courtyard allows for outdoor relaxation. Chef-prepared meals are tailored to each resident's preferences, with special and festive occasions celebrated often during mealtime. Rental accommodations are all-inclusive.
Family members and residents appreciate the expert staff and lush environment at Liana of Venice. One family member writes, "This facility is absolutely gorgeous and designed with the dementia patient in mind. The care is phenomenal! The nursing director gives you peace of mind leaving your family in her care."
Venice Green Village focuses solely on caring for its residents with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The community's 24/7, expertly trained staff members assist seniors with all activities of daily living and provide support and encouragement throughout the unique challenges faced by those living with mild, moderate and advanced memory impairments. Caregivers utilize The Montessori Method, an approach to memory care that engages residents in positive, constructive programming. This technique incorporates cognitive-enhancing games such as brain teasers and word matches along with physical movement, sensory stimulation and group socialization times to provide well-rounded daily life opportunities that give residents a sense of pride, accomplishment and belonging within the community.
Family members have confidence in the community coordinator and appreciate the friendly staff members that keep the residents active. One says, "The staff there is so patient. They have a great coordinator who keeps me feeling very confident that my loved one is getting the best experience. I like how the staff keeps the residents active and they have a relationship with them."
Focusing solely on memory care, Maris Pointe provides a resident-centered treatment model that utilizes the consistency of daily routines to help residents feel as secure and safe as possible. The community's gated courtyard, gardens and walking paths allow residents to enjoy the Florida sunshine safely, while the daily small group pet and music therapy programs, trivia games and fitness classes help keep residents in optimal mental and physical shape. Caregivers assist seniors with all activities of daily living, such as bathing and grooming, in single-story accommodations that have no stairs or elevators for maximum resident safety. The community's staff members also bring residents to off-site events regularly to keep them engaged and connected to the local area.
Family members appreciate the memory care-only community focus, the kind, welcoming feel and the attentive care here. One says, "They are also strictly memory care which is just what we were looking for. I feel like it was a warm and inviting environment, they have a good handle on my mother-in-law and her care. I would recommend to others looking."
Truewood By Merrill is a senior living community that offers assisted living, independent living, and memory services to those living near Venice, Florida. The community is conveniently situated close to a range of shops, restaurants, and Shorepoint Health Park, which provides outpatient medical and dental appointments. The staff at Truewood by Merrill pride themselves on their compassionate and friendly caring style and provide weekly housekeeping, prescription and medication management, customized care plans, laundry and wellness care. Residents can also benefit from enrichment activities that intend to boost resident's quality of life. The activity program includes fitness classes, educational activities and off-site outings. The community also provides a range of on-site facilities, such as a library, salon, piano, and communal areas, for those living at Truewood by Merrill to enjoy. Residents are also offered fresh, restaurant-style meals in the on-site dining room.
Family members of those living at Truewood by Merrill, Venice, frequently compliment the community's homey atmosphere, attentive staff, and comfortable apartments. One relative said, "I found a rare gem! Warmth and home like atmosphere. Mom and dad were happy to see the attention residents received. The one bedroom apartment they chose is perfect for their needs."
Aravilla Sarasota places health and happiness at the center of senior living, balancing structured support with personal choice. A memory care concierge eases seniors' transitions by engaging them in vibrant activities and by helping them build family-like relationships with residents and caregivers. Personalized care plans incorporate each resident's habits, preferences and relationships into activities that enrich body and mind, such as exercises, games, classes, social gatherings and customized therapies. A yellow brick road enables stress-free navigation within the homelike memory care neighborhood. The tranquil lagoon with resident swans immerses residents in the tropical landscape, while supervised excursions to beaches, restaurants and sporting events offer relaxing social outlets. Fresh, healthy meals inspired by the Mediterranean diet are served in an intimate dining room, with special requests accommodated. Apartments include advanced safety and convenience features, cable, Wi-Fi and individual climate control.
Residents and family members praise the nurturing care and high quality of amenities at Aravilla Sarasota. One family member writes, "The staff is very loving and caring; [my mother] enjoys a wide variety of activities as well as a weekly outing for lunch with the residents; the Mediterranean style food served is homemade, which she enjoys very much."
Heron Club at Prestancia's memory care program incorporates all of its residents' spiritual, physical, emotional, social, and mental needs into its personalized treatment plans for those living with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Fresh, never frozen meals are served in the communal dining room, with pureed and chopped selections available if needed. Daily brain teasers and art and music therapies keep each senior's mental shape as sharp as possible, while group exercises keep residents active and mobile throughout the day. The community's secured indoor and outdoor space allows residents to move around freely under supervision. Caregivers assist seniors each day with bathing, dressing and grooming and medication management and 24/7 emergency response services are available.
Family members state that the staff does an amazing job and that the grounds are well-maintained. One says, "My sister moved into Heron Club. They've been wonderful, and they're doing an excellent job. It's very beautiful, very clean, the staff is very attentive, and the administrator is amazing. They really try to engage the residents."
HarborChase of Sarasota is a large, classically designed age-in-place community located minutes from pristine beaches and some of the best dining and shopping venues in the area. Memory care residents live in The Cove, a secure, tranquil environment located within HarborChase. Seniors receive individualized attention that utilizes unique, dementia-focused programming that begins the first day new residents arrive with the creation of a "Silhouette of My Life" profile. This snapshot of memories, interests and personal favorites serves as a template for providing seniors with access to personally relevant, engaging activities, such as music therapy, country cooking classes and trivia. Compassionate and friendly caregivers play a large role in resident care, providing personal assistance with everything from mobility and bathing to housekeeping, pet care and laundry.
Families of memory care residents at HarborChase of Sarasota like the bright, cheery atmosphere and the caring staff in addition to the beautiful secure courtyard. One family member who visited shares, "The staff who work there had big hearts and took great care of my sister even on her worst days."
The pet-friendly memory care program at Inspired Living Sarasota serves the needs of all of its residents suffering from dementia and Alzheimer's disease through personalized treatment plans that enhance each senior's preferred lifestyle. The community's Inspired Journeys program has an evidence-based care philosophy that employs behavior management and redirection methods that reduce the need for antipsychotic medications. This approach also improves memory recall, stimulates neuropathways and reduces cognitive decline through personalized attention and activities such as word searches, crossword puzzles, group walking sessions and dance fitness classes. Current events discussions and religious services are held on-site, and personal care and medication management services are provided daily.
Family members believe that they found the right community for their loved ones because of the caring, compassionate staff and physically and mentally stimulating activities. One reviewer says, "I visited six different Memory Care facilities to find the right fit for my father. Inspired Living has a loving and caring staff. They keep the residents engaged with activities to keep their minds active and alert."
Brookdale Phillippi Creek offers seniors with dementia inviting apartments in a beautiful assisted living community. Its common areas and outdoor spaces are thoughtfully designed to be easy for individuals with cognitive impairments to navigate. Inviting common spaces such as a coffee shop, fireside living room, library and chapel give residents soothing places to rest and converse with their peers. Associates, who are specially trained in matters related to dementia and Alzheimer's, are available 24/7 to assist with requests, manage medications and supervise daily activities. Residents are gently encouraged to join in programming created to stimulate seniors' minds and help to slow the effects of memory loss each day. Various types of therapy are provided to individuals to maintain their abilities and mobility.
Reviewers highly praise the friendly atmosphere. One visitor points out the welcoming staff members and residents, saying, "The people who work there were very caring and very upbeat. The folks who live there and we talked to were really good."
Grand Villa of Sarasota helps seniors with dementia live purposeful lives, combining state-of-the-art technology with cutting-edge research to develop therapeutic activities that promote independence and maintain dignity, including pet therapy, sensory stimulation programs and music therapy. Residents can engage in familiar tasks, such as cooking and baking, office jobs and gardening, at life skill stations to stimulate memory and practice physical movement. Other activities include arts and crafts, computer classes, community field trips, bingo and fitness classes. The 24/7 staff provides medication administration, prescription ordering and delivery, coordination of local medical appointments and personal reminders. They also help with activities of daily living, such as showering, hygiene, feeding, dressing and mobility, while the culinary team serves three meals daily with special diet options.
Family members love the devoted staff. A reviewer writes, "I cannot say enough about Grand Villa. My mother has been in the memory care unit for over seven months. The attention given to her has been wonderful. The GV care managers and administrators have gone beyond the norm to care for my mother and make her comfortable."
The Anchin Memory Care program at Aviva Senior Living helps seniors with dementia live with meaning and purpose by creating a close-knit, family-like atmosphere that helps them make real connections. Snoezelen therapy, a stimulation program that combines optical illusions with lighting effects, sounds, aromas and textures, is available at a multisensory suite to provide a non-language outlet for seniors and help improve awareness and calm agitation. Memory care residents live in a specially designed neighborhood featuring nostalgically themed common areas to encourage reminiscence. Security staff patrols the premises regularly to ensure seniors' safety, and a pull cord inside each apartment allows residents to access their caregivers anytime. A licensed nurse is on duty 24/7 to supervise personal care and provide medication management, while a team of specialists offers dermatology, psychology, podiatry, audiology, nutrition and therapy services. Amenities include a library and activity room.
People love Aviva Senior Living's dedicated staff and safe environment. A resident's son writes, "My mom has been a resident for nearly 10 years, and her health and wellbeing are Aviva's goal. I would recommend it to anyone in need of helping their loved one out with memory issues. Safe and secure, and a great place to be!"
Located minutes away from Florida's Gulf Coast, Brookdale Sarasota offers a cozy ambiance with its outdoor covered porch, courtyard and shaded walking paths. Living areas exude a homelike appeal, featuring easy-to-navigate spaces with plenty of natural light and cheerful, soothing elements. Emergency alert systems, keypad entry and daily check-in ensure a safe, secure environment. Dining in the community is pleasurable, with residents treated to dementia-friendly menus and personalized assistance, and with consistent seating arrangements, mealtimes become even more stress-free. Seniors benefit from attentive care, where consistent caregiver assignments help in building trust and familiarity. Brookdale's Clare Bridge memory care program uses an evidence-based approach to care, providing distinct programming for those with early and advanced stages of cognitive conditions. Structured programs typically include mental workouts, brain-stimulating games and physical exercises.
People like the perfect blend of amenities and care. One family member writes, "Perfect for my father-in-law. He felt very comfortable there from the start, making some new friends. He was in a place that felt right in the way the residents seemed happy and welcoming, the staff knew just the right things to do to ease the transition to a new unfamiliar place."
Brookdale Palmer Ranch is a continuing care community that features a full spectrum of support under one roof. Its Clare Bridge program is designed for seniors living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, with specialized activities for residents at every stage. Early-to-moderate-stage seniors enjoy a stimulating schedule of brain games, art classes, journaling, music programming, dancing and gardening. All activities are tailored around their unique preferences and skills. Those in the advanced stages of dementia receive more programming centered around sensory awareness, with aromatherapy and music. Personalized plans include 24-hour assistance with bathing, grooming and medication. Residents receive consistent care from the same staff for a relationship-focused approach. The Clare Bridge neighborhood is easy to navigate, with spacious common areas, walls painted in cheerful colors and security measures, such as keypad entry and doorbells, to monitor in/out movements.
Loved ones like the stimulating environment. "Really wonderful place! The activities are engaging, creative and FUN for the Memory Care residents," says one reviewer. "They do community involvement with a local preschool that is great for both the young and young at heart. Awesome food and the cookies are really good! Caring and trustworthy!"