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 Ocala’s senior population continues to grow (13.53% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Ocala, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 31.36% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 13.81%, 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 (6.94% in Ocala 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 Ocala. 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 Ocala, 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:
Atria Lady Lake is a senior living community in the tranquil neighborhood of Lake County, Florida. Its dementia and Alzheimer's care philosophy relies on Atria's signature Life Guidance program. Personnel specially trained in leading memory care techniques are available 24/7 to help residents with grooming, medication, and assistance to and from meals and activities throughout the day. The Life Guidance events calendar features dementia-friendly activities, including baking classes, aromatherapy sessions, Wii golfing, garden club, and crafts workshops. Movie lovers can enjoy regular film screenings in the movie theater. The courtyards feature walking paths around the community, as well as garden spaces and a putting green. Residents have access to physical therapy in the wellness center and massage therapists and stylists in the salon and spa. They can also relax in the library or enjoy the on-site whirlpool.
Relatives applaud the level of care at Atria Lady Lake. One says, "She gets to choose her meals, and she loves that. Her laundry is done weekly, and her apartment is cleaned. She is getting some physical therapy and is getting stronger. The staff is helpful and responsive."
Brentwood at Fore Ranch emphasizes independence among residents at all care levels. Memory care residents are encouraged to be physically engaged with activities like Stretch and Flex and cognitively involved with canvas painting classes, trivia, cognitive activities and current events discussions. Soothing music events are provided for memory care residents as are outdoor strolls. Memory care services at Brentwood include meal assistance and escorts as needed, medication management and weekly housekeeping. Amenities include an on-site bistro and movie theater.
Reviews show how much residents and their family members enjoy the staff interactions and amenities. One family member writes, "The people at Brentwood are very friendly and helpful. Very professional. Rooms are bright, food is good and there appear to be many activities for those who wish to participate."
Brookdale Canopy Oaks is situated in the heart of Ocala nearby acres and acres of horse farms. The community offers diverse amenities that include a courtyard space for social interaction, an on-site game room and a library as well as an arts studio. Memory care services are administered through the Clare Bridge program, which offers daily activities for residents. This includes brain games, physical fitness and opportunities for residents to bring with them mementos to make them more comfortable. Memory care residents are also encouraged to participate in community activities, including attending musical performances and group classes.
Residents and their loved ones note the quality of care provided by staff, the range of activities and the spacious, aesthetically pleasing design of the community. One notes, "Brookdale Canopy Oaks is excellent. My mother's room is good sized. When I went there, it felt right. Everything fell into place."
Brookdale Chambrel Pinecastle is situated in a quiet residential community in Ocala. Memory care services use the Clare Bridge approach. Residents are encouraged to bring with them personal effects to make their spaces more comfortable. The program promotes cognitive stimulation and physical wellness, using brain games, group fitness and participation in activities. The community offers walking paths and fishing ponds to encourage residents to spend time outdoors. The heated pool and and therapy room provide opportunities for wellness.
Residents and their loved ones emphasize the activities available in this community. From social engagement to group fitness, reviews laud the community for these opportunities. One relative writes, "My sister moved into. Brookdale Chambrel Pinecastle. I think it's wonderful and fun. They're always doing something, and there's always something going on that you can choose to participate in or not participate in.
Brookdale Paddock Hills promotes a homelike environment to enhance resident comfort. Memory care services are part of the Clare Bridge approach. This seven-day-a-week program emphasizes cognitive and physical skill retention through brain stimulation games and group activities. The program encourages residents to fill shadow boxes outside of their living spaces to reflect their interests and tastes and to bring items from home to make them feel more comfortable. Amenities in the community include an on-site beauty salon, private dining rooms and library. Brookdale Paddock Hills is a pet-friendly community.
Reviews from residents and their family members center on staff professionalism and resident comfort. Of this, one relative writes, "We're very happy with Brookdale Paddock Hills. My mother-in-law has a shared room with a nice roommate, and she likes it. She's happy there. The staff is very friendly and seem to get along well with the residents."
Canterfield of Ocala is an assisted living and memory care community situated among courtyards flush with greenery and providing a cheerful environment. Canterfield has separate neighborhood settings to accommodate residents that may need more attentive care, with a number of units dedicated to memory care, and its team of compassionate staff are available 24/7. A full-time program director creates enriching activities for residents, including individualized memory activities designed to stimulate the mind and promote memory retention. This country club style community offers five-star restaurant-style dining and regularly scheduled movies in its in-house theater, as well as a fitness center, arts and crafts room, library and beauty salon.
Canterfield excels the food it provides. One satisfied reviewer raves, "The food is top quality, the medical team is great, the activities group is terrific and the administration is very caring and compassionate." Another declares Canterfield to be "The absolute best assisted living community in central Florida!. Their food is amazing, and they keep the community pristine!"
Élan Spanish Springs is located northeast of Lady Lake, near UF Health The Villages Hospital. The community offers specialized care programs that treat residents at all stages of dementia, with compassionate staff available 24/7 to assist with daily tasks and personal care. The caregivers undergo continuing training in caring for seniors with dementia, and the community fosters strong relationships between staff and residents. Meaningful daily activities and clubs are designed to enrich body, mind and spirit, including a green thumb club, art classes and baking. The in-house culinary team prepares three delicious meals per day, made with fresh ingredients that promote optimum wellness. The community features a salon and spa, beautifully landscaped courtyards and a creative design studio.
Visitors praise the excellent care, with one reviewer saying, "My mom's care is very good at Élan Spanish Springs. The director does a very nice job. The nurses seem to be very professional. The place is very clean, upscale and nice. Everything seems to be five-star. They provide laundry service, dining, music, bingo and arts and crafts."
Freedom Pointe at The Villages is a warm and inviting senior living center located just blocks from the UF Health The Villages Hospital. Its care team is specifically trained to work with residents with Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. Caregivers are available 24/7 to assist with everything from housekeeping and laundry to activities of daily living, including grooming and dressing. Residents are encouraged to participate in daily activities, such as gardening, games and chair yoga, which promote socialization, self-esteem and overall wellbeing. On-site physical and occupational therapy is available, and seniors have access to numerous amenities that include a TV room, library, fitness center and indoor pool. Meals are served restaurant-style in the main dining hall.
Residents enjoy the communitys wide array of amenities and daily activities. One reviewer commented, "My aunt loves it at Freedom Pointe at the Villages. She loves the food, she says it's beautiful, and she's very happy there The communication is good, and they're responsive when I call. I think she plays bingo, takes part in trivia, and has an exercise class.
Hampton Manor Assisted Living at 24th Road is a secured assisted living and memory care community located in Ocala, FL. It focuses on providing safety and security through easy-to-navigate floor layouts and a secure supervised environment that allows residents to move about and enjoy their lives in safety. Residents can find their new homes from various floor plans, designed and furnished to reduce confusion and anxiety through familiar surroundings and uncomplicated floor layouts. Events and activities are created with stimulation and socialization in mind and include exercise groups, music-making classes and story groups designed to recall favorite memories, while regular movie nights play resident-favorites several times a week, and social events like cake socials and fashion shows allow residents to express themselves while having fun with friends.
Residents and their families praise the caring staff and the safe environment. One family member said, "A truly professional and caring facility. Feel safe with your loved one's care at Hampton! Our beloved Poppop enjoyed his time there and we always enjoyed hearing about his positive experiences!"
Hampton Manor Assisted Living at Belleview is located in the heart of Ocala, amid sweeping and stately oak trees and greenspaces. The community emphasizes memory care and provides individualized programming to residents with a wide array of cognitive conditions. From karaoke campfire songs to games of Pick-Up Stix, the nostalgic approach is a comforting component for memory care residents. Outdoor walking paths and courtyard spaces encourage fresh air and social interaction among residents. Crafts and puzzle games help to shore up cognitive skills. Services available include housekeeping, laundry and 24-hour emergency response.
Reviews from residents and their loved ones point out the cleanliness of the community as well as the serene natural setting in which it is located. One writes, "We looked at many memory care facilities before choosing Hampton Manor Belleview. The best part is the wonderful staff. Without exception we found them to be the most caring, kind and compassionate people."
HarborChase of Villages Crossing is a luxury senior living community that is conveniently close to medical facilities. The memory care unit is located in a safe and secure building that has been specifically designed to be easy to navigate for seniors with cognitive impairment disorders. The Cove provides a family-focused program that strives to involve and educate family members regarding the care of their loved ones. A team of on-site caregiving associates is always on hand to provide compassionate care and assistance with the tasks of daily living. All members of the caregiving team receive ongoing training in the latest techniques for looking after seniors with memory loss disorders. Each resident has a personalized care plan that includes activities tailored to each senior's unique interests and abilities. Activities include fitness classes, gardening and cooking.
Relatives appreciate the activities at this community, with one saying, "They have a safari hunt where they use pictures of animals and foam rubber darts to shoot at animals. They have cards, and they have exercise in the dementia wing where they all got to put together and glue together small turkeys that they could give to their grandchildren."
Located just blocks from West Marion Community Hospital, Harmony House of Ocala offers seniors a comfortable, homelike environment. Its trained caregivers are available at all hours to conduct wellness checks, administer medications, provide incontinence care and assist residents with activities of daily living, including bathing, grooming and dressing. Scheduled transportation to medical appointments and shopping errands is also available. Seniors with memory loss and dementia-related issues are encouraged to participate in specially designed daily activities, such as music therapy, games, trivia events and ice cream socials, that prompt familiarity and promote socializing. Residents have full access to common areas within the secure community, including the outdoor gated courtyard. Chef-prepared meals are served daily in the dining area.
Residents are pleased with the communitys homelike atmosphere and often speak highly of the staff. One family member states, "The staff could not have been more compassionate, dedicated and informative. The director was not only professional but understanding of our extenuating circumstances. Says another, "They are really taking care of my mom, and I feel very comfortable with her being there. It's very clean, and the people there are very nice and have a lot of compassion."
Mission Oaks is a well-appointed senior living center that offers both assisted living and memory care support services. Its skilled nursing team is available 24/7 to assist residents with activities of daily living such as grooming, bathing and housekeeping, and medication management. Individual care plans are based on each residents needs and abilities. Daily activities, including crafts, bingo, trivia, movies, and fitness classes are designed to promote physical, social and mental well-being. All residents are encouraged to participate in the activities that best match their skills and interests. On-site amenities include a movie theater, library, ice cream parlor, beauty shop, TV lounge and a large outdoor area with walking paths, benches and rocking chairs. Meals are served restaurant-style in the main dining area.
Residents enjoy the communitys homelike atmosphere and the staffs compassionate support. "The atmosphere was homey, and the many staff and residents we met were so friendly and welcoming. The best thing was that everyone seemed happy! We love that she (my mom) is close by, as independent as possible.
Serenades at the Villages is a senior living community catering exclusively to those living with memory-related conditions. The neighborhood features a secure and comfortable layout, with open floor plans, visual cues, full-spectrum lighting and open showers with grab bars and seats. Controlled access and secure exits help prevent unattended wandering, and an emergency call system provides prompt response to urgent issues. Signature memory care programs center around residents' abilities, needs and interests. The Duets program utilizes the soothing power of music to improve moods, reduce agitation and trigger joyful memories. Live It Up is a whole-person approach to wellness, offering diverse activities that enhance the body, mind and spirit. Permanent caregivers are assigned to each resident, which ensures personalized care and helps create a sense of familiarity.
Reviewers mention the diverse activities, security, helpful staff and well-maintained building. One resident's loved one writes that Serenades "had the services I was primarily interested in. I was impressed with the competent staff. I just felt confident that my wife will be safe and well-cared for. They have music, craft and exercise programs.
Recipient of a State of Florida Excellence Award, Sumter Senior Living is a luxurious community with resort-style amenities, including a heated swimming pool, movie theater, bistro and fitness center. The Village Program is the communitys approach to memory care, in which personalized programming is based on residents previous schedules and interests with an added sense of security and support. Whether seniors are talented artists, dedicated yogis, or enjoy educational speakers and live entertainment, caregivers craft schedules around what suits their needs best. The memory care neighborhood is carefully designed, with living and dining areas that mimic those found in a real home coupled with sensory cues and landmarks to help residents feel comfortable. The highly trained team is available 24 hours a day, assisting with personal care and medication management using innovative Its Never 2 Late technology.
Visitors note the kind staff and spacious rooms. "The place was very nice, and the people were absolutely outstanding. They could not be more helpful," one recent visitor says. Another visitor agrees, adding, "The rooms were spotless, large, airy, and bright, and they had a nice kitchen. I thought it was a very nice place."
Superior Residences at Cala Hills is a senior living community that provides a comfortable, homelike environment to those living with Alzheimer's and other memory-related conditions. Living areas feature unobstructed layouts, allowing residents to move safely while promoting peer interaction. The pet-friendly community offers private and shared accommodations, which residents can personalize with their favorite belongings. Personalized care includes specialized services such as wound care, fall management and on-site physical and speech therapy. A full-time activity director supervises creative activities, cognitive exercises, physical wellness and live entertainment, as well as special events and celebrations. The communitys Inspired Journeys program uses an evidence-based approach to memory care, providing support not only to residents but also to families.
Families feel comfortable leaving loved ones in the community and praise the staff for creating a caring environment for everyone. One reviewer expresses confidence over the communitys security system, saying, "We are very satisfied right now. Mom has never been happy any place, but she does have good care. It is a locked facility, so they just can't wander off, and they need that.
The Willows at Wildwood is a senior living community located just a block from the Oxford Medical Park. It offers a warm and inviting environment where seniors are encouraged to maintain as active and independent lifestyles as possible. Its Leisure Care memory care program focuses on the seven pillars of well-being, including physical, social, emotional, therapeutic, sensory and creative experiences. Specially trained caregivers are on hand 24/7 to assist residents with everything from medication management to support with activities of daily living, including grooming and dressing. On-site therapy services, such as occupational and physical therapy are available. Daily planned activities, such as crafts, fitness classes and outings, help seniors remain active and social. Seniors have access to all on-site amenities, including a library, recreation room, theater, beauty salon and bistro.
Residents and their family members are pleased with the communitys round-the-clock supportive services and friendly atmosphere. One family member stated, "We had a wonderful experience with The Willows. They were compassionate and caring and made a very stressful situation much calmer.
The Windsor of Ocala is a Legend Senior Living community located next to 18th Avenue Medical Park and minutes from Ocala Regional Medical Center. Its two-level residential building is purposely designed with nonglare lighting, wide hallways and carefully selected colors and furnishings for a vibrant ambience and easy navigation. Attractive amenities include two landscaped courtyards, a fitness room, a salon and spa, a country kitchen and a 24-hour bistro. Legends Gold Leaf Dining program creates a holistic meal experience through nutritious, flavorful dishes and an engaging social atmosphere. Life Enrichment activities usually include arts and crafts, games, live entertainment, outings and cultural events. Aside from 24-hour specialized staffing, licensed nurses and medication assistance, memory care residents benefit from biofeedback therapy through PARO, an FDA-approved robotic seal. They also have their own unique life-story books that spark pleasant memories, meaningful conversations and friendships.
Relatives praise the amazing staff at The Windsor of Ocala. One reviewer says, "They have very skilled persons who are gifted in accommodating even the most difficult residents (my Aunt for instance) The staff truly love the residents They have the experience it takes to make a lovely home for those that we love.
Village Veranda at Lady Lake offers a homelike environment for assisted living and memory care residents. Seniors experience a smooth transition through the HEARTS program, with a community specialist guiding incoming residents and helping them comfortably settle in their new homes. Individuals with cognitive conditions receive specialized care in the communitys secure memory care neighborhood, featuring well-appointed living spaces and a relaxing outdoor courtyard. Designed with safety in mind, the layout is senior-friendly and easy to navigate, and a 24-hour emergency response system provides prompt attention to urgent issues. Activity programming caters to residents varying interests and includes art and music therapy, brain games, physical exercises, live entertainment, as well as special celebrations and events. Village Veranda also provides fall management and wound care as part of its enhanced care services.
Visitors describe Villa Veranda as a clean, beautiful community with a great location. A residents loved one writes, "It's very nice, new, and clean and we've been very happy so far. Whenever there's an issue, we talk to them, and they would call us back. The food is great, and her room is beautiful. They have activities and the staff is very nice.
YourLife of Wildwood is a dedicated memory care community in Wildwood, Florida. The community's dementia and Alzheimer's disease care philosophy focuses on personalized care that encourages autonomy and dignity. Its team of memory care specialists and support staff is available 24/7 to assist residents when necessary with dressing, bathing and eating. Skilled nurses regularly monitor seniors' health and progress. With in-house culinary staff, residents feast on nutritious meals tailored to their dietary needs. Snacks and refreshments are constantly available. A private memory park on the estate includes walkways, tranquil water features, raised gardening beds and a putting green. Residents can visit the wellness center for doctor's appointments and make weekly visits to the spa and salon.
Residents' loved ones appreciate the warmhearted staff and tranquil atmosphere. One says, "verybody went so out of their way to make this easy, peaceful, comfortable and safe. Although my friend did not stay long, the last weeks of her life were the best she and I had in over a year."