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 Palm Bay's senior population continues to grow (19.61% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Palm Bay, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 49.9% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 9.4%, 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 (8.74% in Palm Bay 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 Palm Bay. 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 Palm Bay, 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:
Opened in 1924, Bethesda on Turkey Creek is a 16-acre senior community offering assisted living and memory care services in a quiet setting surrounded by beautiful waterfront views. Residents with Alzheimer's, dementia or other cognitive impairments are nurtured and compassionately cared for in the community's safe and secure Memory Lane care unit. Trained staff take the time to understand each senior's needs and routines to provide the right amount of assistance with daily tasks. Bethesda on Turkey Creek also provides specialized care programs for those who have Parkinson's, diabetes and multiple sclerosis. A variety of scheduled activities and physical exercises encourage memory care residents to improve their life skills and mental abilities. In addition to snacks, diet-approved meals are prepared and served by chefs in the family-friendly dining area. Other amenities include a beauty salon, library, comfortable lounges and housekeeping services.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Surrounded on three sides by a private shoreline, RiverView Senior Resort offers spectacular tropical views of the Indian River Lagoon in Palm Bay, Florida. For peace of mind, residents living with Alzheimer's, dementia or other cognitive impairments reside in a close-knit memory care community with built-in safety and security measures. A team of trained, 24/7 caregivers personally assists seniors with daily living chores, such as dressing, grooming, bathing, cleaning and even baking a batch of cookies for visiting grandkids. Award-winning chefs prepare and serve three delicious meals each day in the restaurant-style dining room with direct waterfront views. A full schedule of activities, such as card games, movies, and creative arts classes, encourages seniors to make new friends. Other amenities available at the pet-friendly RiverView Senior Resort include a library, an outdoor heated pool, relaxing lounges, waterfront walkways and a hair salon.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Palm Bay Memory Care is laid out on an expansive parklike campus, just over four miles from Health First Palm Bay Hospital. Its lush tropical grounds feature a large gated backyard with a putting green, raised garden beds, a large gazebo and relaxing pond views. The single-floor building houses spacious sunrooms, engaging life skill stations, a salon/barbershop and relaxing common areas for dining, lounging and recreational activities. The community's PLAYS programming promotes an enhanced quality of life for the residents through a structured environment, stimulating experiences, positive interactions and evidence-based programs such as iN2L (It's Never 2 Late) activities, Music & Memory, Life History boxes and art therapy. Restaurant-style meals are prepared with therapeutic enhancements to enrich the residents' daily dining experience. Each rsenior has a designated care specialist and receives individualized, 24-hour support from certified dementia practitioners.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Grand Villa of Melbourne has an accessible waterfront setting on U.S. Highway 1 and is near Health First Holmes Regional Medical Center. Its single-floor memory care building consists of the Key West and Charleston neighborhoods. The domed hallway ceilings are sky-painted and equipped with simulated day-to-night lighting. Memory care residents can safely roam through the building's connected pathways and access the enclosed courtyard. They're also equipped with SafetyNet tracking devices, and their apartments have motion sensors and special lighting in the bathrooms for added safety and discrete monitoring. Life skill stations are spread throughout the common areas and include a baby nursery, hobby workbench, office and newsstand/library. Therapeutic memory care activities include Dakim brain fitness exercises, music and pet interactions.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
With its blend of a homelike environment and resort-style amenities, Brookdale Melbourne offers seniors a lifestyle of convenience and comfort. The community's memory care neighborhood features keypad-equipped exterior doors, enclosed courtyards, easy-to-navigate floor plans and bright living spaces designed with soothing elements. The warm, welcoming environment helps residents feel at ease as they enjoy their daily activities of brain games, art projects, musical events and dancing under the watchful eyes of consistently assigned caregivers. Brookdale's Clare Bridge memory care program follows a tiered program to address varying degrees of cognitive conditions. Crossings is for those with early-stage conditions, while Solace caters to seniors facing the challenges of late-stage dementia. The community's dining plan offers dementia-friendly menus, consistent seating arrangements and routine schedules to help residents enjoy calming and enjoyable mealtimes.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
The Bayberry memory care program at Century Oaks Assisted and Independent Living takes a whole-person approach to help seniors with dementia live with a renewed sense of purpose. Residents stay in a secure neighborhood designed to support the needs of those with cognitive challenges and receive individualized care plans based on a thorough assessment of their abilities, needs and preferences. The carefully selected and highly experienced staff are trained in dementia and Alzheimer's care techniques, and they provide tailored personal and clinical care. Weekly housekeeping and flat laundry services are available. The culinary team prepares tasty and healthy meals every day using fresh ingredients served family-style in the elegant dining room. Residents who need to go off-site for personal appointments can schedule a ride on the community transportation. Amenities include a beauty salon, arts and crafts room, swimming pool and billiard room.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Zon Beachside offers luxury assisted living and memory care in a laid-back tropical setting close to Telemar Bay Marina off the Indian River, and it is about seven miles from Melbourne Regional Medical Center. Its two-level residential complex has a central courtyard and gated backyard that can be enjoyed from the covered patios, botanical sunrooms and screened-in apartment balconies. The community also features a big-screen cinema, chapel, fitness center, bistro/bar and salon. Through the ZonMoments philosophy of Zon Beachside's Beacon Harbor Memory Care neighborhood, cognitively impaired residents have daily experiences designed to help spark joy and bring back pleasant memories. Memory care activities include gardening, arts and crafts, pet therapy, sing-alongs and daily happy hours. Zon Beachside's Beacon Harbor residents also benefit from Hands with Heart Care, which celebrates their life stories, as well as the ZonHealth passive health monitoring technology and ZonFresh dining.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
YourLife of West Melbourne is an upscale and vibrant memory care community with an accessible single-floor building layout and bright, coastal-themed interiors. Its large courtyard features a central pavilion, barbecue station, putting green, water feature and raised gardening beds. Residents are accommodated in spacious private and friendship suites with ADA-compliant bathrooms, and they can easily access the community's tastefully designed lounging areas, restaurant-style dining room, multipurpose activity room, full-service salon and spa, and multiple life skill stations. In the community's YourStory memory care program, trained personal care specialists and on-site licensed nursing staff provide ongoing health and wellness monitoring, on-site physician services, and nutritious meals and snacks with accommodations for special diets. Residents can enjoy arts and crafts, animal therapy, cooking and baking, friendly games and themed parties.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Brookdale West Melbourne offers a homelike setting in a secure environment for seniors with memory loss disorders. The Clare Bridge memory care program assists seniors in maintaining their individuality and sense of purpose in life. Each resident has a personalized care plan tailored to their specific requirements, interests, likes and dislikes. The program uses a holistic and person-centered approach to care for residents. The Solace program is for seniors with advanced dementia, and it provides calming activities to reduce anxiety, confusion and aggressive behaviors. Amenities in the community include a library, a safe courtyard, an arts-and-crafts studio, a greenhouse and a beauty salon. The community is pet-friendly and offers plenty of space for seniors to safely walk their dogs in the garden. Scheduled transport is provided to shops and medical appointments.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Discovery Village at Melbourne prides itself in offering six signature lifestyle programs and engaging resort-style amenities. This upscale retirement community features the Grande Clubhouse which has an outdoor heated therapy pool, the Discovery Silver Cinema, Bailey's Bistro, Legends Bar, an ice cream parlor and a full-service salon. The community's SHINE Memory Care neighborhood has its own secured outdoor space with walking paths, a covered patio, putting green and gardening boxes. Memory care residents have access to the community's Expressions concierge services, Dimensions wellness programs, Celebrations activities and events, and Sensations dining services. SHINE's science-based approaches to dining help improve the appetite and enjoyment of memory care residents, and its Food on the Run program supports the nutritional needs of those who wander during mealtimes. Each SHINE resident is celebrated through a personalized "My Story" book and tailored, purpose-driven routines.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Hibiscus Court is a senior living community that provides a worry-free lifestyle through a variety of personalized care plans and therapies. Each sun-filled residence in the home comes with spacious bathrooms, kitchenettes and an emergency response system. Whenever called upon, experienced caregivers support and lend residents a hand with daily tasks such as bathing, grooming, dressing and taking medications. Designed by dementia care experts, The Garden is a neighborhood within Hibiscus Court that helps those with Alzheimer's, dementia and other cognitive impairments live as independently as possible. Trained memory care associates craft dementia-friendly activities and entertainment, including exercise classes, games and brain-stimulating programs. An award-winning chef prepares and serves three meals a day in the inviting restaurant-style dining room that accommodates seniors' dietary needs. Residents can enjoy socializing and watching television with friends in the comfortable living room. Housekeeping, laundry and transportation services are also offered at Hibiscus Court.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
The Promenade is a warm and welcoming senior living community with apartments that have been designed for comfort. Residents can choose from a variety of floor plans, all featuring designer decor and convenient amenities. The community takes a person-centered approach to care and allows residents to play a pivotal role in the decision-making process. Seniors undergo personalized assessments so that individual care plans can be created around their likes and interests. The Promenade's memory care program uses the Montessori Method, which combines rehabilitation and education. Cognitive skills are enhanced through games, discussions and brain challenges, and a focus on life skills works with residents' long-term memories, which often remain intact. The Montessori Method also promotes movement and exercise, sensory activities, music and art as well as socialization.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Located in Sebastian, Florida, Pelican Landing provides memory care and assisted living in a picturesque area surrounded by palm trees and lush green lawns, close to local health services, churches and the beautiful Indian River. The community's memory care program uses individualized care plans to engage the cognitive processes and emotions of seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia. The Personal Life Silhouettes program incorporates residents' memories, interests and talents into the daily activity schedule, providing social, intellectual, recreational and spiritual fulfillment meaningful to each resident. Skilled care specialists and nationally certified dementia practitioners provide 24/7 assistance. Seniors can relax in the secure indoor courtyard or experience a day of pampering in the beauty salon and barbershop.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
CERTUS Premier Memory Care Living's award-winning Musical Breath program incorporates musical therapy into the community's morning, mealtime and evening schedules to decrease sundowning, engage residents and foster neurological stimulation at optimal times throughout each day. Using evidence-based programming, the caregivers focus on making the most of each resident's remaining abilities, overseeing senior activities that perk up appetites, enhance cognitive skills and encourage as much independence as possible. Each senior's personal skills and professional experience are represented throughout the grounds at life stations that inspire the residents to participate in joyous tasks, such as playing records, to help them better feel connected to the community and bring a deep sense of purpose and meaning into their daily lives.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
The Brennity at Vero Beach Senior Living's Sagora Pathways memory care program is designed especially to meet the needs of its residents living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The friendly, calming community incorporates consistent sounds, objects, sights and aromas into its accommodations and common areas to increase senior comfort and decrease anxiety. Trained associates interact with residents in ways that soothe them and redirect their focus to positive activities and past memories. Each senior's dietary preferences are incorporated into the chef's monthly menu rotation to help residents better connect to their joyous past eating experiences, and personalized life skills stations that encourage spontaneous interactions are put in place for each incoming resident.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
HarborChase of Vero Beach is within close proximity of shopping and dining venues, beaches and medical services. The community is situated on beautifully landscaped grounds and offers premium memory care programs. It has a special memory care neighborhood that specializes in dementia care services. The neighborhood has been designed around the needs of those with memory loss and is a secure environment with features to enhance feelings of comfort and familiarity. The community offers an evolving variety of programs and activities that have been carefully selected to promote physical wellness, socializing and cognitive enhancement, such as art classes, games and excursions. It also offers amenities that include a life enrichment program, assistance with daily activities, laundry, housekeeping and medical services.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Solaris Senior Living Vero Beach offers a homelike and welcoming environment. The memory care neighborhood is completely secure and features an open plan design to help residents easily navigate between their apartments and activities. The unit is staffed by registered nurses and trained caregivers who are on hand 24/7 to assist seniors with daily tasks or medical requirements. Regular wellness checks are carried out to monitor the health and wellbeing of residents. A daily life enrichment program offers a range of social and recreational activities designed to keep residents engaged and provide them with a sense of purpose. Activities offered include musical entertainment, religious services, card games, gardening, cooking and life skills. Three delicious meals are served each day, and caregivers are available to help those who require assistance during meal times. Complimentary transport is provided to local appointments.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Family Extended Care of Vero Beach is a small and welcoming senior community with a high caregiver-to-resident ratio. The memory care unit is secure, and all access points are monitored for the safety of seniors. All staff members are dementia-certified and receive ongoing training to ensure they give the best care possible. Regular wellness and health assessments take place to monitor the general well-being of residents. The staff is available 24/7 to assist residents with the activities of daily living and reassure them when they are confused or anxious. The small size of the community enables the caregivers to get to know seniors well so they can provide personalized assistance to each resident. The Sunshine Activity Program is designed to enrich the lives of seniors through cognitive games, social events and religious services.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Market Street Viera is an upscale memory care community close to Crane Creek Park and about 2 miles from Health First's Viera Hospital. This mid-size senior residence is purposefully designed with an accessible single-floor layout. It features the downtown-themed Market Plaza where residents can gather for various activities and easily access the salon and spa, bakery/cafe, post office and the two neighborhoods' living and dining areas. Each neighborhood has its own sunroom and courtyard with resident-tended sensory gardens, and memory boxes distinguish the resident suites. Residents are supported by a certified dementia practitioner and 24-hour licensed staff, and they have access to on-site therapy, pharmacy, laboratory and specialist physician services. Medications are administered professionally by a licensed nurse. Well-rounded activities regularly include iN2L technology engagement, cooking and baking, music, art therapy and group outings.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."
Alura By Inspired Living delivers resort-style living in the heart of Florida. The community's Inspired Journeys Specialized Memory Care Program implements modern evidence-based approaches into its signature behavior management and redirection methods that help to reduce the need for senior antipsychotic medications for its residents. Caregivers perform treatments and oversee activities that help to decrease each senior's cognitive decline, improve their overall recall levels and stimulate their existing neural pathways. All-day restaurant dining options allow memory care residents to enjoy meals at their preferred eating times while the community's expansive courtyards and walking paths allow seniors a chance to bond with nature without leaving the grounds. Small pets are allowed to live with their resident owners here and run free within the on-site dog park.
Reviews describe a high level of care and reliable staff members at Maplewood at Cuyahoga Falls. One says, "This [community] is absolutely beautiful and the care provided is high above industry standard. Their staff goes above and beyond for every resident. Don't hesitate to place your loved one here. It's hard to find a superb [community] with such caring staff."