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 Riverview's senior population continues to grow (14% growth between 2015 and 2020), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.Â
In Riverview, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 29% between 2015 and 2020. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 28%, showing that while Alzheimer’s is a serious concern in the region, the associated deaths have decreased recently. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (5.8% in Riverview 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 Riverview. 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 Riverview, 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
Tessera of Brandon is a memory care and assisted living community located a few blocks from HCA Florida Brandon Hospital in Brandon, FL. A customized care plan is created for each memory care resident and can be adapted to account for changes in their routine or condition. The skilled memory care team is dedicated to improving residents' daily lives by providing care in a safe, comforting environment and organizing activities with the aim of maintaining their mental and physical fitness. Memory care residents can participate in innovative activities, such as creative painting, tai-chi and yoga, and benefit from the It's Never Too Late program, which is designed to help seniors become more accustomed to today's technology. Reading and puzzle nooks and courtyards are also available to residents in the memory care neighborhood.
Reviewers appreciate that Tessera of Brandon is an easy-to-maneuver community that's welcoming to family members. One remarks, "It's a great place, the way it's set up, the activities that they have for the people and the garden areas. It's very user-friendly. Especially for the family members, they're very welcome there. "
Sodalis Tampa is situated in a peaceful park-like setting adjacent to Lake Magdalene in Tampa. The memory care section at Sodalis Tampa provides a safe and secure environment for residents with Alzheimer's disease, dementia and memory loss. Residents have a choice of private and shared apartments, and living areas are comfortable and secure. There is a large outdoor courtyard where residents can sit, relax and participate in planned activities. This community is pet friendly, so residents can bring their four-legged friends along for company. Highly-trained care associates are on hand around the clock to cater to residents' needs and administer medications. They also help administer a tailored resident care plan that allows for individual changing needs, physical wellness activities, meals and personal care.
Families say Sodalis Tampa is beautiful, exceptionally clean and run by compassionate caring staff. The son of one memory care resident says, "The staff is supportive while remaining respectful of Dad's privacy." A family friend says, " I have close family friends who recently moved in and they are in so much peace, the staff is friendly and supportive. "
The Colonnade at Northdale is situated in a quiet residential area of Tampa. Memory care residents have access to secure interior and exterior spaces to promote a sense of independence. Chef-prepared meals also make it easier for memory care residents to meet their nutritional needs in a calm and relaxing environment. This means access to supplemental meal options for those that may have trouble during dining times. Art and music therapy are incorporated into daily activity options for memory care residents. Care options include fall management, personalized plans, medication management and daily task assistance. Physical exercise is also a component of daily memory care programming, including stretching and group classes. Brain games are offered to help memory care residents with their cognitive needs as well.
Family members and residents praise the community for its approach to memory care, which includes an experienced and compassionate staff. One writes, "My father was in The Colonnade at Northdale. They're very good, highly recommended. They're very friendly people, it's very clean and they're very helpful. The value of the money is very good."
Atrium Gardens ALF specializes in memory care living for seniors living with Alzheimer's or other forms of dementia. When a resident joins the community, staff works with family members, outside health care providers, and the resident themselves to develop an individualized care plan. No matter if a resident needs a short-term stay, support during the early to moderate stages of dementia, or full-time care during the end stages, they are treated with personalized care from 24-hour trained nursing staff. Licensed staff also provides on-site fall management, injections, and wound care. Other amenities include planned entertainment, a large, open plan living area, no-cost transportation and large outdoor areas with secured walking paths for residents. A professional chef creates three meals every day which are served in the restaurant-style dining room, with private areas available for special occasions or visitors.
Reviewers appreciate the caring staff and excellent communication. One writes, "First and foremost the staff here are the most caring you could ever wish for. Communication was constant and the care was outstanding. Rooms were beautiful and well kept. Residents were engaged in activities and enjoyed making friends there. We were lucky to have Mom as a resident and would highly recommend this place to anyone."
The Estate at Hyde Park is a luxury senior living community that focuses on the needs of seniors with cognitive impairment disorders, including memory loss. The perimeter of the community is secure, enabling seniors to safely explore and independently navigate to meals and activities. Each resident receives an individual daily plan designed to accommodate their interests and abilities. This may include the time that they prefer to wake up and what time they would like to eat their meals. There is a family and friends support group held at the community on regular basis. Family and friends are all encouraged to attend activities and social events with their loved ones. Daily activities are focused on the interests of each resident and generally take place on a one-on-one or small group basis.
Family members appreciate the professional and compassionate care provided to their loved ones at this community, with one reviewer saying, "My dad was a resident until his passing. The Estate was his home. He was loved, treated with respect, and taken care of like he was family. The facility was brilliantly designed and perfect for those with memory issues. "
Arden Courts of Tampa strives to provide the comforts of home while providing safety and security for its residents. Specially trained staff are available 24-hours a day to meet the needs of each resident, providing several types of service including personal care, health care and memory care. Common areas such as walking paths, a craft studio, wellness center, and beauty salon are available for residents to socialize and engage in a variety of pursuits. Arden Courts of Tampa individualizes its programs to meet the unique needs of each resident. Engagement Treatment Therapy is a social program that combines past life experiences with the present. Namaste Care is another option provided for memory care residents in an environment specially designed to soothe the senses.
Residents and families praise the well-kept community and the care the staff show to residents. One reviewer says, "The staff are so wonderful and do amazing things for the residents. It makes me so happy to see the care and compassion there."
The Legacy at Highwoods Preserve is located in the north of Tampa in an idyllic residential area surrounded by nature. The stunning community features resort-style decor and beautiful views of the waterfront. With walking paths, a putting green and courtyard gardens, seniors can enjoy calming outdoor activities in the Florida sun. Seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia receive individualized memory care plans that are tailored to their unique needs. The caring staff takes a person-centered approach to care, focusing on the skills that they still have and promoting optimum well-being through nutrition, exercise plans and social activities. Activities include computer classes, yoga and music classes. Residents can enjoy restaurant-style dining in the elegant dining area.
Family members particularly like the activities, with one reviewer saying, "My mother has a one-bedroom apartment, with a walk-in closet, which is wonderful. She gets three meals a day, and they do laundry and cleaning once a week. There are lots of activities and take them to different places. She has all kinds of different things going on."
Tampa Gardens Senior Living is situated in the intimate community of Riverview, just outside of the Tampa city limits. Memory care is delivered through the Reminiscence neighborhood, which offers an extra layer of security for residents through secured spaces and added oversight from staff. Residents have the option to participate in "port of call" celebrations weekly to learn about different cultures, or join in spiritual services and an evening movie for social interaction. Memory care residents have access to personal care services from the staff, for those that may need help getting dressed each day or managing medication regimens. Activities include reminiscence sessions, table games and group exercise with a physical therapy component.
Reviewers praise the physical appearance of this elegant and clean community, as well as the high level of care provided to residents. One writes, "It was very beautiful and inviting. The rooms were nice, and the people were very helpful and welcoming. It's very clean, the people were very nice, and the clients were happy. The staff was very pleasant."
At Inspired Living Tampa, the faculty and staff specialize in memory care, and staff complete ongoing training, making them knowledgeable and allowing them to utilize the most up-to-date information and practices when caring for residents. Following an evaluation, an individualized plan is created for each resident that focuses on physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Inspired Living Tampa features all-day dining with nutritious, made-from-scratch menus created in cooperation with certified dietitians, taking inspiration from both the regional area and resident suggestions. The community includes many serene areas for residents to relax or socialize, such as walking paths, community gardens, screened-in porches and a gazebo. Inspired Living Tampa even has its own putting green for residents who enjoy spending time on the golf course.
Residents and their family members appreciate the caring staff and the beautiful community. One reviewer writes, "Inspired Living is more than just an assisted living facility to help your loved ones, it truly becomes a new home, and the staff become part of your family."
Nestled along the riverside of Riverview, FL, The Crossings at Riverview is just 13 miles from Tampa and 36 miles from St. Petersburg. The community has plenty of convenient amenities, including a fitness room, theater and library. Its memory care program is staffed by caregivers who are thoroughly trained to care for residents' personal, emotional and behavioral needs. Staff members work together with memory care residents' families to adapt their day-to-day routines and help them live a life full of purpose and meaning. Residents can stay active by going on nature walks, connect with others by attending ice cream socials and express themselves by participating in karaoke. They are given daily opportunities to take part in one-on-one activities and can also spend evenings unwinding while listening to soft music.
The Crossings at Riverview receives praise for being a well-kept community that schedules a variety of activities. One reviewer writes, "Everybody there is very nice to my loved one. From what I saw, they were offered a lot of activities. They're always wiping down cleaning, and his room is completely clean all the time. It's just a great old place."
Seniors at Twin Creeks, which is located near the shore of Hillsborough Bay, enjoy the convenience of year-round warm weather and being a short drive away from top-rated health centers. Professionals with experience in dementia care take into account the interests, abilities and personal history of new residents to design a holistic program that addresses their individual needs. A nurse call system is available for enhanced security, and staff works around the clock to help seniors with common tasks such as eating, going to the bathroom and dressing. Three nutritious, chef-prepared meals are provided per day in the restaurant-style dining room. Residents can benefit from multiple recreational options to stay active while stimulating their brain health, including gardening, music, arts and intellectual exercise programs. Seniors can also safely go outdoors thanks to the community's enclosed courtyard and beautifully landscaped gardens.
Twin Creeks' memory care unit often receives praise for its compassionate, attentive staff and the wide selection of activities available to seniors. The daughter of a resident writes, "The whole experience was fantastic! Everyone was so professional and showed genuine care and concern for my mom and her transition They have many activities and are very involved with their entire day."
Memory care residents at Superior Residences of Brandon are given individualized care plans that balance medication and medical intervention with activities that engage residents' aptitudes or interests. The community provides studio accommodations with on-suite private bathrooms, as well as 24/7 emergency monitoring and supervision. Trained staff are there to provide assistance with activities of daily living like dressing, bathing and grooming, and nurses and visiting specialists offer medication management and ambulatory care. Three dietician-approved meals are served daily, and residents are encouraged to participate in regular on- and off-site activities aimed at stimulating mental function, physical movement and social interaction. The community features a TV lounge, a manicured patio area, a garden and a barbershop.
Residents' families appreciate the community's cleanliness and overall ambiance. One reviewer writes, "The tour experience was excellent. The staff was extremely outgoing and friendly. The facility was very clean, and the residents appeared to be very happy. It was very homey. It was a very warm atmosphere and very safety conscious with handrails in the hallways. They have several living areas for the residents to relax, to watch TV, do activities, or just take a nap if they want to."
Situated in a bustling Tampa suburb, The Meridian at Brandon promotes a leisurely lifestyle for residents at all care levels. Montessori Moments in Time is the memory care program at Meridian. It starts with spacious living quarters and access to amenities under the trained eye of an experienced staff. Those new to the community complete a Resident Life Story that gives the staff information about their life experiences and special interests. Activity options for memory care residents include group fitness classes that encourage movement, trivia and brain games, name that song games, current events discussions and supervised outings, such as scenic drives. Additionally, residents have access to care-related services, such as physical therapy and medication management, implemented for those residents that need them.
Residents and their loved ones laud this community for its highly effective memory care programs and top-tier service offerings. The diverse range of amenities are also commonly mentioned in reviews, with one person writing, "The Meridian at Brandon was excellent. The staff was very personable. They had a gym, a salon, indoor mailboxes for each resident, and a covered patio too."
Senior Point Assisted Living provides affordable and excellent care to residents with memory care concerns. The community is fully secured, and private and shared rooms are offered depending on the preference and needs of each resident. The staff handles both daily and weekly housekeeping and provides assistance with daily living activities, such as dressing, bathing and eating. Professional staff provides three balanced meals on a daily basis, and there is a full calendar of activities for residents. The community also has a number of on-site amenities, including a secure indoor courtyard, a modern rehabilitation gym, a small library, a hair and nail salon, a computer room and a fully stocked snack bar for residents to enjoy.
Relatives of residents praise the attentive staff and clean environment. The daughter of one resident says, "They're doing a wonderful job, and we're very happy with them. They're very attentive with their residents, and they've taken really good care of Daddy. They make sure he eats. The doctor services have been great. His room is extremely clean, the facility is very clean, they have activities for them, and overall we couldn't ask for anything better. For lunch alone, they had a full-course meal, and the food seems to be really good."
Best Care Senior Living at Saint Joseph assists older adults living with memory loss in a secure, affordable and quality community. The activities in the community are focused on maintaining cognitive ability and quality of life. Services include assistance with daily living activities, such as grooming and dressing, housekeeping and laundry services, medication management and transportation coordination. The nursing staff is on-site 24/7. Healthy meals are provided in a restaurant-style dining room.
The relatives of residents mention the caring staff and excellent community in their reviews. The son of one resident says, "The staff is excellent and very personal and caring toward my mother and myself. The manager goes out of her way to make sure that my mom feels like she's at home. My mom calls the staff member her daughters and that they protect her and look out for her. The community is clean and the cleaning staff also care about the residents."
The SHINE memory care program at Aston Gardens at Tampa Bay focuses on promoting confidence, nutrition, enjoyable activities and meaningful connections. Residents are encouraged to take an active role in their personal care even as they receive the help they need, and the community's focus is always on their strengths and accomplishments. In terms of nutrition, the community plans gourmet meals to promote health and also offers flexibility, such as the "Food on the Run" option for seniors who struggle with attention during mealtimes. Activities are plentiful and are directed specifically to residents' abilities. Residents work in small groups or one-on-one to enjoy puzzles, games, music, exercise and many other activities. Also, staff members help seniors develop meaningful connections through social activities, individual support and family involvement.
Reviewers appreciate the excellent care and comfortable environment at Aston Gardens at Tampa Bay. One of the reviewers says, "They're doing a fantastic job, and the community is very clean and orderly. Staff members handle the difficulties of a memory care neighborhood with kindness and patience. We like everything about the community."
Located approximately 10 miles north of downtown Tampa, just off I-275, Renaissance North Tampa is a large assisted living community with a memory care unit. This community also provides a transitional level of memory care that can ease the process of moving from home to the community. Residents can participate in stimulating activities and events designed to keep people engaged and socializing. The Masterful Moments wellness program helps to combine the physical, social and cognitive therapies, as well as other services available in the memory care unit. Residents can go on scheduled outings to the local area, and transportation for health care appointments can be arranged.
Many visitors comment on how well organized the community is. The wife of a resident particularly likes the design of the memory care unit. She says, "They all lead into either a family room or the kitchen area. It's a little homier to me, and not all spread out."
Arbor Terrace Citrus Park is designed for individuals living with dementia or other forms of memory loss. The community uses the Evergreen memory care philosophy, which focuses on providing residents with connections within the community, and each resident has a specialized care plan based on their needs, interests and history. Arbor Terrace Citrus Park also uses the Dining with Dignity program, an award-winning program created with extensive research, to select food options and dining techniques that allow residents with cognitive issues to retain independence at meals. Residents enjoy a secure, peaceful environment within the community, which is designed to reduce confusion and stress while allowing residents to remain independent.
Both residents and their family members appreciate the open living plan and helpful staff. One resident says, "Spacious living quarters. Staff are all very helpful and cheerful. So much activity and not enough time and energy to join all of them. Activities also opened my horizon to new and exciting experiences. The amenities and events are much more than expected. Very caring and fun staff."
Weinberg Village's Memory Care Unit is a safe and secure community focused on providing a comfortable home as well as engaging activities for older adults living with memory loss. The community follows the guidelines of the Alzheimer's Association and seeks to provide an independent lifestyle that can lead to a transition into higher levels of care or provide support when needed. Social events and activities designed to help with memory loss and maintaining cognitive abilities are offered, and the 24/7, on-site staff builds a customized plan with each resident. The community also has a library, several activity rooms, a beauty salon, barbershop and two dining rooms for serving three meals a day.
The relatives of residents appreciate the clean, safe community and the caring staff. The son of a resident says, "The community was always clean, friendly and safe. It was a wonderful home for my father during his final three years. He was well cared for and was always surrounded by caring, friendly people."
Discovery Village At Tampa Palms is a luxury senior living community that offers three levels of care to meet the different needs of residents. The Shine Memory Care program uses scientific and research-based methods to support and engage seniors with memory loss concerns. The nurses and caregivers in the unit receive continuous training to make sure they provide the highest level of care possible. The program celebrates every success of residents and focuses on what residents can still achieve. Residents are encouraged to engage in social events and take part in activities that have been tailored to their personal interests. Each resident has a My Story Book that includes photographs and highlights from their lives that they can go through to jog memories.
Friends are impressed by the well-maintained facility and the wonderful care provided by the staff, with one person saying, "I have a number of friends and acquaintances who live at Discovery Village, so I am there often. The staff is attentive and they genuinely care for the residents. The community is always clean and well-staffed."