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 Tallahassee’s senior population continues to grow (23.04% growth between 2013 and 2017), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Tallahassee, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease rose 52.46% between 2013 and 2017. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group increased by 12.44%, 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 (6.51% in Tallahassee vs. 6.46% in the U.S.).
In order to help families and caregivers of those with Alzheimer's find the support and care that their loved ones need, we've compiled information below about the cost of Memory Care, how to get financial assistance to help make care more affordable, free resources, etc. Also included are reviews of the best memory care facilities in the area, which cover pricing, types of care provided, residents' reviews, and more.
When figuring out how to pay for memory care, you first need to understand how much it will cost for your loved one to move to a quality community. As costs continue to rise, it's vital to have the latest details when planning for elderly care costs. In order to shed light on the impact of inflation on senior living costs, MemoryCare.com has gathered price information from its network of over 75,000 senior living communities. These prices are based on the cost of memory care in Tallahassee and 100 other cities in Florida.
Tracking the fluctuating costs of senior care is very helpful when plotting out a long-term financial strategy for retirement needs. Tallahassee seniors have seen a marked increase in memory care prices in recent months. The average monthly price in 2023, $4,699, is 10.5% higher than the 2022 price of $4,256. Monthly memory care costs are projected to reach $5,069 in 2024, which would be an 8% increase from 2023.
Orlando, Boca Raton, and Hollywood exhibit similar percentage increases over the same period, aligning closely with the national average, although Florida projects slightly lower statewide inflation of 4% for 2024.
Location | 2022 Cost (Historical) | 2023 Cost (Current) | 2024 Cost (Estimated) |
---|---|---|---|
Tallahassee | $4,256 | $4,699 | $5,069 |
U.S. Average | $4,863 | $5,369 | $5,792 |
Florida | $4,380 | $4,642 | $4,817 |
Orlando | $4,619 | $5,100 | $5,502 |
Boca Raton | $4,846 | $5,350 | $5,772 |
Hollywood | $3,769 | $4,161 | $4,489 |
Since seniors in memory care communities have greater support and supervision needs than seniors in other care types, memory care is among the most expensive options at $4,699. Seniors who make their homes in assisted living communities save roughly $900 monthly on the cost of memory care, while those who choose independent living communities see a much larger savings of $2,410 monthly. Both care types are suitable for retirement-age seniors who aren't experiencing cognitive challenges.
Care Type | Cost |
---|---|
Assisted Living | $3,784 |
Memory Care | $4,699 |
Independent Living | $2,289 |
Since not everyone can afford to pay for memory care out-of-pocket, it's important to find alternative methods to help make memory care more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making memory care more affordable, visit our guide to Memory Care in Florida.
There are plenty of support options available for retirees in Tallahassee, FL. MemoryCare.com has compiled information on local organizations, programs, and agencies, categorizing them based on the type of care they provide for easy reference.
For more information about resources throughout the state and in nearby cities, we recommend visiting the Florida state page on memorycare.com.
The Area Agency on Aging in Tallahassee is a crucial asset for retired individuals, providing advice on financial assistance, home-based care, and planning for extended care. It also connects seniors and their caregivers with local resources.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Advantage Aging Solutions | 866-467-4624 | Florida's Area Agencies on Aging offer vital care, support, and educational programs for residents aged 60 and above. Services such as Meals on Wheels, fitness programs, and personal care assistance are provided to promote independence. With locations across the state, these agencies aim to empower older individuals to maintain their autonomy through home- and community-based services. |
In Tallahassee, numerous community programs focus on enhancing the health of seniors via proper diet. These initiatives provide meal delivery, shared meals, and food bank services, guaranteeing that older citizens can obtain reasonably priced, healthy food.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Mission Possible Enrichment Center (MPEC) | 850-216-1800 | ALARM International, Inc., a food pantry managed by Second Harvest in Tallahassee, FL, offers the Commodity Supplement Food Program to qualifying seniors aged 60 and above. Participants with a median income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level receive monthly food packages with essential items such as cereals, canned goods, pasta, and cheese. This program assists seniors in stretching their food budgets effectively. |
Second Harvest of the Big Bend Food Pantries | 850-562-3033 | Food pantries, operated by nonprofits and some local government agencies, offer crucial assistance to those experiencing food insecurity. They provide essential items like rice, pasta, and sometimes fresh produce to individuals and families in need. |
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Tallahassee | 800-963-5337 | The Florida Department of Children and Families administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to provide nutritional support to low-income individuals, including seniors in Florida. Seniors can utilize an electronic benefit transfer card, akin to a debit card, to purchase food at approved retail food stores. Eligibility is determined by income and personal assets meeting specified criteria. |
In Tallahassee, a variety of programs exist to support seniors and those with disabilities in funding home improvements and repairs. These initiatives, providing grants or loans, feature different eligibility criteria tailored for retired individuals.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP) - Tallahassee | 850-222-2043 | Our program offers support to homeowners seeking to enhance energy efficiency at home, leading to reduced energy expenses and enhanced comfort. Services comprise attic insulation, solar screen installation, and upgrading inefficient HVAC systems. |
In Tallahassee, there are several organizations offering cost-effective or free legal aid to senior citizens. They provide advice on issues such as estate planning, living wills, and power of attorney. Some also champion the rights of the elderly in long-term care establishments.
program-name | phone-number | description |
---|---|---|
Long Term Care Ombudsman - Tallahassee | 888-831-0404 | The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program in Florida provides free and confidential services to older adults in long-term care facilities. Residents and families can access advocacy and mediation support. If care standards are not met, seniors have the option to file complaints, with Ombudsmen advocating for improved care quality. |
Florida Senior Legal Helpline - Tallahassee | 888-895-7873 | Florida's Department of Elder Affairs offers the Senior Legal Helpline, a toll-free legal information service tailored for individuals aged 60 and older. This resource provides seniors with free legal guidance on various topics including long-term care, estate planning, and guardianship. |
Grasping Medicaid complexities, particularly for the elderly, can be daunting. A wealth of resources in Tallahassee provide insights into Medicaid options, waiver programs, and qualification criteria, aiding seniors in obtaining suitable health care benefits.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program | 850-414-2000 | SMMC LTC provides financial assistance for seniors requiring care in diverse settings such as home, community, or assisted living facilities. Services include non-medical support like adult day care, home-delivered meals, and personal care. Eligible applicants may also access Managed Medical Assistance for medical services at home or in institutional settings. |
In Tallahassee, elderly individuals find a community hub in senior centers, offering a range of recreational pursuits, events, and essential resources. These centers also provide health programs, dietary advice, and support for issues related to senior living.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Tallahassee Senior Center | 850-891-4008 | The Florida Association of Senior Centers connects older adults with community services to enhance well-being and independence. It promotes quality programming in senior centers, offering access to services such as options counseling, Medicare assistance, and durable medical equipment loans. The website includes an up-to-date database of assisted living facilities statewide. |
In Tallahassee, numerous initiatives are in place to keep seniors involved and energetic. These encompass health programs, opportunities for volunteer work, and supportive communities, all designed to promote social participation and improve the quality of life.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Hope Florida – A Pathway to Purpose | 850-300-4673 | The Department of Elder Affairs in Tallahassee, FL, presents the A Pathway to Purpose Hope Heroes Program, aiding homebound, isolated, or needy seniors. Hope Navigators offer support, while seniors can mentor younger individuals. Those unable to volunteer can help by preparing meals and donating goods. The program's goal is to assist youth in discovering purpose and attaining success. |
Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias (ADRD) - Tallahassee | The Alzheimer's Disease & Related Dementias program by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs provides vital support for individuals impacted by memory disorders. It offers a range of resources such as educational materials, caregiver assistance, memory screenings, legal aid, and community activities. The program aims to help individuals effectively manage their condition and enhance their overall well-being. | |
Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) - Tallahassee | 850-414-2000 | The Senior Community Service Employment Program, run by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, offers job training and community service opportunities to low-income seniors aged 55 and above. Participants gain valuable work-based training to improve their job skills and are matched with appropriate community service roles, typically for around 20 hours per week. |
In the city of Tallahassee, Social Security offices are crucial resources for the elderly and those with disabilities. They provide advice on retirement perks, disability benefits, and additional security income.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Tallahassee Social Security Office 32301 | 800-772-1213 | Social Security offers financial support to retirees and those with disabilities. It is funded through payroll taxes contributed by employers, employees, and self-employed individuals. Monthly retirement benefits are based on past earnings. |
In Tallahassee, a variety of tax assistance options exist for seniors and people with disabilities. These encompass possible medical cost exemptions, property tax cuts, and other tax alleviation measures.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Homestead Exemption - Tallahassee | 850-606-6200 | Florida residents aged 65 and older may receive an additional homestead exemption of up to $50,000. To be eligible, the property's just value must not surpass $250,000, and the applicant must have lived in the property as their primary residence for a minimum of 25 years. |
In Tallahassee, there are establishments ready to assist seniors with limited income facing challenges with home upkeep expenses, such as energy and utility bills. Emergency financial support might be available for individuals threatened with utility disconnection due to outstanding payments.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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The Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) - Tallahassee | 850-222-2043 | A government-funded program aids low-income individuals with energy costs up to three times a year (subject to fund availability). The program provider makes direct payments to utility companies for eligible participants. |
In Tallahassee, retired military personnel can find essential support through local veteran services. These organizations help veterans access their deserved benefits and offer advice on a variety of issues.
program-name | phone-number | description |
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Tallahassee Vet Center | 850-942-8810 | The Tallahassee Vet Center in Tallahassee, FL, provides a variety of services for veterans and their families, including substance abuse treatment referrals, suicide prevention resources, group meetings, and confidential counseling sessions. They address issues like PTSD, marital situations, transitioning from service, domestic abuse, and military sexual trauma aftermath. The center also offers job training, vocational rehabilitation, job placement assistance, and telehealth visits. |
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 Tallahassee, 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:
The Alzheimer's Project is a Tallahassee-based program that focuses on providing peace of mind for loved ones who have a relative or friend suffering from memory loss. The program offers respite care from trained volunteers for as many as 10 hours a week while providing training for caregivers to help them better assist their loved ones. During the respite program, seniors participate in musical therapy, games and other activities aimed at promoting social engagement. The Alzheimer's Project also facilitates Project Lifesaver, which provides memory care patients with a location device that can be tracked by the Tallahassee police department should the individual wander away from care.
Loved ones are pleased with the assistance the program provides them and the services available to participants. Caregivers say the Alzheimer's Project provides necessary support and its volunteers are "very helpful," with one stating that the program "helped me to sort out the issues and make some crucial decisions."
Azalea Gardens Assisted Living & Memory Care is a Sunshine Retirement Living Community in northeast Tallahassee. Attractive outdoor grounds with a patio, secure walking paths and enclosed landscaped gardens complement the facilitys wooded lakeside setting. Through the facilitys person-centered care approach, each resident is assured of receiving personalized assistance. Active Living programs include health and wellness activities, weekly social events, and cultural excursions to keep residents engaged. The facilitys 24/7 dining experience offers chef-prepared meals that promote brain health based on Rush University Medical Centers MIND diet plan. Memory care residents experience multisensory stimulation through music and aromatherapy, and they find a sense of meaning through socialization, life skill stations and the staffs validation techniques. For security and peace of mind, residents wear location-based pendants, and all apartments have safety pull cords.
A residents family member commends the overall quality of Azalea Gardens and writes, Considering memory care for my mom was very difficult, but from the moment we walked in the door for our official tour, we saw skilled, caring professionals dealing with all levels of care in a beautiful setting. My mom has settled in and is enjoying the wide array of activities and outings.
With color-coding features and circular walk areas, Brookdale Centre Pointe Boulevard is a memory care facility specifically designed to meet the needs of Florida seniors with dementia or Alzheimer's. Families can rest assured that loved ones who live in this community are kept safe with a 24/7 emergency response system in each room, keypad entries and monitored entrances. Residents can choose from three different suite options from single to deluxe, each equipped with Wi-Fi and a private bathroom. Brookdale Centre Pointe Boulevard also features a library, fireside living room and beauty/barber shop. In addition to a comfortable living environment, the community also offers a full calendar of activities including group exercises, trivia time, sing-alongs and movie nights. Seniors can enjoy a handcrafted menu with multiple options to choose from each day.
Many reviews of this facility highlight the lovely screened-in porch and outdoor living space at Brookdale Centre Pointe Boulevard. One visitor noted the pleasant indoor areas as well, stating, "They were having something musical with the clients gathered in the big living area The rooms are immaculate and very nice. Each one has a bath and a shower in it."
As the premier retirement living community in the city, Canterfield of Tallahassee offers seniors a country club-like neighborhood setting and a convenient two-mile proximity to the downtown area and Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. This facility, which opened in June of 2019, features independent living villas and spacious assisted living and memory care apartments with walk-in closets for worry-free downsizing. The bathrooms have grab bars and shower benches for added safety, and emergency alert and monitored life safety systems are in place for the utmost in security. Restaurant-style dining with chef-prepared meals give residents a five-star food experience, and the Canterfield cafe offers a cozy space for socialization and snacks. Canterfield is also pet-friendly, so residents can enjoy the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship. Other lifestyle amenities include a gym, library and salon/barbershop for leisure and wellness activities.
HarborChase Tallahassee is in a convenient upper-midtown location about two miles from Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare. Each resident in the community has a Silhouette of My Life profile for personalized care with respect to ones needs, life story, favorites and other unique qualities. Nutritious chef-prepared meals are served daily and change constantly with seasonal ingredients for appetizing variety. Elegant community spaces with high-quality amenities keep residents comfortable and relaxed, and dedicated care partners are available 24/7. The facilitys Life Enrichment program has over 21 daily activities to cater to different interests and hobbies, and weekly excursions and group events let residents look forward to exciting encounters. Special services, such as therapy, support groups, dermatology, podiatry, psychology and equipment repairs, are also available to address immediate needs.
Residents family members appreciate the quality of service in HarborChase Tallahassee, as one reviewer notes, My uncle is in HarborChase of Tallahassee. He appears to be comfortable there. They have physical therapy, memory game, and they take them out periodically to shopping and excursions. The staff is very friendly and they aim to be of assistance.
Tucked away in a peaceful wooded neighborhood in Northwest Tallahassee, yet less than five miles from downtown, Pacifica Senior Living Woodmont is a breath of fresh air in Floridas capital. The facilitys courtyard, sunroom and screened-in porch offer relaxing spaces to enjoy the warm sunshine, while several recreation and activity rooms offer spots where residents can stay busy and socially active. Dogs and cats are welcome to provide pet therapy, and group exercises occur regularly to encourage physical fitness. For peace of mind, the community offers 24-hour staff and emergency call systems. Pacifica's Legacies Memory Care program takes a holistic approach to care by incorporating behavior management and nursing assistance. Stimulating activities include games, strolls, arts and crafts, movies and outings to address the cognitive, physical and social well-being of residents.
Residents and loved ones find Pacifica to be a wonderful retirement community, as one reviewer writesThe folks at Woodmont are warm, friendly and attentive to my family members' needs We all enjoy its beauty and accessibility, but I particularly like the safe environment it provides for being out in the sun and fresh air and a bit of exercise, away from any traffic.
At Tallahassee Memory Care, skilled, professionally trained staff members provide residents with Elmcroft memory and respite care, care coordination and transportation services to and from medical appointments. This community aims to create a safe, homelike environment for Alzheimer's and dementia care residents while also encouraging them to retain a sense of independence. Fun and sensory-stimulating activities in the dog-friendly memory care unit include pet therapy, live musical performances and bean bag tosses. Secured outdoor courtyards and common areas allow residents to relax freely and enjoy the fresh air, while the on-site beauty salon offers convenient haircuts. Along with lively, family-friendly social events, such as barbecues and holiday parties, residents enjoy daily meals in the restaurant-style dining hall.
Family members say they appreciate the friendly, helpful staff and community that helps their loved ones feel at home. One reviewer states, "When I arrived at TMC, there were 2 staff members to help unload my trailer and bed of my pickup truck My grandmother seems to be fitting right in with the other residents, and I am very pleased with my choice of memory care communities."
YourLife of Tallahassee Memory Care lies northeast of the city and is just less than five miles from Capital Regional Medical Center. The community aims to give residents an uplifting lifestyle through its four distinct neighborhoods. The Private and Friendship suites have oversized windows for catching plenty of sunlight, and all doors have alarms for security purposes. The landscaped central memory park has a butterfly garden, shuffleboard area, several raised gardening beds, putting greens and seating areas for an inviting outdoor atmosphere. Life Station and Creative Expressions activity areas give residents safe spaces for doing purposeful tasks, while personally inspired activities through the daily YourStory program cater to each residents hobbies, favorites and new interests. These activities include cultural programs, outings, special events and various health and wellness programs, including music, art and pet therapy.
Loved ones compliment the exceptional staff at YourLife of Tallahassee, as one reviewer comments, My sister is not only well taken care of [by] the staff with regards to her health, but she is also shown love by all staff. We are so thankful to have a place like this to call home for her. They constantly go the extra mile.