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 Vero Beach’s senior population continues to grow (24.42% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Vero Beach, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 41.33% between 2014 and 2019. To put that in perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 5.95%, showing that Alzheimer’s is a growing concern in the region. Overall, the percentage of seniors’ deaths related to Alzheimer’s is lower than the rest of the nation (5.84% in Vero Beach 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 Vero Beach. 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 Vero Beach, 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:
At Addington Place of Stuart, a dedicated staff creates a warm, welcoming environment for residents at all levels of care. The community's thoughtfully designed memory care neighborhood features wide hallways, secure entrances and relaxing outdoor spaces. A tiered program of care caters to varying levels of cognitive conditions. Residents with early-stage memory loss receive supportive or guided care, including verbal reminders and minimal hands-on assistance. More supervisory care, including one-on-one assistance with daily activities, is provided at the assistive level of care, and comprehensive and extensive levels of care provide maximum support for those with advanced memory loss. Life enrichment programs highlight residents days with intergenerational programs, music and pet therapy, exercise and fitness classes, as well as social and educational events.
People like the wheelchair-accessible living spaces, well-appointed rooms and community amenities. The staff gets positive feedback for their welcoming attitude and dedication to residents, with one reviewer saying, "It was a very nice place with very polite people. It was very beautiful. There was a cafe and a very beautiful restaurant. They're really accommodating.
The idyllic location of Brookdale Jensen Beach places it between Joe's Cove and Hoggs Cove off the St. Lucie River. It's just a few miles from Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital, and a number of pharmacies surround the facility. As a Brookdale facility, it follows a person-centered memory care program that allows residents independence and dignity in a secure and nurturing environment. The Clare Bridge program includes activities such as a morning cognitive workout. The Crossings program provides a stepping stone for residents at the beginning stages of dementia. Solace is a late-stage dementia program that stimulates senses such as hearing and smell. The care team assists with basic care needs, including bathing, grooming, and taking medication.
Relatives notice the enthusiastic and friendly care at Brookdale Jensen Beach. One says, "My Uncle is a resident of Brookdale Jensen Beach and has lived there for 2 years. I have nothing but positive words to say about his experience. He looks forward to each day with interest and enthusiasm. His dining options are varied and healthy, and mealtimes provide a welcome benefit of also being a beneficial social experience."
Discovery Village at Stuart is a safe community located in a beautiful beach town. Its exclusive "Shine Memory Care" program combines a supervised environment and assistance with daily activities while socialization is encouraged to support brain stimulation. Residents live in a secure memory care neighborhood designed to promote independence and each has a "My Story" book to help them remember important events in their lives. The community provides assisted living services that include medication management, help with personal care and access to 24/7 health services. Residents enjoy a variety of amenities and activities such as restaurant-style dining, salon services and a game room.
Residents and their families love the care at Discovery Villages. One reviewer said, "My grandfather.spent the last couple of months at Discovery Villages. On a daily basis, the staff at Discovery did a fantastic job of communicating with his family, providing him the best love and support possible, and making sure he was given the medical attention needed."
Green Gables Assisted Living of Vero Beach is a welcoming coastal community with beautiful courtyards and seasonal gardens. The community provides a memory care program that includes specially designed living spaces, social programs and daily living assistance. The community also offers assisted living, respite and daycare programs. Residents are kept in a protective environment with 24/7 nursing and certified dementia-care team members. Residents enjoy a variety of amenities and activities including shared common spaces, TV and internet and nutritious meals.
Residents and their families appreciate the welcoming atmosphere at Green Gables Assisted Living. One said, "Green gables is a nice, small, home like environment.We also like that the residents can sit outside.to catch some fresh air and sunlight. The staff at Green Gables are easy to work with, are kind, and professional."
Harbor Chase offers a unique memory care program in the form of The Cove, a part of the community designed to provide safety and cognitive stimulation for residents with age-related memory loss. Residents can participate in a variety of daily activities such as yoga and meditation, intended to promote physical and mental wellness, as well as healthy socialization through the Life Enrichment program. The community also provides assisted living and respite care services. Residents can enjoy a variety of amenities and activities, including 24/7 staff monitoring, Bible study, tea time and modified exercising.
Residents and their families love the community design at Harbor Chase of Stuart, along with the extensive care services and exciting activities. Located on the St. Lucie River, the community provides a beautiful environment for graceful aging.
HarborChase of Vero Beach promotes a serene environment, both in terms of the care provided and the surroundings in which residents dwell. From meandering walking paths around the community to amenities and activities meant to engage residents, there are options to cater to every whim. Memory care services provided here include a transitional component for those who are dealing with slight symptoms. The Cove is a segment of the larger community for those with specific conditions, with programming to help maintain independence for as long as possible. The Life Enrichment program at HarborChase provides memory care residents with the opportunity to pursue personal interests, such as watercolor painting, or engage in group activities like trivia.
The active living component of HarborChase is a point of note for visitors to this community. Of the range of activity options, one notes, "They have arts and crafts, they play bingo, and there's constantly something going on. The staff is very friendly, outgoing, and they bend over backwards to make sure everybody is safe."
Lake Forest Park is situated amid Florida's stunning natural scenery. Scheduled outings help residents to take advantage of the many area amenities, including nearby museums and entertainment offerings. On-site amenities include a heated pool, clubhouse and arts and crafts rooms. Memory care services provided here include a 24-hour emergency response system, assistance with daily living activities as needed and safety features implemented in the decor of each room. Memory care residents participate in community-wide activities, including group fitness, games, social hours and more. Each program is customized for memory care residents depending on their degree of interest and physical capability.
Residents focus on the helpful nature of the staff and the range of activities to promote social interaction. Of this, one notes, "We found Lake Forest for my cousin, and I would give it an excellent review. They have bingo, dances, a heated swimming pool, and on Fridays, they have drinks and play bridge."
The Palms of Port St. Lucie is a pet-friendly senior living community with a welcoming atmosphere. Caregivers are available around the clock to help residents with activities of daily living. The community's Bridge to Rediscovery program guides care for residents with Alzheimers and other types of dementia in a secured unit. Staff are specially trained in memory care and focus on providing individualized attention for every resident, and escorted transportation is available for medical appointments. Occupational and recreational therapy help residents with dementia maintain independence and engage with the community. Amenities include a fitness center, a salon and an in-ground pool. A restaurant-style dining room serves three daily meals made with fresh, seasonal ingredients. The community offers various entertainment activities that also provide social opportunities, such as games, exercise classes and arts and crafts. Outdoor events take place in a landscaped courtyard.
Community members praise the Palms' excellent staff and amenities. One resident says, "I like living here at Palms at St. Lucie West. The food and the programs they have are good. I have no complaints. I would recommend this to anybody who wants to live here I'm quite happy here."
Renaissance Senior Living of Vero Beach, situated just off Route 1 and near the Indian River, provides assisted living and memory care services. It offers easy access to nearby retail venues and banks and is a short drive from major hospitals and medical facilities. Residents of the memory care wing can benefit from a number of engaging programs that encourage cognitive function through the senses, including Reminiscence, Trusted Voice, Time and Place and Music Therapy. The community also provides A Purposeful Day program that allows employees to have meaningful interactions with residents. Caring staff members assist seniors with daily tasks and personal care and handle housekeeping and linen changes, while an on-site barbershop and salon make it easy for residents to look their best. Residents can also enjoy scheduled trips to nearby amenities.
Residents enjoy a wide range of activities. A loved one writes, "The Renaissance is a beautiful place that is professionally operated by pleasant and caring people. The facility is clean and well maintained and mom likes the food. She enjoys the activities and from my observation are popular with the other residents."
Situated on a calm stretch of Indian River Boulevard, Solaris Senior Living Vero Beach offers a tranquil environment to residents. It's also near notable medical institutions such as Vero Family Medicine and Dental Partners of Vero Beach. It offers a fully secured memory care wing that allows residents autonomy in a safe environment. The homelike architecture allows residents to feel comfortable and encourage cognitive recall. Residents are served three hearty meals per day and scheduled activities are designed to encourage wellness, physical activity and social interactions. Weekly housekeeping and linen services are provided, allowing residents more time to enjoy on-site amenities such as the games room and salon. Transport is scheduled to nearby amenities. Staff assists with daily needs such as personal care and medication management.
Family members are grateful for the high level of service their loved ones receive. One writes, "The entire staff had up-close and personal contact with each resident. My mother truly loved it at Solaris and I will always remember that they treated her as if she was THEIR family member-- for all this I am forever grateful."
Set among Stuart's picturesque surroundings, the memory care community at Stuart Lodge aims to promote maximum independence for those with Alzheimer's or dementia. The program focuses on person-centered care, creating personalized relationships and life-enriching experiences, and each individual plan offers five opportunities every day to participate in physical, mental and expressive activities. These all promote connection and engagement with surroundings. Within the secure memory care neighborhood, seniors remain safe at all times. Residents have access to physical therapy, and a nurse is on staff. Medical assistance is available 24 hours a day
People love the care at Stuart Lodge. One loved one writes, "All the staff was so kind and personable to each resident. They genuinely care about all the residents and go out of their way to assure their comfort and work to assist their transition to their new housing arrangement. The Lodge has a warm and comfortable feel."
Offering multiple levels of care, Symphony at Stuart provides quality of life to seniors as they age gracefully in place in a family-like environment. The communitys memory care neighborhood is supervised by a 24/7 certified team whose dementia care training allows them to promote a sense of calm and create meaningful experiences for residents. Residents with mild cognitive conditions benefit from the communitys Harmony program, which provides support with daily tasks and an innovative activities that stimulate the body and mind. The Life2.0 program helps create a healthy, active lifestyle. For instance, H2O-To-Go promotes hydration through fruit- and herb-infused water served in common areas, and Essential Health Initiative offers stimulating sensory experiences through the use of nontoxic essential oils.
Family members are pleased to see their loved ones needs adequately met and appreciate the regular updates that the community provides. One writes, "Along with keeping Granny safe and cared for, the staff regularly send photos of her to my mom. This type of care gives us the peace of mind that shes happy and healthy, which means so much.
The Brennity at Tradition Senior Living is a planned community on the Treasure Coast, offering different levels of care in a comfortable environment. The goal of memory care in this community is anxiety reduction, promoting a sense of calm among memory care residents and providing an easy-to-navigate physical space. Dining with GRACE offers as much assistance as residents require to get proper nutrition and enjoy meals, while the Cherished Connections component ensures that residents feel connected and reinforced in their memories and interests. Music programming is also part of the community's approach to memory care, as are personalized life skills stations.
Residents and their loved ones underscore the friendly nature of the staff. Of this, one notes, "The Brennity at Tradition is awesome. It is a great community. I think I'm going to enjoy it very much. I met a few ladies there, and they're all very nice."
The Brennity at Vero Beach Senior Living community is situated in a quiet neighborhood, a few blocks from the Cleveland Clinic at Indian River Pointe West. Florida Medical Hearing Centers and a number of pharmacies are within a short driving distance. The community offers a memory care wing that ensures the safety and comfort of residents with access-controlled areas that resemble a neighborhood. Residents have access to wellness programs that are designed to encourage personal experiences such a Dining with Grace, music events and the Sagora Pathways Memory Care Program. Housekeeping, laundry and linen services are provided weekly and residents enjoy three chef-prepared meals per day. Personal care assistance is also offered.
Relatives are impressed by the level of care residents receive. One says, "My experience with The Brennity of Vero Beach continues to be a pleasant one every time I walk through the doors. I am greeted with friendly faces and see a network of associates that work together for the benefit of their residents and enjoy what they do."
The Broadmoor Assisted Living Community specializes in caring for seniors with Alzheimer's, dementia or other memory loss issues. The community is divided into three specially designed neighborhoods. Magnolia Terrace is for women starting to show signs of memory loss. Garden Park is for women or men in the middle stages of Alzheimer's or dementia. Rosewood is for residents in the end stages of memory loss. The 24-hour staff provides customized care to support each resident's cognitive, physical and social functions. Music and pet therapy, gardening, interactive games and exercise programs are offered. Residents have access to three dining rooms, where they can enjoy freshly prepared, dietician-approved meals and snacks. On-site medical professionals, including a doctor, dentist and podiatrist, reduce the need for residents to leave the premises for appointments. Laundry and housekeeping services are available.
Family members praise the care their loved ones receive at Broadmoor Assisted Living Community. One reviewer whose father was a resident of The Broadmoor for the last six months of his life writes, "I appreciate more than words can tell the care he received. The staff was amazing, keeping his room and laundry clean, good food, activities and kindness from everyone there."
The Cabana at Jensen Dunes nurtures Memory Care residents through its innovative "Valeo" program. The program's individually-tailored approach to care is anchored in physical, social, intellectual and spiritual wellness. Aimed at preserving significant memories, its signature programs incorporate seniors life experiences and favorite hobbies to stimulate memories. For instance, the "Legacy Kit" is a treasure chest that contains personal mementos that help residents remember their past. Similarly, the "Create and Compose" program keeps residents' brains active through art and music. Additionally, residents benefit from on-site amenities and services, such as health monitoring and secure outdoor areas.
Visitors are happy to see loved ones having fun. One family member is thankful for the smooth transition to community life, saying, "We were greeted with a warm welcome and very comfortable living accommodations. As my fathers care needs changed over the year, so did the Cabana by individualizing programs and services that helped him maintain a healthy and dignified residence there.
The Lynmoore at Lawnwood bills its community as state-of-the-art senior living. It offers a wide array of resort-style amenities, including an on-site movie theater, beauty salon and bistro. Residents have their pick of social clubs in which to participate and there are weekly religious service offerings. Memory care programming is centered on providing residents with as much " or as little " assistance with daily activities as they need. Independence is a central tenet of the community's approach. Memory care support includes private dining options, medication management/assistance, escorts for programs and nutrition support. Memory care staff is available 24 hours a day to ensure residents have access to assistance at all times.
Community visitors emphasize the quality care, delicious menu offerings and array of activities available. Many also point out the spacious floorplans and luxury amenities. One family member writes, "My mom has been in Lynmoore at Lawnwood for two months now. She says the food is great. The people are nice to her. My mom is very happy there."
The Promenade is just minutes from Florida's Atlantic shores and provides ample opportunities for residents to engage in outdoor recreation year-round. A pet-friendly community, The Promenade delivers memory care services via an individualized approach. Resident comfort and happiness are emphasized as much as physical wellness, so the staff customizes individual programming for memory care. The Life Enrichment program is part of the approach, with resident-organized clubs to keep everyone socially interactive and engaged. Technology rooms help residents of all levels of care remain connected to loved ones, while happy hours and movie nights offer entertainment opportunities. The community also offers off-site outings for residents. Services include on-site pet grooming, off-site transportation to personal appointments and personal care for residents.
Reviews of this community focus on the elegant decor and furnishings, state-of-the-art technology and resort-style amenities. Residents and their loved ones note the graciousness and professionalism of the staff as benefits of living at The Promenade as well as its proximity to the stunning Florida coastline.
Wickshire Port St. Lucie is located on Florida's Treasure Coast and provides assisted living and memory care in a scenic setting. The community is dedicated to helping residents remain active and retain their independence, with personalized events and activities, an arts and crafts studio and regular outings, while ensuring support is available when needed. All caregivers are trained to care for those with dementia or Alzheimer's, providing a safe environment where residents can take part in activities to help stimulate memories, aid recognition and remain engaged. Additional help is provided with movement issues, incontinence and ensuring medication is taken. Meals are prepared by a chef and served in a restaurant-style setting, there's a wellness center within the grounds and the maintenance of the apartments and gardens are taken care of by a dedicated team.
Visitors regularly comment on the dedication of the staff, with the food and dining experience praised in particular. One relative of a resident says, "The food here is very good and the chef will come out and talk to you one on one and make you what you would like if you do not like what is being served."
YourLife of Stuart Memory Care is situated close to Kiplinger Nature Preserve and the Wedgewood Commons Shopping Center in Stuart, Florida. This community is designed to be easy to navigate and has alarmed doors, an enclosed patio and a secure outdoor park with exercise areas, putting greens and a barbecue grill. There is also a salon and wellness center, where residents can benefit from on-site appointments with physicians. Personalized care plans are created for each resident based on their life story, retained abilities and individual needs with the purpose of helping them live as independently as they can. The YourStory program allows residents to decide how they spend their time, such as by participating in art, music and pet therapy or attending fitness classes and scheduled outings.
Families compliment YourLife of Stuart Memory Care for having attentive staff members and organizing entertaining activities. One residents family member remarks, "It is a great comfort knowing that my husband is safe, secure and well cared for by this amazing staff. The daily updates are so appreciated. The activities are thoughtful and fun.