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 Winter Haven's senior population continues to grow (19.98% growth between 2014 and 2019), so does the concern about aging and the risk of cognitive impairment.
In Winter Haven, the number of deaths for those 65 and older caused or partly caused by Alzheimer’s disease increased by 28.8% between 2014 and 2019. To put that into perspective, the number of deaths from all causes for that same age group only increased by 15.27%, 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 (2.9% in Winter Haven 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 Winter Haven. 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 Winter Haven, 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:
Spring Haven is a safe and comforting memory care residence in Winter Haven, Florida, providing a warm, welcoming environment that features beautiful, secure grounds and walking trails, a swimming pool and plenty of community social spaces. The Embrace memory care program offers a reading program, sensory experiences and cognitive stimulation to promote holistic wellness. Small group programming is designed for those with memory loss and encourages a sense of community. The memory care community features on-site nursing staff, secured perimeters and wellness checks to ensure safety and security. The pet-friendly community encourages feelings of belonging.
Residents and their loved ones appreciate the well-kept residence and caring staff at Spring Haven. One reviewer says, "I'm so pleased with the cleanliness of the facility as well as the love that the staff has for its residents. I always feel so welcomed. I love that my father is in such great hands."
Brookdale Winter Haven provides specialized memory care in a homelike environment in Winter Haven, Florida. A fully secured environment with trained staff available 24/7 ensures that residents are always safe and secure. The Clare Bridge program features six planned activities each day, which encourages residents to maintain their abilities and independence. These activities include physical exercise, such as walking groups, discussions and brain stimulating games that provide mental, physical and cognitive enrichment. For those in the later stages of memory loss, the Solace program offers specialized life enrichment with gentler activities, such as music and aromatherapy. Brookdale is pet-friendly, and has a library, beauty/barbershop, courtyard and garden, therapy room, and plenty of cozy social spaces.
Reviewers of Brookdale Winter Haven appreciate the caring staff, activities and beautiful grounds. One reviewer says, "Brookdale Winter Haven was outstanding and very clean. The people were nice and attentive. It's a beautiful place. The people's attitude is outstanding. They had a little library and a lot of activities."
Grand Villa of Lakeland offers respite stays, assisted living and memory care. The community's memory care services include music and pet therapy, a brain fitness program and sensory stimulation. The staff designs care packages to match each resident's individual circumstances, and caregivers are on hand around the clock. Motion sensors in each memory care apartment help the community's staff respond appropriately to residents' needs. The bathrooms feature special lighting systems that let seniors see at night, and controlled exits help provide safety. The community features a library, activity room, courtyard and library, and internet access is available. Activities here cater to seniors interested in music, arts, crafts and trivia, and speakers and entertainment-focused events round out the programming calendar. Pets under 20 pounds are welcome. Additional perks of living here include housekeeping, maintenance and restaurant-style dining.
Reviewers speak highly of this community's staff and upkeep, with one calling the staff "very friendly and caring." The same reviewer praises the dining room and its menu options, the layout of the rooms and the ample activities. They also call the community "exceptionally clean."
Brookdale Highlands is located on the edge of Lakeland, with easy access to the center of the city. The memory care community here offers activities such as fitness classes, music performances, Wii Sports and socials. Residents can decorate their room with photographs, flowers, drawings and more personal items to create a feeling of home. Brookdale Winter Haven has walking paths through the landscaped grounds where residents can enjoy the beautiful natural sights. Residents can eat meals in the private dining room, access the community kitchen or treat themselves at the on-site ice cream parlor.
Brookdale Highlands has almost endless options of activities and a welcoming community of staff and residents. One visitor says, "Brookdale Highlands was nice. The staff was very friendly. It was well appointed, had a lot of activities, and allowed dogs. Everyone was very accommodating, nice, and knowledgeable."
Sitting in a lush green field lined with trees in a quiet residential neighborhood, Water's Edge of Lake Wales offers seniors a living environment close to restaurants, shops and medical facilities, with the nearest hospital just five minutes away. Its memory care program helps residents with dementia live fulfilling and independent lives. The program takes a person-centered approach, focusing on each resident's emotional, physical and mental needs. Highly trained staff, including licensed nurses and senior health aides, are on-duty 24/7 to provide personalized care based on each resident's individualized care plan. Residents can participate in fitness classes, wine tastings, creative art programs and aquatic exercises. The culinary team prepares nutritious meals every day using fresh ingredients and served restaurant-style in the dining room. Amenities include a movie theater, billiards room, vegetable and herb garden, fitness center and outdoor heated pool.
People love the friendly staff and diverse activities. A resident's friend writes, "It's a great community. They are interested in their residents, and they take good pride in taking care of them. They have many, many activities. The staff was friendly. The food was plentiful, and they have plenty of snacks in between."
Savannah Cottage at Lakeland is dedicated to caring for residents living with dementia, Alzheimer's and other memory issues. This memory care community is close to the quality hospitals, shopping centers and cultural offerings of the Lakeland area. Residents at Savannah Cottage receive individualized, person-centered care designed to help them maintain their cognitive abilities as long as possible. They can take part in enrichment activities, including music therapy, fitness classes, pet therapy and art therapy. Bingo, karaoke, outings and religious gatherings provide opportunities for engagement. This community emphasizes residents' individuality while providing a comforting sense of structure and routine. Calming therapies and familiar cues help residents maintain orientation and reduce anxiety and frustration.
Family members appreciate the intimate atmosphere and excellent care. "This is a very comforting homelike environment," says a resident's son. "Mom kept asking me for the first week or so 'how are you related to these people' because it really seemed like home and like family. Very good communication and rapport back and forth, decent security, very good food, etc. I have been very impressed and would highly recommend Savannah Court."
Arbor Oaks at Lakeland Hills is a specialized memory care community in Lakeland, Florida. Arbor Oaks' dedicated memory care program, the Evergreen Program, offers a comfortable, homelike environment that is easy to navigate and individualized to each resident. Specially trained caregivers are available 24/7 to offer hands-on, compassionate assistance. A warm residential setting relaxes residents, and the Evergreen Program's emphasis on involving family members and loved ones encourages feelings of familiarity and belonging. A full calendar of activities, including book clubs, excursions to town and outdoor walks, encourages physical, cognitive and social engagement. Arbor Oaks' spacious, pet-friendly apartments offer easy access to the community's manicured gardens and common social areas.
Reviewers love Arbor Oaks' beautiful grounds and variety of amenities and activities. One reviewer says, "The moment you walk into the beautiful lobby you are greeted by friendly staff and residents! It is obvious from the interaction of staff and residents and guests that they truly care about each person there. They offer a variety of amenities, activities and entertainment each month."
Lakeland Manor offers a secure unit for memory care that offers safety and reassurance to residents with memory impairment, Alzheimer's and cognitive loss. Activities are tailored to individuals following strategies to reduce confusion and agitation. Specialist medical staff includes physicians and registered nurses, who manage medication and create individualized care plans. Families receive information about the progress of their loved one's memory condition as well as education and counseling services. The community provides restaurant-style dining, a library and a beauty salon. Some rooms have cable TV, and the community is surrounded by nature with spectacular views of the lake.
Lakeland Manor is a compassionate community that engages and encourages each resident. One reviewer says, "The staff were caring and compassionate with all of the residents. It amazed me how they knew every resident's name and how well cared for each resident was."
At Haines Manor ALF, seniors who have cognitive impairments due to dementia can live in a safe, secured community with access to a specialized group of caregivers and medical personnel. Memory care residents live in bright, cheery private or semi-private rooms that can be personalized to match their particular style preferences. Staff members help with dressing, toileting and other personal needs and can also assist seniors with managing medication or coordinate pharmacy pickups and doctor appointments. Seniors participate in activities around the community that cater to their cognitive abilities while working with physical, occupational and speech therapists to maintain or improve these abilities. A small, enclosed courtyard with a covered gazebo gives seniors a place to sit and enjoy the beautiful Florida weather. Haines Manor is just blocks from NSDS Medical Center and Lake Eva Event and Aquatic Center.
Seniors who live in Haines Manor have access to top-notch care in a cheerful, home-like setting. One resident of the community shares, "the home is very clean - the housekeeping staff is exceptional. Activities are conducted in different units at different levels to accomodate all residents."
Located near the idyllic Walt Disney World Resort, Windsor at Celebration provides tailored, dignified memory care in a luxurious hotel-style community. The Heartfelt Connections program draws upon residents' life histories, including their relationships, careers, hobbies and interests, to develop daily activities that promote mental, physical and emotional well-being. Through routine self-care, reminiscence activities and familiar leisure activities, compassionate staff engage residents in customized schedules that affirm a sense of normalcy and self-esteem. Staff schedule memory-building activities, including music, puzzles, painting and quiet walks along secure paths, in accordance with the functioning of the 24-hour brain. Community spaces, such as the Mosaic Garden, Blue Sage Spa and Deco Art Studios, enable residents to have fun and socialize in an anxiety-reducing environment. Three meals per day are served in open-concept dining rooms. Spacious rooms include safety features, daily housekeeping and utilities.
Residents and family members praise the luxurious amenities and compassionate staff. One family member writes, "Overall we have been very pleased with this community. The transition at first was hard for our loved one, but he is settled in now. Everyone there is just so friendly and nice, and our loved one's apartment is just beautiful."
Surrounded by greenery in a residential neighborhood in Kissimmee, Florida, Merrill Gardens at Solivita Marketplace offers a quiet living environment close to numerous medical facilities, with Poinciana Medical Center just a few minutes away. Its Garden House memory care program helps seniors with Alzheimer's and memory loss live with dignity by honoring their lives. The specially trained staff learns the meaningful details of each resident's life and uses that knowledge to develop an individualized care plan. The 24/7 caregivers provide medication management and help with activities of daily living. Maintenance, laundry and weekly housekeeping services are available. Residents live in a dedicated neighborhood with secure outdoor spaces. Amenities include a beauty salon, swimming pool, movie theater, patio and fitness area. The culinary team prepares healthy meals every day using fresh ingredients, and meals are served in the dining room.
Family members praise the devoted staff and comfortable apartments. A resident's son writes, "The staff is professional and has done a good job caring for mom. They offer several activities for the residents. The apartments are comfortable and somewhat spacious. I highly recommend speaking with them if you're looking for quality care at a reasonable price."
At the Canopy at Walden Woods memory care community, caring and compassionate staff are available 24/7 for help with daily care, medication management and housekeeping. Residents also benefit from on-site physical and speech therapy and specialized fall management and wound care. A state-of-the-art emergency response system provides peace of mind. Music therapy, fitness classes, group outings, brain-focused games and live entertainment are offered, and secure indoor and outdoor spaces are available. Residents enjoy chef-prepared meals in a restaurant-style atmosphere, with food adapted to encourage regular eating and drinking. A beauty salon/barbershop and a movie theater are on-site.
Residents appreciate the inviting community and caring staff at the Canopy at Walden Woods. One reviewer writes, "Canopy @ Walden Woods is such an inviting place! The facilities are beautiful, and the team is very sincere, always going out of their way to care for anyone's needs."