The coastal city of Sarasota is home to 54,842 residents, 27.3% of whom are seniors aged 65 and older. Alzheimer’s and dementia affect an increasing number of seniors every year, which has been shown to be especially true in Sarasota, where rates have skyrocketed in recent years. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the deaths from Alzheimer’s disease in Sarasota increased by 109.41% between 2014 and 2018, from 170 to 356 deaths. The overall death rate in the city rose by only 11.2% during these years, showing that Alzheimer’s-related diseases are becoming increasingly more worrisome in Sarasota.
There are a variety of memory care communities in the Sarasota area that can help seniors with Alzheimer’s and dementia by providing a secure homelike community that offers 24/7 care tailored to the unique needs and interests of each resident. Qualified staff provides care and therapies, designed to slow down cognitive decline and enrich body, mind and spirit. Read on to find out more about memory care, including the costs of care, the benefits and drawbacks of living in the city and free resources for seniors living with memory loss.
COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Sarasota
Since most COVID-19 rules for Memory Care Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Memory Care in Florida. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
What to Consider About Memory Care in Sarasota
In Florida, memory care facilities are overseen by The Long Term Care Services Unit, which is within the Division of Health Quality Assurance for The Agency for Health Care Administration. It is in charge of licensing, certifying and regulating various health care providers and long-term care providers, including memory care facilities and ensuring they comply with the laws and regulations.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Memory Care in Sarasota
- Sarasota enjoys a beautiful year-round climate, with 251 sunny days per year. It has hot humid summers and warm, dry winters. Summers can get uncomfortably hot on some days, but July typically has highs of 91°F. Winter is very pleasant, with it rarely going below 51°F, perfect for staying active out in the sun.
- The crime rate in Sarasota is relatively high. When it comes to violent crime, your chances of being a victim are 1 in 156 in Sarasota compared to 1 in 258 in Florida. For property crime, the chances are 1 in 33 compared to 1 in 56 across the state. Despite having higher than average crime rates, memory care facilities put measures in place to increase security, such as having securely gated communities with 24/7 surveillance.
- Sarasota has great health care facilities, including Sarasota Memorial Health Care, which has been recognized as one of the nation’s biggest and best hospitals. The hospital has also received a NICHE (Nurses Improving Care for Healthsystem Elders), a special award for hospitals that implement special interventions and initiatives that promote excellent outcomes in senior citizens.
- Florida is one of the most tax-friendly states to live in for seniors, with no state income tax, meaning Social Security retirement benefits, incomes from both public and private pensions are all untaxed. There is also no estate or inheritance tax, and the rates of property and sales tax are close to national levels.
- The city has some public transport available for residents. Sarasota County Area Transit operates 14 bus routes. For seniors aged 65 and older, there is a 50% discount on fixed-route fares. Although many parts of the city are accessible by bus, for memory-impaired seniors, getting private transportation can be a more comfortable option. Most memory care facilities offer scheduled transportation to medical appointments. There are also other companies that offer specialized transportation for seniors.
Paying for Memory Care in Sarasota
According to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average cost of memory care in Sarasota is $5,181 per month. The average cost of memory care is 20-30% more than assisted living care and it is often offered as an extra service at Assisted Living Facilities. Therefore the following memory care figures have been calculated by adding 25% to the assisted living figures.
The Cost of Memory Care in Nearby Cities
At $5,181 per month, Sarasota is slightly more expensive than the Florida state average of $5,000 per month but more affordable than the national median of $5,625 per month. Nearby in Tampa, memory care is around $1,000 cheaper per month at $4,187. Cape Coral Area and Miami are both more expensive than Sarasota at $5,417 and $5,481 per month. At $6,625, Naples is the most expensive city in the state for memory care.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care
For seniors in Sarasota, there are a variety of other long-term care options available. At $2,080, Adult Day Health Care is the most affordable option for seniors who only require assistance during the weekdays. For those who prefer to stay in the comfort of their own home, there are homemaker services and home health aides available, both for an average of $5,720 per month. There are also nursing homes, which provide 24/7 medical care and cost on average $9,490 per month for a semi-private room and $10,615 for a private room.
Financial Assistance for Memory Care in Sarasota
In Sarasota there are options for seniors who need financial assistance paying for Memory Care. For more information about other options, who qualifies, and how to apply, Memory Care in Florida page.
More Ways to Pay for Memory Care
While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for memory care, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance memory care costs include:
- Veterans Benefits
- Life Insurance Policy
- Long-Term Care Insurance
- Reverse Mortgage
For more information about different ways to finance memory care, visit our Memory Care in Florida page.
Free Memory Care Resources in Sarasota
Seniors have access to free resources in the Sarasota area for Alzheimer’s and dementia care, legal issues and social interaction. Below are a few popular programs.
Resource
Contact
Service
(800) 272-3900
The Florida Gulf Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association serves 16 counties in the Gulf Coast of Florida. It provides education and support related to Alzheimer’s and dementia, including community education programs that are one-hour interactive programs, and education classes related to optimum diet and nutrition for brain health. There are also Early Stage Services, where information and support about early-stage dementia are provided by telephone, email or by private consultations. It also has fundraising events to raise money for Alzheimer’s research.
(239) 652-6900
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida is a nonprofit organization that serves older adults and people with disabilities across seven counties. It aims to improve social and health services, administer programs and to raise funds. There is an Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, funded by a State of Florida grant, which provides support for seniors with Alzheimer’s and their family members.
(941) 955 – 2122
Senior Friendship Centers of Sarasota are fun communities where seniors can get together to take classes, play cards, socialize and learn about healthy aging. It offers one-on-one help with accessing federal assistance programs such as free legal aid and tax preparation through AARP.
Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Sarasota
Tallahassee Memory Care Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Memory Care Facilities in Florida are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Florida page for more information about these laws.
