With 35 miles of beaches and sunny weather, St. Petersburg offers a calm setting for those looking for memory care. While deciding to move a loved one into memory care is never easy, memory care facilities in St. Petersburg offer the necessary medical staff and amenities that can make life easier for those who are dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other forms of memory impairment.
Florida is known as a retirement haven, so it comes as no surprise that there are many options to choose from when selecting a memory care facility for a loved one. Aside from medical assistance and secured facilities, residents at A Place For Mom’s partner memory care communities will find plenty to do with organized group outings, social activities, and amenities like dining service. On top of that, the sunny Florida weather adds a calming element.
This guide will explain what you need to know about choosing a memory care facility for your loved one. We’ll tell you how you can pay for memory care through private pay options or public benefits, what you need to know about laws and regulations pertaining to memory care, and what kinds of activities St. Petersburg has to offer. A Place For Mom’s 22 partner memory care facilities encompass a 10-mile radius of downtown St. Petersburg, including communities like Sunset Beach and Pasadena.
They are all very friendly and want you to be happy living there. It's beautiful and updated. Other places we visited were dark, drab and very dated. In my opinion, there was no comparison.
Overall, I would recommend this community. The benefits outweigh the weaknesses, and it is an overall a good value, especially when compared to other nearby communities. I would say the food/dining is a bit...
It's a tough situation at best .....any facility is only as good as the people working there, those folks helping the clients & their day to day care. Yes, good help is always hard to find. The place was...
You have freedom to go and come as you please. You have to check-in each day by 10:00 if not they come and check on you. I think it's great you can ride to and from dinner. I would go back there if I find...
. I like Wentworth and so does my mother! Everyone's kindness and helpfulness has been so nice! We have been having many difficulties with her recent illness and hospitalization and everyone has been great!
Very nice staff. Gorgeous location. New owners recently took over and renovations are beginning. Most of the staff appear to have stayed on through ownership changes. My mom feels safe and secure there.
Very impressed with Toby Weinman Residence. They have knowledgeable and helpful Nursing staff around the clock. The facility is clean and beautifully updated. If you want an enriching lifestyle that...
The staff is very helpful and kind. My mom is building a great group of friends and enjoying the community and a ton of great entertainment and activities. It's location is excellent being so close to all...
My mother and our family appreciated the furnished apartment like rooms, each having their own bathroom and shower. We very much appreciate the homemade meals that are healthy and very tasty. The residents...
My loved one was a resident at Seasons Largo and the experience was great all around. The cleanliness and friendliness were great. The staff, meals, and activities were also great. I would recommend this...
The staff at this facility are very caring and compassionate! It is very clean and the activity staff are great with the clients! I recommend this memory care as I have visited mostly all facilities in...
It was a great experience for my mom and our family. Mom was there for a little under a month and It was clean, the service was good and everybody was very friendly and helpful. She needed a nice and safe...
I feel very fortunate that I was directed to Volante Assisted living. The entire facility is lovely, the administration staff and caregivers are so conscientious, concerned, and caring. My Lived One s in...
I would rate 5 in all categories. My family member passed a couple of months ago, but I was always pleased with her care. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would absolutely recommend this...
It's wonderful! I would recommend it for anybody with mental illness or who has had substance abuse in the past. They have freedom to come and go, they have group therapy and private therapy. The trolley and...
Magnolia Gardens is a great place - it's been really nice. The staff is great and do a great job. Like everybody else, they're short-handed. But the people they have there do everything. Whether it's...
Excellent care with love and compassion was given to my aunt. The owner is personally involved in resident care, she has the highest standards and insists that each resident receives the best possible care....
Great place for an affordable price! Caring management, helping residents not just in day-by-day living, but with all their life issues. If you want to be a person and not a number in a corporation owned...
Our family is very grateful to so many at Arbor Oaks at Tyrone where our mom had lived since 2017 before she recently passed. There were so many staff that cared for mom and we are eternally grateful to all...
Everyone is very special. Love the food & home deliveries, activities, picnics & parties are amazing My nice [name removed] has been here 24 years and everyone loves her
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders St Petersburg community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
According to A Place For Mom’s proprietary data, the average monthly cost of memory care facilities in St. Petersburg, Florida, is $4,038.[01] This average takes into consideration housing, meals, associated fees, and add-on service fees, such as 24-hour supervision, specialized therapies, and other ancillary services. This is the average; the cost for a facility and its services will vary by location, level of care provided, and any additional fees for extra services.
The following figure represents a baseline cost without considering any additional fees for specialized services or amenities.
Those looking to move a loved one into a memory care facility have a variety of ways to pay. This includes private funds, public funds, and veteran benefits. This section will go over private pay, veteran benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
There are plenty of people who choose to use private funds for a memory care facility. Private pay is the accumulation of any resources that you or your loved one has accrued throughout their working life. This could be any or all of the following: pensions, savings, Social Security benefits, distributions from retirement accounts, income generated from investments, and inheritance. You could also use any of the following as private pay options:
Number of veterans who live in St. Petersburg
About 22% of St. Petersburg veterans are 75+
Veterans in or looking to move to St. Petersburg, Florida, can find benefits that can help offset the cost of memory care living. VA Pensions are useful in covering some of the costs of memory care living, as is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. Aid and Attendance benefits have been earmarked for veterans who need special care on a daily basis with activities such as bathing, dressing, or eating. To be eligible for Aid and Attendance benefits, veterans need to be over the age of 65, have served in wartime, or are living in a long-term care facility.
While it is a wonderful benefit, A&A is known for having a complex application process. Fortunately, there are resources in St. Petersburg that can help. Pinellas County has a veteran and military resource guide to help veterans determine how to access benefits. Veterans services officers are another resource to help veterans with the application process; these officers have gone through this process many times with many veterans and know exactly how to check for eligibility, fill out the application, and connect veterans to benefits.
Veterans services officers can be found through veterans services organizations (VSOs). Several VSOs are located at the St. Petersburg Regional VA Office including AMVETS, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Paralyzed Veterans of America, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
Those who were disabled as a result of their service can apply for VA Disability Compensation. The same resources listed above can help with the process as well.
Additional resources
St. Petersburg Regional VA Office
9500 Bay Pines Blvd.
St. Petersburg, FL 33744
Phone: 800-827-1000
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Veterans of Foreign Wars
Post 39
2599 Central Ave. N
St. Petersburg, FL 33713
Phone: 727-327-8109
Email: vfwpost39+ContactUs@gmail.com
Post 4364
5773 62nd St. N
St. Petersburg, FL 33709-1735
Phone: 727-546-5525
Medicaid in Florida is called State Medicaid Management Care (SMMC). Florida offers a Medicaid guide to help seniors understand the benefits and eligibility requirements. While Medicaid does not cover the cost of living in a memory care facility, Florida memory care residents can get in-home care through the Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver system.
Within the HCBS waiver system, Florida offers support services through its Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI). ADI respite care is available for caregivers of adults who have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or related memory disorders that may interfere with daily living activities. ADI also offers Memory Disorder Clinics and Brain Bank, which coordinates with Mount Sinai Medical Center to support Alzheimer’s research.
Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Long-Term Care Managed Care (LTCMC) plans cover the costs of nursing care, chore services, and medical equipment and supplies for those who qualify. Within the LTCMC plans are two programs: the Long-Term Care (LTC) Managed Care Program and the Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) Program. To qualify, memory care residents need to meet two standards: financial eligibility and being in need of a nursing home-level of care without nursing home placement.[02]
It is important to note that each LTCMC plan contracts with its own providers, meaning not all facilities are covered under every plan. It is vital that seniors choose the plan that covers the facility they want to enter.
Florida’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), a Medicare program run by local Medicaid, is called Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) and offers counseling to seniors who need help connecting to resources. The local Area Agency on Aging and long-term care ombudsman can also help seniors get connected with useful benefits.
Those in Florida looking to apply to SMMC can do so through this website or by calling 866-762-2237. The application process can be a bit tough to navigate, so it is recommended that seniors in Florida use the resources available to make the process easier.
St. Petersburg resident Medicaid resources
Medicaid Office – St. Petersburg
525 Mirror Lake Drive N, Suite 510
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-552-1900 or 800-299-4844
Fax: 727-552-1216
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
The Local Area Agency on Aging
9549 Koger Blvd. N
St. Petersburg, FL 33702
Phone: 727-570-9696
Helpline: 800-963-5337
Out-of-area callers: 727-217-8111
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Florida Ombudsman Program
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Toll-Free: 800-963-5337
TTD/TTY: 800-955-8770
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000
Toll-Free: 800-96-ELDER (800-963-5337)
TTD/TTY: 800-955-8770
Fax: 850-414-2150
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
Medicare is a federally run long-term health insurance program that can help offset some of the costs associated with memory care facilities. While it can help cover the costs of things like doctor’s visits, prescription medications, therapy, and dietary counseling, it will not cover the custodial costs for a memory care facility, such as room and board.
Florida Medicare Savings Programs can help eligible seniors pay for some costs like Medicare copays and deductibles, while the Drug Assistance Program can help cover medication costs. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) helps seniors who need nursing home type care avoid nursing home placement by getting that care where they currently live.
Applications for Medicare can be completed through the Florida ACCESS system or through the local Department of Children and Families Center. The application can be arduous, so seniors will want to use local area resources to help with the process. The local ombudsman knows the process well, can answer questions, and help determine whether your loved one is eligible.
Applicants can also use the Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) program for free counseling around the application process. SHINE is run through Florida’s Medicaid program. Likewise, Florida seniors can go through the local Social Security office or the local Area Agency on Aging for assistance.
St. Petersburg resident Medicare resources
Florida Department of Children and Families
2415 N. Monroe St., Suite 400
Tallahassee, FL 32303
Phone: 850-487-1111
Customer call center phone: 850-300-4323
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m.
Area Agency On Aging of Pasco-Pinellas
9549 Koger Blvd.
Saint Petersburg, FL 33702
Helpline: 800-963-5337
Office phone: 727-570-9696
Email: info@aaapp.org
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
SHINE
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 800-963-5337
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
St. Petersburg Social Security Office
30 Dr. MLK St. S
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Prescription Health Program
5501 Fourth St. N
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
Phone: 727-327-0333
Hours: Appointment only; please call to schedule
Suncoast PACE (Pinellas County)
6774 102nd Ave.
North Pinellas Park, FL 33782
Phone: 727-289-0062
Hours: Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 380
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-414-2323
Email: LTCOPInformer@elderaffairs.org
Florida Medicare Savings Program
North Pinellas Service Center (Pinellas County)
11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 130
Largo, FL 33778
Phone: 866-762-2237
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Memory care facilities are regulated the same way as assisted living facilities with one big difference: Memory care facilities require that staff have specialized training when it comes to caring for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. While assisted living facilities are given a standard license to provide personal care, memory care facilities must receive a specialty license.
The Bureau of Healthy Facility Regulation licenses all memory care living facilities in Florida. Licensing is only accomplished if memory care facilities meet certain standards set forth by the Bureau of Healthy Facility Regulation; all memory care facilities are inspected upon licensing, with licensing needing to be renewed every two years.[03] Inspections cover food safety, physical safety, staffing requirements, and emergency procedures. You can find inspection reports via the Agency for Health Care Administration’s public records.
In memory care facilities, it is required that there is at least one staff member on hand at all times who has specialized training for dementia care; all memory care facilities are required to be properly staffed at all times.[03] Memory care facilities are also required to offer activities specifically for those who have dementia. Staff who directly interact with residents are required to take four hours of ongoing education each year, and staff who work indirectly with residents are required to take dementia-specific training three months prior to being placed in a facility.[03]
Residents also have to meet certain requirements. To be admitted to a memory care facility, one must have a medical evaluation no more than 60 days prior to moving in, or no more than 30 days after moving in. This evaluation is used to determine a personalized care plan for each resident in memory care.[03]
Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
No COVID-19 mandates for memory care facilities exist in St. Petersburg. The city primarily recommends following the Centers for Disease Control guidelines.
Vaccinations are recommended for seniors in memory care.
If feeling ill, masks are recommended while indoors.
Regular cleaning of surfaces is highly encouraged because it can help mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Those seeking memory care living in St. Petersburg, Florida, will find plenty of options for their loved ones among A Place for Mom’s 22 partner communities. Seniors with memory impairment will find one standalone memory care facility, as well as one combination group home and memory care facility. Eleven offer a combination of assisted living with memory care, while three are a combination of adult day care, assisted living, and memory care. Six facilities support a combination of memory care, assisted living, and independent living; this progressive care type is appealing because of its ability to allow seniors to age in place across a variety of stages.[01]
A Place For Mom’s partner memory care facilities are designed to help seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or other memory impairments get the most out of life. This means that there is staff on hand 24 hours a day trained in redirection, cueing, and disorientation care. St. Petersburg memory care facilities offer secured communities — some with wander detection systems — and nearly all offer special staff assistance with exit-seeking behavior, restlessness, pacing, and wandering care.
This orientation centered on memory care residents also means that activities are set up so residents are able to enjoy themselves fully from day to day. With enclosed courtyards, activity directors, game rooms, libraries, and arts and crafts centers, these communities are designed to give residents an opportunity for on-site engagement. Here residents can expect dining services, entertainment, and social activities with their peers.
All 22 A Place For Mom partnered memory care facilities are within 10 miles of downtown St. Petersburg. That means that residents will be close to plenty of attractions and activities for both themselves and their families, ranging from awe-inspiring museums to beautiful beaches. Seniors will be able to enjoy these attractions with escorts while getting the assistance they need for their memory care needs.
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Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in St. Petersburg
Median annual income for St. Petersburg seniors 65 and older
St. Anthony’s, established in 1931, bills itself as a premier choice where technology meets compassion.
Bayfront Health St. Petersburg
During its more than 100-year history, Bayfront Health has been providing care to St. Petersburg area residents. It’s also been awarded the designation of one of America’s 100 best hospitals for spinal surgery, according to U.S. News & World Report.
HCA Florida Northside Hospital
HCA Florida Northside Hospital is part of Florida’s largest health care network. It’s also well known for its comprehensive stroke center.
St. Petersburg is a city where you will need transportation to be able to run errands and do other activities. Fortunately, 91% of A Place For Mom’s partner memory care facilities offer complimentary transportation services for residents.[01] Many partner memory care living facilities also offer at-cost transportation services as well.
There are no transportation services in St. Petersburg that offer transportation specifically for people with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, or related memory impairments. However, the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority (PTSA) offers a discount for anyone over the age of 65, making it a strong option for memory care residents traveling with caretakers. The PTSA also offers the Disabled Special Citizen Program, which offers discounts for anyone who has applied for and been accepted to the program.
St. Petersburg is nicknamed “The Sunshine City.” It shouldn’t be a surprise, then, to hear that it is known for its beautiful weather and sunny beaches. Temperatures hover between the 50s and the 80s year-round, making it an ideal place for spending time outdoors.[05] However, there is plenty more to do in St. Petersburg than lounge in the sun; it is also a city that offers wonderful museums and other attractions for people who live in memory care facilities.
Art lovers can enjoy a day at one of the many art museums spread throughout St. Petersburg. The Dalí Museum shows off works spanning the entire life of famous artist Salvador Dalí. If you are a lover of glass, you can find plenty of it at the Duncan McClellan Gallery. In fact, St. Petersburg is kind of a glass lover’s paradise; the Morean Arts Center, aside from other exhibits, showcases the work of master glassblower Dale Chihuly. Even better, both of these museums are free! However, the love for glass doesn’t stop there: You can also go to the Imagine Museum, which is home to thousands of stunning pieces of glasswork. For a different medium, check out Charlie Parker Pottery. You can see amazing wares and even learn how to make some yourself, making it a perfect low-key activity for someone in memory care to enjoy with their whole family.
And, of course, we can’t mention attractions in Florida without mentioning the flora and the fauna! The Sunken Gardens started as a hobby in 1903 by George Turner; now, it is a special place where you can see rare plants while having a quiet and relaxing stroll.
St. Petersburg is a great place for seniors who love the warm weather and a calm way of life. Not only are there all of the attractions mentioned above, but the infrastructure for senior services in St. Petersburg is robust. With care and services available and a calm lifestyle in a temperate climate as the norm, St. Petersburg could be perfect for your loved one looking to move into memory care.
Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in Palm Harbor, Inspired Living at Tampa and American House St. Petersburg are the top-rated Memory Care facilities near St Petersburg, FL. These Memory Care facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Memory Care in St Petersburg is $4,032 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
The 71 memory care facilities near you in St Petersburg, Florida typically provide housing, therapies, and care tailored to those who have Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. To find memory care in St Petersburg, Florida, browse our detailed listings showing photos, floor plans, amenities, activities, and reviews from real families.
Browse A Place for Mom’s listings for memory care in St Petersburg, Florida, to take a virtual tour. Our local senior living experts can arrange for a live tour of these communities as well.
The cost of memory care facilities in St Petersburg, Florida ranges from $595 to $10260. The average Memory Care cost in St Petersburg, Florida is $4,032. Prices often vary based on care provided, amenities, unit size, and more.
The cost of memory care in St Petersburg, Florida typically starts at $595. A Place for Mom’s local, expert senior living advisors can help you find affordable memory care facilities near you and offer advice on how to lower costs and pay for care with VA benefits or public payment options.
A Place For Mom. (2023.) A Place For Mom proprietary data.
State of Florida | Department of Elder Affairs. (March 2023.) Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program. Elderaffairs.org.
State of Florida | Health and Human Services. (March 2023.) Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy (2015). Hhs.gov.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.
Weather U.S. (April 2023.) Climate and monthly weather forecast |Saint Petersburg, FL. weather-us.com.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
A Place For Mom. (2023.) A Place For Mom proprietary data.
State of Florida | Department of Elder Affairs. (March 2023.) Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program. Elderaffairs.org.
State of Florida | Health and Human Services. (March 2023.) Compendium of Residential Care and Assisted Living Regulations and Policy (2015). Hhs.gov.
U.S. News & World Report. (2022). Bayfront Health St. Petersburg.
Weather U.S. (April 2023.) Climate and monthly weather forecast |Saint Petersburg, FL. weather-us.com.