10 Best Memory Care Facilities in Tallahassee, FL

Understanding the costs associated with memory care is just the first step in finding the right facility for your loved one. The next step is figuring out how to pay for it. There are a variety of payment options available for memory care in Tallahassee, including private payment methods, and VA benefits.

In the next section, you will find detailed information on private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid resources for seniors. We’ll explore each of these payment options in more detail in the following sections, so you can make an informed decision about the best way to pay for memory care for your loved one.

If you’re looking for a memory care facility in Florida for your loved one, there are some important laws and regulations you should know about. First of all, it’s important to understand that memory care is a specialized type of assisted living, so the laws that apply to assisted living communities also apply to memory care communities.

In Florida, memory care and assisted living facilities need to be licensed by the Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. Facilities can be licensed to provide routine personal care services under a standard license or more specific services under the authority of specialty licenses. These specialty licenses include limited nursing services, extended congregate care, and limited mental health services. To obtain a specialty license, facilities must meet additional requirements, including those related to staffing and training.^[04]

Facilities are inspected prior to licensure and at any time deemed necessary by the licensing agency to determine compliance with requirements. Inspections for re-licensure must be conducted every two years.{{citation 4}}

When it comes to the types of services that facilities provide, it depends on their licensure type. Standard facilities provide personal care services and assistance with self-administration of medications. Facilities with a limited nursing services license can provide additional nursing services specified in regulations, while facilities with an extended congregate care license can provide more extensive assistance with activities of daily living, plus additional nursing services if required by the resident’s service plan.{{citation 4}}

For those providing memory care services, the following additional requirements apply:

• The facility itself must provide a safe and secure environment
• Activities must be offered that are specific to the cognitive abilities of residents.
• Must provide 24/7 staffing
• Someone must be awake at all times if the memory care facility has 17 or more residents
• The same is true for facilities with fewer than 17 residents unless they have other monitoring mechanisms in place to ensure the safety of the residents
• Specialized training must be provided to staff on how to provide all aspects of care to people with dementia or Alzheimer’s

Seniors can request inspection reports and other public records regarding specific memory care or assisted living facilities from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. It’s important to note that inspections are routinely conducted through the county offices of the Florida Department of Health. As a senior, it’s important to be aware of the regulations and requirements for memory care facilities in Florida to ensure that you or your loved one receives the best possible care.

Florida Department of Health contact information

Florida Department of Health
2585 Merchants Row Blvd.
Tallahassee, FL 32301
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Tallahassee memory care facilities

While there are no COVID-19 regulations specific to memory care facilities in Tallahassee, each memory care facility may have its own stated guidelines. Here are some general best practices:

Memory care facilities in Tallahassee provide specialized care for individuals with memory impairments, such as dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These facilities are designed to meet the unique needs of residents with memory loss, offering specialized amenities and services to support their well-being.

Memory care facility options to choose from

There are eight A Place for Mom partnered memory care facilities within a 10-mile radius of Tallahassee’s city center. Of those eight facilities, three are standalone memory care facilities, meaning they are solely dedicated to caring for individuals with memory loss. The remaining five facilities are combination assisted living/memory care facilities. This can be a great option for individuals who need a higher level of care but still want to maintain some level of independence. One of the five combo facilities is actually a combo assisted living/independent living/memory care facility.

If you’re willing to expand your search radius a bit, there are a few more options available within a 25-mile radius of Tallahassee. There are three additional combo assisted living/memory care facilities, as well as one additional assisted living/independent living/memory care facility.

Accommodating environment

One of the key features of memory care facilities is their staff’s specialized training. All staff members receive training on how to care for residents with memory impairments, including techniques for redirecting, cueing, and managing disorientation.

Memory care facilities are designed specifically to accommodate people with memory loss. This generally includes features such as easy-to-navigate floor plans, visual cues and reminders, and secured areas to prevent wandering. Many of our partner facilities also offer enclosed courtyards or gardens, which provide a safe outdoor space for residents to enjoy the beautiful Tallahassee weather.

Some memory care facilities also offer unique features such as wander management systems to prevent residents from wandering outside the facility without supervision while still giving them freedom of movement.

Memory care facilities that meet every need

In addition to these specialized features, memory care facilities typically provide a wide range of amenities and services to enhance residents’ quality of life. For example, most of our partner facilities provide arts and crafts centers, libraries, and movie or theater rooms to provide engaging activities and opportunities for socialization. Many of our partner facilities include on-site nursing, full medication management, and visiting health care professionals such as occupational, physical, and speech therapists.

Health care for seniors in Tallahassee

Seniors in Tallahassee are well cared for, thanks to an abundance of great health care options.

Transportation for seniors in Tallahassee

There are a handful of reliable transportation options available for seniors suffering memory loss in Tallahassee, including complimentary transportation services provided by 88% of our partner facilities. Another 38% of our memory care partner communities provide at-cost transportation.

For seniors with dementia and other memory-related issues, it is not recommended that they use public transit without a caregiver due to safety concerns related to vision problems, delayed reaction time, or confusion. Public buses are available, but they do not offer senior discounted rates, and their accessibility standards are limited.

Another option is private transportation services such as taxis, ride-sharing apps, or private drivers. These options provide flexibility and convenience, but it is important to ensure that the driver is aware of the senior’s dementia and any specific needs they may have. C&T Senior Transportation may be a viable option. C&T Senior Transportation offers door-to-door service for all types of errands.

Senior activities in Tallahassee

Tallahassee offers a wide range of activities for seniors, including those with memory care needs. These activities are great to enjoy with visiting friends and family.

Seniors and their families or chaperones can visit some great museums in Tallahassee. Goodwood Museum and Gardens offers guided tours and educational programs, where seniors can learn about the history of Tallahassee and enjoy the beautiful gardens and architecture of the historic home. The Tallahassee Automobile Museum features a collection of vintage cars and other automobiles. Seniors can take a trip down memory lane and reminisce about the cars they used to drive. Beyond that, the Challenger Learning Center is an interactive science museum that offers hands-on exhibits and planetarium shows.

There are plenty of restaurants seniors can explore with friends and family. Savour offers high-end steak, seafood, and cocktails. Table 23 serves Southern-style fare in a very cozy and elegant atmosphere, while Bella Bella is a local favorite for Italian cuisine.

There are plenty of wonderful park options in Tallahassee, such as the Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, the Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, and the Florida State Park. These parks in the Tallahassee area offer a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and boating. These activities can be great for seniors with memory care needs, as they provide physical activity and exposure to nature in Tallahassee’s gorgeous climate. Take care to follow these walking tips for older adults from the American Geriatrics Society.

Many of these destinations offer senior discounts and are accessible to those with mobility issues. Additionally, there are many indoor activities that are beneficial for seniors with memory care needs, such as puzzles, board games, and crafting. These activities can be enjoyed with family and friends in the comfort of their own facilities or at a community center. It is important to note that seniors with memory care needs may have different preferences and abilities, so it is important to tailor activities to their individual needs and interests.