What memory care is
Memory care programs offer secured spaces to prevent wandering, staff trained in dementia care, structured days, and help with every daily activity. In Florida, memory care is usually provided inside a licensed assisted living facility, either as a whole community or a separate neighborhood within one.
When it's time
Common triggers are wandering or getting lost, unsafe situations at home, aggression or sundowning a caregiver can't manage, or a caregiver at the breaking point. The National Institute on Aging lists warning signs of Alzheimer's disease [1]. Signs of dementia: what to do.
Florida's new memory care license
A 2026 law creates a memory care services license; AHCA must adopt rules by June 1, 2027, existing facilities then have six months, and only licensed facilities may advertise memory care [2]. Until then, facilities that advertise special Alzheimer's care must disclose in writing what makes it special [3]. Full explainer.
On October 30, 2026, 156 of 1213 state-listed ALFs (licensed or renewal in review) in our three counties reported a memory care program on their state profile [4].
What it costs
CareScout doesn't publish a memory care figure. Its assisted living median for the area was $5,617 a month in 2025 [5], and memory care is often priced above that. Memory care costs.