The city of Saint Petersburg in the Tampa Bay area of Florida is home to around 258,201 people, approximately 19.3% of whom are aged 65 and older and are at risk of various forms of dementia. That includes Alzheimer’s disease, America’s seventh-most-common cause of death. Fatalities from Alzheimer’s increased by 71.13% in the Tampa Bay area between 2014 and 2018 according to CDC data. By comparison, deaths from all causes over the same period increased by only 10.55%, illustrating why the increasing prevalence of dementia has become a concern. A 2020 study projects that the number of Americans living with Alzheimer’s could more than double by the year 2050 to a total of 12.7 million people.
Memory care is a crucial resource for seniors in St. Petersburg dealing with this reality. Facilities offer around-the-clock support in safe environments by staff specifically trained to provide individualized care for clients with cognitive impairment. They also have therapists who employ the latest methods for slowing the advance of dementia. This guide offers an overview of the pros and cons of living in St. Petersburg, summarizes the costs of memory care and alternatives, and lists useful resources for seniors and their families.