The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Alachua County, FL for 2024

According to the Alzheimer's Association, 540,000 Floridians are living with Alzheimer's disease, and that number is expected to grow. Seniors living in Alachua County, representing nearly 14 percent of the population of 266,944, may be a part of that growing group of Floridians with Alzheimer's disease. These seniors may benefit from living in one of the county's six memory care facilities.

Memory care facilities are one type of assisted living facilities in Florida. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs licenses and oversees all assisted living facilities in the state, including those in Alachua County. These facilities are also required to complete additional training through the University of South Florida's Training Academy on Aging. 

• Alachua County's cost of living is just under the national average, coming in at 95.6 on a scale where 100 represents the average. Healthcare costs are just above the national average at 101. Seniors' families may consider this cost of living when budgeting for memory care facility expenses.
• Another financial consideration is Florida's tax laws. Alachua County seniors do not have to pay taxes on their social security income. Seniors' families may factor this tax savings into their monthly budget.
• Alachua County's location in north central Florida delivers moderate year-round temperatures, which can be a welcome respite for seniors and their families looking to escape cold and snow. Winters are mild, with low temperatures in the 40s and no snow. During the summer, heat and humidity rise, with temperatures exceeding 90 degrees. The area sees more rain than average but more sunny days than average as well.
• Violent crime rates and property crime rates are both higher than the national average. On a scale where one represents the safest city and 100 the most dangerous, Alachua County's violent crime rate is 57.7 and property crime rate is 54.9. Seniors' families may want to consider security measures in place at local memory care facilities for added peace of mind.

Memory Care costs in Alachua County start around $5,799 per month on average, while the nationwide average cost of memory care is $5,694 per month.

It’s important to note that memory care rates in Alachua County and the surrounding suburbs can vary widely based on factors such as location, the level of care needed, apartment size and the types of amenities offered at each community.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Memory Care in Florida page.

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.

Alachua County-area memory care communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all memory care communities in Florida are required to follow. Visit our Memory Care in Florida page for more information about these laws.