What to Consider About Memory Care in Jacksonville

Jacksonville, which is the most populous city in the state and the largest city by area in the contiguous United States, is in Duval County on Florida's northern Atlantic coast. It is home to more than 890,000 people and has a large senior group that makes up nearly 13 percent of the population.

In addition to its state-of-the-art medical facilities, including Baptist Health, which provides specialized care to seniors through their AgeWell program, there are 23 memory care facilities in the city and three nearby. They provide specialized memory care for residents with Alzheimer's disease and dementia. These include 24-hour staffing, specialized training and secured areas to prevent wandering. All facilities are licensed and monitored by the Bureau of Health Facility Regulation.

• Jacksonville’s overall cost of living is on par with the national average and 11 percent lower than the state average, with healthcare costs coming in about 3 percent below average. Transportation costs in this city are about 17 percent higher than the national average, which may impact families who visit their loved ones in memory care.   
• Jacksonville has a warm, wet climate with 221 sunny days annually. The temperature ranges from roughly 92 degrees in the summer to 44 degrees in the winter, making it well-suited for seniors who enjoy relaxing outdoors throughout the year. 
• Florida has no income tax, meaning that seniors retain all income they receive from Social Security, retirement accounts and pensions.   
• Duval County’s air quality is fair. The American Lung Association gave the region a C for ozone pollution and a B for 24-hour particle pollution. Seniors with conditions like COPD, asthma and diabetes should speak with their health practitioner to determine how Jacksonville’s air quality will affect them.