Memory Care Facilities in Zephyrhills, FL

Zephyrhills, FL, is a suburban city in Pasco County, about 30 miles northeast of Tampa. The community is home to just over 18,000 residents, of whom more than 34% are seniors aged 65 and older. Individuals in this demographic are at higher risk of developing a cognitive condition such as Alzheimer’s. Studies show that more than 6 million American seniors are currently living with dementia, and that number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million by 2050.

Communities such as Zephyrhills have taken steps to ensure that dementia care is available to those who need it. This is reflected in data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which shows that the number of Alzheimer’s-related deaths in the city dropped by more than 23% between 2016 and 2020. For those living with dementia, memory care facilities can be a helpful resource. These communities provide a secure environment with specially trained, 24-hour staff who can assist with daily tasks, personal care and memory-focused programming.

This guide includes information about memory care in Zephyrhills, including what it’s like to live in the city, how much dementia care typically costs and where seniors can look for additional support.

In Zephyrhills and all Florida cities, memory care facilities are overseen by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. This governing body oversees the licensing and regulation of all residential care facilities to ensure they are compliant with the established state and federal laws. Inspections are conducted prior to licensure and every two years thereafter.

• Daily living costs in Zephyrhills are quite affordable, making it a good option for seniors on a budget. The city’s cost of living index is rated 89.3, more than 10% lower than the U.S. national average (100) and nearly 16% lower than the Florida state median (103.1). Seniors may notice particularly low housing costs and affordable transportation.
• Florida also offers a very tax-friendly climate for retirees, as there is no state income tax, estate tax or inheritance tax. This means that any income generated from retirement accounts and benefits such as Social Security income, pensions, IRAs and 401(k)s is exempt from taxation.
• Crime rates in Zephyrhills are above average. While rates of violent crime are quite moderate compared to national numbers, property crime is very high. On a scale of 1 to 100, property crime is indexed at 84, more than double the U.S. average of 35.4. Fortunately, memory care facilities are designed for resident safety, often featuring secured entries, 24-hour surveillance and advanced security systems.
• Zephyrhills sees warm weather year-round and 249 days of annual sunshine, which is ideal for seniors looking to escape cold, snowy winters. However, summers can be incredibly hot and humid, with temperatures climbing to the low 90s for as many as 94 days at the height of the season. The area also sees a high level of rainfall compared to the average American city.
• The air quality in Zephyrhills is above average. The American Lung Association awards Pasco County with an “A” rating in regard to the number of high ozone days it sees on an annual basis.
• Seniors in Zephyrhills have access to safe and reliable transportation via Pasco County Public Transportation (GOPASCO). The system operates 11 fixed-route services across the county as well as an on-demand, door-to-door paratransit service. Seniors aged 65 and up are eligible for reduced fares, and veterans ride for free.
• Residents have access to leading-edge health care and medical treatments at AdventHealth Zephyrhills. In addition to emergency care, the location offers a range of specialty services, including cardiology and orthopedics.

Note: Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we’ve estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey.

Seniors in Zephyrhills typically pay about $4,188 per month for memory care.

Zephyrhills is an affordable option compared to many American cities. Average care costs fall $800 below the state median and are over $1,400 lower than the national average. While costs in nearby Lakeland are about $60 less per month, other cities are more expensive. Orlando’s rates are on par with the state median of $5,000, and costs in North Port are nearly $1,000 higher than in Zephyrhills. At $6,510, The Villages sees some of the highest care costs in the state — over $2,300 higher than in Zephyrhills.

At $2,123 per month, adult day care is an affordable option for seniors with minimal needs. Assisted living is over $800 less expensive than memory care, but the services are less specialized. In-home care and home health care, which allow seniors to age in place at home, are about $580 and $670 more than memory care, respectively. Starting rates at nursing homes are over $4,700 higher than memory care because of the comprehensive medical services included.

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.