The 5 Best Memory Care Facilities in Gulfport, MS for 2024

 

The beach city of Gulfport, MS, is home to about 72,000 people, 13.9% of whom are seniors ages 65 and older. This senior community is at risk for many health issues, especially Alzheimer's disease and other memory disorders. In fact, according to the CDC, Alzheimer's-related deaths are on the rise in Gulfport. In 2016, 74 people died from Alzheimer's, but the number rose to 96 in 2020, an increase of 29.73%.

This is why dementia care is so important for Gulfport and its seniors. Memory care is specially designed to provide a safe place where seniors experiencing memory loss can get the help and support they need. These communities are fully secure with 24-hour monitoring. Caregivers handle housekeeping, meals and personal care for residents. They also engage seniors in activities that stimulate the brain and promote physical health.

Seniors can use this guide to learn more about memory care in Gulfport. It provides information about costs, financial assistance, benefits and drawbacks of the city and free and low-cost resources.

The Mississippi State Department of Health licenses and oversees memory care facilities in Gulfport. This kind of regulation assures seniors and their families that communities maintain high standards of service and care. An easily accessible online health facilities directory contains information about licensed communities so seniors can make informed decisions about their care.

 

• Gulfport's cost of living is low compared to the national average. On a 100-point scale with the U.S. average at 100, Gulfport comes in at 80.6. Several subcategories also come in low, including housing, groceries, transportation and utilities. While seniors in memory care don't have to worry about these expenses directly, the lower costs can make their budgets lighter as they pay for their care.
• Violent crime in Gulfport is lower than average at 18.5 out of a 100. The U.S. average is 22.7. Property crime, however, is high at 70.1 (with a U.S. average of 35.4). Seniors who live in memory care communities benefit from the security those locations provide. They often use high-tech monitoring and secure entry to help keep residents safe.
• While Gulfport's climate is quite warm in the summer, its winter weather is much more comfortable. In fact, the city's winter comfort index score is 7.9 out of 10. Most memory care communities are air-conditioned with excellent climate control systems, so residents stay comfortable no matter what the weather.
• Gulfport's residents enjoy above-average air and water quality. On a 100-point scale, water quality comes in at 60 (with a national average of 55) and air quality at 62 (with a national average of 58). Healthy air and water can reduce the risk of disease and respiratory problems.
• Gulfport's population is served by two major hospitals. Singing River Gulfport provides a wide range of care, including robotic surgery, a sleep center and emergency services with a Level III Trauma Center. Cardiology, rheumatology and orthopedics specialties are also available. Memorial Hospital Gulfport provides a Level II Trauma Center, a Primary Stroke Center and a cancer center with advanced treatments.

 

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 Gulfport pay an average of $4,750 per month for memory care; however, prices may shift up or down based on the level of care needed.

Although Gulfport's memory care costs are $375 higher than the Mississippi state average, they fall below the U.S. average by $875. Gulfport's prices are also less expensive than those in many neighboring cities. Hattiesburg and Jackson in Mississippi show rates of $5,155 and $5,438 respectively. New Orleans, LA, is also more expensive than Gulfport by over $200, as is Daphne, AL.

Because of the nature of memory care, it tends to be more expensive than other senior care options. In Gulfport, only nursing home care costs more by over $2,500 per month. Some seniors with memory loss may be able to remain in their own homes at least for a while and bring in home care or home health care for $4,195. Assisted living facilities charge $950 less per month for their services than memory care communities.

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 Mississippi page.