Daytona Beach Senior AdvisorDoes memory care have its own license in Florida?
Not yet in practice, but it will: s. 429.076, created in 2026, requires a memory care services license once AHCA adopts its rules, which are due by June 1, 2027.
Until then, ALFs that advertise special care for Alzheimer's disease follow s. 429.178.
Must memory care units in Florida be locked?
Florida requires a physical environment that keeps residents safe but does not require every memory care area to be locked; secured doors, alarms and monitoring are the usual tools.
Ask how exits are secured, how the outdoor area is enclosed and how often staff check on residents overnight.
How many staff must be awake overnight in memory care?
Under s. 429.178 a facility of 17 or more residents that advertises Alzheimer's care must have at least one staff member awake at all hours, and the coming memory care rules must also require an awake staff member at all hours.
That is a building-wide minimum, not a ratio; ask how many people are awake on the memory care wing itself.
What dementia training must memory care staff have?
Staff in facilities advertising special Alzheimer's care complete the dementia training and continuing education in s. 430.5025, Florida Statutes, and the new license rules must meet or exceed that standard.
Ask what share of current caregivers, not just managers, have finished it.
Which local ALFs offer memory care?
Our memory care directory lists every ALF in Volusia and Flagler whose AHCA profile reports a memory care program, with beds, specialty licenses and survey records.
The flag is reported by the facility, so confirm the program and its location in the building on a visit.
Is memory care covered by Medicare?
No: Medicare does not pay for memory care housing or daily care, although it covers doctor visits, hospital care and hospice for a resident; Florida Medicaid long-term care plans can pay for services in contracted memory care settings.
Room and board in memory care is always private pay or OSS-assisted.
Can someone with dementia live in regular assisted living?
Yes, often for a long time, as long as they do not wander, accept help and are safe in an open building; the facility should know the diagnosis at admission.
Wandering, exit-seeking and nighttime agitation are the usual signs that a secured setting is needed.
What happens if a memory care facility does not get the new license?
It can keep current memory care residents only under strict conditions, including written notice to families that they may move, no new memory care admissions and amended contracts.
That is why asking each building about its license plans matters for anyone moving in during 2026 or 2027.
