When families face the challenging decision of finding memory care for a loved one with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, the search often feels overwhelming. Cost concerns, quality of care, and the emotional weight of transition can make an already difficult situation even more stressful. Douglas Halperin, Principal at Elevated Estates, offers insights that are reshaping how families approach this critical decision about memory care facilities in Florida.
“The biggest thing is understanding who you’re looking for and what they are looking for,” Douglas explains. “What kind of care do they need? What kind of place do they want to be in? These foundational questions help families avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary moves later on.”
A Different Approach to Memory Care in New Port Richey
Since launching in early 2022, Elevated Estates has focused on serving the underserved middle market of assisted living and memory care in Florida. The company’s mission centers on providing excellent dementia care, upgraded amenities, and quality of life at prices that don’t force families to choose between their loved one’s wellbeing and financial stability.
The New Port Richey memory care facility exemplifies this philosophy. Unlike many assisted living communities that segregate memory care residents to specific floors or wings, the entire multi-floor building is dedicated to memory care. This unique design allows residents freedom of movement throughout all floors, dining areas, and outdoor spaces while maintaining the security measures necessary for their safety.
“Residents can go anywhere they want within the property,” Douglas notes. “They’re not confined to one small area. They have access to all the activity rooms, outdoor spaces, and common areas. In Tampa’s beautiful weather, being able to freely go outside makes a tremendous difference in quality of life.”
Beyond the Basics: What Sets This Memory Care Facility Apart
The New Port Richey assisted living and memory care facility offers both private and shared room options, ensuring accessibility across different budget levels. All residents receive 24-hour care, chef-prepared meals tailored to individual dietary needs and preferences, and a robust activities program designed to work with cognition and maintain mental engagement.
What truly distinguishes Elevated Estates, however, is their acceptance of Medicaid alongside private pay options. This policy opens doors for families who might otherwise struggle to afford quality memory care in Florida.
“A lot of places advertise one price, then add three thousand or four thousand dollars in care level fees,” Douglas cautions. “We do all-in pricing. The price is the price. Families need to understand the total cost, not just the starting rate they see online.”
Expert Guidance for Families Navigating Memory Care Options
Drawing from his experience in the senior living industry, Douglas emphasizes several critical factors families should consider when evaluating memory care facilities and assisted living communities.
First, understand the specific care needs and how they might evolve. Memory care residents typically require more support over time, making it essential to find a facility where loved ones can remain long-term rather than facing additional moves.
“Moving and transitions can be particularly challenging for people with memory issues,” Douglas explains. “You want to find a place you can grow with, somewhere you feel confident your loved one can stay for a substantial amount of time.”
Second, tour facilities thoroughly and pay attention to details. Bathroom accessibility, room layouts, and mobility accommodations vary significantly between properties. What works for one resident may not work for another.
Third, and perhaps most importantly, assess the culture and staff commitment. “You want to find people that are caring and loving and appreciate the job they’re doing,” Douglas advises. “If the overall sense of the community is that they care about the people they’re looking after, then dietary needs, activity preferences, and individual requests will all fall into place naturally.”
The Elevated Estates Philosophy in Memory Care
Elevated Estates built its reputation on turning around underperforming facilities through relationship-focused management and genuine community engagement. The company’s organizational structure remains intentionally nimble, allowing rapid response to resident needs and staff suggestions without bureaucratic delays.
“If something needs to change, it can happen that week,” Douglas says. “We don’t have to wait months or years going through multiple committees. Our flat structure means residents and staff can communicate directly with management.”
For the New Port Richey property, this approach translates to attentive dementia care, diverse activities programming, and an environment where residents spend most of their time outside their rooms, engaging socially rather than in isolation.
Affordable Memory Care Without Compromising Quality
As families across Tampa Bay and Pasco County navigate the complex landscape of memory care options, Elevated Estates of New Port Richey offers a compelling alternative: professional, compassionate Alzheimer’s care in a purpose-built environment, without the premium pricing typically associated with quality memory care facilities.
The facility’s location in New Port Richey, Florida provides families in the Tampa area convenient access to visit their loved ones while maintaining the peaceful environment essential for memory care residents. The dedicated memory care building ensures that all amenities, programming, and staff training focus specifically on the needs of individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Understanding Memory Care vs Assisted Living
It’s important for families to understand the distinction between assisted living and memory care. While assisted living provides support with daily activities in an environment where residents can come and go freely, memory care facilities like Elevated Estates of New Port Richey provide secure environments specifically designed for individuals with cognitive impairment.
“Memory care is going to typically have locks on the doors and things like that,” Douglas explains. “Assisted living, you can come and go as you please. Memory care is different. You can’t have someone who has Alzheimer’s going out to the store. It’s too dangerous for them.”
The entire New Port Richey property is secured for memory care, but unlike facilities where memory care residents are confined to a single wing or floor, residents here can access all areas within the building. This provides a better quality of life while maintaining the safety protocols essential for dementia care.
What Families Should Know About Memory Care Costs
When researching memory care facilities in Florida, families should ask detailed questions about pricing structures. Some communities advertise low base rates but add significant fees based on care levels, medications management, or behavioral needs.
Elevated Estates uses transparent, all-in pricing for their New Port Richey memory care facility. This means families know the actual monthly cost upfront, without worrying about unexpected fee increases as their loved one’s condition progresses.
Additionally, the facility’s acceptance of Medicaid provides options for families whose resources may be limited or who need to plan for long-term affordability in memory care.
For more information about memory care at Elevated Estates of New Port Richey, visit elevatedestates.org or contact the community directly to schedule a tour of this specialized Alzheimer’s and dementia care facility in the Tampa Bay area.
Disclosure: Individuals or companies mentioned may have a commercial relationship with KeyCrew.
