When families search for memory care for loved ones with dementia or Alzheimer's disease, they often face overwhelming decisions involving cost, quality of care, and emotional transitions. Douglas Halperin, Principal at Elevated Estates, provides insights that are reshaping how families approach this critical decision about memory care facilities in Florida. Since launching in early 2022, Elevated Estates has focused on serving the underserved middle market of assisted living and memory care in Florida, with a mission centered 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 through its unique design. 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 design allows residents freedom of movement throughout all floors, dining areas, and outdoor spaces while maintaining necessary security measures. Residents can access all activity rooms, outdoor spaces, and common areas, with the ability to freely go outside in Tampa's weather making a significant difference in quality of life.
The 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 a robust activities program designed to work with cognition and maintain mental engagement. What distinguishes Elevated Estates is their acceptance of Medicaid alongside private pay options, opening doors for families who might otherwise struggle to afford quality memory care in Florida. The company uses transparent, all-in pricing rather than advertising low base rates with additional care level fees, providing families with clear understanding of total costs.
Douglas Halperin emphasizes several critical factors families should consider when evaluating memory care facilities. Understanding specific care needs and how they might evolve is essential, as memory care residents typically require more support over time. Families should find a facility where loved ones can remain long-term rather than facing additional moves, since transitions can be particularly challenging for people with memory issues. Touring facilities thoroughly and paying attention to details like bathroom accessibility, room layouts, and mobility accommodations is crucial, as what works for one resident may not work for another.
Perhaps most importantly, families should assess the culture and staff commitment. Finding people who are caring and loving and appreciate their work creates an environment where dietary needs, activity preferences, and individual requests naturally fall into place. Elevated Estates built its reputation on turning around underperforming facilities through relationship-focused management and genuine community engagement. The company's intentionally nimble organizational structure allows rapid response to resident needs and staff suggestions without bureaucratic delays, meaning changes can happen within weeks rather than months or years.
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. The facility's location in New Port Richey, Florida provides families in the Tampa area convenient access while maintaining the peaceful environment essential for memory care residents. The dedicated memory care building ensures all amenities, programming, and staff training focus specifically on the needs of individuals living with dementia and Alzheimer's disease.
Families should 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. 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, providing better quality of life while maintaining essential safety protocols.
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' transparent, all-in pricing for their New Port Richey memory care facility means families know the actual monthly cost upfront, without worrying about unexpected fee increases as their loved one's condition progresses. 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 https://elevatedestates.org.
