A diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease or another dementia changes a family's days in ways that are hard to plan for. This page is written for the moment you are in now: understanding the stages, recognizing when home care is no longer enough, and knowing what to look for in a community. When you're ready for the details of our secured neighborhood, costs and Florida disclosure, see our memory care in Broward County page.
How needs change through the stages of dementia
- Early stage. Many people still manage most daily tasks but begin missing appointments, repeating questions or losing track of bills. Assisted living, with structure and staff nearby, can be a good fit at this point.
- Middle stage. Confusion, wandering, sleep changes and difficulty with bathing or dressing are common. This is when families most often look for memory care, with secured exits and a predictable daily routine.
- Later stage. Needs for hands-on help increase. We'll talk honestly with you about whether an assisted living facility can continue to meet your loved one's needs, and help you plan if more care is required.
Signs it may be time to look for help
Families in Lauderhill and across Broward often call us after a fall, a missed medication, a wandering incident, or simply because a caregiver is exhausted. If you're seeing these signs, our free care assessment and signs a parent needs assisted living guide can help you think it through.
How Colonial Gardens supports people living with memory loss
- 24/7 care and supervision, with awake staff overnight
- A secured memory care neighborhood with keypad doors, door alarms and a gated garden for memory care residents
- Consistent routines for meals, activities and rest, which reduce anxiety for many people with dementia
- Staff trained to Florida's Alzheimer's and dementia requirements
- Staff who speak English and Spanish, so many residents can be cared for in their first language
- On-call doctors and nurses, coordinated with your loved one's own physicians
- Remodeled rooms and bathrooms since new ownership took over in March 2026
Read our full Alzheimer's and Dementia Services Disclosure (section 429.177, Florida Statutes) for the specific services we provide.
Supporting the family, too
Families are welcome to visit and are kept updated when care needs change. For caregivers who are not ready for a permanent move, a respite stay can provide a break and a chance to see how your loved one settles in. The Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline, 1-800-272-3900, also offers free guidance at any hour.
Cost and payment
| Care level | Starting monthly rate |
|---|---|
| Assisted living (shared room) | from $3,500/month |
| Private rooms | available at a higher rate; call for pricing |
| Memory care | from $5,000+/month |
Your exact rate is confirmed after a pre-admission assessment. We accept private pay and Florida Medicaid Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) through participating plans.
Compare care levels in Assisted Living vs. Memory Care, or learn how Medicaid assisted living works in Florida.
Alzheimer's & Dementia Care FAQ
What is the difference between this page and your memory care page?
This page explains Alzheimer's and dementia care in general: the stages, the warning signs and how families decide. Our memory care in Broward County page describes our secured memory care neighborhood, pricing and Florida disclosure in detail.
Can a person with early-stage dementia live in assisted living?
Often, yes. Many people in the early stage do well in assisted living with structure and staff support. We confirm fit through a pre-admission assessment before anyone moves in.
Do your staff speak Spanish?
Yes. Our staff speak English and Spanish.
Are doctors and nurses available?
Doctors and nurses are available on call, and we coordinate with each resident's own physicians and pharmacy. We are a licensed assisted living facility, not a nursing home.
Do you accept Medicaid?
Yes. We accept Florida Medicaid Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) through participating plans, as well as private pay. Eligibility is determined by the State of Florida; the ADRC of Broward County Elder Helpline, (954) 745-9779, can start a screening.
Can we visit often?
Yes. Families are welcome to visit and stay involved. We'll suggest visit times that fit your loved one's routine.
Talk with us
Call or text (954) 484-1960, or schedule a tour. Please don't send medical details through the website; we'll talk through your loved one's needs by phone or in person.