Memory care hallway designed like a neighborhood street, with a brick front, shutters, picket fence and red front door, at Colonial Gardens in Lauderhill

When a loved one is living with Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, finding the right care environment is one of the most emotionally charged decisions a family will face. If you live in Plantation, FL and are searching for trusted memory care near Plantation, Colonial Gardens Residences in neighboring Lauderhill offers a compassionate, secure, and professionally staffed memory care program — just minutes from home.

Rated 4.8★ on Google, our Lauderhill community has earned the confidence of families throughout Broward County. We understand that choosing memory care isn't just about finding a safe place — it's about finding a place where your loved one will continue to be seen, known, and valued as an individual.

Looking beyond Plantation? See our full guide to memory care in Broward County, including our Alzheimer's and dementia services disclosure.

Understanding Memory Care vs. Assisted Living

Many families ask whether their loved one needs assisted living or memory care. While both provide personalized support with daily activities, there are meaningful differences between them.

Assisted living is designed for seniors who need help with some daily tasks — such as bathing, dressing, medication management, or meal preparation — but who are cognitively intact or experiencing only mild impairment. Residents typically have freedom of movement throughout the community and participate in activities independently.

Memory care, by contrast, is specifically designed for individuals with moderate to severe cognitive decline. Key differences include:

For a deeper comparison, read our guide on Assisted Living vs. Memory Care: Understanding the Difference.

Signs Your Loved One May Need Memory Care

Recognizing when to transition from home care or assisted living to a dedicated memory care program is not always straightforward. Families near Plantation often contact us after noticing one or more of these warning signs:

Safety Concerns at Home

Leaving the stove on, wandering outside and becoming lost, or falling while attempting tasks that were once routine — these are red flags that a home environment may no longer be safe without round-the-clock supervision. Memory care provides a secure setting where safety risks are proactively managed.

Behavioral and Personality Changes

Dementia often manifests in personality shifts, including increased agitation, suspicion, depression, or aggression. These behaviors can be distressing for family caregivers and are best managed by trained staff who understand their neurological origins and know how to respond with calm, effective care strategies.

Inability to Perform ADLs

When a loved one can no longer safely manage bathing, dressing, eating, or toileting — or refuses help with these tasks — the level of support required goes beyond what most families can provide at home or what standard assisted living is designed to offer.

Caregiver Exhaustion

If you or another family member is experiencing burnout from the demands of caregiving, that's not a failure — it's a signal that your loved one's needs have escalated beyond what any single person can sustainably provide. Professional memory care gives your family the gift of being able to return to being sons, daughters, and spouses — not just caregivers.

Our Memory Care Program at Colonial Gardens

Colonial Gardens' memory care program is built around a simple but powerful commitment: to honor every resident's dignity, history, and individuality, even as cognitive abilities change. Our program includes:

Secured, Homelike Environment

Our memory care area is designed to be safe and calm. Exits are secured with keypad doors and door alarms to help prevent wandering, while the setting stays comfortable and residential, not clinical. Memory care residents also have their own gated outdoor garden for fresh air and supervised walks.

Florida-Required Dementia Training

Our staff complete Florida-required Alzheimer's and dementia training, so they know how to communicate calmly, reduce confusion and support residents through changes in mood or behavior. With 24/7 care and supervision, including awake staff overnight with regular checks, someone is always nearby.

Structured Daily Routines

Consistency is therapeutic for individuals with dementia. Our daily schedule provides predictable rhythms around meals, activities, rest, and personal care — reducing the disorientation that comes with unpredictability. Residents know what to expect, and that familiarity creates a sense of security.

Therapeutic Activities

Our activities team designs programming specifically for memory care residents, including:

Family Communication and Support

We believe families are essential partners in care. Our team communicates regularly with family members about their loved one's condition, participation, and well-being. We also offer guidance and education to help families understand dementia progression and navigate the emotional journey of caregiving.

A Neighborhood Designed to Feel Like Home

Our memory care hallways are designed like a neighborhood street. Each resident's room has its own front door, with shutters, flower boxes and different door colors, so the hallway looks and feels like a familiar block rather than a corridor. Those details give residents simple landmarks to help them recognize their way, and they make the space feel more like home for residents and visiting families.

Red and black front doors with flower boxes along a memory care hallway at Colonial Gardens, Lauderhill, FL

Cost of Memory Care Near Plantation, FL

Memory care costs more than standard assisted living because it involves more hands-on staffing, supervision and structured activities. Here is what care costs at Colonial Gardens:

Your exact rate depends on the room and the care your loved one needs, which we confirm during a pre-admission assessment. There are no buy-in fees. We accept private pay and Medicaid long-term care through participating plans; see our Medicaid assisted living page. For Broward County cost context, see our memory care in Broward County page.

Why Plantation Families Trust Colonial Gardens

Plantation is a vibrant community, and its residents deserve memory care options that reflect high standards of quality and compassion. Colonial Gardens is located in Lauderhill, directly accessible from Plantation via Sunrise Boulevard or Oakland Park Boulevard — typically a 10 to 15 minute drive depending on your neighborhood.

"I'm a resident and I love it here. So much to do, lots of entertainment. It's a happy, happy, place. Our apartments are very comfortable. … Love it here."
— Cheryl Hunter, Google review

Families from Plantation have chosen Colonial Gardens for several consistent reasons:

Read what families are saying about their experience with Colonial Gardens.

How to Learn More and Schedule a Visit

If you're a Plantation family considering memory care for a loved one, we encourage you to reach out for a private conversation. Our admissions team is experienced in helping families assess care needs and navigate this transition with care and clarity.

You can:

There is no pressure and no obligation. Our goal is simply to help your family find the right care at the right time.