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 stars from 162 Google reviews, our 128-bed 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.
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:
- Secured environment — Memory care wings or buildings are secured to prevent wandering, one of the most serious safety risks for individuals with dementia
- Specialized staff training — All caregivers receive focused training in dementia-informed care, communication techniques, and behavioral support
- Structured routines — Predictable daily schedules reduce anxiety and confusion for residents with memory impairment
- Therapeutic programming — Activities are specifically designed to engage cognitive function, spark meaningful memories, and support emotional well-being
- Higher staff-to-resident ratios — Memory care residents require more intensive supervision and support
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 wing is thoughtfully designed to provide a safe, calm environment. Secured entries and exits prevent wandering while maintaining a comfortable, residential atmosphere — not clinical or institutional. Residents can move freely within safe zones and access our beautiful garden courtyards for fresh air and gentle outdoor activity.
Dementia-Trained Staff
Every member of our memory care team — from nursing staff to activity aides — receives specialized training in dementia care. This includes validation therapy techniques, de-escalation strategies for behavioral expressions, and communication approaches that reduce confusion and build trust. Our 24/7 licensed nursing coverage means professional oversight is always available.
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:
- Music therapy and familiar song programs that stimulate long-term memory and emotional connection
- Reminiscence activities using photos, objects, and sensory cues from residents' personal histories
- Gentle movement and fitness adapted for all ability levels
- Art and creative expression that doesn't require verbal communication
- Intergenerational programming and community visits when appropriate
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.
Cost of Memory Care Near Plantation, FL
Memory care costs more than standard assisted living due to the higher staffing ratios and specialized programming involved. Near Plantation, FL, families can expect the following ranges in 2026:
- Memory care in Plantation: $4,800 – $6,000/month
- Memory care at Colonial Gardens (Lauderhill): Competitive all-inclusive pricing — call for a personalized quote
- Memory care in Fort Lauderdale: $5,000 – $6,500/month
- Memory care in Boca Raton: $5,500 – $7,000+/month
At Colonial Gardens, our all-inclusive pricing covers nursing care, memory care programming, meals, medication management, housekeeping, laundry, and activities — with no hidden add-ons. We work with families to explore Medicaid, VA Aid & Attendance benefits, long-term care insurance, and private pay options.
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.
"My mother has Alzheimer's and the staff at Colonial Gardens treats her with such tenderness. She's calm, engaged, and well-cared for. It's a relief beyond words."
Families from Plantation have chosen Colonial Gardens for several consistent reasons:
- Proximity — Close enough for daily or weekly visits from anywhere in Plantation
- Reputation — A 4.8-star rating from 162 reviews earned through years of consistent, compassionate care
- All-inclusive pricing — No surprises, no complex fee structures
- 24/7 licensed nursing — Professional oversight around the clock, not just during business hours
- Genuine community — A homelike environment where staff know residents by name and by story
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 confidential conversation. Our admissions team is experienced in helping families assess care needs and navigate this transition with care and clarity.
You can:
- Call us directly at (954) 484-1960 to speak with an admissions coordinator
- Visit our Services page to learn more about our memory care program
- Schedule a private tour via our Contact page — we welcome in-person visits and will show you our memory care wing in detail
There is no pressure and no obligation. Our goal is simply to help your family find the right care at the right time.