Ortega Gardens, located in Jacksonville, Florida, is a care facility that specializes exclusively in memory care services for individuals experiencing memory loss. The community is designed to accommodate residents with Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, offering a secured and supportive environment aimed at promoting safety and comfort. Ortega Gardens features amenities and programs that focus on the needs of those with cognitive impairments, including secured walkways, outdoor walking paths, and spaces intended to encourage engagement while reducing confusion and stress. The facility hosts various clubs and community activities, with offerings that include massage therapy, fitness programs, yoga and chair yoga, gardening, and socialization designed for memory care residents. A barber and beauty salon, as well as both English and Spanish language support, are available on-site, and podiatry services are also provided.
The primary medical support services at Ortega Gardens encompass full assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, eating, dressing, and toileting. The community accepts individuals with psychiatric diagnoses, provides ambulatory and incontinence care, and offers diabetes management. Medication management is provided by trained staff to ensure appropriate dosing and safety, and licensed medical professionals coordinate with residents' healthcare providers to support individual care plans. The facility employs a dedicated memory care approach, with programs and environments structured to promote engagement and minimize frustration for residents. Onsite massage therapists are available, and the facility is equipped to provide rehabilitation, personal hygiene, and ongoing wellness activities.
Transportation at Ortega Gardens is available for both medical and non-medical purposes, provided at cost to residents. This service facilitates access to external medical appointments, shopping, personal errands, and group outings, supporting the mobility needs and independence of residents while ensuring that travel is managed in a secure manner appropriate to their cognitive abilities.
Based on resident and family reviews, Ortega Gardens is often described as a well-maintained and clean environment with a focus on safety and ensuring a homelike atmosphere. Families note the presence of caring, attentive staff who work to maintain good communication and develop personalized care plans for residents. The community is valued for reputable staff professionalism, proactive health advocacy, and open updates, even during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. Amenities such as communal gardening, engaging activities, and appealing meal options are frequently mentioned. However, some concerns from reviewers include occasional staff turnover, unmet expectations for individualized activity programming (notably on weekends), inconsistencies in management communication, and concerns about missing personal items or additional costs. Overall, families report that loved ones are content and experience improved quality of life in this specialized memory care community, citing a preference compared to prior more generalized assisted living settings.
Costs at this community start at $3,490 and range up to $6,195. The average price in the community is $4,842, which is less than the average price in the area of $5,154. The cost of memory care in this area is essentially the same as the cost throughout the state. If the resident needs other services, additional services may increase the monthly cost.
