A lot of seniors call Manatee County, FL, home because of its warm climate and breath-taking clear blue waters, graceful palm trees, and sugar-white sands that blanket its many beaches. And just because a senior isn’t getting around like they used to doesn’t mean they can’t dip their toes in those warm beach sands from time-to-time. If you’re a caregiver for an elderly loved one, there are several great Manatee County, FL beaches that cater to seniors with limited mobility, starting with these.
Manatee County Beaches are ADA Compliant
All the public beaches in the Bradenton area have been updated in compliance with Title II requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As a result, if your senior uses a mobility device like a walker, cane, wheelchair or motorized scooter, they’ll enjoy the same access to all beach and park areas anywhere foot traffic is allowed. If your senior uses a power-driven mobility device (PDMD) to get around, safety restrictions for operating those types of vehicles in beach areas are on the Manatee County website (www.mymanatee.com), including:
- Speed – A typical walking speed should be maintained, not to exceed 5 MPH.
- Width – Not to exceed 34 inches.
- Length – Not to exceed 62 inches.
- Weight – Not to exceed 550 pounds.
- Type – Should not include any motorized off-road vehicle designed to travel on non-highway tires and/or having a seat designed to be straddled by the operator and/or handlebars for steering controls. In other words, all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), off highway motorcycles (OHMs), and recreational off-road vehicles (ROVs) are prohibited.
These precautions were put in place to provide a safer experience for all beachgoers, including the elderly. With that said, now it’s time to explore some of the best Manatee County, FL beaches for your senior, even if they do experience limited mobility!
Coquina Beach
Spacious, 22-acre Coquina Beach is located at the southern tip of Anna Maria Island in the town of Bradenton Beach. Open daily from sunrise to midnight, it’s a wheelchair-friendly park and beach area that features free parking, trolley access, and a bus stop for those using Manatee County Area Transportation (MCAT). There are many picnic tables, grills, and benches spaced around the park for enjoying a bite to eat, along with 5 pavilions for larger gatherings. Additional beach amenities include:
- Bike racks
- Changing cabanas
- Coquina Beach Café
- Game tables
- Gift shop
- Lifeguards during daylight hours
- Outside shower
- Paved multi-purpose use trail
- Water fountains
Manatee Public Beach
Located at 4000 State Road 64 and Gulf Drive in the town of Holmes Beach, breath-taking Manatee Public Beach is accessible by car, trolley, or the MCAT bus system. It’s open from sunrise to 10 pm daily, and has a wheelchair-accessible, 7-acre beach area that’s perfect for seniors with limited mobility. There are plenty of benches and picnic tables for sharing a bite to eat and relaxing conversation, along with these additional beach services:
- Anna Maria Island Beach Café
- Bike racks
- Changing cabanas
- Gift shop
- Grills
- Lifeguards during daylight hours
- Showers with foot wash
- Water fountains
Palma Sola Causeway Park
If your senior prefers bringing along their love-able pooch, then Palma Sola Causeway Park might be just what you’re looking for. Roughly 9 acres in size, this scenic, dog-friendly beach is located on the north side of State Road 64 at 9000 Manatee Avenue West, and is open to the public from sunrise to sunset. Easily accessible by car, there’s also an MCAT bus stop conveniently located nearby. For those who like to do a little angling, this public park and beach features a boat dock that you can fish from. Additional amenities at this beach include:
- Dog-friendly
- Grills
- Picnic tables
- Picnic shelter
- Restrooms
- Water fountain
Caregivers that Love Taking At-Home Seniors to the Beach
If your senior loved one enjoys going to the beach, but you’re having a hard time getting them there for one reason or another, call First In Care instead. Our highly trained caregivers love taking at-home seniors to the beach, and fully understand the special care and transportation needs that those with limited mobility demand. While keeping your senior active by serving as an extended family in their home, our caregivers always use a proven approach that’s designed to keep at-home seniors safe and comfortable right where they want to be.
With an emphasis on improving your loved one’s quality of life, dignity and self-esteem, our reliable in-home services include light housework, personal hygiene, medication management, meals, companionship and transportation. And, all our family trusted amenities can be flexibly tailored in an affordable package to put your mind at-ease. To schedule a FREE in-home care consultation now, or to learn more about our companion care and home health services for Manatee County, FL, seniors, please visit First In Care at: www.firstincare.com!
