Pete's Place Assisted Living

Pros

• CERTUS of Vero Beach is described as a very well planned out and beautiful place to be.
• The facility specializes in memory care, with staff specially trained to care for residents with dementia.
• The environment is impressively clean, with no offensive odors, and common areas are well kept.
• Under Stephanie's leadership, with Christine and Leslie, residents participate in a robust schedule of activities from morning to late afternoon.
• The dining program is praised for tasty soups and enjoyable meals, with snacks twice daily and dessert daily.
• The CERTUS App provides daily activity entries and easy communication with the Activities Director.
• The executive director and staff are caring, professional, and focused on resident safety and peace of mind.
• The community is described as a loving family of caregivers who work well together to provide the best care.

Cons

• The reviewer was not impressed at all with this place.

Review

CERTUS of Vero Beach stands out in the memory care landscape with a clear focus on dementia-specific needs, neighborhood design that supports independence and socialization, and a culture of genuinely caring staff. Across numerous firsthand accounts, families describe a warm welcome from the moment of arrival, a staff that feels approachable and professional, and a facility that seems intentional about making residents feel at home. Even when a family member faced a medical emergency, reviewers note that the team's responsiveness and precautions helped restore a sense of safety and trust.

A core theme running through the reviews is the dedicated, specialized care for people with memory impairment. Several families emphasize that CERTUS is a place built around memory care, with staff who are specifically trained to respond to dementia in all its forms. This specialization translates into steady routines, predictable safety measures, and a treatment philosophy that prioritizes comfort and dignity. The consensus is that the staff's empathy and competence provide real peace of mind for families navigating the challenges of dementia care.

Activity programming is repeatedly highlighted as a standout feature. Under the leadership of Stephanie Conroy, supported by Christine and Leslie, residents participate in a robust calendar of daily activities ranging from morning to late afternoon. Reviewers mention singing, games, weekly live entertainment, spiritual gatherings, and resident meetings, with monthly themed parties accompanied by a buffet lunch. The emphasis on social, mental, and physical well-being is evident, and families appreciate the energy and creativity that keep residents engaged. The program also includes an intuitive communication tool - the CERTUS App - that allows families to monitor daily activity participation and view resident photos, offering a window into daily life and a simple way to stay connected with the Activities Director.

Dining and living spaces receive frequent praise for quality and atmosphere. Several reviewers note that the food is enjoyable and that even picky eaters find varieties to love, with soups singled out as particularly tasty. The dining experience is integrated into a larger, two-wing layout connected by a "town center" that houses a salon, fitness room, lunch counter, post office, and a theater/activity space. The facility also features courtyards in both neighborhoods, providing residents with outdoor options and a sense of personal autonomy. Cleanliness is consistently described as excellent, with no offensive odors and well-kept common areas that reinforce a welcoming, home-like feel.

Safety, security, and professional stewardship are repeatedly cited as essential strengths. Inbound and outbound security is described as paramount, with staff actively ensuring that families never worry about a loved one's safety during transitions. Executive leadership is depicted as accessible and proactive, with one reviewer recalling a late-evening re-entry issue that the director helped resolve. The overall impression is of a well-managed operation where administrative resources align with frontline care to support both residents and their families.

Testimonials from families who have observed significant improvements in their loved ones are among the most compelling notes. One account describes a father's move in November 2024, with visits several times a week and a remarkable transition attributed to the compassionate, capable staff. Another describes a mother with Alzheimer's who has thrived under the care, with activities and events described as absolutely amazing. Many reviewers use phrases like "best memory care facility in Vero Beach bar none," reflecting a broad consensus that CERTUS represents a leading option in the area. The sense of community is repeatedly highlighted - staff and residents forming a caring, family-like environment that extends beyond the walls of the building.

Tours and first impressions further reinforce the positive narrative. Prospective families are impressed by the neat, well-kept campus, the friendliness and attentiveness of the staff, and the visible sense of purpose among the team. Visitors note that staff members are not only competent caregivers but also genuinely kind, making it easier for families to entrust their loved ones to CERTUS. Reviews consistently describe the place as a "gorgeous property," with a climate of respect, dignity, and abundant opportunities for engagement that feel both thoughtful and enjoyable.

In sum, the collective voice from these experiences paints CERTUS of Vero Beach as a purpose-built, people-first memory care community. The combination of dementia-focused training, an energetic and well-coordinated activity program, high-quality dining and living spaces, and a sturdy emphasis on safety and clean, welcoming surroundings creates an environment where residents appear content and families feel reassured. The facility's leadership and staff - especially the activity team led by Stephanie, and helpers Christine and Leslie - are repeatedly singled out for their dedication and collaborative spirit. For families seeking a memory care option in Vero Beach, CERTUS emerges as a strong, highly regarded choice grounded in compassionate care and a vibrant community life.

This part of Vero Beach, Florida, offers a variety of amenities and services that cater to the needs of seniors. With multiple pharmacies within close proximity, accessing medication and healthcare supplies is convenient. The presence of reputable physicians and medical facilities nearby ensures easy access to quality healthcare services. Additionally, there are diverse dining options ranging from fast food chains to fine dining restaurants, as well as cafes for socializing and enjoying a cup of coffee. The area also provides transportation options with nearby airports for travel convenience. For entertainment, there is a modern movie theater for those who enjoy watching films. Lastly, for spiritual fulfillment, there is a Catholic church in the vicinity. Overall, this part of Vero Beach offers a well-rounded community with essential services and facilities for seniors looking to settle in the area.

Pharmacies

• CVS Pharmacy (1.3 miles)
• Walgreens (2.6 miles)
• CVS Pharmacy (3.5 miles)
• Walgreens (3.5 miles)
• Winn-Dixie (4.5 miles)
• Walgreens (4.5 miles)
• Miller's Health Mart Pharmacy (6.1 miles)

Physicians

• Deepti Sadhwani Deepti Sadhwani MD (1.6 miles)
• Iconic Dermatology - Sebastian (1.7 miles)
• Haryani, Divya Iconic Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery (1.7 miles)
• Contemporary Health Innovations (4 miles)
• Indian River County Medical Society (4.8 miles)
• Dr Blecker's Office (5.4 miles)
• Noor M Merchant MD & Associates PA (5.5 miles)

Restaurants

• Burger King (3.6 miles)
• Wind & Waves Grill (3.7 miles)
• Michael S Restaurant (4.2 miles)
• Little Caesars Pizza (4.5 miles)
• Giuseppe's Pizzeria (4.7 miles)
• Taco Mobile (4.7 miles)
• Citron Bistro (5.2 miles)

Cafes

• The Original Brooklyn Water Bagel Co. (3.7 miles)
• Rio Coco Beans (5.4 miles)
• Panera Bread (6.2 miles)
• Starbucks (6.3 miles)

Transportation

• Paris Air (5.5 miles)
• Vero Beach Municipal Airport (KVRB) (5.7 miles)
• Vero Beach Municipal Airport (VRB) (5.7 miles)

Hospitals

• Indian River Memorial Behavioral (5.7 miles)
• Indian River Memorial Hospital Heliport (5.7 miles)
• Medical Specialty Procedures L.C (5.7 miles)
• Labor And Delivery (5.9 miles)
• Indian River Medical Center (5.9 miles)
• Select Medical Corporation (6.3 miles)

Theaters

• AMC Indian River 24 (6.1 miles)

Places of Worship

• St John of the Cross Catholic Church and Office (6.1 miles)