Assisted living is a type of housing that is designed for older adults who have varying degrees of medical and personal needs. Assisted living apartments can range from one- to two-bedrooms in an array of sizes which residents can choose from to match their personal preferences. There is also a host of senior living amenities that residents can easily access to help ease the demands of daily life. From catered meals to housekeeping to transportation and more, there are various services which residents are free to pick to make up part of their senior care plan. Find out more about the assisted living cost in Florida to help you understand what to expect.
Cost of Assisted Living in Florida
The average cost of assisted living in Florida as of 2020 amounts up to $3,500 a month. However, the cost can vary from state to state with an average low of $2,836 a month and an average high of $5,375 a month. Several areas around the state are among the most affordable and they include Tampa, Miami, the Sebastian area, and Punta Gorda. These regions have assisted living programs that can cost up to $2,836 to $3,375 a month. For Port St. Lucie, Gainesville, and Lakeland, the assisted living costs there are relatively consistent with the state average which can range from $3,463 to $3,500.
For assisted living with memory care, the costs will typically be higher by up to 20 to 30% as residents are given specialized care and greater support for their medical conditions. On average, assisted living communities in Florida that provide memory care programs can cost approximately $709 to $1,343 more every month.
Financial Assistance Programs in Florida
- Medicaid Programs and Waivers
Medicaid is a health insurance that is designed to provide financial aid to low-income and disabled individuals as well as older adults. Long-term care was originally offered as institutional care only but today services in a community setting are also part of the program structure.
- State Assistance Programs
There are six non-Medicaid programs that cater to eligible older adults for supports, services, and eldercare financial assistance.
- Optional State Supplement
- Project R.E.L.I.E.F.
- Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI)
- Community Care for the Elderly
- Home Care for the Elderly
- The Local Services
Things to Look for in Assisted Living
If you are unsure of the different aspects of assisted living that you need to look out for, below are several questions that can help you make well-informed decisions:
- What type of insurance does the assisted living community carry?
- Is there proper licensing of the assisted living community?
- What is their visitation policy?
- How do they respond to medical emergencies?
- When can a contract be terminated, and what are the terms and conditions?
- Does the contract include accommodation, health care, personal care, and support services?
- Are the costs the same or different throughout the different levels of care and service?
