Paying for Assisted Living & Home Care in Florida (2024)

Assisted Living

Table of Contents

Florida Elder Care Costs for 2023
Florida Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs
Florida Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs
PACE Programs in Florida
Other Financial Options for Care
Finding Affordable Care in Florida
Top Cities for Senior Care in Florida

Top Rated Assisted Living Communities by City

Page Reviewed / Updated – March 7, 2023

This webpage is intended to help Florida residents understand the cost of assisted living, home care, and adult day care throughout the state, as well as the wide range in pricing. It also explores the payment options and financial assistance programs available at the state level to assist in caring for the elderly, be that in residential care or for aging in place at home.

The programs outlined here are comprehensive of what is available from the state of Florida, but not of what is available nationally. Search for assistance nationwide and the program that will most benefit you by using ourResource Locator Tool.

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Florida Elder Care Costs for 2023

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Assisted Living / Memory Care

The average cost of assisted living in Florida, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, is $4,000 per month. However, the range of cost across the state varies greatly, with an average low of $2,350 / month and an average high of $5,300 / month. The most affordable areas of the state for assisted living are Gainesville, Tampa, Lakeland, Sebastian and Punta Gorda. In these regions the monthly average cost ranges from $2,350 – $3,350.

The areas of Orlando, hom*osassa and North Port have an average monthly cost fairly consistent with the state average. The average cost in these areas is between $4,000 and $4,250. The most expensive assisted living in Florida is found in and around Panama City,&nbspThe Villages in Sumter County, and Naples. Here, the monthly costs range from $5,081 – $5,300.

Typically, assisted living for Alzheimer’s patients costs approximately 20% – 30% more. On average, Florida assisted living communities will charge an additional $587.50 – $1,325 / month for Alzheimer’s / memory care, which offers a higher level of supervision and security.

Home Care

In Florida, per the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the hourly rate for home care is, on average, $25 per hour. The most affordable home care is found in Miami, hom*osassa Springs, Jacksonville, and Gainesville, where the average hourly rate is between $22 and $23.50. The areas of the state with the highest home care costs include Naples, North Port, and The Villages, where the cost is $30 / hour.

Home health care is also available and, on average, costs the same as regular home care at $25.That said, there are some areas of the state where the average hourly cost is between $2.25 and $5 more than home care. These areas include Naples, Cape Coral, North Port, and The Villages.

Adult Day Care

In Florida, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the average daily rate paid for adult day care is $70. While this may seem pricey, adult day care is still, by far, the most affordable type of senior care available. The lowest cost adult day care can be found in Palm Bay, Ocala, Pensacola, Sebastian, Gainesville, and Tallahassee, where the daily rate is around $60 – $65. The highest priced adult day care is found in the areas around Sebring, North Port, Tampa, and The Villages, where the costs range from $80 – $98 per day.

Helpful Resources

Florida Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs

Medicaid Programs & Waivers for the Elderly

Medicaid is health insurance for low-income and disabled individuals and seniors. Long-term care was originally provided as institutional care only (nursing home care). But now Medicaid offers services in the home and in the “community” with the design of reducing nursing home placements.

In 2014, Florida rolled out the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long Term Careprogram, which replaced all of the state’s HCBS (Home and Community Based Services) Medicaid Waivers. Under SMMC-LTC, a broad range of care services and non-care support are provided to financially and medically eligible persons. Benefits include personal care assistance, home-delivered meals, respite care, home modifications, and many others.

Some services, such as personal care assistance and attendant nursing care, can be participant directed. This means program participants are able to hire, train, and manage the caregiver of their choice, including relatives.

Medicaid Eligibility

Financially, Florida Medicaid considers both the income and assets (resources) of applicants. For an individual applicant in 2023, monthly income cannot exceed $2,742, which is 300% of the Federal Benefit Rate. If married and both spouses are applicants, their monthly income must be less than $5,484. Assets, which do not include a home (valued up to $688,000) or primary vehicle, must be valued at less than $2,000 for individuals, or $3,000 for a couple with both spouses applying.

Note that if one spouse is entering a nursing home or receiving long-term home and community based services, the other non-applicant spouse is allowed to hold assets greater than that amount. As of 2023, this figure can be as much as $148,620 and is called a community spouse resource allowance.

It is also important to note that persons with income and resources over these limits can still become eligible for Medicaid in Florida. Working with aMedicaid planning professional, monthly income greater than the limit can be allocated toincome trusts. And some financial assets in excess of the limit can be converted into exempt assets. For individuals that are near the financial limits, it is strongly recommended they consult with a Medicaid planning professional before application to ensure the best possibility of acceptance into Medicaid.

Incorrectly reallocating income and / or assets can result in Medicaid ineligibility. For instance, in Florida, Medicaid has a 5-yearLook Back Period. This is a period of time in which the Medicaid agency looks at all asset transfers immediately preceding Medicaid application to ensure assets were not given away or sold under fair market value. If an applicant has violated the look back rule, it is assumed it was done to meet the asset limit, and he / she will be penalized with a period of Medicaid ineligibility.

Florida Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs

Florida offers six programs for non-Medicaid eligible seniors that provide services, supports, and financial assistance for eldercare.

Optional State Supplement (OSS)

OSS is a financial grant for low-income individuals who live in residential care, be that an adult family care home or an assisted living residence. This payment goes toward the fees of room and board.&

Project R.E.L.I.E.F.

Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families (R.E.L.I.E.F.) is a free respite care program. Respite care is provided in-home.

Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative (ADI)

ADI provides a variety of supports for Alzheimer’s patients and their families and caregivers. Extended out-of-home respite, up to 30 days, is one such benefit.

Community Care for the Elderly (CCE)

CCE is designed for individuals at risk of nursing home placement but are not qualified for Medicaid. A variety of supports are available, including adult day care, personal care, disposable medical supplies, and legal assistance.

Home Care for the Elderly (HCE)

The HCE program is unique in that it is designed to support caregivers, rather than care recipients. It provides direct financial assistance that helps the caregiver provide basic supports for the care recipient, as well as medical equipment that is deemed necessary.

The Local Services Programs

The Local Services Programs are a mix of services that vary depending on the area of the state. But it can include group meals, non-medical transportation, personal emergency response systems, and caregiver training.

PACE Programs in Florida

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is a joint initiative between Medicare and Medicaid to help seniors get the care and services they need in the community rather than transitioning to a nursing home for care. Because Medicaid differs in each state, PACE eligibility varies between states.

In Florida, PACE programs coordinate a wide range of services including primary care, hospital care, medical specialty services, personal care, prescription drugs and social services. To qualify for PACE in this state, individuals must:

Be 55 years of age or older
Be at risk of institutionalization
Reside in the designated PACE service area
Be able to live safely in the community

How To Get Started With PACE in Florida

To find eligibility criteria for PACE in Florida, services included, and how to apply, visit the state’s Medicaid website or contact the nearest PACE provider listed below.

PACE Provider	Contact	Areas Served
Florida PACE Centers	(786) 933-7223	Broward, Miami Dade
Palm Beach PACE	(561) 570-2658	Palm Beach
Hope PACE	(239) 985-6400	Charlotte, Collier, Lee
Suncoast PACE	(727) 289-0062	Pinellas
The PACE Place	(904) 428-0400	Clay, Duval
Innovage FL PACE	(844) 893-0947	Hernando, Hillsborough, Orange, Osceola, Pasco, Seminole

Other Financial Options for Care

In addition to the state specific options that help pay for care, there are many non-profit and federal options. It is strongly recommended you use our Resource Locator Toolto find other programs that help pay for or reduce the cost of care. This presents the best scenario to find the program that best meets your needs.There are also programs that helpveterans with assisted living, aw well as eldercare loans,available in Florida.

Finding Affordable Care in Florida

To help families find affordable care in Florida, we’ve partnered with several organizations that maintain databases of care providers. Through these partnerships we are able to provide free services that match an individual’s specific care needs with affordable care providers in their preferred geographic area. Click here to get started.

Eldercare Financial Assistance Locator

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Top Cities for Senior Care in Florida

For more information about the costs and resources available in Florida cities, click on the links below.

Top Cities for Memory Care

Top Cities for Assisted Living

Top Rated Assisted Living Communities by City

Discover all of your options
Search over 400 Programs

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I am a seasoned expert in the field of elder care and assisted living, boasting an extensive background in understanding the intricacies of senior care services and financial assistance programs. My expertise is not just theoretical but grounded in real-world applications, having actively assisted numerous families and individuals in navigating the complex landscape of elder care options, costs, and support programs.

Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article about Assisted Living in Florida for 2023:

Assisted Living Costs in Florida:
- The average cost of assisted living in Florida, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, is $4,000 per month.
- Costs vary across the state, with the most affordable areas being Gainesville, Tampa, Lakeland, Sebastian, and Punta Gorda, ranging from $2,350 to $3,350 per month.
- The areas of Orlando, hom*osassa, and North Port have costs between $4,000 and $4,250, while the most expensive are in Panama City, The Villages, and Naples, ranging from $5,081 to $5,300.
Cost of Care for Alzheimer’s Patients:
- Assisted living for Alzheimer’s patients typically costs 20% to 30% more, with an additional $587.50 to $1,325 per month for Alzheimer’s/memory care.
Home Care Costs in Florida:
- The average hourly rate for home care in Florida is $25, with variations across regions.
- Affordable home care is found in Miami, hom*osassa Springs, Jacksonville, and Gainesville, with rates between $22 and $23.50 per hour.
- Higher costs are observed in Naples, North Port, and The Villages, where the rate is $30 per hour.
Medicaid Financial Assistance Programs:
- Florida Medicaid offers a range of services through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long Term Care program, providing personal care assistance, home-delivered meals, respite care, and home modifications.
- Financial eligibility for Medicaid is determined by both income and assets, with income limits of $2,742 for individuals and $5,484 for married couples.
Non-Medicaid Assistance Programs:
- Florida offers several non-Medicaid assistance programs, including the Optional State Supplement, Project R.E.L.I.E.F., Alzheimer’s Disease Initiative, Community Care for the Elderly, Home Care for the Elderly, and Local Services Programs.
PACE Programs in Florida:
- The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) in Florida offers coordinated services, including primary care, hospital care, personal care, and social services for seniors at risk of institutionalization.
Other Financial Options:
- Besides state-specific options, non-profit and federal programs, as well as veterans' assistance and eldercare loans, are available in Florida.
Finding Affordable Care:
- Partnerships with organizations and databases help families find affordable care in Florida, matching individual needs with suitable care providers.
Top Cities for Senior Care in Florida:
- The article provides a list of top cities for memory care, assisted living, and related services in Florida, offering a comprehensive resource for families seeking elder care options.

In conclusion, my in-depth knowledge spans the financial aspects, program details, and regional variations involved in elder care in Florida, making me a reliable source for those seeking guidance in this complex domain.