A large number of older people live in Florida. As they age, they begin to rely on elder care services, such as home care, adult day care, and assisted living. It’s important for families and their aging loved ones to understand the potential elder care costs for 2023 and beyond.

Many retirees and snowbirds flock to Florida for its year-round warm weather, ranging from a temperate 70 to 80 degrees, as well as its tax-friendly environment. An economy built with older adults in mind makes the Sunshine State an irresistible place to spend their golden years.

In fact, Florida boasts a senior population of over 20 percent. It is the state with the highest number of older adults aged 65 and over. Retirement communities abound here. Coupled with the low cost of living, it’s economical to live in this southeastern state.

 

1. Independent Living

Seniors have a myriad of elder care options when they reside in Florida. Healthy older adults might opt for independent living accommodations, such as apartments geared for those aged 55 and over as well as communities designed for those who are 65 and older.

Florida has over 850 independent living facilities. Seniors live independently and enjoy privacy in an independent living facility, which costs anywhere from $467 to $4,356 per month. Prices vary depending in which part of the state the facility is located.

 

2. Adult Day Care

When seniors need a caregiver during the day only, adult day care is a suitable choice. With 292 adult day centers to choose from, older adults receive supervision and care during the daytime hours. This is an ideal option for seniors who have a family member as their primary caregiver.

Seniors enjoy social opportunities at the day center; all meals are provided and care needs are fulfilled. Families can expect to pay an annual cost of $15,600 on average to utilize this elder care service. However, location plays a key role in the cost of adult day centers in Florida.

Tampa, Clearwater, and St. Petersburg adult day centers cost on average $21,450 per year. Conversely, Port St. Lucie adult day centers have a much lower cost, averaging $13,000 annually. Variables in cost occur, since some seniors may utilize the service less than 5 days per week.

 

3. Assisted Living

Statewide, Florida has nearly 2,000 assisted living facilities. As an intermediate form of long-term care, it is not to be confused with nursing care. Residents in assisted living facilities have access to healthcare, social events, and custodial caregivers, who can help with laundry, transportation, and meal preparation.

Living in an assisted living facility in Florida costs seniors $850 to $7,920 per month. The diverse range in cost is determined by location. The most expensive facilities are located in metropolitan areas, while the less expensive ones are found in the Sebring area.

 

4. Memory Care

Alzheimer’s disease is the 6^th leading cause of death in the US, making memory care facilities an important part of the elder care services in Florida. These facilities are built to make it easy for dementia patients to navigate and reduce their risk of wandering.

Families pay on average a monthly cost of $1,232 to $11,484 per month. In exchange, elderly residents receive ongoing supervision from experienced memory care staff, help calming down when dementia symptoms occur, and medications that are administered under professional medical guidance.

As with other elder care options in the Sunshine State, the cost of memory care varies dramatically depending on location. Memory care costs are the highest in The Villages metro area. The lowest annual costs may be found in Sebring and its neighboring areas.

 

5. Home Care

The majority of seniors prefer to age in place, making home care services an optimal choice. Professional caregivers arrive at the home on their scheduled days, providing a wide range of non-medical care services to support the elderly care recipient and facilitate independence.

Home care costs also vary, with an average hourly rate of $25. In metro areas, like Miami, Homosassa Springs, Gainesville, and Jacksonville, the hourly cost of home care is less expensive, ranging from $22 to $23.50. Home care costs are higher in Naples and The Villages, at $30 per hour.

Custodial care can fulfill the care needs of seniors who do not need medical care. Personal care includes help with personal hygiene tasks, meal preparation, light housekeeping, and medication reminders. If medical care is needed, home health care is a suitable option.

Home health care costs are equal in price to custodial care services. However, in some parts of Florida, the costs can be $2.25 and $5 higher per hour. Communities where home health care prices are higher include Naples, Cape Coral, North Port, and The Villages.

Medicaid now offers services in the home to reduce nursing home admissions. Financially and medically eligible seniors can take advantage of care services. Program participants can hire and manage the caregiver of their choice. Many seniors choose Assisting Hands Home Care.

 

Why Choose Assisting Hands Home Care

Our home care agency is recognized for dependability, compassionate hands-on care, and a wide range of flexible senior home care options. Professional caregivers are available to provide 24-hour care, transitional care, personal care, and companion care as well as specialty care services.

Skilled caregivers are trained to provide Alzheimer’s and dementia care as well as care for seniors with Parkinson’s disease. Hospice care is an option for end-of-life comfort. We also support the elderly who have chronic ailments, such as diabetes, and assist seniors who’ve returned from a hospital stay.

Assisting Hands Home Care takes great pride in matching professional caregivers with care recipients. Our professionals are also bonded and insured to provide maximum peace of mind to families and their elderly loved ones. Supervising staff visit the home to ensure care plans are followed.

When the senior in your life is ready for extra support at home, choose Assisting Hands Home Care, like countless aging residents in Orlando, Florida, and the surrounding communities do. Schedule your free in-home consult and learn how our quality elder care options will benefit your loved one.