Assisted Living in Charlotte County, FL

Assisted Living Costs in Charlotte County

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Study, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Charlotte County is $4,000, which is the same as the national average and $500 more than Florida’s state average. Jacksonville ($4,425) and Panama ($4,200) have higher assisted living costs than Charlotte County, however, some of the state’s other larger cities, such as Miami ($3,350) and Orlando ($3,275), are considerably less expensive. 

Specific senior care cost data isn’t available for Charlotte County. Data for the nearest major city, Cape Coral, has been used in its place. 

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Charlotte County/Cape Coral: $4,000
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,500
• Jacksonville: $4,425
• Miami: $3,350
• Orlando: $3,275
• Palm Bay: $3,750
• Panama: $4,200
• Sebring: $3,038

Care Cost Comparison

The type of care required is one of the biggest factors influencing the cost of senior care, and in Charlotte County, this is particularly true. Monthly nursing home care costs in the county average $8,304 per month, which is more than double that of assisted living. While home care and assisted living costs are close, it’s important to consider the extra expenses incurred by those continuing to live in their own home. These include rent or mortgage, utilities and groceries, which are normally included in the price of assisted living. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,000
• Homemaker services: $3,909
• Home health aide: $4,385
• Adult day health: $1,571
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,304

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Charlotte County

Medicaid in Florida

Medicaid provides low-income individuals with access to a broad spectrum of health care services, including physician, inpatient and outpatient hospital care, dialysis, dental care, visual aid, prescription medications and occupational, physical, speech and respiratory therapy.

In Florida, the Medicaid program is determined by the Social Security Administration (for SSI recipients) or Florida Department of Children and Families, which administers plans for children, disabled individuals, pregnant women and seniors who don’t qualify for SSI. Those who receive SSI are automatically entitled to Medicaid. 

To qualify for the state Medicaid program, Florida residents age 65 and over  must meet the financial conditions of the program. An individual’s income may not exceed $2,313 per month, and married couples have a $4,626 limit per month. Individual applicants are also limited to $2,000 in countable resources, while married couples are allowed no more than $3,000. Exempt assets include the applicant’s home, household furnishings and a single vehicle. 

Seniors can apply online for the state Medicaid program or call (866) 762-2237 for more information. 

The Medicaid Managed Long-Term Care Program provides seniors and disabled individuals access to Medicaid funding for long-term care services, including assisted living facilities, personal care, behavior management, hospice care, nursing care and transportation services. 

To be eligible for this program, seniors must be financially eligible for the state Medicaid program, be aged 65 or older or legally disabled and require nursing home level of care. They’re also required to undergo a Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services.  

To apply for the Medicaid Managed Long-Term Care Program as an elderly individual, seniors can contact the Florida Department of Elder Affairs at (800) 963-5337. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

PACE

PACE programs across the U.S. provide senior citizens with an option to receive all-inclusive care from a single health care provider. In Charlotte County, these services are provided by Hope PACE. The goal of PACE is to help seniors live independently in their home or community setting for as long as possible by providing a range of care services that include physician services, laboratory tests, prescription medication and personal care services. 

PACE programs are free to those who are eligible for Medicaid, while those with higher incomes are charged a sliding-scale fee or pay for services privately. To be eligible for the program, seniors must be at least 55 years of age and a resident of Charlotte, Collier or Lee County. They must also be able to safely live in their home or an assisted living community. 

To apply or find out more about this program, seniors can call (239) 985-6400. 

Optional State Supplement

Low-income seniors living in Charlotte County may be eligible to receive Florida’s Optional State Supplement, which is a cash benefit offered to elderly or disabled individuals who receive long-term care. The program was created to provide additional financial assistance to those unable to pay for expenses not covered by Medicaid, such as room and board. The maximum monthly benefit amount is $78.40 for an individual or $156.80 per couple.  

To qualify for this benefit, individuals must be aged 65 or older and reside in a licensed care facility. Income may not exceed $752.40 per month, and assets may not exceed $2,000 ($3,000 for couples). 

To apply, seniors can contact ACCESS Florida at (866) 762-2237. 

Assisted Living Resources in Charlotte County

Senior Centers and Programs in Charlotte County

Often, community centers provide specific programming tailored to the unique interests of senior citizens. Some of these programs may include social activities, such as bingo, cards or crafts, day trips and senior socials. 

Cultural Center of Charlotte County
2280 Aaron Street, Port Charlotte, Florida 33952
(941) 625-4175

The Friendship Center of Charlotte County 
Rebecca Neal Owens Center
27420 Voyageur Dr, Punta Gorda, FL 33983
(941) 255-0723

Veterans Affairs

A variety of benefits such as financial assistance and health care are available to those who have served in the military. Highly trained staff can advise and help veterans and their families find the benefits they may be entitled to. 

Charlotte County Veterans Services
1050 Loveland Boulevard, Port Charlotte, Florida 33980
(941) 764-5579

Senior Services

Case management, legal assistance and transportation are just some of the provisions offered to seniors by the Charlotte County Human Services. For a list of all available resources, contact the office below.

Charlotte County Human Services – Senior Services Division
1050 Loveland Boulevard, Port Charlotte, Florida 33980
(941) 833-6500