7 Communities in Deerfield Beach, Florida

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,350 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 7 Assisted Living Communities in Deerfield Beach and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $3,350
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $8,699
• In-home care: $3,337
• Adult day health services: $1,408

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study, assisted living in Deerfield Beach has a lower average monthly cost compared to the Florida average of $3,500 and the national average of $4,000 per month.

Within the state of Florida, the lowest assisted living costs can be found in Lakeland and Sebring with averages of $2,808 and $3,038 per month, respectively. The most expensive area is Naples, with an average of $5,448 per month, adding more than 50 percent to the cost compared to Deerfield Beach.

Note: Data for the cost of care for seniors was not available for Deerfield Beach, so data for the nearest major area, Miami, was used.

As with other areas of the state and country, the cost of senior care is based on the level of service required. The cost of in-home services in Deerfield Beach is comparable to the cost of assisted living. However, it’s important to note that most facilities include food and utilities in the monthly bill. Seniors considering in-home care should account for living expenses when comparing costs.  There is a large gap between the cost of assisted living and nursing home care. The average cost of a nursing facility in Deerfield Beach is almost three times that of assisted living, which makes the choice between levels of care even more important in this part of Florida. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,350

• Homemaker services: $3,337

• Home health aide: $3,432

• Adult day health: $1,408

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,699

 

Medicaid is a state and nationally funded program that can provide basic medical coverage and other benefits for low-income families and individuals. In Florida, Medicaid is managed by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. 

Florida Medicaid can help seniors pay for certain costs of assisted living, but it doesn’t cover room and board at this type of facility. Most Medicaid services associated with assisted living are provided through waivers, which are explained below.

Medicaid funding for assisted living is not considered an entitlement in Florida, so there may be a waiting list to receive services. However, the state guarantees immediate Medicaid funding for nursing home stays.

Applicants for Medicaid must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Minimum 65 years of age (or meets the Social Security requirements for disability if under 65)
• Legal resident of Florida
• Monthly income limit of $2,199 for an individual ($4,398 for a couple)
• Maximum of $2,000 in assets for an individual ($3,000 for a couple)

Visit the Florida Medicaid website for more information, or apply for Medicaid at ACCESS Florida.

Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Program

Most recipients of Medicaid are already enrolled in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. This program covers all of the Medicaid waivers for Home and Community Based Services (HCBS) that are available in Florida and may help to pay for some of the costs associated with assisted living.

The SMMC program is split in three plans:

• Long-Term Care (LTC)
• Managed Medical Assistance (MMA)
• Dental

Applicants can receive services from one or more of the above plans. The Long-Term Care (LTC) plan can help to cover services such as assisted living, nursing homes and in-home care. The Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) plan covers various medical services such as prescription drugs, doctors and hospitals, mental health treatment and transportation for approved purposes. The dental plan covers all Medicaid dental services and is mandatory for everyone on Medicaid.

More details can be found in the financial eligibility chart. Visit the Florida Medicaid website to get started and apply for coverage, and read more about the SMMC program.

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE)

PACE is a federally funded program for anyone aged 55 years or older who is also eligible for Medicaid or Medicare. The goal of this program is to allow seniors to remain in their own home as opposed to entering a nursing home.

Certified PACE organizations provide various levels of care, from in-home to nursing facilities and specialized centers, as well as various services such as primary care, meal delivery and prescription drugs.

This program does not directly cover all services associated with assisted living. However, it may help to pay for certain aspects of care in an assisted living facility.

Applicants for PACE must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Minimum 55 years of age

• At risk of being institutionalized

• Residing in a PACE-designated area

• Can safely live in the community (not necessarily living alone)

Find out more about the eligibility and application process at the Florida Department of Elder Affairs website. Alternatively, residents of Deerfield Beach can contact the Broward County branch of PACE in Miramar at (954) 441-7079.

Optional State Supplementation (OSS)

Florida’s Department of Children and Families provides this program that may help low-income seniors pay for certain aspects of assisted living. The OSS is designed to help people who can no longer live independently and require assistance on a regular basis.

Unlike the Medicaid plan and waivers, OSS is intended to help with the cost of room and board and other out-of-pocket expenses. The maximum monthly payment for an individual is $78.40, and for couples, it’s $156.80. 

Applicants for the OSS program must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Minimum 65 years of age (or disabled if under 65)

• Legal resident of Florida

• Assessed by a case manager as needing a nursing facility level of care

• Maximum income of $752 for an individual ($1,504 for a couple)

• Assets at or below the maximum allowed for Medicaid ($2,000 for an individual or $3,000 for a couple)

A case manager will usually make the application for OSS. Alternatively, seniors or their caregivers can apply through the ACCESS Florida website or call 1-866-762-2237 for more information.

The local branch of the Area Agency on Aging for residents of Deerfield Beach is the Broward County ADRC. This agency can explain the options on many senior-related and low-income services in the area such as food and transportation assistance as well as Medicaid and insurance issues. Aging and Disability Resource Center of Broward County
5300 Hiatus Rd, Sunrise, FL 33351
(954) 745-9779

Contact the local VA provider for Deerfield Beach to find out which benefits are available for veterans or their surviving spouse. There may be extra payments available on top of the regular monthly pension that could help to pay for assisted living.

Pompano Beach Vet Center
2300 West Sample Rd, Suite 102, Pompano, FL 33073
(954) 984-1669

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.