Assisted Living in Jacksonville, FL

Assisted Living Costs in Jacksonville

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care Study, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Jacksonville is substantially higher than both the national average ($4,000) and state average ($3,500). Jacksonville’s assisted living prices are also much higher than other major cities in Florida. While the average cost in Jacksonville is $4,425 per month, it’s only $3,350 in Miami and $3,275 in Orlando. 

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Jacksonville: $4,425
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,500
• Gainesville: $3,775
• Miami: $3,350
• Orlando: $3,275
• Palm Bay: $3,750
• Panama: $4,200
• Sebring: $3,038

Care Cost Comparison

When comparing long-term care costs in Jacksonville, it’s clear that the type of care is one of the largest factors influencing the cost. The average monthly cost of nursing home care in the city is nearly $3,000 higher than that of assisted living. While assisted living costs in Jacksonville are more expensive than that of in-home care costs, it’s important for seniors who choose to continue living at home to consider additional expenses such as rent, groceries and utilities, all of which are typically included in the cost of assisted living. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $4,425
• Homemaker services: $3,670
• Home health aide: $4,290
• Adult day health: $2,080
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $7,118

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Jacksonville

Medicaid in Florida

In Florida, Medicaid provides low-income individuals with access to medical services and equipment. The Florida Department of Children and Families and the Social Security Administration manage the state’s plan. While the DCF is responsible for determining Medicaid eligibility for most Medicaid applicants, including children, disabled individuals, pregnant women and seniors, the Social Security Administration is responsible for determining the eligibility of those who receive Supplemental Security Income. 

The Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program operates under the state’s Medicaid program and offers financial assistance to seniors who reside in assisted living facilities and nursing care homes. In addition to covering the cost of care, this program may provide seniors with other services such as dental care, medical care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and nonemergency transportation. 

To be eligible for this program, seniors must be at least 65 years of age and complete a comprehensive care assessment to determine their level of need. Financially, individual applicants can’t have an income that exceeds $16,040 annually while couples may not have an income over $21,599. A cap on the number of applicants this program accepts means the waiting list is usually fairly long.

Seniors can obtain more information regarding the application process and waiting list times by contacting the Florida Department of Elder Affairs at (800) 963-5337.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

The Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is a subsidy managed by the state. It’s exclusively available to seniors who require a nursing level of care but would prefer to live at home or in an assisted living facility. PACE subsidizes the costs of medical and social services, such as daily nurse visits, medical and dental care, long-term care and prescription medications for eligible seniors.

Eligibility requirements for PACE stipulate that applicants must be 55 years of age or older and able to safely live within their community or in an assisted living facility. All applicants must undergo a comprehensive care assessment to determine their level of need. Financial requirements for this program are the same as for the Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program. 

To apply for PACE or to learn more about the application process, seniors can call (855) 435-7223.

Optional State Supplementation

Florida’s Optional State Supplementation program is available to low-income seniors and disabled individuals who reside in a long-term care facility and receive the federal Supplemental Security Income benefit. The program provides these individuals with additional funding to help them pay for the cost of room and board in assisted living and nursing care facilities. OSS is only available to those who are legally disabled, age 65 or older or a U.S. citizen residing in a long-term care facility. 

The applicant’s current income determines the benefit amount, which has a maximum of $78.40 per month. Seniors who apply for OSS may not have an income that exceeds $849.40 per month and may not own assets exceeding a value of $2,000. 

Seniors who wish to apply for OSS can contact ACCESS Florida at (866) 762-2237. 

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services offers bridge loans intended to pay for long-term care in assisted living or nursing care facilities. The senior’s place of residence receives the funds, and the senior, or their cosigners, pay back the loan in monthly installments. Elderlife Financial Services’ loans are typically low-interest and offer flexible terms. 

Applicants must have a good credit history, and their income must be high enough to repay their loan. Those who can’t obtain approval on their own may include up to six cosigners on their application to increase their chances of approval and reduce their monthly payments. Seniors can find out more or apply for an Elderlife bridge loan by calling (888) 228-4500.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Seniors who have a long-term care insurance policy can have the cost of assisted living covered by their insurance provider. Most providers require that the policyholder purchase this insurance before a need for long-term care exists. Eligibility, deductibles and premiums vary depending on the provider and the exact terms of the policy.

Assisted Living Resources in Jacksonville

Jacksonville Senior Centers

Senior centers provide elderly individuals with the opportunity to congregate with their peers to enjoy social activities that may include day trips, games, live entertainment, classes and meals. 

City of Jacksonville Senior Centers
(Various locations)
(904) 630-2489

Jacksonville Veterans Affairs Offices and Medical Clinics

Seniors who have served in the military are typically eligible for financial assistance, medical care and other benefits from the country’s Veterans Affairs department.

Jacksonville Veterans Services
117 West Duval Street #175, Jacksonville, FL 32202
(904) 630-3680

VA Outpatient Clinic
1536 North Jefferson Street, Jacksonville, FL 32209
(904) 475-5800

VA Clinic
3901 University Boulevard South #215, Jacksonville, FL 32216
(904) 732-6300

Jacksonville Seniors Advocates

Seniors advocates are typically nonprofit organizations that work to protect the best interests of senior citizens. They provide a variety of services that include benefits assistance and mediation, community resource facilitation and case management. 

Beaches Council on Aging
281 19th Avenue South, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250
(904) 246-1477

Elder Source
(Various locations)
(904) 391-6600