Assisted Living in Melbourne, FL

Assisted Living Costs in Melbourne

Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study places Melbourne’s average monthly cost for assisted living slightly higher than the state’s average of $3,500 but significantly lower than the national average of $4,000. Melbourne is one of the costlier cities for assisted living on Florida’s Atlantic coast, averaging over $100 a month more than Port Saint Lucie ($3,620) and more than $200 a month more than cities in the nearby Sebastian area ($3,524).

Assisted Living Cost Comparison Chart

• Melbourne: $3,750
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,500
• Sebastian area: $3,524
• Port Saint Lucie: $3,620
• Orlando area: $3,275
• Sebring $3,038
• Lakeland area: $2,808
• Tampa area: $3,250

Care Cost Comparison

Cost for senior care varies significantly, depending on type. While adult day health care costs over $2,000 less per month than assisted living in Melbourne and the Palm Bay area, it does not offer around-the-clock services, and seniors should factor in additional costs for housing, meals and other basic necessities. Similarly, home health services are more expensive, on average, than assisted living in Melbourne, and don’t cover rent and upkeep, expenses generally included in assisted living costs. Nursing home care is by far the most expensive option in Melbourne, with an average monthly cost over double that of assisted living for a semiprivate room.

Cost of Senior Care Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,750
• Homemaker services: $3,813
• Home health aide: $3,813
• Adult day health: $1,408
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,365

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Melbourne

Medicaid in Florida

Florida Medicaid offers medical care assistance to residents who meet specific income and asset requirements, regardless of age. Qualified residents who enroll in the Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) program may choose from a selection of managed care plans and receive access to comprehensive services, including doctors, hospitals, home health care, nursing homes, hospice, prescription drugs, behavioral health and transportation to appointments.

To apply for Medicaid, you can visit the Florida Department of Children and Families or call 866-762-2237. Seniors who currently receive Supplemental Security Income (SSI) should work directly with the Social Security Administration.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program

Designed to support residents who require long-term care, the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program (SMMC LTC) assists Medicaid-eligible Florida seniors with in-home assistance, community services and assisted living. Program participants work with case managers, who assess care needs to determine a plan to facilitate care in the least restrictive environment possible. Benefits are numerous and may include assisted living, adult foster care, assistive care services and home-delivered meals.

To receive SMMC LTC services, individuals must be legal Florida residents at least 65 years old (or between 18 and 64 and designated as disabled), meet Florida Medicaid eligibility requirements and require a nursing facility level of care, which does not necessarily mean they require residence in a nursing home. An individual’s monthly income and assets cannot exceed a combined total of $2,313, while couples applying jointly cannot go over $4,626.

Seniors interested in this program should call their local Area Agency on Aging or the Elder Helpline at 800-262-2243 and request a screening for home- and community-based services. A representative will schedule a screening interview with the primary caregiver, who will be asked to provide basic information, such as income and care needs.

The Optional State Supplement (OSS)

For low-income Florida seniors already in residential care facilities, such as assisted living, The Optional State Supplement (OSS) grant provides financial assistance that comes as a cash payment to be applied toward room and board. Payments vary depending on the facility, up to a maximum of $239 per month for individuals and $487 per month for couples.

Residents must be 65 or older (unless disabled) and require placement in residential care, as determined by an assigned case manager. The monthly income limit for eligibility is $828.40 for individuals and $1,656.80 for couples in residential care. The income limits are slightly higher for individuals in mental health care facilities. Asset limits and rules are similar to those in place for Medicaid. To apply for this program, you can visit the ACCESS Florida website.

VA Aid and Attendance Program

For veterans or surviving spouses seeking help with assisted living costs, the VA Aid and Attendance Program provides additional funds beyond the basic VA pension to help offset costs of care. The VA Aid and Attendance Program is available to veterans aged 65 and over who require assistance with activities of daily living.

As financial eligibility requirements for this program may be complex, it’s best to visit your local VA benefits office.

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

Individuals looking to stay in their homes may find assistance through Florida’s Project R.E.L.I.E.F. (Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families). This free in-home program provides trained volunteers to relieve caregivers of Alzheimer’s patients and individuals with dementia, allowing families to better care for their loved ones at home.

To qualify, individuals must be Florida residents 60 years of age or older, who are unable to care for themselves and cannot afford respite care. The program is managed by the Florida Area Agencies on Aging, with each local agency maintaining its own specific requirements. To learn more, you can also visit Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs.

Community Care for the Elderly (CCE)

Medicaid-ineligible Florida residents may qualify for the Community Care for the Elderly (CCE) program, which strives to enable seniors to receive care at home rather than in costly Medicaid-funded facilities. Available benefits may include non-medical transportation, adult day health care and other services that allow individuals to stay safely at home. Seniors can select and hire their own caregivers, including family members. Participants pay a co-pay for benefits, which is generally 1 to 3 percent of their income.

Applicants must be Medicaid-ineligible Florida residents at least 60 years of age with a functional impairment for which they require assistance. There are no income limits. To learn more about the program or apply, contact one of the program’s lead agencies or call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-963-5337.

Assisted Living and Eldercare Bridge Loans

For individuals in need of immediate funds while awaiting benefits or selling a home or for families looking for a temporary solution until permanent funding can be secured, Elderlife Financial provides bridge loans. This line of credit has a fast approval process, sometimes within 24 hours of applying, and it allows multiple co-borrowers.

Similar to traditional loans, eldercare bridge loan originators consider credit scores, although loans with multiple borrowers weight individual creditworthiness less. Lenders will also want to know where borrowers plan to secure long-term funding. As these loans are generally given to families, the age and the health of the person in need of care aren’t relevant to approval.

For additional information on assisted living and eldercare bridge loans, you can contact Elderlife Financial Services.

Assisted Living Resources in Melbourne

Senior Centers and Wellness Programs

Brevard County, where Melbourne is located, has the largest population of seniors in the state of Florida, with one in four residents a senior. Consequently, Melbourne is home to several senior centers and wellness programs dedicated to improving the quality of life for its elder population, offering educational and socialization opportunities.

Wickham Park Senior Center
2785 Leisure Way, Melbourne, FL 32935
(321) 255-4494

Senior Adventures in Learning (SAIL) of Melbourne
2950 N. Harbor City Boulevard, Melbourne, FL 32935
(321) 626-0963

Senior Housing Resources

Low-income individuals looking for assistance with housing needs have several options in Melbourne. Subsidized housing is available in many sizes and types, and individuals should seek additional information at local housing authorities.

Housing Authority of Brevard County
1401 Guava Avenue, Melbourne, FL 32935
(321) 775-1592

Senior Resource Alliance
988 Woodcock Road, Orlando, FL 32803
1-800-963-5337

Veterans Centers

Eligible veterans can find counseling services, apply for benefits and receive employment referral at their local Veterans Affairs office. These centers are open during nontraditional hours to accommodate family needs.

Melbourne Vet Center
2098 Sarno Road, Melbourne, FL 32935
(321) 254-3410