Assisted Living in Ocala, FL

Assisted Living Costs in Ocala

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Ocala’s average monthly cost for assisted living is lower than the national average at $3,275 and just below the state average of $3,500. Assisted living costs are among the lowest in the area, with prices in nearby Gainesville ($3,775), Homosassa Springs ($4,125) and The Villages ($5,031) being significantly higher. 

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Ocala: $3,275
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,500
• Homosassa Springs: $4,125
• The Villages: $5,031
• Gainesville: $3,775
• Tallahassee: $4,339
• Lakeland: $2,808
• Sebring: $3,038

Care Cost Comparison

Senior care costs vary based on the location, type of care and included services. In Ocala, nursing home care costs are more than double that of assisted living, while in-home care, such as a home health aide or homemaker services, is also more expensive than assisted living. Adult day health care is the least expensive option. When evaluating the different care options, it’s important to factor in daily living expenses like rent, utilities, food and home maintenance that are often included in residential care services for seniors. 

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,275
• Homemaker services: $3,813
• Home health aide: $4,004
• Adult day health: $1,408
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $7,452

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Ocala

Medicaid in Florida

Medicaid is a nationwide program that provides low-income, low-asset Americans with access to limited health services such as screening for diabetes and management of chronic health conditions. The federal and state governments jointly fund it, and in Florida, the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration administers the Medicaid program.

To qualify for Medicaid coverage, Ocala seniors need to meet strict income and asset limits. For a single senior, the income limit is $2,313 per month, while a couple applying together can earn no more than $4,626. Income from all sources must be declared, including pensions, alimony, stock dividends, wages and annuities. 

Medicaid limits countable assets to a maximum of $2,000 for individuals and $3,000 for couples. Assets include cash, bank account balances, bonds, stocks and all real estate except for the applicant’s primary residence as long as that residence has a current market value of $585,000 or less.  Also excluded from countable assets are all personal effects such as clothing, furniture, jewelry and one vehicle. 

Seniors aged 65 and over who qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for benefits through the Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care, Long Term Care Program, or SMMC LTC. This program funds services designed to delay or prevent nursing home placement by supporting seniors who remain in their own homes or an assisted living facility. 

Services covered under the SMMC LTC include home accessibility adaptation, homemakers and attendant care, medication administration, and occupational, physical and speech therapy. It’s important to note that while this program does not cover the room-and-board portion of monthly assisted living costs, it may be used to fund other supports seniors could need to reside in an assisted living facility. 

In addition to meeting eligibility requirements for Medicaid coverage, seniors who apply for the SMMC LTC program must also meet one or more of the clinical criteria for program inclusion. The Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) or the Florida Department of Elder Affairs performs this assessment. 

To learn more about Florida Medicaid for seniors and the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care and Long Term Care program, contact the Agency for Health Care Administration at (877) 711-3662 or call the Florida Elder Helpline at (800) 963-5337. 

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors who require access to funds for assisted living on a short-term basis may be eligible for an assisted living bridge loan from Elderlife Financial Services. 

These loans provide seniors with the cash they need to pay for moving expenses and monthly costs while transitioning from their home to an assisted living facility, making this a viable option for seniors who are selling their home or waiting on benefit approval. 

Seniors can make assisted bridge loan applications over the phone, and in most cases, an answer is provided to the applicant within 24 hours. If approved, seniors can access funds through either a lump-sum payment or as a line of credit, and most assisted living loans have terms of 12 months or less. 

To learn more about assisted living bridge loans through Elderlife Financial, call (888) 228-4500. 

Assisted Living Resources in Ocala

Senior Centers in Ocala

Ocala’s senior centers give older residents access to a wide range of programs, events and resources. Seniors can participate in organized day trips to local attractions, weekly exercise classes and educational workshops on topics such as fraud prevention and healthy eating. 

Barbara Gaskin Washington Adult Activity Center
210 NW 12 Avenue, Ocala, FL 34475
(352) 629-8357

Senior Wellness Community Center
9850 SW 84th Court, Suite 500, Ocala, FL 34481
(352) 237-2094

Community Aid Agencies

A number of government, faith-based and nonprofit organizations offer services to seniors in Ocala. These agencies can assist with income tax preparation, help seniors who require transportation to medical appointments and provide low-cost meal services. 

Marion County Community Services
2710 East Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 671-8770

Marion Senior Services
1101 SW 20th Ct., Ocala, FL 34472
(352) 620-3501

Interfaith Emergency Services 
435 NW 2nd Street, Ocala, FL 34475
(352) 629-8868

Veterans Centers and Clinics

Veterans in Ocala who require health services can contact the Ocala Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, which provides both general and specialized medical services. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post hosts regular fish fries, karaoke nights and events where veterans can socialize, learn about area resources and enjoy a low-cost meal. 

VA Ocala Community-Based Outpatient Clinic
1515 East Silver Springs Blvd., Ocala, FL 34470
(352) 369-3320

VFW Post 4209 – McCullough-Mixson Post
4805 NE 36th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34479
(352) 732-7744