Assisted Living in Orlando, FL

Assisted Living Costs in Orlando

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Orlando’s average cost of assisted living, which is $3,275 per month, is below both the national and state averages. Orlando’s cost of care is among the lowest in the state. Some cities, such as Sebring ($3,038), are lower, but when compared with other major cities, including Jacksonville ($4,425) and Naples ($5,448), the cost of assisted living in Orlando is substantially less expensive.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• Orlando: $3,275
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,500
• Jacksonville: $4,425
• Miami: $3,350
• Naples: $5,448
• Palm Bay: $3,750
• Panama: $4,200
• Sebring: $3,038

Care Cost Comparison

The cost of senior care in Orlando depends a great deal on the level of care offered. The cost of nursing care is more than twice the amount of any other level of care, and when compared with assisted living, home health services and homemaker services are considerably higher. When considering home care, it’s important to budget for the additional costs associated with remaining in your home, such as rent, utilities and general upkeep.

Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,275
• Homemaker services: $4,004
• Home health aide: $4,004
• Adult day health: $1,300
• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $8,106

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Orlando

Medicaid in Florida

Florida’s state Medicaid Managed Care Long Term Care Program provides eligible seniors with financial assistance for the cost of long-term care, such as assisted living. In addition to funding, participants of this program receive services tailored to their needs, including case management, transportation, physical therapy, occupational therapy and respite care.

To be eligible for Medicaid, applicants must be 65 years of age and meet the financial eligibility requirements, which for an individual in 2019 is $16,040 before taxes per year. Seniors applying for this program are also required to submit to a comprehensive assessment to determine their need for long-term care. There is typically a waiting list for the program. Seniors can inquire about waiting-list status and submit their application by calling 1-800-96-ELDER.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

The PACE program is for elderly individuals who require a nursing level of care but prefer to remain in their home. Under the PACE guidelines, seniors may live independently or reside in an assisted living community. PACE provides daily nursing care as well as additional medical and social services at a fraction of the cost of nursing care.

To be eligible, individuals must be age 55 or older and submit to a comprehensive assessment to determine the level of care they require. They must also meet Medicaid financial requirements and be able to live safely within their community. Seniors can find a PACE provider in their area by calling 1-855-435-7223.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Seniors living in Orlando’s assisted living facilities can apply for an elder bridge loan from Elderlife Financial Services. The company offers low-cost loans to seniors with reasonable monthly payments. These loans help seniors pay for the cost of assisted living and other senior care options and can be paid directly to an assisted living facility.

Eligibility is dependent on credit and income; however, seniors can apply with up to six co-applicants to increase the chance of approval. Applicants must also be residing in or moving into an approved facility.

Optional State Supplement

Seniors who receive Social Security Income can apply for the OSS, which is a cash benefit in addition to monthly SSI payments. The OSS benefit can help to pay the cost of room and board in an assisted living facility. It’s calculated based on the individual’s income, which cannot exceed $849.40 per month and has a maximum payout of $78.40 monthly.

To be eligible, seniors may not exceed monthly income limits and may not possess assets valued at more than $2,000 per individual or $3,000 per couple. To apply, seniors can contact the ACCESS Florida branch of the Florida Department of Children and Families by phoning 1-866-762-2237.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Seniors who have purchased long-term care insurance can use the policy’s benefits to help them pay for the cost of assisted living. Insurance companies such as Genworth Financial, National Guardian Life and Bankers Life provide this type of policy. The price of long-term care insurance varies drastically depending on a number of factors, including the policyholder’s health, the average cost of care and the type of plan purchased.

Eligibility requirements and benefit limitations vary between long-term care insurance providers, but most companies require that a policy be purchased before the policyholder needs long-term care.

Assisted Living Resources in Orlando

Orlando Community and Senior Centers

Senior centers and community centers across Orlando provide seniors with a range of services that may include congregate meals, fitness classes, social activities, day trips and education on topics such as finance, computers and nutrition. The centers listed below offer programs and activities for seniors age 55 and older.

Mayor William Beardall Center
800 South Delaney Avenue Orlando, Florida 32801
(407) 246-4440

L. Claudia Allen Senior Center
1840 Mable Butler Avenue Orlando, Florida 32805
(407) 246-4461

Orlando Neighborhood Centers
Multiple locations
(407) 246-2121

Veterans Affairs

Some seniors may qualify for social, financial or medical assistance through their local Veterans Affairs office. Seniors can obtain more information about benefits and eligibility by calling or visiting one of the locations listed below.

Department of Veterans Affairs
1000 Legion Place #1500 Orlando, Florida 32801
(407) 835-5600

Orange County Veterans Services
2100 E. Michigan Street Orlando, Florida 32806
(407) 836-8990

Orlando VA Medical Center
503, 5201 Raymond Street C134 Orlando, Florida 32803
(407) 646-5500

Orlando VA Lake Nona
13800 Veterans Way Orlando, Florida 32827
(407) 631-1000