Assisted Living in West Palm Beach, FL

Assisted Living Costs in West Palm Beach

Based on data obtained from Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care Study, West Palm Beach is one of the least expensive places to find assisted living on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, with the average monthly cost just under the state average of $3,500. Nearby cities to the north, including Port St. Lucie ($3,620) and cities in the Sebastian area ($3,524), average several hundred dollars per month higher for care than West Palm Beach. Across the state on the Gulf Coast, assisted living facilities in the Naples area ($5,448) average over $2,000 a month higher. West Palm Beach falls nearly $700 below the national average of $4,000.

Cost of Assisted Living Comparison Chart

• West Palm Beach: $3,350
• National average: $4,000
• State average: $3,500
• Port St. Lucie: $3,620
• Sebastian Area: $3,524
• Naples Area: $5,448
• Sebring: $3,038

Care Cost Comparison

In West Palm Beach, as in many other places, the type of care heavily influences the cost. Nursing home expenses in this city are more than double those for assisted living, while adult day health care, at $1,408, is significantly less expensive. Costs for in-home services, including home health aides and homemaker assistance, fall in the mid-range for care and are comparable to costs for assisted living. Individuals considering non-residential senior-care services should also factor in expenses for housing, meals, transportation and other essentials.

Cost of Homemaker Services/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

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in West Palm Beach

Medicaid in Florida

Older Florida residents who meet specific income and asset requirements can receive medical care assistance through SSI-related Medicaid. Singles must bring in no more than $891 monthly, while married couples with both spouses applying must make no more than $1,208 a month.

Residents who qualify for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) automatically qualify for Medicaid services and should work directly with the Social Security Administration to obtain benefits. Other eligible individuals should visit ACCESS Florida or call 866-762-2237 to obtain further information or apply.

Qualified seniors who enroll in the statewide Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) program receive access to comprehensive services, including primary care, hospital stays, nursing homes, home health care, prescription drugs, adult day health care and skilled nursing, depending on need.

For Florida seniors who require long-term care, the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program (SMMC LTC) provides Medicaid-eligible individuals with community services, in-home programs and placement in assisted living. Case managers assess a participant’s care requirements and develop a plan to ensure care in the least restrictive environment possible. Plan benefits may include assisted living, adult foster care and home-delivered meals.

To qualify for SMMC LTC services, applicants must be 65 or older (applicants under 64 must be designated as disabled), be legal Florida residents, meet general Medicaid eligibility requirements and need a nursing-facility level of care. An applicant’s income and assets must not exceed $2,313 per month combined, while couples applying jointly cannot exceed $4,626.

Interested seniors can call the Elder Helpline at 800-262-2243 to request a screening for home- and community-based services. During screening interviews, primary caregivers will be asked to provide basic information, including the applicant’s income and a description of care needs.

Other Financial Assistance Programs for Assisted Living

The Optional State Supplementation (OSS) Program

Low-income Florida seniors already residing in care facilities, such as assisted living, can apply for the Optional State Supplementation (OSS) Program, which provides financial assistance for room and board. Payments vary by the facility type, with a maximum of $239 monthly for individuals and $487 for couples.

To qualify, applicants must be 65 or older (unless disabled) and in residential care. Monthly income cannot exceed $828.40 for individuals and $1,656.80 for couples. Income limits are moderately higher for residents in mental health care facilities. Additional asset limits apply and are similar to those required for Medicaid approval. To apply for this program, you can visitACCESS Florida.

VA Aid and Attendance Program

Eligible veterans or their surviving spouses who need help with assisted living costs should explore the VA Aid and Attendance Program, which provides funding beyond the basic VA pension to offset costs of care. The VA Aid and Attendance Program is available to veterans over 65 who require help with activities of daily living.

Because of the complex financial eligibility requirements for this program, potential applicants should visit their local VA benefits office.

Assisted Living and Elderlife Bridge Loans

Elderlife bridge loans provide a temporary solution for individuals and families in need of immediate funds for assisted living. They’re ideal for seniors who are in the midst of selling a home or awaiting benefit approval. Bridge loans can be taken as a lump-sum disbursement or a line of credit and generally have a quick approval process time. For families looking to share expenses, multiple borrowers may apply for a single loan.

While lenders do consider credit scores, the importance of individual creditworthiness diminishes on applications with multiple borrowers. Since bridge loans are generally family loans, the age and health of the senior receiving care doesn’t factor into the approval process. Lenders generally require information regarding the source of anticipated permanent funding.

For further information on assisted living and Elderlife bridge loans, contact Elderlife Financial Services.

Assisted Living Resources in West Palm Beach

Senior Services

For Palm Beach County seniors seeking support, advocacy or other resources, senior service agencies provide programs and services meant to enhance the lives of older West Palm Beach residents. In addition to referrals and counseling, offerings include educational opportunities, social activities and wellness support for seniors and their caregivers.

Palm Beach County Division of Senior Services
810 Datura Street, Suite 300, West Palm Beach, FL 33401
(561) 355-4746

Area Agency on Aging
4400 North Congress Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(561) 684-5885

Subsidized Housing Resources

Seniors in need of affordable housing can seek assistance at one of West Palm Beach’s housing resources. These agencies strive to provide safe, affordable housing to individuals with limited financial resources.

West Palm Beach Housing Authority
3700 Georgia Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33405
(561) 655-3582

The Palm Beach County Housing Authority
3432 West 45th Street, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(561) 684-2160

Area Agency on Aging
4400 North Congress Avenue, West Palm Beach, FL 33407
(561) 684-5885

Veterans Services

West Palm Beach veterans centers provide a wide variety of resources for eligible veterans. For community resources, referrals or medical attention, qualified veterans should visit their local veterans medical center. To seek information about benefits or to apply, veterans can call or visit the regional benefits office.

West Palm Beach Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
7305 North Military Trail, West Palm Beach, FL 33410
(561) 422-8262