3 Assisted Living Communities in Miami Dade County, Florida

The average cost of assisted living in the county is $3,350 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the county, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 3 Assisted Living Communities in Miami-Dade County and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Miami-Dade County, FL

• Assisted Living: $3,350
• Nursing Home Care: $8,699
• In-home Care: $3,337
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,408

Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study shows only a slight variance in average senior care costs throughout this region of Florida. Assisted living expenses in Miami-Dade County ($3,350) fall just $150 under the state’s monthly average of $3,500, while to the north, expenses in Port St. Lucie ($3,620) and the Sebastian area ($3,524) are only slightly higher. Across the state, on a comparable section of Florida’s Gulf Coast, assisted living costs vary more dramatically, ranging from $3,400 in Punta Gorda to $5,448 in the Naples area, which is one of the area’s premier vacation destinations.

Note: Senior care cost data wasn’t available specifically for Miami-Dade County, so data for the overlapping Miami area was used for comparisons.

Depending on the type of services required, the cost of senior care can vary considerably in Miami-Dade County, with nursing home care ($8,699) nearly seven times more expensive than adult day health services ($1,408) and over twice as expensive as assisted living ($3,350). While in-home services are generally comparable in price to assisted living in this county, the cost for a home health aide or homemaker services can vary significantly depending on the number of hours services are required each week. Additional factors to consider when weighing in-home care against residential services are costs associated with maintaining a home, including mortgage or rent, HOA fees, utilities and household maintenance. 

Florida’s Medicaid program provides qualified seniors with comprehensive health care coverage. Services are administered by Florida’s Managed Medical Assistance program and include visits to a primary care physician or specialist for preventative and acute care, inpatient hospital stays, long-term care, such as nursing home, home health services and adult day health care, and prescription medications. An applicant’s medical and functional needs determine what coverage is offered. 

Low-income state residents aged 65 and over may qualify for Florida’s SSI-related Medicaid program. Monthly income limits are set at $891 for singles and $1,208 for married couples with both spouses applying. Individuals who are eligible for or already receive SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid. These individuals should call the Social Security Administration‘s Miami office at (800) 772-1213 to apply for benefits.

For additional information on Medicaid, seniors should visit ACCESS Florida online or call (866) 762-2237.

Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program

Medicaid-eligible seniors in need of long-term care may benefit from Florida’s SMMC LTC program. Qualified applicants are assigned a case manager and professionally assessed, and they may receive benefits, including, but not limited to, assisted living services, medical equipment, skilled nursing and personal emergency alert systems. The program aims to enable seniors to receive the care they need while maintaining as much independence as possible. 

Medicaid-eligible Florida residents aged 65 and older or disabled persons 64 and under may apply for SMMC LTC. The program is designed specifically for individuals requiring a nursing facility level of care and has strict income requirements. Combined monthly income and assets must not exceed $2,313 for single applicants or $4,626 for couples.

To begin the process, seniors can schedule an initial assessment via the Elder Helpline at (800) 262-2243 and request a screening for home- and community-based services. Basic information, including the applicant’s monthly income and required care needs are required during the application process.

Optional State Supplementation Program

For low-income seniors who currently live in a residential care community, assistance to offset the cost of room and board is available through the Optional State Supplementation program. The OSS stipend varies, depending on what type of care the senior receives, with a $78.40 monthly maximum for each individual.

Applicants must be 65 or older to qualify and should make no more than $752.40 monthly. For couples, the monthly income limit is $1,504.80. Personal asset limits adhere to Medicaid guidelines.

To start the application process or to learn more about OSS, seniors should contact ACCESS Florida.

Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Miami-Dade seniors who qualify for nursing home care through Medicaid may choose to receive alternative long-term services directly in their assisted living facility through PACE. Comprehensive services, including primary and acute care, are all delivered through the area’s designated PACE provider, Miami Jewish Health Systems. Benefits may include medical equipment, emergency services, prescription medications and therapies as determined by an assigned case manager.

To qualify, individuals must be 55 or older, Medicaid- or Medicare and Medicaid dual-eligible and live within the PACE Miami-Dade service area. Qualified applicants must also be able to safely reside in a community setting. Medical eligibility is determined by Florida’s CARES program. PACE also offers a private-pay option, which is not state regulated.

Additional information on PACE and its benefits is available by calling Miami-Dade’s Elder Helpline at (305) 670-4357. Potential applicants are directed on how to apply.

VA Aid and Attendance Program

Through the Aid and Attendance program, veterans receiving a regular VA pension may qualify to receive supplemental funding to cover costs associated with assisted living. The program is open to veterans aged 65 and older or their surviving spouses who meet one or more of the following criteria.

 

 

• Demonstrated need for assistance to perform activities of daily living 
• Be bedridden (excluding short-term convalescence)
• Have corrected vision of no more than 5/200 in both eyes 
• Experience concentric contraction of the visual field to less than 5 degrees




• Applicants should be prepared to provide a physician’s report detailing their specific need for assistance. 
  
  Veterans already enrolled in the VA’s Housebound program or who receive a VA disability pension are excluded from receiving VA A&A funding. 
  
  Eligible veterans can call the Miami Vet Center at (305) 718-3712 or stop by in person during its regular hours of operation. Staff is available to answer questions and assist with the application process. 

 

 

Senior Homes has an extensive directory of senior living options, with care and living providers across the United States.