198 Assisted Living Communities in Miami, Florida

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,350 a month. This guide is a starting point covering the cost of assisted living care in the city, as well as financing options to pay for it. You’ll find in-depth information on 198 Assisted Living Communities in Miami and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $3,350
• Nursing home semi-private room: $8,699
• In-home care: $3,337
• Adult day health services: $1,408

According to Genworth’s 2018 Cost of Care study, Miami’s average monthly cost for assisted living is lower than the national average of $4,000 and slightly less than the state average of $3,500. Costs for assisted living in Miami are significantly lower than in Jacksonville ($4,425) and Naples ($5,448), but on par with some other large Florida cities, such as Orlando ($3,275) and Tampa ($3,250). 

Costs for senior care vary based on the level of care provided, the number of direct-service hours and whether or not room and board are included. In Miami, the cost of nursing home care in a semiprivate room is more than double the cost of assisted living, while in-home services, such as a home health aide or homemaker services, cost about the same as assisted living. When comparing the cost of senior care, it’s important to factor in expenses related to nonresidential care. Day-to-day living expenses, such as rent, mortgage payments, utility bills and food, are usually included in assisted living and nursing home costs.  Cost of Homemaker/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 (semi-private room): $8,699

 

Medicaid is a nationwide health insurance program that is jointly funded by the federal and state governments. It provides access to limited health services for people who have low income and few countable assets. 

To be eligible for Medicaid coverage, seniors in Florida need to have a monthly income under $2,313 for an individual or $4,626 for a couple applying together. Countable asset limits are currently set at $2,000 per individual and $3,000 per couple, and assets include cash, bank account balances, stocks, bonds and real estate other than the applicant’s primary residence. 

Medicaid exempts assets, such as personal belongings and household effects, one vehicle, burial trusts (non-revocable only) and a home valued up to $585,000. 

Florida residents aged 65 and older who meet the financial requirements to qualify for Medicaid, may be eligible for partial assisted living funding through the Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care, Long-Term Care Program (SMMC LTC). This program is designed to help reduce the rate of nursing home placement in the state by providing care assistance in a senior’s home, the community or in an assisted living facility. 

Note that benefits provided through the SMMC LTC program cannot be used to finance the room and board portion of assisted living; however, these benefits can be used to finance care services in an assisted living environment. 

For more information on Medicaid and Statewide Medicaid Managed Care and Long Term Care in Florida, contact the Florida Elder Helpline at (800) 963-5337 or call the Agency for Health Care Administration at (877) 711-3662. 

Optional State Supplementation

Optional State Supplementation (OSS) is a cash-based Supplemental Security Income (SSI) top up program that provides additional funds to low-income seniors aged 65 and older who are unable to live independently due to mental and/or physical deterioration or disability. 

OSS funds can be used towards the room and board cost of residential care for seniors such as an adult family care home or an assisted living facility. In most cases, the maximum monthly OSS payment in Florida is $78.40 for an individual and $156.80 for a couple. 

For more information on OSS in Florida, contact the Florida Department of Children and Families through ACCESS Florida at (866) 762-2237 or visit the Miami-Dade ACCESS Central Service Center. 

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Seniors who need short-term financing to pay for assisted living may qualify for an assisted living bridge loan from Elderlife Financial Services. These loans are available for terms up to 12 months and can be funded as either a lump-sum payment or a pre-approved line of credit. 

Assisted living bridge loans may be an option for seniors who are selling their home and moving into an assisted living facility, as the funds from the loan can be used to pay for moving costs and monthly fees. Loan applications can be made over the phone, and in most cases applicants receive a response from the lender in less than 24 hours.

Reverse Mortgage

Elderlife Financial also offers government-approved reverse mortgages for homeowners aged 62 and older who are married, and only one spouse needs to move into an assisted living facility. 

A reverse mortgage leverages the equity in the home to free up funds that can be used to pay for assisted living and other care services, cover household costs and provide seniors with a source of income. It’s important to note that at least one homeowner needs to remain in the home in order to qualify for a reverse mortgage through Elderlife Financial. 

For more information about assisted living bridge loans and reverse mortgages, contact Elderlife Financial at (888) 228-4500. 

Veterans Aid and Attendance and Housebound Pension Supplement

Veterans and their survivors who are entitled to receive a regular (non-disabled) VA pension may qualify for additional financial payments if they have an illness or disability that restricts their ability to perform self-care or leave their home, which may be an assisted living facility. There are two pension top ups available under this program: the VA Housebound allowance and the Veterans Aid and Attendance benefit. 

To qualify for the VA Housebound allowance, applicants must be mainly limited to their primary residence as a result of a permanent disability, which doesn’t need to be related to their military service. 

To qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, applicants must meet one or more of the following criteria: 

 

 

• Require daily assistance with personal care, feeding or management of a prosthesis
• Have eyesight of 5/200 or worse using corrective lenses for both eyes 
• Be mostly bedridden
• Live in a nursing home because of physical and/or mental deterioration




• Note that approval may only be granted for one of these two pensions, even if applicants meet the criteria for both the VA Aid and Attendance benefit and the VA Housebound allowance. 
  
  To learn more about these pension top up benefits for Veterans and their survivors, contact the Miami Vet Center at (305) 718-3712. 

 

 

Various government agencies and not-for-profit groups offer services for seniors in Miami, including elderly care planning, meal delivery and low-cost wheelchair-accessible transportation. Many of these agencies also host tax return clinics for low-income seniors and assist with Optional State Supplementation (OSS) applications.  Great Miami Jewish Federation — Senior Services
4200 Biscayne Blvd., Miami, FL 33137-3279
(305) 576-4000 Miami-Dade County — Senior Services
701 NW 1st Court, Miami, FL 33136
(786) 469-4600

Miami is home to a large veteran population, and there are several resources here for veterans and their families. The Miami VA Healthcare System provides a full range of health services including a caregiver program, and veterans can access information about benefits through the local vet center or the County Veteran Services Program. 

Miami VA Healthcare System
1201 NW 16th Street, Miami, FL 33125
(305) 575-7000

Miami-Dade County Veteran Services Program
701 NW 1st Court, Miami, FL 33136
(305) 270-2940

Miami Vet Center
8280 NW 27th St. Suite 511, Miami, FL 33122
(305) 718-3712

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