38 Assisted Living Communities in Port Saint Lucie, Florida

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,620 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 38 Assisted Living Communities in Port St. Lucie and several in surrounding areas.

• Assisted living: $3,620
• Nursing home semiprivate room: $7,756
• In-home care: $3,480
• Adult day health services: $1,517

According to the Genworth 2018 Cost of Care study, the average monthly cost of care in Port St. Lucie is below the national average ($4,000) and just slightly above the state average ($3,500). In most other cities across Florida, the cost is fairly close, ranging from about $3,200 up to $3,750, except in Jacksonville, where the average monthly cost is considerably higher at $4,425.

In many cities, including in Port St. Lucie, the average monthly cost of care varies drastically depending on the type of care required. The cost of nursing care in the city is nearly double the cost of assisted living. When compared with home care, assisted living costs are nearly the same in Port St. Lucie. It’s important, though, to account for additional costs when considering home care versus assisted living. Rent, utilities and general home maintenance are all usually included in the cost of assisted living. Cost of Homemaker/Home Health Aide Comparison Chart

• Assisted living: $3,620

• Homemaker services: $3,480

• Home health aide: $3,813

• Adult day health: $1,517

• Nursing home care (semiprivate room): $7,756

 

Florida’s Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program provides financial support to seniors aged 65 and older who are living in assisted living facilities or other long-term care homes. As well as covering the cost of assisted living services, the program may provide additional necessary services, including doctor visits, dental care, occupational therapy, physical therapy and transportation services.

Before being accepted to this program, seniors must submit to a comprehensive care assessment to determine the level of care they require. There are also financial eligibility requirements: Individual applicants’ income must not exceed $16,040 annually, and those applying with a spouse may not have a combined income exceeding $21,599. This program accepts a limited number of participants each year and generally has a waiting list. To be added to the waiting list or to receive more information about the application process, seniors can call 1-800-96-ELDER.

Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Florida’s Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is designed to reduce the load on nursing homes in the state by providing seniors with alternative care options. Those who require a nursing level of care but wish to continue to live in their community may apply to PACE to receive subsidized rates on medical and social services, including caregiver or nurse visits, medical care, dental care, transportation and assisted living services in an approved assisted living facility.

To be eligible for PACE, seniors must be aged 55 or older and complete a comprehensive care assessment to determine the level of care they require. They must also be able to safely continue to live in their community and meet the financial requirements of Florida’s state Medicaid program. To find a PACE provider in Port St. Lucie, seniors can call 1-855-435-7223.

Optional State Supplement

Seniors who are receiving federal supplement security income may also receive optional state supplements. OSS helps SSI recipients pay for the cost of room and board in assisted living or other long-term care facilities. The senior’s monthly income and budget determines the OSS benefit amount, which reaches a maximum of $78.40 per month.

To be eligible for the OSS, the applicant’s income may not exceed $849.40 per month and they must not have more than $2,000 in assets, including property. Seniors can receive more information or apply for the OSS by calling ACCESS Florida at 1-866-762-2237.

Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance generally must be purchased before the need for long-term care exists, but for those who take action early enough, a long-term care insurance policy covers the cost of assisted living services or supportive services in any other approved long-term care facility. There is typically an annual deductible payment when seniors reside in an assisted living facility, but the deductible is far less than the yearly cost of care.

Eligibility, monthly premiums and deductible amounts depend on the provider and plan, but usually, age and the policyholder’s past and current health are taken into account when determining rates.

Elderlife Bridge Loan

Elderlife Financial Services provides seniors who aren’t eligible for Medicaid with an alternative option. Senior bridge loans are deposited directly to the recipient’s care facility and are paid back in monthly installments until the loan and interest are paid in full. Elderlife bridge loans are available with low interest rates and flexible terms.

To receive a bridge loan, seniors must meet credit and income requirements. However, those who don’t qualify alone may apply with up to six additional cosigners in order to improve the likelihood of approval and reduce monthly payments.

Senior advocacy organizations are typically not for profit and provide seniors with a range of services, including benefits assistance, elder abuse support and access to local resources and care. Council on Aging – St. Lucie Inc.
2501 South West Bayshore Blvd, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34984
(772) 336-8608 Area Agency on Aging
1100 St. Lucie West Blvd #103, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34986
(772) 467-0008

Some seniors may be eligible for additional medical or financial support from Veterans Affairs. To find out more about available programs and eligibility, seniors can visit their local VA office. Those who are eligible for medical assistance can visit their local VA Medical Center to receive covered care.

St. Lucie County Veterans Services
1664 South East Walton Road #205, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34952
(772) 337-5670

VA Medical Center
126 South West Chamber Court, Port St. Lucie, Florida 34986
(772) 878-7876

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