49 Assisted Living Communities in Sarasota, Florida

The average cost of assisted living in the city is $3,874 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 49 Assisted Living Communities in Sarasota and several in surrounding areas. The Cost of Senior Care in Sarasota, FL

• Assisted Living: $3,874
• Nursing Home Care: $8,669
• In-home Care: $3,813
• Adult Day Health Services: $1,907

While monthly assisted living costs in Sarasota ($3,874) fall just under the national average of $4,000, the city is one of the most expensive in this region of Florida, coming in at nearly $400 per month over the state average according to Genworth’s Cost of Care Study 2018. Nearby locations such as Punta Gorda ($3,400) and the Tampa area ($3,250) are slightly less expensive, while farther inland, in places such as Sebring ($3,038) and the Lakeland area ($2,808), expenses drop even more.

Senior care cost data wasn’t available for Sarasota alone, so data for the North Port Area was used.

The cost of senior services in Sarasota varies significantly by type, with adult day health services on the low end at $1,907 per month and nursing home care nearly five times that at $8,669. Assisted living falls toward the middle at $3,874, as do homemaker services ($3,813) and home health aides ($4,385). The cost of in-home care can vary further depending on the extent of services required. Seniors looking at in-home services should factor in expenses such as mortgage or rent when determining monthly costs, while those considering a residential program may want to consider transitional costs such as moving expenses. 

 

Eligible seniors can receive comprehensive benefits from Florida Medicaid, including physician visits, inpatient hospital stays, nursing home care, home health services, adult day health care and prescription medication coverage. Benefits may vary depending on an individual’s medical and functional needs, and those who qualify are enrolled in the statewide Managed Medical Assistance program, which administers services.

To qualify for Florida’s SSI-related Medicaid program, applicants must be legal state residents aged 65 and over and meet strict income requirements. Single applicants may not exceed $891 in monthly income, and married couples with both spouses applying must have a total monthly income of no more than $1,208. Seniors who already receive Supplemental Security Income or who are eligible but not yet receiving SSI automatically qualify for Medicaid. To apply for benefits, these individuals should work directly with the Social Security Administration.

Further information on the state’s Medicaid program is available through ACCESS Florida or by calling (866) 762-2237.

Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program provides community services, in-home care and assisted living programs to Medicaid-eligible seniors in need of extended care. Benefits may include adult foster care and services such as home-delivered meals. Qualified individuals are professionally assessed and assigned a case manager who develops an individualized plan for the applicant, enabling an individual to receive appropriate care in the least restrictive environment possible. 

Legal Florida residents who are over the age of 65 and Medicaid-eligible may apply for SMMC LTC. Disabled individuals under 64 may also apply, and applicants must require a nursing facility level of care. Income limits apply. For single applicants, combined income and assets must not exceed $2,313 per month, and the limit is $4,626 for couples.

The first step in the application process is an assessment, which seniors can schedule via the Elder Helpline at (800) 262-2243. Potential applicants should request a screening for home- and community-based services. The primary caregiver should have basic information available for the initial interview, including the applicant’s income and required care needs.

Optional State Supplementation Program

Financial assistance is available for low-income Florida seniors already living in residential care communities through the Optional State Supplementation program. OSS funding offsets the costs of room and board in care facilities, and the stipend varies, depending on the type of care, up to a $239 monthly maximum for individuals and $487 for couples.

Unless disabled, individuals must be 65 or older to qualify for this benefit and must currently live in a residential care facility. Income limits apply, and individual applicants should make no more than $828.40 per month. The maximum monthly income for couples is exactly double that, at $1,656.80. For applicants living in dedicated mental health care facilities, income limits may be slightly higher. Asset limits follow Medicaid guidelines.

For additional information, answers to questions or to apply, potential applicants should visit ACCESS Florida.

VA Aid and Attendance Program

Financial assistance to offset the costs of assisted living is available to eligible veterans and their surviving spouses through the VA Aid and Attendance Program. Qualified individuals must be 65 or older and require assistance with the activities of daily living. There are no additional level-of-care requirements. 

Financial eligibility requirements for the program are complex, making the application process confusing for many individuals. In addition to income information, applicants may need to provide specifics about un-reimbursed medical expenses. The VA benefits office staff assist veterans and their families with the application process and provide essential information on eligibility and other available benefits.

Assisted Living Bridge Loans

Elderlife Financial Services offers assisted living bridge loans to individuals in need of short-term funding for residential care. Seniors can secure up to 12 months of payments to allow them to transition to a program while awaiting final benefit approval or a payout from the sale of a home. Available as a lump sum payment or as a line of credit, bridge loans can also help fund transitional costs such as moving expenses. Approval is often quick.

These loans can have up to six borrowers, minimizing approval concerns centering around individual creditworthiness or the health and age of the senior receiving services. Borrowers are expected to furnish information about the anticipated source of permanent funding during the application process.

To discuss whether assisted living bridge loans are a viable option, contact Elderlife Financial Services directly.

Area Agencies on Aging offer community resources, information and referrals for services to senior citizens and caregivers. Individual counseling, support groups and respite care are available for families in need. Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
15201 North Cleveland Avenue, Suite 1100, Fort Myers, FL 33903
(239) 652-6900

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