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The 10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Lakeland, FL for 2024

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Assisted Living Facilities in Lakeland, Florida

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What to Consider About Assisted Living in Lakeland

In Florida, the Agency for Health Care Administration via the Bureau of Health Facility Regulation is responsible for licensing and managing assisted living facilities throughout the state. This includes investigating complaints and ensuring that facilities have safety measures in place. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Lakeland

  • Lakeland has one of the lowest costs of living in the state, 13.6% lower than the state average. It is particularly obvious in the housing market, transportation sector and the cost of goods and services. Seniors find their retirement checks going further, improving their quality of life and their ability to save money for the future. 
  • Lakeland’s convenient location in central makes the city a pleasant and active locale to enjoy the outdoors and the city’s numerous cultural and artistic venues. The city is within an hour from both Orlando and Tampa, two of the most populous cities in the state and home to innumerable activities for seniors.  
  • Lakeland became part of the AARP’s Age-Friendly Community in 2017, but long before that, the city had been working toward creating a place that was easily accessible for area seniors. The community is easy to walk and bike through, and the city has partnered with Florida Southern College to discuss the implementation of senior programming. 
  • Polk County takes care of its senior population through offering generous tax and licensing exemptions. Seniors aged 65+ can fish or hunt without a license, and they are also eligible for property tax exemptions for property within Polk County. It is also easier for seniors to own a business, as sole proprietors are exempt from business taxes.
  • Lakeland is a great place for seniors to live in winter months, with temperatures that typically stay above 70 degrees. Summers, however, are very hot and humid, with frequent storms, particularly in July and August. Fortunately, most homes and businesses are equipped with air conditioning, and the community offers plenty of indoor activities for seniors who want to stay busy during those sweltering days.

Paying for Assisted Living in Lakeland

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

The cost of an assisted living community averages $3,300 per month in Lakeland. This is $700 less than the state’s average and $1,200 less than the national average each month. In fact, Lakeland is the least expensive city for assisted living care within a 50-mile radius. The cost of assisted living services in Lakeland is slightly less than in Tampa, representing a difference of just $50 per month. It’s almost $140 less than Sebring, $700 less per month than Orlando and approximately $850 per month less than the North Port area. 

Lakeland

$3,300

Florida

$4,000

United States

$4,500

Orlando

$4,000

Tampa

$3,350

North Port Area

$4,145

Sebring

$3,436

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Assisted living care is often in the middle of the cost range of the different types of senior care available in Polk County. However, since there is no data indicating the cost of adult day care in the area (which is usually the least expensive type of care offered to seniors), assisted living is the least expensive care type in Lakeland at $3,300 per month. Home care services are more than $1,270 higher and home health care nearly $1,200 higher in cost than assisted living. This trend continues for seniors who need a more advanced level of medical care than assisted living can provide. A semiprivate room in a nursing home costs an average of more than $8,700 per month, more than $5,400 higher in cost than assisted living.

In-Home Care

$4,576

Home Health Aide

$4,481

Assisted Living Facility

$3,300

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$8,745

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Lakeland

Florida offers low-income seniors two programs that can help cover services at assisted living facilities. The Medicaid Long-Term Care (MLTC) and Assistive Care Services plans don’t cover room and board, but the MLTC plan does negotiate those fees for participants. 

Family supplementation is permitted under certain circumstances, and the state provides an optional state supplement to seniors who receive Federal SSI benefits. 

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Florida page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Florida

More Ways to Pay for Assisted Living

While many families use their own funds or personal assets to pay for assisted living, there are plenty of additional options to cover these costs. Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:

  • Veterans Benefits
  • Life Insurance Policy
  • Long-Term Care Insurance
  • Reverse Mortgage

For more information about different ways to finance assisted living, visit our Assisted Living in Florida page.

Free Assisted Living Resources in Lakeland

Polk County takes care of its senior population with access to a variety of programs. However, it can be difficult for seniors to find information on these programs without prior knowledge that they exist. The table below provides a short list of free resources that are available to help seniors find the Polk County programs they need to thrive.  

ResourceContactService
Polk County Department of Aging800-533-0741There are two separate Departments of Aging in Polk County, one in Bartow and one in Lake Wales. Both offer seniors access to services that include elder care, financial assistance programs, transportation and home companion services. The department also offers referral services to other programs.
Better Living for Seniors of Polk County863-588-6690Polk County Better Living for Seniors is a coalition dedicated to improving life for seniors who live in Polk County through offering educational programs, sponsoring conferences and health fairs and coordinating referrals for service. The nonprofit group also offers regular events for seniors around Polk County, from support groups to chair yoga and caregiver training.
Senior Connection Center1-800-963-5337The Senior Connection Center serves the seniors of Hillsborough, Polk and surrounding counties by providing access to legal aid services, locating financial assistance to cover basic needs and advocating for the safety and health of area seniors. The Senior Connection Center sponsors Mid Florida Community Services, a senior assistance agency specifically for Polk County residents.
Florida Rural Legal Services863-688-7376Florida Rural Legal Services is a private nonprofit agency that guides seniors through the legal process of drafting and filing important legal documents such as living wills, powers of attorney and guardianship papers. The organization also helps seniors manage the cost of assisted living services.  

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Lakeland

Lakeland Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in FL are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in FL page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Florida

Reviews of Communities Nearby

Assisted Living

Mike

I visited this facility

Review of Hawthorne Inn Lakeland

We looked at Hawthorne Inn Lakeland, and it looked expensive. It was nice. It was set up like a little village on the inside with little shops. They hosted outings for the people who stayed there....

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Assisted Living

Darell

I visited this facility

Review of Arbor Oaks at Lakeland Hills

Attentive staff and great food. Everybody is friendly.

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Assisted Living

Charlotte Smith1

I am a friend or relative of a current/past resident

Review of Hawthorne Inn Lakeland

Most of the experienced Med techs/nurses have left, so new employees are like a revolving door. Some are extremely rude, don’t treat the residents with respect, kindness, and care. When...

Read more

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Caring.com

Caring.com is a leading online destination for caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We offer thousands of original articles, helpful tools, advice from more than 50 leading experts, a community of caregivers, and a comprehensive directory of caregiving services.

 

The material on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal, financial, professional, or medical advice or diagnosis or treatment. By using our website, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy

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