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In-Home Care in Florida

Florida’s well-deserved reputation as a great place to retire probably explains why an increasing number of seniors are moving there. The 2020 Census revealed over 4.5 million of its residents are aged 65+, an increase of almost 1.25 million since 2010. The Sunshine State doesn’t tax its residents’ incomes, allowing seniors to hold on to more of their pensions, Social Security benefits and other earnings. It also boasts many nationally ranked medical facilities, such as the Mayo Clinic-Jacksonville and Adventhealth Orlando.

With so many seniors choosing to live there, it isn’t surprising Florida has numerous in-home care and home health care agencies dedicated to helping them age comfortably. In-home care is a nonmedical service focused on custodial services and companionship, which typically includes light housekeeping and assistance with personal care. Home health care adds basic medical support to those services, often delivered by skilled nurses and occupational therapists. Florida’s average monthly fee for both options is $4,767.

This guide explains what in-home care offers seniors who want the advantages of care services without relocating to an institution. It also covers likely costs and how Medicare and Medicaid can help, in addition to listing some senior-friendly resources.

The Cost of In-Home Care in Florida

Florida’s in-home care costs published in the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, are a pleasant surprise. On average, the typical Floridian pays $190 per month less than the typical American, who pays $4,957. Costs don’t compare so well with neighboring states, however. For example, Alabama and Mississippi both average $3,813 per month, Louisiana costs $3,623 and South Carolina averages $4,433. Despite this, Florida is the only one of the six states not to tax incomes, which may offset its costlier in-home care fees.

Florida

$4767

The United States

$4957

Georgia

$4290

Alabama

$3813

Mississippi

$3813

Louisiana

$3623

South Carolina

$4433

Many factors influence in-home care fees, including location. In Crestview, the average is $5,005, while in Jacksonville, it’s a more welcome $4,481. The Villages can be costly, with fees averaging $5,720, while Sebastian, although above the state median, is more affordable, at $5,100. Seniors in and around Punta Gorda can expect to pay about $4,767 for in-home care, while their peers down in Naples typically pay $953 more per month. It’s possible to find significantly below-average costs too, such as in Miami, where they’re around $4,195 — an annual savings of $6,864 when compared to the state’s median fee.

Jacksonville

$4481

Crestview

$5005

The Villages

$5720

Punta Gorda

$4767

Sebastian

$5100

Miami

$4195

Naples

$5720

Prices for different care types are mostly dictated by the level and quantity of services and the provider’s costs. This is why Florida’s adult day health care facilities, with lower overhead per senior, can offer care for $1,517 per month. Compare this with in-home care and home health care agencies, whose fees average $4,767. They provide one-on-one care within the senior’s home and, in the case of home health care, qualified professionals to deliver limited medical support. Assisted living is more affordable at $4,000 per month because all services are contained within one location. Nursing homes typically charge $8,654, reflecting narrower staff-to-resident ratios and care administered by physicians and skilled nurses.

In-Home Care

$4767

Home Health Care

$4767

Adult Day Health Care

$1517

Assisted Living Facility

$4000

Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)

$8654

Does Medicaid Cover Home Care in Florida?

Medicaid doesn’t directly cover home care costs but the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program can. Its purpose is to provide all the assistance a senior would receive in a nursing home but within their own home, including non-medical services. Another waiver, the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, also aids seniors at home by combining elements of Medicaid and Medicare to cover all care needs.

The Home Care for the Elderly waiver provides a basic subsidy to all applicants and tailored subsidies to cover needs specific to each senior enrolled in the program. The final waiver is Community Care for the Elderly, which is available to all seniors whose needs fall within its scope, although it is primarily focused on those at risk of elder abuse.

Home Care Waiver Programs in Florida

The following waivers can help Florida seniors receive the help they need at home, including personal care, medical assistance, counseling and subsidies. 

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Florida

As of 2022, single adults applying for assistance must provide proof their countable income doesn’t exceed $11,964 per year and their assets are worth no more than $5,000. If both spouses in the household apply, the figures are $16,116 annually for income and $6,000 for assets. Be aware that there is likely to be a check on your sale of assets for the previous 5 years to determine if they’ve been undersold in anticipation of your application.

2022 Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Florida

Income limits*Asset limits
$11,964$5,000
$16,116$6,000

*per year

  • Aged 65 years or older
  • U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident
  • Florida resident
  • Require care provided in a nursing home facility

How to Apply for Medicaid in Florida

Seniors without Medicaid should apply via ACCESS Florida or visit their nearest ACCESS Florida Service Center to apply in person. Alternatively, they can call (850) 300-4323 to request an application form, which should be completed and mailed to their nearest ACCESS center.

What Information You Will Need

You’ll need to provide evidence to support your application. This typically includes Social Security and Medicare cards as proof of identity, wage stubs and 60 months of bank statements as proof of income and life insurance policy numbers. You may also need to provide property deeds and pre-need burial contract documents.

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

Some people may become confused and stressed about applying for Medicaid. Fortunately, there are several organizations that can help guide applicants through the process or simply provide information and links to nearby advisors.

ProgramContactAreaServedServices provided
American Council on AgingOnline OnlyStatewideThe organization's website provides detailed information about Florida's Medicaid program for people who want to conduct their own research. It also includes useful tools to help visitors determine if they're eligible and how much of their assets they need to spend down to qualify for Medicaid.
Medicaid.govOnline OnlyStatewideThe federal website contains up-to-date information about Medicaid and guides visitors through the application process. It also allows applicants to check the status of their applications and renew their Medicaid cards if they already qualify.
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care(877) 711-3662StatewideThe state government's website contains a wealth of information about Medicaid and waiver programs. It also helps visitors learn what plans they're eligible for and provides details for each. There are links to addresses and phone numbers for visitors who want to contact an advisor directly.

Does Medicare Cover In-Home Care in Florida?

In general, Medicare does not cover the cost of non-medical home care. That being said, there are situations in which Medicare provides some coverage for medical home care, referred to as “Home Healthcare.” There are several eligibility restrictions for coverage, including that individuals must be homebound and have a referral from their doctor specifically for home healthcare services.

Below is an overview of some of the skilled medical professionals whose in-home services are typically covered by Medicare – for more in-depth information, refer to our Guide to Home Healthcare.

  • Physical Therapists: Physical therapy is used to help patients recover from injuries (broken bones, knee injuries, etc.), treat ongoing conditions such as arthritis, and assist in recovery from surgeries and procedures such as a knee or hip replacement.
  • Visiting Nurses: Licensed nurses can provide a number of medical services for those who don’t need to stay in the hospital, but do need regular medical services such as wound care, changing feeding tubes, etc.
  • Occupational Therapists: Occupational therapists help seniors regain or maintain the ability to accomplish normal, daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, eating, and other daily activities.
  • Speech Therapists: Speech therapists help seniors who are struggling to adequately communicate due to a stroke, dementia, or any other cause regain the ability to functionally communicate using a variety of means. Additionally, speech therapists help to keep seniors independent by modifying diets, teaching special techniques to swallow safely, and retraining associated muscles.

As mentioned above, in-home care is distinctly different from home healthcare. But, there can be some overlap in services between the two types of care. So, while Medicare doesn’t cover non-medical in-home care, there are in-home care services that may be covered in special circumstances when they’re provided in conjunction with home healthcare (such as an occupational therapist helping with eating or dressing)

Other Financial Assistance Options for In-Home Care in Florida

While the above programs help many people finance in-home care, they will not cover all costs for everyone. There are other ways to pay for in-home care, including out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance and more. Read Caring.com’s Guide to In-Home Care Costs to learn more about these alternative payment options.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Florida

Floridian seniors can access a wealth of free and low-cost resources to help them age safely and comfortably in their own homes. Those listed here can pay some energy bills, make homes more energy-efficient, deliver nutritious meals and support caregivers too.

ResourceContactAreaServedService
Florida Weatherization Assistance Program(850) 245-7105StatewideThe Florida Weatherization Assistance Program supports seniors on limited incomes, helping to make their homes more energy-efficient and comfortable. Operating at a local level through community action agencies, it allocates grants to cover necessary home improvement costs. Depending on the results of the home survey, these can include wall and attic insulation, window and door repairs and the replacement of furnaces and air conditioning systems.
Meals on Wheels South Florida(954) 731-8770South FloridaMeals on Wheels South Florida serves 1.2 million meals to over 10,000 residents in the region annually. The service is open to homebound Floridians aged 60 and older who struggle to prepare their own food and don't have someone who can regularly assist. The nonprofit can also deliver medically tailored meals. Its pet program includes monthly deliveries of food and a mobile veterinarian service.
Low-Income Home Energy Assistance ProgramLocal Agency NumbersStatewideThe Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program is available to seniors struggling to cope with rising energy costs. Seniors with qualifying incomes can apply up to three times per year for support, with the program paying the energy supplier directly. However, there are some restrictions, such as propane and natural gas bills only being eligible in winter. To qualify, the senior must be a U.S. citizen and Florida resident with an income no greater than 60% of the state median income.
Florida Legal Services(407) 801-4350StatewideFlorida Legal Services is a nonprofit organization supported by donations and funding from The Florida Bar Foundation. It advocates for seniors on low incomes who may otherwise be denied justice due to their inability to pay legal costs. Its lawyers and paralegals specialize in civil law, taking on a range of cases, such as seniors denied state medical insurance and vulnerable residents facing elder abuse.
Property Tax Exemption(850) 488-6800Multiple Counties and MunicipalitiesIn Florida, many counties and municipalities allow for a homestead exemption of up to $50,000. To qualify, the applicant must reside in and own the home, be aged 65 years or older and have an income that doesn't exceed the limit for their area. In some locations, there's also an additional homestead exemption up to the value of homes priced below $250,000 where the senior has resided for at least 25 years.
National Family Caregiver Support Program(850) 414-2000StatewideThe Department of Elder Affairs administers the Family Caregiver Support Program in Florida. It can help families caring for frail and elderly relatives, providing them with information on how to deliver the best care possible and supporting them in more practical ways, such as transportation and respite care. The department also offers individual counseling to help caregivers cope with the stress their duties may produce.

In-Home Care Laws and Regulations in Florida

The Florida Division of Health Quality Assurance regulates senior care in the state. The division inspects residential care facilities and takes reports from the public about conditions at the sites it oversees. The table below contains an overview of the laws for senior home care in Florida.

TopicRule
Scope of CareHome care agencies may provide assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, homemaking, companionship, respite, and any other non-skilled services that a patient may need.
Care Plan RequirementsHome care agencies must provide patients with information about their services, the identity of the person providing care and all costs and fees associated with care at least 48 hours in advance of the onset of treatment. Patients have a right to be involved in the care planning process.
Medication Management RequirementsHome care providers may, consistent with a dispensed prescription's label or the package directions of an over-the-counter medication, assist a patient whose condition is medically stable with the self-administration of routine, regularly scheduled medications that are intended to be self-administered. Written permission is required in advance.
Staff Screening RequirementsAll staff must undergo a level 2 background screening by scanned fingerprints.
Staff Training RequirementsNone
Medicaid CoverageFlorida Medicaid reimburses beneficiaries for home health services rendered by a licensed, Medicaid-participating home health agency and Medicaid-enrolled or registered personal care providers.
Reporting AbuseAbuse should be reported to the office of the Complaint Administration Unit at (888) 419-3456 or CAU@ahca.myflorida.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Find an In-Home Care Provider in Florida

Whether you are looking for yourself or a loved one, finding a quality home care provider can be a stressful process. When you hire an in-home care aide you’re placing a lot of trust in the hands of the person by inviting them into your home, so you’ll want to be diligent in your search. At Caring.com, we’re here to help – we’ve created a helpful checklist below that can help guide you through the process of both determining your needs and finding a home care agency that will provide the best care possible.

Download
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist
Finding a Home Care Provider Checklist

Find Home Care Agencies Near You

To find quality home care providers near you, simply input the zip code or city where you would like to start your search. We have an extensive directory of home care agencies all across the nation that includes in-depth information about each provider and hundreds of thousands of reviews from seniors and their loved ones.

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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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