The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in North Fort Myers, FL for 2024

Located along the Caloosahatchee River in Florida, North Fort Myers is a diverse community known for its natural beauty. The city is home to around 42,700 residents, with seniors accounting for 46% of the population. This large demographic may be attributed to the area’s affordable living costs, comfortable year-round climate and many opportunities for fun and recreation. The city is served by Lee Health, one of the region’s top-rated health care providers which operates numerous medical facilities, ranging from general hospitals to specialized clinics. According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in North Fort Myers pay $5,196 per month for in-home care. Home health care services are also available for the same cost to individuals who require light medical services.

Below we’ve compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the North Fort Myers area – complete with services offered and reviews from families who’ve actually used the service. In addition to our in-depth provider listings, we’ve compiled resources to help seniors and their families to access all the tools they need to age in place safely and gracefully.

The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey shows seniors in North Fort Myers pay $5,196 per month for in-home care. This rate is about $430 higher than the Florida median and $715 more than the U.S. average. While costs are similar in Miami, rates in Tampa are consistent with the state average of $4,767. However, North Fort Myers is more affordable than both Naples and North Port, where rates are $524 higher per month.

Several care options are available depending on seniors’ needs and budgets. While assisted living is $1,575 less per month, home care allows seniors to age in place. Home health care costs the same, but it includes light medical care from skilled professionals in addition to personal and household assistance. Adult day care is the least expensive at $2,080 and includes part-time assistance, while nursing homes offer the most comprehensive services and are $3,770 more than home care.

Given the high cost of in-home care, many people use one or more forms of financial assistance to cover the expenses. Below, we explain some of the most common sources of financial help for paying for in-home care. If none of these options are available to you, you can reach out to your Area Agency on Aging or Aging and Disability Resource Center to learn about local resources.

• Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-Term Care Insurance covers expenses related to senior care, including in-home care. Depending on the policy type, beneficiaries may receive a cash payment to use towards long-term care or reimbursement for qualifying long-term care expenses. Note that there are limitations- typically a maximum benefit of $150 per day- and exact coverage terms vary depending on the exact policy, so always check the details.
• Medicare: Medicare does not cover in-home care because it is classified as custodial, or non-medical, care. However, some Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans, which offer expanded benefits, may cover in-home custodial care.
• Medicaid: Medicaid coverage of in-home care varies between different states because it is not a federally mandated benefit. Currently, all states cover some in-home care either through their standard Medicaid or a waiver program. The specific coverage rules are set individually by each state.
• Veterans’ Benefits: The Aid and Attendance benefit is a monthly cash payment that beneficiaries can use to pay for senior care, including in-home care services. To qualify for A&A, Veterans must already receive the VA pension and meet several additional requirements, including needing assistance with the activities of daily living. Contact the Department of Veterans Affairs to learn more.
• Reverse Mortgages: Home Equity Conversion Mortgages (HECMs) are federally insured loans that are available to homeowners age 62 and over. Reverse mortgages allow you to access a portion of your home’s equity in cash, tax free. Many seniors use reverse mortgages to finance their care expenses, including in-home care. Note that although there are no monthly payments due on reverse mortgage loans, borrowers do have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.