The 10 Best Home Care Agencies for Seniors in Wildwood, FL for 2024

With warm weather year-round, a low cost of living and no state income taxes, Wildwood is a favorable option for many seniors. A wide range of resources are available for older adults, an age group that makes up nearly 40% of the city's estimated 18,000 residents, including an active community center, a Meals on Wheels program and an Area Agency on Aging. The city also has several home care agencies that provide private nonmedical services such as medication reminders, light housekeeping and personal care. Local seniors pay $5,720 per month on average for this level of care, which is high compared to state and national norms but the same as the cost of home health care, which includes skilled nursing.

Below we've compiled a comprehensive directory of every home care provider in the Wildwood 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 Cost of Care Survey shows that in Wildwood, home care agencies charge $5,720 per month for nonmedical services, which exceeds Florida’s norm by nearly $1,000 and the national average by about $760. In Cape Coral, rates are several hundred dollars lower at $5,196, and in Tampa, rates are even more competitive at $4,767. Home care agencies in Lakeland charge $4,576 for services, making this community a budget-friendly alternative to Wildwood, and in Homosassa Springs, clients pay competitive monthly rates of $4,273 for full-time care.

In Wildwood, home care agencies charge $5,720 for full-time nonmedical services, which is the same monthly rate seniors pay for skilled home health care. Assisted living costs about $500 less per month than home care and includes most living expenses, making it a comparatively affordable alternative. Seniors who attend adult day health care pay $1,733 for medical services, meals and recreational activities in a daytime community setting. Nursing homes charge considerably more for care, with base monthly rates exceeding the average for home care by nearly $3,000.

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 to pay 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 nonmedical 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 services 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 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 tax-free portion of your home's equity in cash. 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 have to repay the loan once the last surviving homeowner passes away, moves, or sells the home.