Assisted Living Communities in Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Assisted living care in Fort Walton Beach costs $924 more than the state average and is $424 over the national average, but it's comparable to nearby cities. When looking at other cities along the panhandle, Fort Walton Beach is a little less expensive than Panama City, which costs $157 more. The other two closest cities are Pensacola, which is $600 less, and the capital city of Tallahassee, which is lower than Fort Walton Beach by only $274.

 

The current cost of assisted living services in Fort Walton Beach, FL, is $4,924 per month.

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.

When it comes to long-term care in Fort Walton Beach, assisted living is the most affordable option. For seniors who wish to remain in their own homes, they can choose from nonmedical in-home care at $5,005 per month or home health care provided by licensed medical professionals at $5,053 per month. The highest-cost option is a semiprivate nursing home room for $7,908 per month, but this includes 24/7 skilled nursing care.

Licensing for assisted living communities in Fort Walton Beach is overseen by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). This state agency ensures all facilities comply with the established state regulations and standards to safeguard the health, safety and well-being of residents. They conduct inspections, investigate complaints and work to enforce quality care and services for all.

 

• There are 232 physicians per capita in Fort Walton Beach, which is higher than the national average of 210. Health care costs are just a shade lower than the U.S. average, and the city's primary hospital offers quality care for seniors. HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital is a top-performing facility offering an advanced primary stroke center and cancer care center. USAF Regional Hospital is located on Eglin Air Force Base and is available to veterans or active military.
• The cost of living in Fort Walton Beach is 3% lower than the nation's average. Housing, groceries and transportation are affordable compared to other areas along the Gulf Coast. The lack of state income tax helps keep a budget in check for seniors still earning any kind of wage.
• In addition to the outdoor recreation connected to the beach, Fort Walton Beach also boasts six parks, 22 golf courses, four movie theaters and 11 malls or shopping centers nearby. This provides ample opportunities for entertainment and leisure.
• Fort Walton Beach has a humid subtropical climate with hot summers and mild winters. Rainfall occurs the most during the summer and averages around 66 inches, while there is no snow during the winter. Despite being prone to hurricanes, the area allows seniors to play golf and enjoy the outdoors year-round. The air quality index is higher than the national average, which makes it an excellent choice for those with respiratory illnesses.
• The violent crime rate in Fort Walton Beach is significantly lower than the nation's average of 22.7 and sits at just 17.1 on a 100-point scale. Property crime is only a little higher at 44 against the national average of 35.4, but assisted living communities are among the safest areas due to their enhanced security measures and 24/7 monitoring, so seniors can rest assured they are protected.