Lakeland is a central Florida city with over 112,000 residents, 22% of whom are seniors over the age of 65. Located in Polk County, Lakeland is a friendly city for seniors because of its low cost of living and central location that allows residents a wealth of opportunities to stay active, pursue their passions and delve into new interests.
The cost of assisted living services in Lakeland averages $3,300 per month, which is lower than both the state and national averages. Assisted living services provide seniors in Lakeland the opportunity to receive medical attention or access to physical and occupational therapy if they need it. Additionally, seniors live in a community of their peers, giving them the opportunity to enjoy connecting with others.
This guide to Assisted Living care in Lakeland provides an overview of the city and the advantages and disadvantages of living here as an elderly resident. It also addresses how to pay for assisted living care and how the cost of care here differs from that of care in other Florida cities. Finally, it provides a list of free resources that seniors can use to find the services they need in Lakeland.
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Lakeland, FL
400 S Florida Avenue, Lakeland, FL, 33801
Lake Morton Plaza is located in a thriving area of Lakeland, Florida, near Lake Morton and a wide selection of restaurants and shops. Visitors praise the homey, spacious rooms available for residents
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Lake Morton Plaza is located in a thriving area of Lakeland, Florida, near Lake Morton and a wide selection of restaurants and shops. Visitors praise the homey, spacious rooms available for residents who require assisted or independent living services. The facility is well-maintained by friendly, attentive staff who ensure that residents are well cared for around the clock, and seniors enjoy a range of activities such as bingo, Wii bowling and movie nights. Weekly religious services are available, and the facility provides transportation to doctor’s appointments and outings to the local area’s entertainment venues and stores.
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Lake Morton Plaza is located in a thriving area of Lakeland, Florida, near Lake Morton and a wide selection of restaurants and shops. Visitors praise the homey, spacious rooms available for residents
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Lake Morton Plaza is located in a thriving area of Lakeland, Florida, near Lake Morton and a wide selection of restaurants and shops. Visitors praise the homey, spacious rooms available for residents who require assisted or independent living services. The facility is well-maintained by friendly, attentive staff who ensure that residents are well cared for around the clock, and seniors enjoy a range of activities such as bingo, Wii bowling and movie nights. Weekly religious services are available, and the facility provides transportation to doctor’s appointments and outings to the local area’s entertainment venues and stores.
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2111 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL, 33805
Grand Villa is located in a breathtaking spot in Lakeland, near Lake Parker and its neighboring park, and it’s conveniently close to numerous medical facilities, stores and restaurants. The facility o
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Grand Villa is located in a breathtaking spot in Lakeland, near Lake Parker and its neighboring park, and it’s conveniently close to numerous medical facilities, stores and restaurants. The facility offers residents cozy rooms that make them feel right at home, and visitors are awestruck by the building’s modern architecture. Residents are able to enjoy a range of activities such as yoga, exercising in the fitness room, painting and gardening, and the facility also provides many opportunities for residents to visit the beautiful local area.
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Grand Villa is located in a breathtaking spot in Lakeland, near Lake Parker and its neighboring park, and it’s conveniently close to numerous medical facilities, stores and restaurants. The facility o
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Grand Villa is located in a breathtaking spot in Lakeland, near Lake Parker and its neighboring park, and it’s conveniently close to numerous medical facilities, stores and restaurants. The facility offers residents cozy rooms that make them feel right at home, and visitors are awestruck by the building’s modern architecture. Residents are able to enjoy a range of activities such as yoga, exercising in the fitness room, painting and gardening, and the facility also provides many opportunities for residents to visit the beautiful local area.
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3110 Oakbridge Blvd East , Lakeland, FL, 33803
Ansley Parke at Oakbridge was fine. The only thing is they didn’t have the facilities or a room that was large enough that my father felt comfortable in. We saw the maintenance in motion. They were re
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Ansley Parke at Oakbridge was fine. The only thing is they didn’t have the facilities or a room that was large enough that my father felt comfortable in. We saw the maintenance in motion. They were replacing something that had gone wrong, and they were coming down the hallway with it. We were right next to where they were replacing an air conditioner. The rooms were all nicely kept. Some of them were larger. It’s just that they didn’t have something that my father was comfortable with.
Some of them did and some of them didn’t have carpeting, and they could be adjusted for the person. At that time, my father didn’t like the idea that they had a bedroom without a door.
They have TV nights, and they have people vote on what they want to watch. Then they have little parties and things. They have a cooking place. It’s not that they cook; they have somebody there that does the cooking and shows them how to do it with things they can use in their own rooms. You’re not allowed to have something that doesn’t work on a timer. That’s where my parents were having a really hard time of it.
I would have picked it for myself. I’m 70. If I had to go into one, that would be fine. They were great. Everybody that I talked to or saw was doing what they were supposed to do. At the other places, some of them were on their phones or whatever.
Their facility is new. There’s nothing that has to be done other than maybe adjusting something that somebody wanted done. I don’t know how fast they do it. I did talk to the maintenance guy. From what I understand, when a work order is put in, he takes care of it.
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Ansley Parke at Oakbridge was fine. The only thing is they didn’t have the facilities or a room that was large enough that my father felt comfortable in. We saw the maintenance in motion. They were re
… (read more)
Ansley Parke at Oakbridge was fine. The only thing is they didn’t have the facilities or a room that was large enough that my father felt comfortable in. We saw the maintenance in motion. They were replacing something that had gone wrong, and they were coming down the hallway with it. We were right next to where they were replacing an air conditioner. The rooms were all nicely kept. Some of them were larger. It’s just that they didn’t have something that my father was comfortable with.
Some of them did and some of them didn’t have carpeting, and they could be adjusted for the person. At that time, my father didn’t like the idea that they had a bedroom without a door.
They have TV nights, and they have people vote on what they want to watch. Then they have little parties and things. They have a cooking place. It’s not that they cook; they have somebody there that does the cooking and shows them how to do it with things they can use in their own rooms. You’re not allowed to have something that doesn’t work on a timer. That’s where my parents were having a really hard time of it.
I would have picked it for myself. I’m 70. If I had to go into one, that would be fine. They were great. Everybody that I talked to or saw was doing what they were supposed to do. At the other places, some of them were on their phones or whatever.
Their facility is new. There’s nothing that has to be done other than maybe adjusting something that somebody wanted done. I don’t know how fast they do it. I did talk to the maintenance guy. From what I understand, when a work order is put in, he takes care of it.
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4250 Lakeland Highlands Rd., Lakeland, FL, 33813
Brookdale Highlands is nestled in the friendly city of Lakeland, Florida just a short drive away from the Polk Parkway, medical facilities and shopping centers. Visitors note the high-quality care pro
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Brookdale Highlands is nestled in the friendly city of Lakeland, Florida just a short drive away from the Polk Parkway, medical facilities and shopping centers. Visitors note the high-quality care provided by the compassionate, friendly, well-trained and professional staff at this facility. Brookdale Highlands is often praised for the wide range of activities available to residents such as yoga, swimming, a hair salon, social hours, cocktail hour, dancing, field trips, fitness classes and arts and crafts. Loved ones and residents also mention the well-maintained buildings, spacious gardens and enclosed patios for residents to enjoy.
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Brookdale Highlands is nestled in the friendly city of Lakeland, Florida just a short drive away from the Polk Parkway, medical facilities and shopping centers. Visitors note the high-quality care pro
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Brookdale Highlands is nestled in the friendly city of Lakeland, Florida just a short drive away from the Polk Parkway, medical facilities and shopping centers. Visitors note the high-quality care provided by the compassionate, friendly, well-trained and professional staff at this facility. Brookdale Highlands is often praised for the wide range of activities available to residents such as yoga, swimming, a hair salon, social hours, cocktail hour, dancing, field trips, fitness classes and arts and crafts. Loved ones and residents also mention the well-maintained buildings, spacious gardens and enclosed patios for residents to enjoy.
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6550 N Scorum Loop Road, Lakeland, FL, 33809
The staff that I saw at Savannah Court of Lakeland, and the people that I talked to, they were very, very friendly. The facilities were older. They’re in the process of doing renovations, and they sta
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The staff that I saw at Savannah Court of Lakeland, and the people that I talked to, they were very, very friendly. The facilities were older. They’re in the process of doing renovations, and they started first with the patient rooms. But because the patient rooms were being done first, the common areas looked old and worn. The reason why we didn’t choose to go there was because of the staffing issue. For a person that needs minimal assistance, they would probably be just fine here. The staff was very accommodating, and the director called two or three times just to see how things were going. The facilities seemed worn but they were clean.
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The staff that I saw at Savannah Court of Lakeland, and the people that I talked to, they were very, very friendly. The facilities were older. They’re in the process of doing renovations, and they sta
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The staff that I saw at Savannah Court of Lakeland, and the people that I talked to, they were very, very friendly. The facilities were older. They’re in the process of doing renovations, and they started first with the patient rooms. But because the patient rooms were being done first, the common areas looked old and worn. The reason why we didn’t choose to go there was because of the staffing issue. For a person that needs minimal assistance, they would probably be just fine here. The staff was very accommodating, and the director called two or three times just to see how things were going. The facilities seemed worn but they were clean.
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534 East Lime Street, Lakeland, FL, 33801
We found The Manor at Lake Morton for Mom. It’s relatively new and it’s beautiful. The facilities and the rooms are beautiful and well maintained. The staff is very caring and helpful. My mother tells
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We found The Manor at Lake Morton for Mom. It’s relatively new and it’s beautiful. The facilities and the rooms are beautiful and well maintained. The staff is very caring and helpful. My mother tells me that they are nice to her. She has made friends at The Manor, so we really like it. They don’t have levels of care. It’s an assisted living facility and it’s just the basic care. The dining area is beautiful. My mom says the food is good. They have a staff member that handles activities. They play bingo, they have arts and crafts, they go on field trips occasionally, and they take the residents outdoors to get fresh air, to the lake, to see the ducks and things.
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We found The Manor at Lake Morton for Mom. It’s relatively new and it’s beautiful. The facilities and the rooms are beautiful and well maintained. The staff is very caring and helpful. My mother tells
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We found The Manor at Lake Morton for Mom. It’s relatively new and it’s beautiful. The facilities and the rooms are beautiful and well maintained. The staff is very caring and helpful. My mother tells me that they are nice to her. She has made friends at The Manor, so we really like it. They don’t have levels of care. It’s an assisted living facility and it’s just the basic care. The dining area is beautiful. My mom says the food is good. They have a staff member that handles activities. They play bingo, they have arts and crafts, they go on field trips occasionally, and they take the residents outdoors to get fresh air, to the lake, to see the ducks and things.
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6150 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL, 33813
I toured Hawthorne Inn Lakeland, and it is a gorgeous place. It’s very, very bright and airy and the staff seems very, very attentive to the patients. The biggest problem is it’s so expensive, so I gu
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I toured Hawthorne Inn Lakeland, and it is a gorgeous place. It’s very, very bright and airy and the staff seems very, very attentive to the patients. The biggest problem is it’s so expensive, so I guess you get what you pay for. They have amenities like a salon, they had a fitness room, they had a little ice cream parlor, and they had a lot of stuff up towards the front. They also had transportation available for the residents and the cleanliness of the facility is perfect. In terms of location, it’s more isolated than the other places we toured, but it’s close to a large clinic. Other than that, it’s five to six miles from the hospital. There are a couple of places like a pizza place nearby, but it’s not like they could go out and walk to a restaurant, although they had transportation available.
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I toured Hawthorne Inn Lakeland, and it is a gorgeous place. It’s very, very bright and airy and the staff seems very, very attentive to the patients. The biggest problem is it’s so expensive, so I gu
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I toured Hawthorne Inn Lakeland, and it is a gorgeous place. It’s very, very bright and airy and the staff seems very, very attentive to the patients. The biggest problem is it’s so expensive, so I guess you get what you pay for. They have amenities like a salon, they had a fitness room, they had a little ice cream parlor, and they had a lot of stuff up towards the front. They also had transportation available for the residents and the cleanliness of the facility is perfect. In terms of location, it’s more isolated than the other places we toured, but it’s close to a large clinic. Other than that, it’s five to six miles from the hospital. There are a couple of places like a pizza place nearby, but it’s not like they could go out and walk to a restaurant, although they had transportation available.
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4620 North Socrum Loop Road, Lakeland, FL, 33809
Grace Manor Suites is located in a beautiful neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida, conveniently close to a shopping center, restaurants and Lake Gibson. This facility is praised for its homey environment
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Grace Manor Suites is located in a beautiful neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida, conveniently close to a shopping center, restaurants and Lake Gibson. This facility is praised for its homey environment and readily available care. Residents are provided with high-quality, three-meal dining, catering to individual dietary needs upon request. The community’s social director specifically designs activities with all residents in mind to provide fun opportunities for everyone. Residents are able to enjoy a wide range of activities such as jewelry making, gardening and baking. The facility also offers regular outings to the local area.
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Grace Manor Suites is located in a beautiful neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida, conveniently close to a shopping center, restaurants and Lake Gibson. This facility is praised for its homey environment
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Grace Manor Suites is located in a beautiful neighborhood in Lakeland, Florida, conveniently close to a shopping center, restaurants and Lake Gibson. This facility is praised for its homey environment and readily available care. Residents are provided with high-quality, three-meal dining, catering to individual dietary needs upon request. The community’s social director specifically designs activities with all residents in mind to provide fun opportunities for everyone. Residents are able to enjoy a wide range of activities such as jewelry making, gardening and baking. The facility also offers regular outings to the local area.
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4141 Lakeland Hills Blvd, Lakeland, FL, 33805
Arbor Oaks at Lakeland Hills is nestled in a beautiful residential area of Lakeland, Florida and is just minutes away from medical facilities, shopping centers and I-4. Loved ones and residents give c
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Arbor Oaks at Lakeland Hills is nestled in a beautiful residential area of Lakeland, Florida and is just minutes away from medical facilities, shopping centers and I-4. Loved ones and residents give consistently high marks to this community for its caring, friendly and professional staff that goes out of their way to help the residents. Arbor Oaks at Lakeland Hills residents are very proud of the wide variety of activities available including field trips, arts and crafts, fitness classes and lectures about interesting topics. Visitors compliment the large rooms, spacious gardens and enclosed patio.
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Arbor Oaks at Lakeland Hills is nestled in a beautiful residential area of Lakeland, Florida and is just minutes away from medical facilities, shopping centers and I-4. Loved ones and residents give c
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Arbor Oaks at Lakeland Hills is nestled in a beautiful residential area of Lakeland, Florida and is just minutes away from medical facilities, shopping centers and I-4. Loved ones and residents give consistently high marks to this community for its caring, friendly and professional staff that goes out of their way to help the residents. Arbor Oaks at Lakeland Hills residents are very proud of the wide variety of activities available including field trips, arts and crafts, fitness classes and lectures about interesting topics. Visitors compliment the large rooms, spacious gardens and enclosed patio.
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1001 Carpenter’s Way, Lakeland, FL, 33809
The Estates at Carpenters is located in a prime location of Lakeland, near the beautiful Lake Gibson and a wide selection of shops and restaurants. The facility offers residents spacious rooms with ho
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The Estates at Carpenters is located in a prime location of Lakeland, near the beautiful Lake Gibson and a wide selection of shops and restaurants. The facility offers residents spacious rooms with homey furnishings and access to around-the-clock care. Residents enjoy a range of activities such as games, walking groups and water aerobics in the on-site swimming pool. The Estates also has other amenities such as an exercise room and a woodworking room, and the facility provides outings to the local area attractions. Visitors highly praise the friendly staff who ensure residents feel important and well taken care of.
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The Estates at Carpenters is located in a prime location of Lakeland, near the beautiful Lake Gibson and a wide selection of shops and restaurants. The facility offers residents spacious rooms with ho
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The Estates at Carpenters is located in a prime location of Lakeland, near the beautiful Lake Gibson and a wide selection of shops and restaurants. The facility offers residents spacious rooms with homey furnishings and access to around-the-clock care. Residents enjoy a range of activities such as games, walking groups and water aerobics in the on-site swimming pool. The Estates also has other amenities such as an exercise room and a woodworking room, and the facility provides outings to the local area attractions. Visitors highly praise the friendly staff who ensure residents feel important and well taken care of.
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771 Carpenters Way, Lakeland, FL, 33809
Great atmosphere-communication-actitives, etc. Easy and caring community.
Great atmosphere-communication-actitives, etc. Easy and caring community.
16 LAKE HUNTER DRIVE, Lakeland, FL, 33803
Florida Presbyterian Homes is a lakefront assisted living community in sunny Lakeland, Florida. Visitors appreciate that the facility is very clean and well organized, and they recently added new inde
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Florida Presbyterian Homes is a lakefront assisted living community in sunny Lakeland, Florida. Visitors appreciate that the facility is very clean and well organized, and they recently added new independent living apartments. Residents enjoy the facility’s annual indoor yard sale and the monthly community breakfast held to cultivate relationships. Public transportation is provided so residents can get out into the community and explore. Loved ones can enjoy peace of mind thanks to the kind, caring and knowledgeable staff who provide the residents with dedicated care and assistance and treat them like family.
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Florida Presbyterian Homes is a lakefront assisted living community in sunny Lakeland, Florida. Visitors appreciate that the facility is very clean and well organized, and they recently added new inde
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Florida Presbyterian Homes is a lakefront assisted living community in sunny Lakeland, Florida. Visitors appreciate that the facility is very clean and well organized, and they recently added new independent living apartments. Residents enjoy the facility’s annual indoor yard sale and the monthly community breakfast held to cultivate relationships. Public transportation is provided so residents can get out into the community and explore. Loved ones can enjoy peace of mind thanks to the kind, caring and knowledgeable staff who provide the residents with dedicated care and assistance and treat them like family.
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747 Bon Air Street, Lakeland, FL, 33805
Lakeland Manor was really nice when I walked in the front door. They took us downstairs and that’s when my sister and I kind of like freaked out; it wasn’t what we imagined it was going to be or what
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Lakeland Manor was really nice when I walked in the front door. They took us downstairs and that’s when my sister and I kind of like freaked out; it wasn’t what we imagined it was going to be or what we wanted. It was like a TV room with couches and chairs, and everybody was just gathered around and hanging out. The rooms in assisted living and the dining area that we saw were OK. I can’t see anything about them; it’s just not what we needed for our mother. The memory care was on lock down. The staff member that we met was nice.
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Lakeland Manor was really nice when I walked in the front door. They took us downstairs and that’s when my sister and I kind of like freaked out; it wasn’t what we imagined it was going to be or what
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Lakeland Manor was really nice when I walked in the front door. They took us downstairs and that’s when my sister and I kind of like freaked out; it wasn’t what we imagined it was going to be or what we wanted. It was like a TV room with couches and chairs, and everybody was just gathered around and hanging out. The rooms in assisted living and the dining area that we saw were OK. I can’t see anything about them; it’s just not what we needed for our mother. The memory care was on lock down. The staff member that we met was nice.
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315 WEST PEACHTREE STREET, Lakeland, FL, 33815
My grandfather was placed into this particular facility once released from the hospital. Our family visited the establishment on a regular basis and we were always satisfied with his care. The staff w
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My grandfather was placed into this particular facility once released from the hospital. Our family visited the establishment on a regular basis and we were always satisfied with his care. The staff was very caring and understood that having a loved one in a facility as such was very heartbreaking. The nurses would stop in when we would visit to make sure all needs were met for my grandfather and even us. Even upon arrivals there were more times than not that someone was in his room talking with him or providing care. He had even become a favorite with some of the employees. We never noticed any type of order and it always smelled pleasant. Parking was never hard and it was located across from a beautiful lake that the residents could and most times would come outside for. There was transportation for residents that were mobile. The service was very appreciated by family members that were unable to make planned visits. I would strongly recommend this facilty for a loved one.
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My grandfather was placed into this particular facility once released from the hospital. Our family visited the establishment on a regular basis and we were always satisfied with his care. The staff w
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My grandfather was placed into this particular facility once released from the hospital. Our family visited the establishment on a regular basis and we were always satisfied with his care. The staff was very caring and understood that having a loved one in a facility as such was very heartbreaking. The nurses would stop in when we would visit to make sure all needs were met for my grandfather and even us. Even upon arrivals there were more times than not that someone was in his room talking with him or providing care. He had even become a favorite with some of the employees. We never noticed any type of order and it always smelled pleasant. Parking was never hard and it was located across from a beautiful lake that the residents could and most times would come outside for. There was transportation for residents that were mobile. The service was very appreciated by family members that were unable to make planned visits. I would strongly recommend this facilty for a loved one.
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815 WEST DOUGHTERY ROAD, Lakeland, FL, 33809
212 Chestnut Road, Lakeland, FL, 33815
2815 Cleveland Heights Blvd, Lakeland, FL, 33803
1225 Havendale Blvd, NW, Winter Haven, FL, 33881
Spring Haven Retirement is located on the shores of Lake Hartridge in Winter Haven, Florida, close to Lakeside Memorial Park and Winter Haven Hospital. Visitors compare the clean, well-decorated facil
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Spring Haven Retirement is located on the shores of Lake Hartridge in Winter Haven, Florida, close to Lakeside Memorial Park and Winter Haven Hospital. Visitors compare the clean, well-decorated facility to a hotel. Residents are impressed with the spacious rooms that provide lake views, and they also compliment the facility’s chef-prepared food and varied menu. Visitors note the many on-site amenities, including a swimming pool, library and beauty salon. For fun, residents can participate in walking groups, water aerobics, card games and other activities. Spring Haven Retirement is well-reviewed by residents for its helpful staff.
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Spring Haven Retirement is located on the shores of Lake Hartridge in Winter Haven, Florida, close to Lakeside Memorial Park and Winter Haven Hospital. Visitors compare the clean, well-decorated facil
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Spring Haven Retirement is located on the shores of Lake Hartridge in Winter Haven, Florida, close to Lakeside Memorial Park and Winter Haven Hospital. Visitors compare the clean, well-decorated facility to a hotel. Residents are impressed with the spacious rooms that provide lake views, and they also compliment the facility’s chef-prepared food and varied menu. Visitors note the many on-site amenities, including a swimming pool, library and beauty salon. For fun, residents can participate in walking groups, water aerobics, card games and other activities. Spring Haven Retirement is well-reviewed by residents for its helpful staff.
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650 N. Lake Howard Drive, Winter Haven, FL, 33881
Lake Howard Heights is located in Winter Haven, southwest of Haines City, Florida. It sits just off U.S. Route 17, near Lake Howard and the Winter Haven Hospital. Residents say they feel safe on the p
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Lake Howard Heights is located in Winter Haven, southwest of Haines City, Florida. It sits just off U.S. Route 17, near Lake Howard and the Winter Haven Hospital. Residents say they feel safe on the property and find the staff accessible and helpful when they need assistance. The facility takes the residents on "mystery rides" for group luncheons at different area restaurants. Other activities include bingo, prom night and religious services. The dining area earns praise for its quality and offers several home-cooked selections as well as pureed diets as needed.
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Lake Howard Heights is located in Winter Haven, southwest of Haines City, Florida. It sits just off U.S. Route 17, near Lake Howard and the Winter Haven Hospital. Residents say they feel safe on the p
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Lake Howard Heights is located in Winter Haven, southwest of Haines City, Florida. It sits just off U.S. Route 17, near Lake Howard and the Winter Haven Hospital. Residents say they feel safe on the property and find the staff accessible and helpful when they need assistance. The facility takes the residents on "mystery rides" for group luncheons at different area restaurants. Other activities include bingo, prom night and religious services. The dining area earns praise for its quality and offers several home-cooked selections as well as pureed diets as needed.
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2051 Walden Woods Dr, Plant City, FL, 33563
My mom moved into The Canopy at Walden Woods. It is a very nice and clean place. The people are very nice and helpful. They’re taking pretty good care of my mom. Everybody has been very polite. They h
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My mom moved into The Canopy at Walden Woods. It is a very nice and clean place. The people are very nice and helpful. They’re taking pretty good care of my mom. Everybody has been very polite. They have activities like coloring Easter eggs. My mom played bingo a few times. They have exercises. They try to keep people busy. My mom got a studio and has a refrigerator and air conditioner. We brought her a microwave there. The bathroom was very clean. It is a brand-new facility, and they keep it very clean. There is a courtyard, a little putting range, an activity room, and a playroom.
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My mom moved into The Canopy at Walden Woods. It is a very nice and clean place. The people are very nice and helpful. They’re taking pretty good care of my mom. Everybody has been very polite. They h
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My mom moved into The Canopy at Walden Woods. It is a very nice and clean place. The people are very nice and helpful. They’re taking pretty good care of my mom. Everybody has been very polite. They have activities like coloring Easter eggs. My mom played bingo a few times. They have exercises. They try to keep people busy. My mom got a studio and has a refrigerator and air conditioner. We brought her a microwave there. The bathroom was very clean. It is a brand-new facility, and they keep it very clean. There is a courtyard, a little putting range, an activity room, and a playroom.
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COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Lakeland
Since most COVID-19 rules for Assisted Living Communities and other Senior Living Facilities are set at the state level, you can view the specific rules for your state on our Guide to Assisted Living in FL. Keep in mind that every community has specific policies that they put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
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.
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.
Nursing Home Facility (semiprivate room)
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.
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.
There 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.
Polk 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.
The 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 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.