Located 25 miles inland from the Tampa Bay area, Winter Haven, Florida, has just over 52,000 residents, 25% of whom are aged 65 or older. The city’s lower cost of living and affordable health care options are beneficial for seniors living on a budget. It also offers many assisted living facilities and other agencies that provide a range of services for older adults. 

Assisted living is a type of residential care that provides older adults assistance with activities of daily living, including dressing, grooming, bathing and meal preparation. For seniors who don’t require skilled nursing care but can no longer live at home comfortably on their own, assisted living is an ideal care option. Facility costs vary depending on the services and amenities offered, but the average cost seniors pay in Winter Haven is around $3,300 per month, which is lower than both the state and national averages. 

In this guide, seniors can explore assisted living costs and other care options available both locally and throughout the state of Florida. This guide also features financial assistance options for assisted living and other resources and programs seniors can access for a more comfortable life. 

Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Winter Haven, FL

2014

Brookdale Winter Haven

6120 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven, FL, 33884

Brookdale Winter Haven is situated in Winter Haven, Florida, a short drive from Cypresswood Golf and Country Club, LEGOLAND Florida and Winter Haven Hospital. Relatives note the number of activities a … (read more)
Brookdale Winter Haven is situated in Winter Haven, Florida, a short drive from Cypresswood Golf and Country Club, LEGOLAND Florida and Winter Haven Hospital. Relatives note the number of activities a … (read more)

Lake Howard Heights

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 … (read more)
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 … (read more)

New Horizon Share Home

2100 State Road 540 West, Winter Haven, FL, 33880

New Horizon Share Home is located in a park-like setting, right beside Eagle Lake in Winter Haven, Florida, just 30 minutes south of Disney World and other Orlando attractions. Residents’ relatives pr … (read more)
New Horizon Share Home is located in a park-like setting, right beside Eagle Lake in Winter Haven, Florida, just 30 minutes south of Disney World and other Orlando attractions. Residents’ relatives pr … (read more)

Best Care Senior Living at Winter Haven

1801 Lake Mariam Dr, Winter Haven, FL, 33884

I am a resident of Best Care which is now under new Administrator. We have a good functioning resident council that works well with administration. We have a fantastic activities director! We are maki … (read more)
I am a resident of Best Care which is now under new Administrator. We have a good functioning resident council that works well with administration. We have a fantastic activities director! We are maki … (read more)

2021

Family Extended Care of Winter Haven

625 Overlook Drive, Winter Haven, FL, 33884

The Hawthorne Inn in Winter Haven, Florida, is a pet-friendly facility close to the Chain of Lakes and numerous restaurants. Relatives and visitors appreciate the home-style setting of the community a … (read more)
The Hawthorne Inn in Winter Haven, Florida, is a pet-friendly facility close to the Chain of Lakes and numerous restaurants. Relatives and visitors appreciate the home-style setting of the community a … (read more)

Spring Haven Retirement

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 … (read more)
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 … (read more)

The Meadows at Cypress Gardens

3050 Woodmont Ave, Winter Haven, FL, 33884

The Meadows at Cypress Gardens is located just minutes from Lake Dexter in Winter Haven, Florida, and only a short drive from Splash Safari and numerous casual dining restaurants. Residents’ family me … (read more)
The Meadows at Cypress Gardens is located just minutes from Lake Dexter in Winter Haven, Florida, and only a short drive from Splash Safari and numerous casual dining restaurants. Residents’ family me … (read more)

Life Care Center Of Winter Haven

1510 Cypress Gardens Boulevard, Winter Haven, FL, 33884

Life Care Center of Winter Haven is located in the Lakeland suburb of Winter Haven, Florida, right between Lake Roy and Lake Otis. Visitors and residents describe the staff as attentive to residents’ … (read more)
Life Care Center of Winter Haven is located in the Lakeland suburb of Winter Haven, Florida, right between Lake Roy and Lake Otis. Visitors and residents describe the staff as attentive to residents’ … (read more)

The Village at Vienna Square

701 Overlook Dr Se, Winter Haven, FL, 33884

This is a scandalous place. They send representatives to the hospital and sell the facility to you like it’s gold. They promise that your loved one will be taken care of very well but that is not the … (read more)
This is a scandalous place. They send representatives to the hospital and sell the facility to you like it’s gold. They promise that your loved one will be taken care of very well but that is not the … (read more)

Autumn Breeze Assisted Living Facility

904 Lake Martha Drive, Winter Haven, FL, 33881


Ambitious Assisted Living

3939 Country Pl, Winter Haven, FL, 33880


2022, 2023

Grand Villa of Lakeland

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 … (read more)
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 … (read more)

2023

Ansley Parke at Oakbridge

3110 Oakbridge Blvd East , Lakeland, FL, 33803

Ansley Parke at Oakbridge was just the first place I visited to see what things were available for my mother, and I was very impressed with it. Tammy, one of the administrators, was very welcoming and … (read more)
Ansley Parke at Oakbridge was just the first place I visited to see what things were available for my mother, and I was very impressed with it. Tammy, one of the administrators, was very welcoming and … (read more)

2015, 2016

Brookdale Highlands

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 … (read more)
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 … (read more)

Water Edge of Lake Wales

10 Grove Avenue West, Lake Wales, FL, 33853

Water Edge of Lake Wales is located southwest of Haines City in Lake Wales, Florida, near Twin Lakes and a Publix grocery store. Residents are pleased with the living areas and enjoy interacting with … (read more)
Water Edge of Lake Wales is located southwest of Haines City in Lake Wales, Florida, near Twin Lakes and a Publix grocery store. Residents are pleased with the living areas and enjoy interacting with … (read more)

The Manor at Lake Morton

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 … (read more)
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 … (read more)

Hawthorne Inn Lakeland

6150 Lakeland Highlands Road, Lakeland, FL, 33813

Hawthorne Inn Lakeland is really nice and very clean. My brother moved in there, and it doesn’t have that smell that other assisted living facilities have. It’s kept really neat and the staff is very, … (read more)
Hawthorne Inn Lakeland is really nice and very clean. My brother moved in there, and it doesn’t have that smell that other assisted living facilities have. It’s kept really neat and the staff is very, … (read more)

Grace Manor Suites

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 … (read more)
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 … (read more)

Savannah Court of Bartow

290 Idlewood Avenue, Bartow, FL, 33830

We went to Savannah Court of Bartow. I was impressed. I think it was good. The girl was very helpful. She was good. The facility was nice and clean. The residents there seemed to be taken care of. It … (read more)
We went to Savannah Court of Bartow. I was impressed. I think it was good. The girl was very helpful. She was good. The facility was nice and clean. The residents there seemed to be taken care of. It … (read more)

2015

The Club at Lake Wales

12 E. Grove Avenue, Lake Wales, FL, 33853

Very good care and attentive service at this facility for my dad who has dementia. Always willing to go to the extra mile. My dad has been a resident for over two years and we have not had any issues … (read more)
Very good care and attentive service at this facility for my dad who has dementia. Always willing to go to the extra mile. My dad has been a resident for over two years and we have not had any issues … (read more)

COVID-19 Rules for Assisted Living in Winter Haven

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 Florida. 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 Winter Haven

The Agency for Health Care Administration oversees assisted living facilities in Winter Haven and throughout the state of Florida. The agency offers an assisted living facility database, updated Medicaid information and resources on licensure and regulation for different health care providers the agency works with throughout the state. 

Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Winter Haven

  • The weather in Winter Haven is mostly pleasant, with 6 months of the year experiencing temperatures between 70 and 85 degrees. While winters are mild with snowfall being a rare occurrence, Winter Haven is also considered one of the hottest locations in Florida. August has some of the highest temperatures and worst humidity, but it drops once fall rolls around.
  • Citrus Connection provides public transportation in the Winter Haven area and helps older adults get around without needing a personal vehicle. It offers a fixed bus route and a paratransit service that provides a shared ride for people who need extra assistance. Preapproval is required to use this service. 
  • Based on a 100-point cost of living index that calculates average expenses nationwide, Winter Haven has an overall score of 88.1, meaning it has a lower cost of living than the national average. The cost of groceries and utilities are slightly higher than the national average, but housing, health care and transportation are all ranked lower. 
  • The crime rates near Winter Haven are a bit high depending on where you live. On a 100-point crime index, Winter Haven scores 27.5 for violent crime compared to a national score of 22.7. For property crime, the city has a score of 51.9, while the national average is 35.4. However, FBI crime data does show a decline over the past 2 decades, and assisted living facilities usually have security measures.
  • Florida is tax-friendly for Winter Haven seniors. Ranked as one of the best states for retirees, Florida has no state income tax or state taxes on Social Security. The state also doesn’t tax income from pensions,  IRAs or 401(k)s. Seniors don’t have to worry about paying inheritance or estate taxes, either. 

Paying for Assisted Living in Winter Haven

Seniors pay an average of $3,300 for assisted living care in Winter Haven, but that cost can vary based on the facility’s location, services and amenities.

The Cost of Assisted Living in Nearby Cities

The monthly cost of assisted living in Winter Haven is low compared to the national average of $4,500 and the Florida state median of $4,000. Orlando shares an equivalent monthly cost to the state average, while the capital city of Tallahassee has higher rates of $4,650. In Miami, assisted living fees are $1,000 more than in Winter Haven, at $4,385. Tampa shares some of the lowest monthly costs at $3,350.

$3300

Winter Haven

$4000

Florida

$4500

United States

$4000

Orlando

$4650

Tallahassee

$4385

Miami

$3350

Tampa

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Seniors pay an average of $3,300 to receive care at an assisted living facility. For older adults who wish to remain in the comfort of their homes, in-home care services have a higher average monthly rate of $4,576. Older adults who require skilled nursing can get home health care for an average cost of $4,481 per month. A semiprivate room in a nursing home has some of the highest monthly care costs at $9,703.

$4576

In-Home Care

$4481

Home Health Care

$3300

Assisted Living Facility

$9703

Nursing Home (semiprivate room)

Note: Care cost data for Winter Haven was not available, so data for the closest city, Lakeland, was used instead.

Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Winter Haven

Florida has a program, Assistive Care Services, that can help with assisted living costs. The state also runs a 1915(b)(c) MLTC waiver program.

Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Florida page.

Paying for Assisted Living Facilities in Florida

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 Winter Haven

Winter Haven offers many resources and programs to seniors. These provide financial assistance, legal advice, recreational activities and educational resources to help older adults connect with their community and obtain the assistance they need. 

Resource

Contact

Description

(863) 291-5870

The senior center offers recreational activities and programs for those aged 50 and older. Seniors can enjoy holiday parties, musical entertainment, shuffleboard courts, social events and classes. A large auditorium-style hall is available to rent for private events. 

(239) 652-6900

The Area Agency on Aging is a nonprofit organization serving adults aged 60 and older and those with disabilities. Its mission is to connect adults to resources that make it easier to live safely and independently. Resources include housing assistance, housekeeping, meals, personal care and volunteer opportunities. 

(863) 284-0841

Lakeland Vet Center provides veterans, service members and their families with individual and group counseling. It helps those struggling with military-related issues, grief or substance abuse. Community outreach and other educational opportunities are also available. 

(888) 895-7873

Bay Area Legal Services is available to seniors aged 60 and older. By calling their legal helpline, seniors can access assistance for housing, government benefits, family matters and contracts they've signed. All legal advice is free and confidential. 

(863) 588-6690

Better Living for Seniors is a nonprofit dedicated to improving seniors' lives. It provides resources, networking and educational opportunities to address the needs of older adults, and it runs fundraisers for area shelters, social agencies and nursing homes. 

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Winter Haven

Winter Haven Assisted Living Communities must adhere to the comprehensive set of state laws and regulations that all Assisted Living Facilities in Florida are required to follow. Visit our Assisted Living in Florida page for more information about these laws.

Assisted Living Laws and Regulations in Florida