Memory Care in Florida

Florida has long attracted retirees. Of the 21,781,128 people who live in the Sunshine State, one in five, or about 4.5 million, are seniors aged 65 and older. More than half a million Floridians live with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of progressive-degenerative dementia, and the prevalence of memory loss is increasing at a rapid rate. By 2025, the number of Alzheimer’s patients in the state is expected to rise 24.1%, and each year more than 6,500 Florida residents die from Alzheimer’s disease. 

Florida’s sub-tropical, snow-free climate appeals to seniors who want to enjoy a hot, sun-filled retirement destination. There’s also no state income tax, which can help retirees make the most of their retirement savings and pensions. Statewide, health care costs are slightly below the nationwide average, and there are about 206 licensed physicians for every 100,000 Florida residents. On average, residential memory care services in Florida cost about $5,000 per month. 

Memory care can either be offered on its own in a community designed especially for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s, or, more often, it’s provided as a service in a separate wing of an assisted living facility. Memory care programs are designed specifically for those with memory impairment, and the facilities often coordinate social activities and schedules specifically for the needs of those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.

This guide includes an overview of memory care costs in Florida and compares memory care rates to the cost of other long-term care services for seniors. It also provides information on how to finance memory care, state regulations for memory care programs and a list of resources for seniors who are living with memory loss. 

The Cost of Memory Care in Florida

Residential memory care is usually offered in assisted living facilities, and in general, memory care rates tend to be 20-30% higher than assisted living rates. No national database currently tracks memory care costs in the United States, so we’ve estimated the monthly memory care costs listed below by adding 25% to the rates listed in Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. At $5,000 per month, average memory care costs in Florida are slightly higher than what the same type of care costs in neighboring Alabama ($4,379) and Georgia ($4,419), and $485 higher than rates in nearby South Carolina ($4,515). 

Memory care rates in Florida vary depending on the location, ranging from $2,938 in Gainesville up to $6,625 per month in Naples. In Tampa, residential memory care costs an average of $4,188, while the same type of care costs around $5,000 in Orlando. Miami memory care services cost an average of $5,481, while in the state capitol, Tallahassee, rates run around $5,813 per month. 

Memory care is just one of the many long-term senior care services available in Florida. Rates range from $1,517 per month for adult day health care, and go up to $8,654 for a semiprivate room and $9,627 for a private room in a skilled nursing facility. Assisted living runs around $4,000 per month, while home care and home health care services cost an average of $4,767 per month. 

Does Medicaid Cover Memory Care in Florida?

Florida seniors who require residential memory care services and who qualify for Medicaid can apply to the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care, Long-Term Care Program. Launched in 2013 to replace all other Medicaid waivers, the SMMC-LTC is a nursing home diversion program that funds a wide range of medical and non-medical services and supports. These services may be delivered in a private residence, an adult day program or a residential care facility such as an assisted living community. 

What Memory Care Services Are Covered by Medicaid in Florida?

Although the SMMC-LTC does not cover room and board costs for beneficiaries who require placement in a residential care program, benefits may include respite care, behavioral management and rehabilitation therapies. SMMC-LTC beneficiaries may also receive enhanced personal care services, intermittent nursing care, placement in an adult day program and other services needed to delay or prevent placement in a nursing home. 

How to Know if You’re Eligible for Medicaid in Florida

In Florida, Medicaid eligibility is contingent on your income, assets, age, citizenship and disability classification. To qualify for Medicaid, you must: 

• Be either aged 65 and older, legally blind, or have a qualifying disability
• Have an annual gross annual household income of $17,131 or less when applying as an individual
• Own no more than $5,000 in assets (excluding an owner-occupied home worth up to $636,000)
• Be a full-time Florida resident who is either a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident or legal alien

Florida seniors aged 65 and older who require Medicaid services, and whose income is over the Medicaid limit can apply for Florida’s Share of Cost program. This spend-down program allows seniors with high ongoing medical costs to apply most of their income towards their medical bills each month. Once the predetermined spend-down limit is reached, Medicaid benefits covers all eligible expenses for the remainder of the month. 

How to Apply for Medicaid in Florida

To apply for Medicaid in Florida, seniors can use Florida’s Department of Children and Families’ Automated Community Connection to Economic Self-Sufficiency, or ACCESS, system. This online system is available 24/7. 

Alternatively, seniors can call Florida’s statewide Medicaid Helpline at 1-877-254-1055. 

What Information You Will Need

When applying for Medicaid in Florida, you need to provide proof of income for the past five years, along with statements from all bank and investment accounts opened or closed during that time. You also need to submit copies of all personal checks of $500 or more written during the 60 months preceding your application, and a income verification letter issued by Social Security. 

Additionally, you’ll be asked for:

• Government ID verifying your citizenship and residency status
• Copies of the title to your home and any vehicles that you own
• Copies of any burial arrangements that you’ve made
• Two professional appraisals verifying the current market value of your home
• Your income tax returns for the past five years
• Copies of your will, powers of attorney and any other documents related to your estate or care

How to Get Help Applying for Medicaid

In Florida, seniors who need assistance applying for Medicaid can contact the ACCESS Customer Call Center. Application assistance is also available through local senior service agencies, which can be located by calling Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs Elder Helpline. Some senior centers may offer free Medicaid counseling and workshops for seniors who need help completing their Medicaid application. 

Does Medicare Cover Memory Care in Florida?

The short answer is that no, Medicare does not cover the cost of memory care in Florida. As was mentioned above, this doesn’t apply to Memory Care received in a Nursing Home. Since it is the most common to receive memory care in a “social setting” (such as an assisted living facility), Medicare won’t be a viable financial assistance option for most seniors who need Memory Care. However, Medicare will still cover things like approved medications, doctor visits, medical equipment, etc., just like it would if you lived at home.

For more information about when Medicare can be used to pay for Memory Care in a nursing home, and for Medicare-related resources, see our guide to Nursing Homes in Florida.

Other Financial Assistance Options for Memory Care in Florida

Seniors who are not eligible (due to location, financial situation, or other factors) for other types of financial assistance, do still have some options. See the table below for an overview of some of the most common ways to make Memory Care affordable.

Free and Low-Cost Resources for Seniors in Florida

A number of free and low-cost resources are available to Florida seniors who require memory care services. These services include home meal delivery programs, assistance with prescription medication costs and advocacy for those living in congregate care settings. 

COVID-19 Rules for Memory Care in Florida

The following information is based on research done on several government websites, including floridahealthcovid19.gov. These rules apply to nursing homes, and other types of senior living facilities. We’ve most recently updated this data on 2/3/2022, but since COVID-19 is a rapidly evolving pandemic, contact your local senior living facility or Area Agency on Aging for more specific and up-to-date information.

Visitation Policies

Outings & Social Activities

COVID-19 Safety Measures for Staff and Residents

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Florida

Frequently Asked Questions