Lakeland is a picturesque city less than 40 minutes east of Tampa and 55 minutes south of Orlando, ensuring the city’s seniors are within easy reach of the excellent health care facilities in both metro areas. Lakeland’s seniors make up 22.2% of its population, above the U.S. average of 16.5%, which indicates the city’s attraction for seniors. Its primary medical institution is the high-performing Lakeland Regional Medical Center. There are also many nursing homes. According to the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, the average monthly fee for a semiprivate room is $8,638.

Nursing homes provide 24/7 skilled medical care for seniors unable to perform daily tasks without support, such as bathing. The facilities also provide rehabilitative treatments for seniors with weakened physical and cognitive capabilities in addition to therapies that can help improve speech. However, nursing homes may not be suitable for some people. Assisted living is popular with independent-minded seniors who want professionals nearby should they be needed, while home health care enables seniors to get daily medical assistance while remaining in their homes.

This guide discusses senior care costs in Lakeland in more detail and lists some useful resources for seniors and their families.

Directory of Nursing Homes in Lakeland, FL

The Estates at Carpenters

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 … (read more)
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 … (read more)

The Club at Lake Gibson

I visited The Club at Lake Gibson. It was a beautiful place. It was a new facility, so it’s very modern and updated. The staff was friendly. They had many dining rooms. They had an outside area. They … (read more)
I visited The Club at Lake Gibson. It was a beautiful place. It was a new facility, so it’s very modern and updated. The staff was friendly. They had many dining rooms. They had an outside area. They … (read more)

Florida Presbyterian Homes

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 … (read more)
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 … (read more)

Valencia Hills Health And Rehabilitation Center

Most of the staff are hired from an agency. They don’t even know the patients name. My husband was in for 10 days. Respite for me. When I picked him up he was in awful shape couldn’t even set up( … (read more)
Most of the staff are hired from an agency. They don’t even know the patients name. My husband was in for 10 days. Respite for me. When I picked him up he was in awful shape couldn’t even set up( … (read more)

Lakeland Nursing & Rehabilitation Center

My mom has been a resident since Oct. She has some excellent nurses and aides. Any complaints/problems we had were addressed immediately and taken care of. I like that they handle all her medical c … (read more)
My mom has been a resident since Oct. She has some excellent nurses and aides. Any complaints/problems we had were addressed immediately and taken care of. I like that they handle all her medical c … (read more)

Oakbridge Healthcare Center

My father was there several weeks after contracting COVID19 from a previous rehab and not being properly diagnosed . While there he developed a rash. claiming it was a "side effect" from COVID19, the … (read more)
My father was there several weeks after contracting COVID19 from a previous rehab and not being properly diagnosed . While there he developed a rash. claiming it was a "side effect" from COVID19, the … (read more)

Highlands Lake Center

I chose to come here because of the reviews. In the last few months it has been sold, almost all of the staff have quit or been fired, they have begun buying cheap supplies, they now use the towels an … (read more)
I chose to come here because of the reviews. In the last few months it has been sold, almost all of the staff have quit or been fired, they have begun buying cheap supplies, they now use the towels an … (read more)

Wedgewood Healthcare Center

I was a diabetic my Blood was 102 on arriving from the Hospital . It is now 345 If you want a Place to Recup this place is not it. The Tharaphy is great but be ready for 2-3 hour wait times, Turning o … (read more)
I was a diabetic my Blood was 102 on arriving from the Hospital . It is now 345 If you want a Place to Recup this place is not it. The Tharaphy is great but be ready for 2-3 hour wait times, Turning o … (read more)

Consulate Health Care of Lakeland

My mother has moved into Consulate Health Care. So far, so good. The staff is nice. However, they need to improve the laundry area because they seem to lose clothing easily. The staff members all seem … (read more)
My mother has moved into Consulate Health Care. So far, so good. The staff is nice. However, they need to improve the laundry area because they seem to lose clothing easily. The staff members all seem … (read more)

Lakeland Hills Center

It’s funny how this facility “had 3 cordless phones available to speak to your loved one" and its never available until you CALL FOR A WELLNESS CHECK AND THE OFFICER ASKS THEM TO. So disappointed … (read more)
It’s funny how this facility “had 3 cordless phones available to speak to your loved one" and its never available until you CALL FOR A WELLNESS CHECK AND THE OFFICER ASKS THEM TO. So disappointed … (read more)



Spring Lake Rehabilitation Center

My mom was transferred here from another facility and she thrived here. She has Parkinson’s, and the therapy associates and staff understood her medical condition and worked with her to get her stro … (read more)
My mom was transferred here from another facility and she thrived here. She has Parkinson’s, and the therapy associates and staff understood her medical condition and worked with her to get her stro … (read more)

The Rohr Home

Four years ago, My husband was at the Rohr Home for 5 1/2 months. The care and cleanliness of this facility was amazing. The nurses, and CNA’s are attentive and extremely caring, best in Polk Coun … (read more)
Four years ago, My husband was at the Rohr Home for 5 1/2 months. The care and cleanliness of this facility was amazing. The nurses, and CNA’s are attentive and extremely caring, best in Polk Coun … (read more)

Bartow Center

I have to give a five star review because my time here has been great to staff has been very attentive to my needs and I am progressing in therapy. Administration has been great. The admissions Direct … (read more)
I have to give a five star review because my time here has been great to staff has been very attentive to my needs and I am progressing in therapy. Administration has been great. The admissions Direct … (read more)

Winter Haven Post Acute and Rehabilitation

If you don’t care about your loved one you’ll be in good company. Rude, unprofessional, lack of communication, dirty, list goes on. Never so upset in my life.
If you don’t care about your loved one you’ll be in good company. Rude, unprofessional, lack of communication, dirty, list goes on. Never so upset in my life.

Solaris HealthCare Plant City

This facility has been amazing in caring for my mother and meeting her special needs. The room Is large and the outside view is beautiful. We are extremely thankful for the care she receives
This facility has been amazing in caring for my mother and meeting her special needs. The room Is large and the outside view is beautiful. We are extremely thankful for the care she receives

Community Convalescent Center

I was only here for 1 day and that was enough for me. Some of the nurses were very sweet but some of them had very bad attitudes and it was horrible the way they talk to the Patients. Cleanliness? th … (read more)
I was only here for 1 day and that was enough for me. Some of the nurses were very sweet but some of them had very bad attitudes and it was horrible the way they talk to the Patients. Cleanliness? th … (read more)

Winter Haven Health and Rehabilitation Center

Covit-19. For the month of July 2020. There closed the only glass door to visit! I don’t see any harm at all…. Now, you can’t visit!! Hard to get someone in the phone 45 minutes or the phone gets … (read more)
Covit-19. For the month of July 2020. There closed the only glass door to visit! I don’t see any harm at all…. Now, you can’t visit!! Hard to get someone in the phone 45 minutes or the phone gets … (read more)


Nursing Home Costs in Lakeland, Florida

Seniors and families in Lakeland typically pay $8,638 for a semiprivate room in a nursing home. Monthly fees for private rooms average $9,034.

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in Nearby Cities

The list below compares Lakeland’s average fees for a semiprivate room with those of its neighbors mentioned in the 2020 Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Lakeland’s costs are $31 less per month than the Florida average. Sebring, where seniors typically pay $7,452, is the only city with costs lower than the national average of $7,756. In Orlando, costs of $9,125 are common, while seniors in Palm Bay can expect to pay an additional $61 per month for their semiprivate rooms. Tampa is the most expensive location in the area, with costs of $9,946.

$8638

Lakeland

$8669

Florida

$7756

The United States

$9946

Tampa

$9125

Orlando

$9186

Palm Bay

$7452

Sebring

The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care

Families comparing nursing home fees in Lakeland will find the average cost of a semiprivate room is $8,638, while the privacy afforded by a private room typically adds another $396 to fees. However, if seniors are better served by other types of care that include on-site support, it’s common to find assisted living for $3,945. Seniors who can remain at home can get home care for $3,956 and additional health services for another $239 per month. Adult day care centers can provide care to able-bodied seniors for $1,083. 

$3956

Home care

$4195

Home health care

$1083

Adult day health care

$3945

Assisted living

$8638

Nursing home (semiprivate room)

$9034

Nursing home (private room)

Financial Assistance for Nursing Home Care in Lakeland, Florida

Many seniors and their families use some form of financial assistance to help them pay for nursing care. The main options available are Medicare, Medicaid, and veterans benefits. These programs can be complicated, especially when it comes to benefit terms. Below, we give a brief overview of how these programs may be used towards paying for skilled nursing care.

  • Medicare: Medicare will typically cover all skilled nursing costs for the first 20 days of one’s stay in a nursing home and a portion of the costs until day 100. After 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will not cover any part of the cost of the stay. While this is adequate when short-term care is needed, those in need of long-term care will need to either pay out-of-pocket or use another source of financial assistance.
  • Medicaid: Medicaid covers most of the costs of living in a skilled nursing facility for those who qualify. Care, room, and board are covered with no time limit, but residents may be charged for extras like specially prepared food or cosmetic services. Medicaid eligibility standards are strict and complex, so not all seniors are eligible for Medicaid benefits.
  • Veterans Benefits: Veterans receiving a VA pension may also be eligible for the Aid and Attendance benefit administered by the VA. Aid and Attendance is a monthly allowance that beneficiaries may use to pay for their long-term care, including skilled nursing care.

If these options aren’t available to you, check if your loved one has long-term care insurance or contact your Area Agency on Aging to ask about any local financial assistance programs for seniors.

Free Resources for Seniors in Lakeland, Florida

Lakeland’s seniors and their families can access the following resources to help cover residential care costs or make living at home possible for those not yet ready to transition to a nursing home.

ResourceContactService
Medicaid – Long Term Care (LTC)(877) 711-3662The LTC program can help eligible seniors in need of nursing home care, including additional treatments provided within the facilities, such as speech and physical therapies. To access the benefits, most seniors will need to be enrolled in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care program and meet several other requirements. These include being a U.S. citizen (or permanent resident) and having assets and income on or below the thresholds.
SHINE (State Health Insurance Assistance Program)(800) 336-2226SHINE is a program for Medicare beneficiaries and seniors not yet enrolled who want unbiased information and advice on the best plans for their needs. The program’s counselors provide confidential one-on-one support to seniors, helping them understand their current levels of coverage and how to address any shortfalls. Although this may involve discussions about private health care plans, the counselors won’t try to sell insurance.
Citrus Connection Paratransit Service(855) 765-5287Citrus Connection is a service for seniors and the disabled that operates all public transport systems throughout Polk County. It can help passengers access free or subsidized transport services, such as passes for fixed-route buses and door-to-door rides using wheelchair-accessible vehicles. Door-to-door is a shared ride service costing $2 per one-way journey and can be used by seniors for any purpose.
Florida Long Term Care Ombudsman Program(888) 831-0404The Long Term Care Ombudsman Program helps seniors in residential care communities understand their rights while also acting as their voice in disputes with their care providers. The ombudsman investigates complaints made by seniors, their families and third parties. If a complaint involves allegations of criminality, such as elder abuse, the ombudsman will refer it to the proper authorities. Families can also get free access to information about nursing homes to help them make more informed decisions.
Meals on Wheels of Polk County(863) 299-1616Meal on Wheels is a nonprofit organization that delivers freshly prepared nutritious meals to homebound seniors in Polk County. Meals are delivered around noon on weekdays and typically include a main course, dessert and drink. Depending on donations, seniors also receive a loaf of sliced bread and boxed pastry once a week.

Frequently Asked Questions

How safe is it to live in Lakeland?

The crime rate, which is used as an indicator of how safe a particular area is, in Lakeland is 311, which is below the national average of 323.

How is the traffic in Lakeland?

There is low traffic congestion with an above average crash rate of 17.

What is the average housing cost in Lakeland?

At $913, the average cost of housing in Lakeland is below the nationwide average of $1,442

What is the job market like in Lakeland?

Lakeland offers a poor job market for older adults. There are typically less than 1 job available per worker and the rate of income inequality in the area is 0.45.

Is Lakeland a good place to live without a vehicle?

In Lakeland, 89.8% of public transportation stations and vehicles are ADA-accessible. Which is above the national average of 78.28%. On average, there are 4 local transit vehicles per hour. This is less than the national average of 8.

How good are the health care options in Lakeland?

Patient satisfaction, which is a key indicator of the quality of health care in an area, averages 68% in Lakeland – this is lower the national average patient satisfaction. Additionally, there are 51 primary care physicians for every 100,000 people, which is less the national average of 82.

Does Lakeland rank as a good place to retire?

According to Caring.com’s 2022 Senior Living Report which graded 300 cities using 46 metrics across 5 categories, Lakeland ranked in the bottom of the pack. It’s overall rank was 276th, and it scored the best in Affordability, while it’s lowest score was for Health Care.

Does Lakeland have good activities for retirees?

In Lakeland, the number of parks is less than the national average. Additionally, the number of cultural, arts, and entertainment options is below the average.