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Home Care in Florida

Florida has long been known as a popular retirement destination thanks to the tropical climate, lack of estate and inheritance taxes, and abundance of recreational opportunities. The state is home to about 21.5 million people, and seniors aged 65 and older make up 20.9% of the population compared to 15.2% across the United States. 

Florida's SeniorScore, a ranking based on over 100 factors such as health care, cost of living and tax rates, is 75. That score is 3 points higher than the national average SeniorScore of 72. 

The Sunshine State's highest score, 71, is in the General Quality of Life category which includes factors such as weather, high school graduation rates and population density. Despite the fact that Florida has a high number of hospitals, Medicare-registered providers and home health providers, the state scored only 63 in the Health and Safety category largely due to the relatively high violent and property crime rates. 

This guide provides an overview of home care in Florida, including costs, information on financial aid programs and links to free home care resources. 



Top Home Care Agencies in Florida



Home Instead Senior Care - Orlando, FL

Home Instead Senior Care

3655 Maguire Blvd Ste 150

Orlando, FL 32803

1-855-222-1541

9 Reviews  

Located in Orlando, Florida at 3655 Maguire Blvd Ste 150, Home Instead Senior Care is an in-home care service provider offering in-home nursing as well as personal care services. They offer multiple personal services like providing companionship, help managing medication, ...

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Visiting Angels - Orlando, FL

Visiting Angels

6220 S Orange Blossom Trl Ste 195

Orlando, FL 32809

1-855-233-7205

8 Reviews  

Visiting Angels is a home care service provider based in Orlando, FL at 6220 S Orange Blossom Trl Ste 195. They offer home health care and in-home care to seniors. They offer dementia care and CPR / First Aid. ...

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Horizon Homecare - Spring Hill, FL

Horizon Homecare

2977 Landover Blvd

Spring Hill, FL 34608

1-855-224-5130

5 Reviews  

Located at 2977 Landover Blvd in Spring Hill, Florida, Horizon Homecare is a senior in-home care provider offering home healthcare and personal care. For nearly 13 years, they have been helping clients throughout the Spring Hill area. They provide speech ...

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Activa Home Health - Boynton Beach, FL

Activa Home Health

1800 W Woolbright Rd Ste 200

Boynton Beach, FL 33426

1-855-243-3078

4 Reviews  

Activa Home Health is a senior in-home care company located in Boynton Beach, FL at 1800 W Woolbright Rd Ste 200. They provide home care and in-home nursing to seniors. Since 2009, they have been providing care to clients ...

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The Cost of Home Care in Florida



The average cost of home care services in Florida is $4,004 per month, based on 44 hours of service weekly. Also known as homemaker service, home care includes non-medical assistance with personal care, help with household maintenance and companionship. By comparison, hiring a home health aide, which includes some limited medical assistance, costs an average of $4,195 per month for 44 hours of service each week. 


The Cost of Home Care in Florida Compared to Nearby States


Home care costs vary throughout the country. At an average of $4,004 per month, costs in Florida are below the national average of $4,290. Florida home care costs are higher than costs in a number of nearby states, including Georgia, North and South Carolina, where home care costs an average of $3,813 per month. At a monthly average cost of $3,394, Alabama has some of the least-expensive home care in the country. 

Cost of Home Care

Cost of Home Health Care

Florida

$4,004

$4,195

United States

$4,290

$4,385

Georgia 

$3,813

$3,909

South Carolina

$3,813

$4,000

Alabama

$3,394

$3,432

North Carolina

$3,813

$3,813


The Cost of Other Senior Care Options in Florida


Florida seniors who need long-term care will find there's a number of community-based and residential services available. Costs for long term care start at $1,473 per month for adult day care, while home-based services include in-home care ($4,004) and home health care ($4,195). Those who are seeking residential care, which includes room and board, can expect to pay an average of $3,500 per month for assisted living, and $8,547 per month for a semi-private room in a skilled nursing facility. 

  • In-Home Care: $4,004
  • Home Health Care: $4,195
  • Adult Day Care: $1,473
  • Assisted Living: $3,500
  • Nursing Home Care: $8,547

The Cost of Home Care in Florida's Top Cities


While the statewide average cost of home care in Florida is $4,004, actual costs vary depending on the location. Costs are well above the state average in Naples at $4,767 per month, while in Miami, costs are lower at $3,623 per month. 

Cost of Home Care

Cost of Home Health Care

Florida

$4,004

$4,195

Tallahassee

$4,185

$4,185

Jacksonville

$4,195

$4,385

Orlando

$4,004

$4,242

Tampa

$4,117

$4,338

Miami

$3,623

$3,813

The Villages

$4,099

$4,099

Pensacola

$3,848

$3,956

Naples

$4,767

$4,767


Financial Assistance for Home Care in Florida



Statewide Managed Medicaid Care, Long-Term Care Program 

Florida seniors who qualify for Medicaid, are assessed as meeting the admission criteria for nursing home placement, and who can live safely at home with support may be eligible for home care services through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program. The program also covers adult day care, case management, transportation, personal care and a personal emergency response system. 

Contact Information

Florida seniors can learn more about the SMMC-LTC program through their local Area Agency on Aging/Aging and Disability Resource Center. A list of AAA's is available on the Department of Elder Affairs website. Alternatively, seniors can call the Florida Elder Helpline at (800) 96 ELDER (1-800-963-5337).

Home Care for the Elderly Program

Florida's Department of Elder Affairs administers the Home Care for the Elderly (HCE) program, which subsidises the cost of home care for seniors provided in a family-type living environment. The basic subsidy averages $106 per month, while special subsidies are available to cover incontinence supplies, home modifications and other services and supports to help the senior remain in their home. 

Contact Information

For more information, call Florida's Elder Helpline at (800) 963-5337.

VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound

Also known as an enhanced or special monthly pension, the VA offers two higher pension benefits to eligible vets, survivors and dependents. Money from these two pension programs, known as VA Aid and Attendance and VA Housebound, can be used towards home care costs. 

To qualify for either program, applicants must have one or more chronic illnesses or permanent disabilities that render them either housebound, and/or dependent on another person for daily assistance. 

Contact Information

For more information, contact the nearest VA location or the Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs at (727) 319-7440.


More Ways to Pay for Home Care


Since the programs mentioned above might not cover all the costs associated with home care, and not everyone may be eligible, alternative payment methods will often need to be explored. Some of these alternatives include out-of-pocket arrangements with siblings, annuities, reverse mortgages, private insurance, and more. Read SeniorAdvice's Guide to Paying for Home Care to find out more about your payment and financing options.


Florida Home Care Rules and Regulations



Although home health care providers are regulated by the state in Florida, many of the rules and regulations that apply to other long-term care services also include agencies that employ homemakers. These agencies are regulated by Florida's Agency for Health Care Administration, Division of Health Quality Assurance.

Scope of Care

Home care agencies may provide assistance with activities of daily living, personal care, homemaking, companionship, respite, and any other non-skilled services that a patient may need. 

Care Plan Requirements

Prior to administering service, home care agencies must provide patients with information regarding the services they will receive, the identity of the person providing care, all costs and fees associated with care, and the hours when care will be administered. Patients have a right to be involved in the care planning process.

Medication Management Requirements

Home care providers may assist patients with self-administered medications. 

Staff Screening Requirements

Anyone who provides direct service to vulnerable persons, including seniors, must pass a pre-employment screening including fingerprinting through Clearinghouse, the state-contracted background screening provider. 

Staff Training Requirements

Care providers must either have a nursing license or pass a competency exam. Those who do not have a nursing license must also complete the Department of Health nurse aide certification or a training program approved by the state. Administrators should review staff competency at least once per year. 

Medicaid Coverage

Florida's Statewide Managed Medicaid Care, Long-Term Care Program includes home care benefits for eligible seniors. 

Reporting Abuse

Abuse, neglect or exploitation of any vulnerable adult or senior should be reported to the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2872, or to the local law enforcement agency. 


Free Home Care Resources in Florida



Seniors in Florida have access to many programs and services that help older adults maintain their independence and safely age in place. Below, we’ve compiled a few of the most helpful resources:

Resource

Contact

Services

Area Agencies on Aging

Call the Elder Helpline at (800) 963-5337

Florida's 11 Area Agencies on Aging, also called Aging and Disability Resource Centers, provide a variety of free and low-cost services and supports to help seniors remain as independent as possible. Seniors can contact their nearest AAA/ADRC to learn about local resources such as nutrition programs, food banks and recreational opportunities. Most ADRC's also offer free Medicaid counseling, transportation and help with accessing long-term care services such as home care. 

Florida Department of Elder Affairs

(800) 963-5337

Florida's Department of Elder Affairs is the state agency responsible for planning and administering services for residents aged 60 and older. The Department manages a number of programs, including the Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services program. 

Florida Department of Veterans' Affairs 

(727) 319-7440

Florida's Department of Veterans' Affairs provides information, services and support to the 1.5 million vets living in the Sunshine State. Veterans, survivors and dependents can contact the Department for help with VA health care benefits, VA pension applications and appeals, and information on Florida's property tax exemption program for vets.

Florida Senior Legal Services

(888) 895-7873

Florida seniors aged 60 and older who need help navigating a civil legal matter can call the Senior Legal Helpline for free advice, information and referrals to local legal assistance programs. Note that this service cannot assist seniors who need help with criminal matters. 

Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly

Contact the Elder Helpline at (800) 963-5337

The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly is a community-based managed care program for seniors aged 55 and older who meet the admission criteria for nursing home placement, but who can safely reside in the community with assistance. PACE includes home care services, and is offered in six counties in Florida. 

Florida Alliance for Retired Americans 

Via online contact form 

The Florida Alliance for Retired Americans (FLARA) is a registered non-profit organization that works to advance the interests of current and future retirees living in Florida. The organization advocates for senior-friendly policies and legislation and maintains information on seniors' groups and services throughout the state.

 

Other Cities in Florida

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