Memory Care in Florida A Growing Concern

In Florida, which ranks among the most popular states in the nation to retire in, about one in five of the state’s 21.5 million residents are aged 65 and over. Most recent data from the Alzheimer’s Association shows that Alzheimer’s disease impacts much of the state’s residents and predicts an uptick in the number of diagnoses in the coming years. Even so, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs has dementia-friendly initiatives in several major cities, which may positively impact health outcomes for those with dementia. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the percentage of deaths in the state linked to Alzheimer’s dropped by half a point between 2016 and 2020.

Residential dementia care plays an important role in health outcomes for those with Alzheimer’s. Memory care facilities have security features to ensure residents’ safety as well as highly trained caregivers who provide companionship and personal care.

Through this guide, readers can connect with statewide agencies that provide information and support to those affected by dementia and learn more about dementia care costs throughout the state.

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

Florida’s Medicaid program places income limits on applicants to ensure the most needy benefit from its services. Income is calculated per household. Therefore, if the applicant lives alone, it’s only their income that counts, but if they live with others, their income too factors in the decision. Countable assets are also considered, which may or may not include the applicant’s home (depending on individual circumstances). Florida also applies a 60-month look-back period for assets to check the applicant hasn’t sold or gifted items in anticipation of a Medicaid petition.

Floridian seniors 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. 

2022 Basic Medicaid Income Limits for Seniors in Florida

In addition to meeting the income and asset requirements, applicants must also satisfy several other criteria. They include being:

• A U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Aged 65 or older
• A Florida resident
• In need of nursing home levels of care

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

Moving Resources

Memory Care Laws and Regulations in Florida

In Florida, memory care communities are regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration. Memory care falls under the same regulatory category as assisted living in Florida. Assisted living communities can offer more specific or advanced services, such as memory care, with Specialty Licenses to provide extended care. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Information Provided By: Caring.com is a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses, and other loved ones. We have been featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes, as well as referenced by many governmental agencies and organizations across the Internet.