Memory Care Communities in Orlando, Florida

Orlando’s memory care costs match the state average. The city’s average monthly expenses are quite similar to neighboring Daytona Beach, which has an average monthly cost of $4,969. Memory care costs in Tampa are lower than Orlando at $4,188 per month, but Jacksonville’s costs are higher at $5,825, showing that Orlando’s costs align with state averages. Orlando’s memory care costs are also lower than the national monthly average of $5,625.

Memory care in Orlando costs, on average, $5,000 a month, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey. Since memory care requires more specialized services, seniors can expect to pay about 20-30% more a month at a memory care facility compared to an assisted living facility. There’s no authoritative report on memory care costs, so we added 25% to the assisted living costs reported in the Genworth survey. 

Many of Orlando’s memory care facilities accept public and private payment options, giving seniors and families several options to pay for care. Depending on their financial and functional needs, individuals may reduce or cover long-term care expenses through state and federal health insurance programs, veterans’ benefits or private assets.

• Medicaid: Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Waiver Program pays for various memory care services for Orlando seniors who require intensive care. This program covers personal care assistance, medication oversight, homemaker services, and case management.
• Medicare: Memory care facilities mainly provide nonmedical services, so Medicare doesn’t cover their costs. However, Medicare does pay for medically necessary services such as cognitive assessments, skilled nursing services, and rehabilitative therapies, easing the financial burden of care for some seniors and families.
• VA Benefits: The Veterans’ Administration’s Aid and Attendance and Housebound programs provide an increased monthly pension, giving veterans more money to put toward memory care expenses. Additionally, the VA provides direct assistance with residential care through the Geriatrics and Extended Care program.
• Private payments: Memory care communities accept private payments for all expenses, including recreational activities, meals, personal care, and housing. This includes funds from monthly income, long-term care insurance, and savings.

Other types of senior care are available in Orlando as well. The cost of care varies depending on the needs of the senior and the services provided. An adult day health care service is the lowest-priced option at $1,463 per month. Homemaker services and home health aides cost $4,767 a month. Residency in an assisted living facility costs, on average, $4,000 a month. Nursing home residency is the highest-priced option, with a semiprivate room averaging $8,060 and a private room costing $10,159 on average.

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs oversees memory care communities throughout the state, including in Orlando. This department is responsible for establishing rules and regulations for long-term care facilities, including memory care communities, and licensing them according to state standards.

Benefits

• Orlando has high-quality medical facilities, promoting access to excellent care for memory care residents. One hospital, Orlando Regional Medical Center, specializes in neuroscience and provides comprehensive treatment for Alzheimer’s and related conditions.
• Florida has no state income tax, so memory care residents in Orlando only pay federal taxes on their monthly income and withdrawals from retirement accounts. Additionally, the state doesn’t have an inheritance or estate tax.
• Orlando joined the AARP Age-Friendly Network in 2019, highlighting its dedication to providing a favorable environment for seniors. The city has several initiatives for seniors, including safe transportation services, age-friendly greenspaces, and programs that promote inclusion.

Drawbacks

• Orlando’s crime rate exceeds that of 97% of U.S. communities, with the city reporting about eight violent crimes and 40 property-related offenses per 1,000 people every year. However, local memory care communities offer a safe environment with 24-hour supervision and enhanced security features.
• Overall, living costs in Orlando exceed the national norm by 4%, which may affect financial feasibility for seniors with limited retirement budgets. Fortunately, our proprietary Caring.com database shows that nearly two dozen memory care communities in Orlando accept veterans’ benefits, and many accept funds through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Waiver Program.