Assisted Living in Jacksonville, Florida

Sep 27, 2023
Fact Checked

Key Takeaways

Older adults seeking assisted living in Jacksonville can enjoy miles of Atlantic coastline, views of the St. John’s River, and abundant sunshine. Sometimes affectionately referred to as “Jax” by locals, Jacksonville is Florida’s most populous city, with nearly one million residents. About 14% of Jacksonville’s residents are 65 years and over, ranking it among the top 10 cities gaining the most retirees in the past two years. [1]United States Census Bureau. Quick Facts Jacksonville City, Florida. Found on the internet at https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/jacksonvillecityflorida/AGE775222#AGE775222

According to the Florida Healthfinder, there are 70 assisted living facilities licensed and registered in Jacksonville, FL. [2]Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Florida Healthfinder. lp;oFound on the internet at https://quality.healthfinder.fl.gov/facilitylocator/facloc.aspx These assisted living communities provide residential care for older adults needing help with activities of daily living ⓘActivities of daily living, also called ADLs, are activities related to necessary personal care. These include bathing, dressing, toileting, eating, walking, and transferring in and out of a bed or chair (ADLs), such as bathing and dressing and medication management. Social activities, meal plans, and transportation to medical appointments and local shopping are often included in an assisted living community’s all-inclusive rent.

Older adults in Jacksonville can expect to pay about $4,660 per month for assisted living, which is slightly above the national average of $4,500 per month. [3]Cost of Care Survey. Genworth. Found on the internet at ​​https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care Medicare will not cover the cost of long-term care in Florida or any other state. But Florida’s Medicaid program can help cover some of the cost of assisted living for Medicaid-eligible older adults.

Why you can trust us

Our Local Care Reviews Team works hard to provide clear, transparent information to older adults seeking senior living and home care. To provide you with the best possible information, we have spent more than 250 hours:

Overview of assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, FL

Overview of assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, FL

Source: Florida Fast Facts. [4]National Center for Assisted Living. Florida Fast Facts State Profile for Assisted Living. Found on the internet at https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Facts-and-Figures/Documents/State%20Facts/Florida-AL.pdf The National Center for Assisted Living

Cost and financial considerations for assisted living in Jacksonville

Peace of mind and quality care are the most important considerations in choosing an assisted living community for yourself or someone you care for. But assisted living can be expensive, so your budget is an important part of the decision. Our Local Care Reviews Team has provided an overview of assisted living costs and how to cover the fees.

Paying for assisted living in Jacksonville

Jacksonville residents pay for assisted living in a variety of ways, including personal savings, home equity, insurance, or a combination of these methods.

Here are some of the resources people use to pay for assisted living in Jacksonville, FL:

For low-income older adults seeking assisted living in Jacksonville, Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) Long-term Care (LTC) Program may be able to help. [5]Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-term Care Program. Found on the internet at https://ahca.myflorida.com/medicaid/statewide-medicaid-managed-care/long-term-care-program This program allows Medicaid-eligible older adults needing long-term care to receive support in their home, community, or an assisted living facility.

The cost of assisted living in Jacksonville and nearby cities

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Jacksonville is about $4,660, which is slightly above the national monthly average of $4,500. Assisted living in Jacksonville is more affordable than in the Naples area in southwest Florida, but more expensive than in Gainesville in the middle of the state.

Table 1 Comparison of assisted living costs in Florida cities

City in FloridaMedian Monthly Cost of Assisted Living
Gainesville$2,350
Tampa$3,350
Ocala$3,850
Miami$4,385
Jacksonville$4,660
Naples$5,300

Source: Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey [3]Cost of Care Survey. Genworth. Found on the internet at ​​https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care

The cost of other types of senior care in Jacksonville

Typically, assisted living communities offer three communal meals per day, social activities, and help with medication management and some ADLs, like bathing. Skilled nursing is not an ongoing service provided in most assisted living facilities.

As older adults consider where they will live as they age, it’s important to know the options. You or someone you care for may need more or less care than what is provided in assisted living, and you may prefer to stay in your home as you age instead of in a residential community. In the table below, learn what you can expect to pay for other types of senior care in the Jacksonville area.

Keep in mind that Medicare can be used to pay for some home health aide services, and for qualifying participants, Medicaid will often cover the cost of long-term care in a nursing home. In some cases, qualified recipients can use Medicaid to help cover the cost of assisted living.

Table 2 Comparing the cost of different types of care in Jacksonville, FL

Type of careMedian monthly cost
Home health aide$4,767
Homemaker services/companion care$4,481
Adult day services$1,625
Assisted living facility$4,660
Nursing home, shared room$8,213
Nursing home, private room$8,882

Source: Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey [3]Cost of Care Survey. Genworth. Found on the internet at ​​https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care

Financial assistance for assisted living in Jacksonville

The monthly cost cited by many assisted living facilities covers room and board, but it may not include additional, service-related fees. The personal care ⓘ Sometimes called custodial care, personal care refers to non-medical care provided by professional caregivers, such as assistance with bathing or toileting.services many assisted living residents need, like medication management and help with ADLs, can increase the monthly fee by hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living. However, there are some financial assistance options for Jacksonville residents.

Medicare

Medicare will not cover the cost of assisted living or any other form of long-term care, but it will often cover the cost of some goods and services used in assisted living, such as physical therapy or durable medical equipment (DME), like bedside commodes and shower stools. Medicare also covers the cost of outpatient health care services and some prescription drugs.

If an assisted living resident has an acute need for nursing care, Medicare will cover up to 100 days of care in a skilled nursing facility after a qualifying hospitalization. Some assisted living facilities have rules about how long they’ll hold a room, so check in with the facilities you tour about policies for evicting residents or transferring their care.

Medicaid

In most cases, Medicaid will not cover the room and board expenses associated with assisted living even if an older adult qualifies for Medicaid coverage, but it may cover the cost of personal care received in an assisted living facility, such as help with ADLs or medication administration.

In the state of Florida, Medicaid-eligible residents ages 65 and older meeting the requirements for Nursing Home Level of Care ⓘAlso called a Nursing Facility Level of Care (NFLOC), NHLOC establishes the care criteria required for nursing home admissions under Medicaid. The definition of NHLOC varies by state, but almost always takes into account one or more of the following: physical abilities, medical needs, cognitive impairment, and behavioral issues. may qualify for the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long Term Care Program. [5]Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-term Care Program. Found on the internet at https://ahca.myflorida.com/medicaid/statewide-medicaid-managed-care/long-term-care-program Beneficiaries of this program can receive care in a nursing home, or they can elect to receive care in their own home, a friend or family member’s home, or in an assisted living facility. There may be a waiting list for the state’s MedicaId Managed Care Long Term Care Program.

Veterans Affairs

United States veterans and their spouses can receive a host of federal veteran benefits, such as health care, pension payments, life insurance, and help with housing. [6]U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA benefits for service members. Found on the internet at https://www.va.gov/service-member-benefits/ Veterans are also eligible for services at the state level. In Florida, there are eight skilled nursing facilities and one assisted living facility operated by the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. [7]Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. State Veterans’ Homes. Found on the internet at https://floridavets.org/locations/state-veterans-nursing-homes/

Alternatives to assisted living in Jacksonville, FL

Some older adults can’t afford the cost of an assisted living facility, while others may not be able to find a facility to meet their specific needs, such as a locked memory care unit. Some older adults simply prefer to age at home with the help of in-home care. Often, Medicaid will cover in-home care services more readily than it will cover the cost of an assisted living facility.

Services for older adults aging at home include:

Homemakers, also called personal companions, provide companionship as well as housekeeping and some meal preparation.

Home health aides can assist with housekeeping and can also help with ADLs, such as bathing and dressing.

In-home nursing services, such as wound care or management of a chronic disease like diabetes, are administered by a registered nurse (RN) or a licensed professional nurse (LPN) supervised by an RN.

Adult day centers, which provide social and some personal care services during the day, engage older adults while also offering caregivers respite from daily responsibilities.

Free and low-cost assisted living resources in Jacksonville

Free resources are available in Jacksonville for older adults seeking assisted living and other forms of long-term care.

Northeast Florida’s area agency on aging (AAA)

The designated area agency on aging ⓘAn area agency on aging (AAA) is a public or private nonprofit organization designated by the state as a primary resource for older adults of the region. AAA is a general term, so specific names of AAAs will vary by location. for northeast Florida is ElderSource, a community organization identifying and meeting the needs of older adults in Jacksonville and surrounding areas. Eldersource can assist with Medicare, provide access to information about long-term care, and more.

Florida Department of Elder Affairs

As an umbrella organization for Florida’s 11 area agencies on aging, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs focuses primarily on long-term care for older adults.

Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program

A long-term care ombudsman ⓘ Also called an elder care ombudsman, a long-term care ombudsman advocates for people living in long-term care facilities. Under the federal Older Americans Act, every state is required to have a long-term care ombudsman program. can help you or someone you care for get quality care and help you resolve problems, including filing official care-related complaints. Their services are free and confidential. Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program can help long-term care residents and their families address the quality of care and services in a facility. [8]Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman? Found on the internet at https://ombudsman.elderaffairs.org/ You can search for your local long-term care ombudsman through the National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.

Social Security Offices

Older adults often use Social Security benefits to help pay for assisted living. It’s possible to start receiving Social Security benefits as early as age 62, but the longer you wait to start receiving benefits—up to the age of 70—the more your monthly benefit will increase. Find a local Florida Social Security office or apply to start receiving your Social Security benefits through the Social Security Administration website.

Assisted living vs. other types of care in Jacksonville

Have a discussion with friends and family about where you want to live as you age. Start by determining what city, county, and state you want to live in. Some older adults choose to stay in an area where they have family members to support them, while others choose to move to a more affordable area. Once you’ve determined where you want to live, talk to health care professionals and family members to determine the level of care you’ll need. Then, you can begin your search for the right community.

Types of senior housing available in Jacksonville

Expert advice and guidance for choosing assisted living in Jacksonville

Searching for assisted living for yourself or someone you care for can be challenging, and you don’t have to do it alone. Talk to friends and family about your options, and use Florida’s ElderSource to learn more about assisted living near you.

Tips for evaluating and touring communities

Once you have a list of assisted living facilities in Jacksonville, the National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) suggests narrowing the list to two or three top choices based on availability, price, and services. [11]Resources for Consumers. National Center for Assisted Living. Found on the internet at https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Consumer-Resources/Pages/default.aspx Much of this research can be done by phone and online. Then, visit each facility on your list at least once. When you visit facilities, talk to both administrators and residents to get a feel for what it’s like to live in the community.

Finding an assisted living facility in Jacksonville to meet your needs

While you’re searching for assisted living communities, don’t be afraid to ask a lot of questions. It’s important to find a community to meet your needs and that feels like a good fit for your lifestyle and personality. Consider whether you want to live in a large or small assisted living community. If living in a more home-like environment is your preference, you can start with that when beginning to search.

Table 3 Key questions to ask when touring assisted living facilities

Questions

Monthly fees and payment methods
  • What services are included in the base monthly rate?
  • Based on my needs, what will my monthly rate be?
  • How often is this rate subject to change?
  • Does the facility accept Medicaid and Medicaid waivers?
Quality of care and caregivers
  • What is the staff turnover rate?
  • How many and what type of staff (CNAs, RNs) are on site per shift?
  • What kind of help is available for personal care (assistance with ADLs)?
  • How are care plans established, and are family members part of the process?
  • Do residents and staff appear to be happy and comfortable?
  • How often are social activities provided for residents?
Community considerations
  • Are there outdoor areas where residents can walk and relax?
  • Are the rooms clean and safety-oriented?
  • Are common areas comfortable and inviting?

Assisted living laws and regulations in Jacksonville

Assisted living facilities are regulated on a state level, so communities in Jacksonville are governed by the same rules and regulations as other assisted living communities in Florida.

Assisted living definition and scope of care in Florida

According to the NCAL’s 2022 State Regulatory Review, Florida defined assisted living as “designed to provide personal care services in the least restrictive and home-like environment. [12]National Center for Assisted Living. Assisted Living State Regulatory Review 2022 Edition. Found on the internet at https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Policy/Documents/2022_reg_review.pdf These facilities can range in size from one resident to several hundred and may offer a wide variety of personal and nursing services designed specifically to meet an individual’s personal needs.”

The scope of care for services provided in assisted living facilities in Jacksonville and the rest of Florida dictates the following:

Assisted living requirements for Jacksonville residents

In order to provide quality, consistent care for each resident, assisted living communities must have guidelines about which residents they accept.

The NCAL shared requirements for residents of assisted living facilities in Jacksonville and the rest of Florida. Assisted living residents must be:

Older adults requiring 24-hour licensed professional mental health treatment are not eligible for admission, nor are people with stage three or four pressure sores, feeding tubes, or other conditions requiring ongoing skilled nursing care.

Assisted living residents must undergo an assessment up to 60 days prior to their admission, or within 30 days of their admission. Either a physician or an advanced registered nurse practitioner will perform the standardized health assessment to ensure the resident’s needs can be met in the assisted living community they chose.

It’s important to know residents of Florida assisted living facilities can be discharged if they no longer meet the admission criteria or if they are bedridden for more than seven days. Talk to staff at the communities you tour about their specific admission criteria, so you’re prepared for potential discharge if your needs change.

Jacksonville assisted living staff requirements

Minimum staffing ratios help to determine the minimum number of hours qualified staff members must work in order for a community to run smoothly and safely. Currently, just 12 states require minimum staffing ratios for assisted living facilities, including Florida. [13]Long Term Care Community Coalition. Assisted Living Fact Sheet: Staffing Ratios. Found on the internet at https://nursinghome411.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/LTCCC-Assisted-Living-Fact-Sheet-Safe-Staffing.pdf

According to the NCAL, Florida staffing requirements specify a facility must be under the supervision of a trained administrator and “staffing must be sufficient to meet residents’ needs.” Specific minimum staffing ratio requirements vary based on the number of residents. For example, a total of 375 staff hours would be required each week for a community with 46–55 residents, or about nine full-time staff members and one part-time staff member. [12]National Center for Assisted Living. Assisted Living State Regulatory Review 2022 Edition. Found on the internet at https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Policy/Documents/2022_reg_review.pdf

Minimum staffing ratios are helpful in safeguarding the care of assisted living residents, but you should still ask the communities you tour about their staff-to-resident ratio. A report by the Long Term Care Community Coalition recommended a ratio of at least one staff member to every 15 residents in a multi-floor facility. [14]Long Term Care Community Coalition. Assisted Living: Promising Policies and Practices for Improving Resident Health, Quality of Life, and Safety. Found on the internet at ​​https://nursinghome411.org/ltccc-report-assisted-living-promising-policies-and-practices/

Reporting and preventing elder abuse in Jacksonville

Though it’s difficult to think about, caregivers must recognize the risks of elder abuse occurring in assisted living facilities. Elder abuse can take the form of caregiver neglect, financial fraud and exploitation, psychological abuse, sexual abuse, or physical abuse. If you believe elder abuse is occurring in a Jacksonville assisted living community, make an elder abuse report.

To help prevent abuse or neglect in Jacksonville assisted living communities, familiarize yourself with Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program.

Bottom line

Located in northeastern Florida, the coastal city of Jacksonville offers retirees sunshine, ocean views, and no state income tax, allowing tax-free withdrawals from pensions and retirement accounts.

While the cost of assisted living in Jacksonville is slightly higher than the national average, the cost of living in Florida is lower than the cost of living in many other parts of the country.

Assisted living facilities are regulated on a state level, so the state-designated scope of care in Florida assisted living communities applies to all assisted living residences in Jacksonville. The Florida scope of care includes help with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, as well as social activities and as-needed nursing care. In general, an assisted living community in Florida must have the ability to care for residents qualifying for acceptance to the community.

No senior living option is one-size-fits-all. When visiting Jacksonville assisted living communities, ask lots of questions of both administrators and staff, and don’t forget to ask residents about their experiences. The community you choose should be a good fit for your personal needs and preferences.

Frequently asked questions

The median monthly cost of assisted living in Jacksonville, Florida, is $4,660, though pricing averages may not reflect fees for additional services, such as assistance with activities of daily living. [3]Cost of Care Survey. Genworth. Found on the internet at ​​https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care

The monthly median cost of assisted living in the state of Florida is $4,000. Naples has one of the highest monthly costs for assisted living at $5,300, while older adults in Gainesville pay an average of $2,350 per month. [3]Cost of Care Survey. Genworth. Found on the internet at ​​https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care

Medicare will not cover any form of long-term care, including assisted living. Medicare may be able to help assisted living residents pay for some services, such as physical therapy or durable medical equipment.

The benefits of assisted living include around-the-clock emergency care, social engagement with peers, help with medication administration, and assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing.

Have questions about this article? Email us at reviewsteam@ncoa.org.

Sources

  1. United States Census Bureau. Quick Facts Jacksonville City, Florida. Found on the internet at https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/jacksonvillecityflorida/AGE775222#AGE775222
  2. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Florida Healthfinder. lp;oFound on the internet at https://quality.healthfinder.fl.gov/facilitylocator/facloc.aspx
  3. Cost of Care Survey. Genworth. Found on the internet at ​​https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care
  4. National Center for Assisted Living. Florida Fast Facts State Profile for Assisted Living. Found on the internet at https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Facts-and-Figures/Documents/State%20Facts/Florida-AL.pdf
  5. Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-term Care Program. Found on the internet at https://ahca.myflorida.com/medicaid/statewide-medicaid-managed-care/long-term-care-program
  6. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. VA benefits for service members. Found on the internet at https://www.va.gov/service-member-benefits/
  7. Florida Department of Veterans Affairs. State Veterans’ Homes. Found on the internet at https://floridavets.org/locations/state-veterans-nursing-homes/
  8. Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program. What is a Long-Term Care Ombudsman? Found on the internet at https://ombudsman.elderaffairs.org/
  9. Brookdale Senior Living. How Much Does Independent Living Cost? Found on the internet at https://www.brookdale.com/en/our-services/independent-living/independent-living-costs.html
  10. Dementia Care Central. Alzheimer’s / Dementia Care Costs: Home Care, Adult Day Care, Assisted Living & Nursing Homes. February 2023. Found on the internet at https://www.dementiacarecentral.com/assisted-living-home-care-costs//
  11. Resources for Consumers. National Center for Assisted Living. Found on the internet at https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Consumer-Resources/Pages/default.aspx
  12. National Center for Assisted Living. Assisted Living State Regulatory Review 2022 Edition. Found on the internet at https://www.ahcancal.org/Assisted-Living/Policy/Documents/2022_reg_review.pdf
  13. Long Term Care Community Coalition. Assisted Living Fact Sheet: Staffing Ratios. Found on the internet at https://nursinghome411.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/01/LTCCC-Assisted-Living-Fact-Sheet-Safe-Staffing.pdf
  14. Long Term Care Community Coalition. Assisted Living: Promising Policies and Practices for Improving Resident Health, Quality of Life, and Safety. Found on the internet at ​​https://nursinghome411.org/ltccc-report-assisted-living-promising-policies-and-practices/
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