At the center of the Sunshine State, Orlando, Florida, features theme parks that make it a top destination for many a young grandchild. But in addition to entertaining the grandkids, Orlando offers plenty to seniors as well. From an outstanding culinary scene with over 40 Michelin-star rated restaurants to an array of outdoor activities — including nature preserves and botanical gardens — Orlando’s appeal stretches far beyond theme parks.
A Place for Mom partners with 23 assisted living communities in Orlando. Assisted living communities offer seniors a safe, engaging space where they can receive assistance with their daily needs. Seniors are free to enjoy the company of neighbors, engage with favorite hobbies, and participate in activities within their assisted living community and beyond.
With this guide, you can help narrow down your senior loved one’s options based on several factors. We also provide information about the cost and how to pay for assisted living in Orlando, regulations that keep residents safe and well-cared for, what assisted living is like in Orlando, local health care options and activities in Orlando, Florida.
Find Assisted Living Communities Near Orlando, FL
At the center of the Sunshine State, Orlando, Florida, features theme parks that make it a top destination for many a young grandchild. But in addition to entertaining the grandkids, Orlando offers plenty to seniors as well. From an outstanding culinary scene with over 40 Michelin-star rated restaurants to an array of outdoor activities — including nature preserves and botanical gardens — Orlando’s appeal stretches far beyond theme parks.Read more
A Place for Mom partners with 23 assisted living communities in Orlando. Assisted living communities offer seniors a safe, engaging space where they can receive assistance with their daily needs. Seniors are free to enjoy the company of neighbors, engage with favorite hobbies, and participate in activities within their assisted living community and beyond.
With this guide, you can help narrow down your senior loved one’s options based on several factors. We also provide information about the cost and how to pay for assisted living in Orlando, regulations that keep residents safe and well-cared for, what assisted living is like in Orlando, local health care options and activities in Orlando, Florida.
Orlando Assisted Living Facilities | 426 Reviews
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Brookdale Dr Phillips Memory Care took excellent care of my mother during her time as a resident. The attendants were very attentive to we needs and very supportive of my family. Additionally, the team was...
I would recommend when comparing to others yes. Overall good but they are slow to reduce the cost of extra service once mom didn't need it and like everyone else they are having a hard time filling certain...
Brookdale Dr Phillips Assisted Living is OUTSTANDING! Both of my parents, were residents there for 2-3 years and received excellent care throughout. The attendants were very attentive to my parents and very...
The facility is well kept and they allow web based cameras in the rooms. Staff has always treated my loved one well. They are staffed well at all times. Some issues with promptness getting maintenance issues...
Somerby Lake Nona is a fantastic place!! My dad is thriving here!! Beautiful, clean property, well managed, with wonderful team members who are extremely responsive, and always looking out for residents. ...
We picked Westminster Towers community partially because of the cost and the nearness to our family members. We really like living in the downtown area of Orlando. Since move in day we have been very...
Dad didn't particularly like the food, however Spring Hills Hunters Creek community was excellent. I was very happy with them. If it wasn't for a bigger room elsewhere, we would have stayed there. The...
I would have to say they are top notch. They truly care about the residents and families. I love that they post activities on Facebook and if you can't get there they will send you pictures. My Mom has...
The facility is clean and smells good. The staff is wonderful and caring. Communication lines are open. They truly care for our loved ones like a family. The move in was a breeze. The meals are tasty and if...
My mom loved the staff and residents. Engaging community. Good food. Made friends quickly. Very disappointed it was flooded by hurricane Ian and will not reopen until June 2023.
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All 5's but we've only been there one month before we came north for the summer. The community is expensive but the fact that they won't put you out if you run out of money is a big thing compared to other...
I can not say enough good things about this facility. My brother has been there for over 6 months and I am very happy with the care they provide to him. Encore went out of their way during Christmas to...
My ratings reflect that if you are fully independent, this is a great place. But if you are having an underlying and progressive issue, there was a tendency to look the other way. Communication from staff,...
This is a really great place. They have plenty of activities, there is something going on pretty much every day. It's a really, really impressive facility. The food is fantastic. They are a really good...
Because the home is small - which is best for her - she's with a group of folks where she is the most highly functional. That is hard because she gets bored. That's our biggest complaint. They take really...
They have done good with activities with social distancing and entertainment. The neighborhood is amazing and the grounds are really nice, and the value for this is amazing compared to other...
Green Tree Assisted Living Facility is a friendly place for our elders to live and have a wonderful experience! The staff is very friendly, knowledgeable, attentive, and really care about their residents! ...
My sister [name removed] been there for years and they treated her with dignity and respect. [name removed] is happy and I am very grateful with the care that [name removed] and the staff been giving to all...
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- Costs of assisted living in the Orlando area
- How people pay for assisted living in Orlando
- Understand Florida’s laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Orlando
- What to expect from assisted living in Orlando
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Orlando? Highlights for seniors
- Health care for seniors in Orlando
- Transportation for seniors in Orlando
- Senior activities in Orlando
Costs of assisted living in the Orlando area
The median cost for a one bedroom unit in an assisted living community in Orlando is $5,100 per month, according to A Place For Mom’s proprietary data.[01] These numbers represent what families in Orlando paid for assisted living at A Place for Mom’s partner communities. Included in the monthly rate is rent, services, and common amenities and services, such as the following:
- Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and grooming
- Daily meals
- Housekeeping and laundry
- Safety features such as grab bars and wide hallways
- Social activities
Assisted living communities also offer add-ons that can affect overall monthly costs. Add-ons may include the following types of services and amenities:
- Parking and transportation
- Health care services
- Concierge services
- Pet fees
- Salon or spa services
- Community outings
The monthly costs outlined in the following chart represents baseline Orlando-area assisted living costs, before any add-on expenses. It shows a comparison of costs of living across the greater Orlando area.
Average cost comparisons near Orlando, FL
Average monthly costs
Orlando, FL
How people pay for assisted living in Orlando
When paying for long-term care, families often use a mix of payment methods like public assistance, long-term care insurance, and personal savings. The most effective way to cover these costs varies from family to family, so it’s important to assess your loved one’s financial situation. The following section offers information on the many common resources, such as private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid, families typically use to pay for assisted living.
Many families combine several private pay methods to pay for assisted living, such as personal savings, pensions, and Social Security benefits. Other examples of common private pay options for assisted living include the following:
Number of veterans who live in Orlando
About 18% of Orlando veterans are 75+.
If your family member has served in the U.S. military, they might be eligible for benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Some of these benefits can generously assist with assisted living and health care costs. VA Pensions and the Aid and Attendance benefit are examples of benefits that may provide an added income source for assisted living costs for qualifying veterans and their surviving spouses.
Veterans service organizations (VSOs) can assist you
VSOs are veteran-focused local, state, and national organizations, recognized by the VA, that assist veterans with benefits counseling and other veteran-centered programing.
The application process for veterans benefits can be complex and daunting, making assistance invaluable. Even if your loved one meets the qualifications, errors in their application or missed deadlines can result in a denial of benefits. VSOs offer the expertise of veteran service officers trained to guide veterans through the application process, helping them make the most of their eligibility. Several of Orlando’s VSO offices are located at the Orange County Veteran Services Office, which you can find in the resources section below.
Patient advocacy for navigating VA benefits
The local Orlando VA Medical Center is another resource that can provide support for disabled seniors or spouses completing VA benefits applications. Their site provides a list of services they offer in its “Health services offered here” tab. Click the tab for a drop-down menu, and scroll down to see the “Patient advocate” section. Expand that section to see the direct phone line and hours to their patient advocate department.
The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, or FDVA, also offers a variety of benefit assistance programs including the following:
- Financial and housing assistance
- VA benefit advocacy
- Employment
- Education
- Mental health services
The FDVA works with several veterans service organizations (VSOs) in the Orlando area to provide help, such as the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), American Legion, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and other organizations.
Resources for Orlando veterans
National Association for Black Vets
2210 South Rio Grande Ave.
Orlando, FL 32805
Phone: 407-425-3001
Jewish War Veterans of the USA
Phone: 407-836-8990
Florida Medicaid is administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) and offers health care coverage to state residents with low incomes. Florida’s Medicaid program doesn’t cover room and board expenses in private assisted living facilities, but it does cover many of the care services seniors may receive in assisted living. The program provides two health insurance options:
- Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) program: This is the most popular Medicaid program in Florida and covers basic health care needs, like hospital visits, prescription medications, vaccinations, and inpatient care. Additionally, the program provides transportation for certain medical appointments.[03] This entitlement program provides coverage to all qualified individuals.
- Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) program: This Medicaid program is for individuals who require a nursing home level of care, but would prefer to receive nursing services from their home, including their assisted living apartment. It’s important to note that this SMMC LTC program has a participant cap, meaning some qualified seniors may be placed on a waitlist until space is available.
Besides general health care services, the SMC LTC program can cover several long-term care services, including:[04]
- Assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, and eating
- Medical assistance to help a senior manage or recover from a medical condition, illness, or injury
- Care coordination and case management
- Medical equipment and supplies
- Intermittent nursing assistance
Medicaid eligibility in Florida
To qualify for Florida Medicaid, senior applicants must be 65 and over and meet the following requirements:[05]
- Be Florida residents
- Need health care services
- Earn an annual pre-tax income of less than $19,392 (as of 2023). Income limits are updated yearly.
The following resources can provide assistance with both understanding eligibility requirements and applying for Medicaid benefits. Additionally, the Florida long-term care ombudsman program offers advocacy support for Medicaid and Medicare recipients living in assisted living communities.
Orlando resident Medicaid resources
Medicare is a U.S. federal health insurance program designed specifically for individuals aged 65 and over. While most seniors are automatically enrolled if they have been receiving retirement or disability benefits through Social Security, some may need to complete an application on the Social Security website.
Medicare coverage in Orlando
Medicare covers a range of medical care — from routine doctor’s visits to inpatient hospital stays and drug costs. The three primary parts of Medicare are organized by the different types of care they cover:[06]
- Hospital insurance is covered by Part A and will pay for skilled nursing facility care, inpatient hospital care, and home health care.
- Medical insurance, or Part B, pays for outpatient services such as doctor’s visits, x-rays, lab work, or minor procedures performed in a clinic setting.
- Drug insurance is also known as Part D and pays for the cost of medications such as vaccines and those prescribed by a doctor.
Medicare may cover short-term hospital and skilled nursing facility stays for up to 100 days to support the needs of individuals recovering from an illness or injury. After the first 20 days, a co-pay may be required. And while Medicare will cover medical care and some care services for individuals in assisted living, it will not pay for room and board expenses.
Assistance paying for Medicare premiums
Seniors residing in Orlando may be eligible to receive help paying for their Medicare premiums through a Medicare Savings Program. A senior’s monthly income must fall between $1,478 and $2,239 to qualify as of 2023; limits are updated annually.[07]
Support with Medicare benefits and advocacy
There are several ways to get assistance applying for Medicare. The Medicare website is a good place to start to check eligibility and learn about covered services.
For additional support, you can contact volunteer counselors at one of the Serving Heath Insurance Needs of Seniors (or SHINE) offices in the Orlando area. For families with senior loved ones who live in long-term care who have concerns about the care they are receiving, Florida’s long-term care ombudsman program can provide assistance. All of those program contacts can be found in our resources section below.
Orlando resident Medicare resources
Understand Florida’s laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Licensed assisted living facilities (also known as ALFs in Florida) in Orlando are regulated by Florida’s Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation and are required to adhere to certain state laws and requirements.
Licensed facilities can range in size from one resident to hundreds. Homes or communities with an Assisted Living Facility (or ALF) license must be equipped to provide their residents with personal care services, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and access to transportation services.[08] Keep reading for an overview of Florida’s assisted living licensure rules.
Florida state regulations for assisted living facilities
To establish a new license or renew an existing Assisted Living Facility (ALF) license, the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation requires facilities to follow guidelines on the physical conditions of the building and the quality of the care and services provided by staff. If you would like to review the complete list of assisted living regulations, read the Florida state regulations for assisted living.
The guidelines are extensive; here are some important examples:
- Families or guardians of residents must be contacted at least every 30 days.
- Residents must be provided three daily meals.
- Residents must be allowed to keep personal belongings in their room.
- Spouses who live in the same facility must be allowed to reside together.
- It’s required that facilities maintain a livable, clean, and safe building.
Employee training and staffing requirements for assisted living facilities in Florida
Facilities are required to provide a specific staff-to-resident ratio that depends on the number of residents in a facility. This is so the care needs of all residents can be met swiftly.
Florida also maintains specific standards for employees of homes or communities with the Assisted Living Facility (ALF) license, some of which include:[09]
- All employees must pass a background check.
- Direct care staff must complete a 4-hour training within 30 days of their hire date.
- All facility administrators must have 26 hours of initial training and 12 hours of continuing training every two years.
Assisted living licenses and inspections in Florida
The Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation regulates four different Assisted Living Facility licenses determined by the size of the structure and specialty services they may provide.
- Standard Assisted Living Facility licenses are the type of license most traditional assisted living communities apply for.
- Adult Foster Care licenses are for smaller homes, referred to as adult family care homes (AFCH). The license requires owners to live on-site and provide personal care services for no more than five people.
- Extended Congregate Care licenses allows assisted living facilities to provide nursing services for residents who are frail.
- Limited Nursing Services licenses allows facilities to incorporate nursing care into the care plan of qualified residents.
Inspections are conducted every two years and inspection results can be viewed on the Florida Health Finder website. The inspection reports provide inspection dates, details of deficiencies or complaints, and the dates corrective action was taken by a facility.
Follow these tips to search inspection reports for assisted living communities in the Florida Health Finder:
- Click “Search by Facility Type/Location” button.
- Then, in the “Facility/Provider Type” drop down menu, choose “Assisted Living Facility.”
- Enter the assisted living facility’s name, address, city, or other criteria, and click the “Search” button.
- Click on the facility name to go to information page.
- For more details, click on “Inspection Reports” or “Inspection Details” hyperlink.
Florida Department of Health contact information
Florida Health — Orange County
6101 Lake Ellenor Dr.
Orlando, FL 32809
Phone: 407-858-1400
Email: DLCHD48WebFeedback@flhealth.gov
COVID-19 regulations for Orlando assisted living facilities
The state of Florida doesn’t have COVID-19 guidance for assisted living facilities. The state does provide a COVID-19 Weekly Situation Report that details the latest infection information organized by Florida’s demographics.
The updated COVID vaccine is available to Orange County residents at several pharmacies around the Orlando area. The vaccine is offered free of charge for seniors who don’t have health insurance or who’s health insurance plan doesn’t cover the full cost of the vaccine through the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Bridge Access Program. For veterans and their spouses, Orlando VA offers free vaccines at all clinic locations.
Get to know assisted living in Orlando
3,514
80
What to expect from assisted living in Orlando
Part of Orlando’s appeal is that it’s not a beach town. Orlando is surrounded by large swaths of nature, from wilderness preserves to unique natural springs. And the city itself boasts many senior-friendly entertainment and dining options.
With a population of just over 300,000, Orlando is a big city but it never feels too busy, and it always has a certain cheer to it, possibly brought on by the great weather. While summer temps can get a little toasty, spring, winter, and fall are delightful — with average daytime temps rarely dipping below 70.
Read on to learn more about what it’s like to live in an assisted living community in Orlando below.
On-site amenities and activities
Residents are treated to a host of building amenities in our partner Orlando assisted living communities. Indoor common areas provide a cool escape from the summer heat, where neighbors can enjoy conversations and share memories. And there is plenty of space to enjoy a variety of on-site activities, from devotional services and live music performances to games and clubs.
These communities in Orlando take full advantage of the pleasurable weather, with relaxing outdoor spaces where residents can take in the fresh air or go for a leisurely stroll. Nearly half of our partner communities have garden clubs, giving residents the opportunity to cultivate their own seasonal vegetables and flowers.
As adults age, it’s important to maintain an exercise routine, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Orlando assisted living communities offer convenient on-site exercise classes that encourage healthy movement and social interaction. On-site tai chi, yoga, and water aerobics classes are just a few of the opportunities seniors have in these communities to engage in a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the company of friends.
Assisted living facilities in Orlando with memory care
Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living, and 60% of our partner Orlando assisted living communities provide memory care as well as general assisted living. At these facilities, memory care is often hosted in a separate, secured area where staff are required to have dementia-specific training to help ensure residents living with memory loss remain safe.
In addition to supporting residents with their activities of daily living, memory care staff also facilitate healthy daily schedules. These schedules include stimulating activities and games that are shown to help to slow the progression of some forms of dementia.
Explore senior care with confidence
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Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Orlando? Highlights for seniors
32,000
$18,000
Health care for seniors in Orlando
As the largest city in central Florida, Orlando has a variety of health care options. The two hospitals we highlight here are top-ranked nationally and excel at providing a number of specialties for seniors.
AdventHealth Orlando
This top hospital in Orlando, AdventHealth, has five branches in and around the Orlando metro area. It’s ranked nationally for cardiac care and geriatrics, according to U.S. News and World Report.
Orlando Health — Orlando Regional Medical Center
Centrally located, the Orlando Regional Medical Center is a convenient choice for many. It’s one of Orlando’s best hospitals, according to U.S. News and World Report, and is known for providing high-quality geriatric care and gastroenterology.
Transportation for seniors in Orlando
Most people in Orlando use a car as their primary mode of transportation. For residents who no longer drive, our partner assisted living facilities provide on-site transportation services — a safe and convenient alternative to public transportation. And, for those that still drive, nearly 80% of A Place for Mom’s partner communities offer resident parking for seniors with cars.
Orlando’s public transportation system is called the Lynx. Buses serve the Orlando area and many of its suburbs. Buses run throughout the city but tend to be more convenient in the city’s center. Lynx route maps are available on the Lynx website, and seniors may qualify for reduced fares through the AdvantAge Fare Program for Seniors.
Orlando’s walkability, bikeability, and public transportation options are rated on a scale of 0 – 100 by Walk Score, with 100 being the best. Orlando received the following scores:[13]
41
Walk Score
33
Transit Score
57
Bike Score
Senior activities in Orlando
Orlando offers a wide range of senior activities — for all mobility levels and abilities. From mouthwatering cuisine to brew houses and burger joints, the restaurant scene in Orlando will keep you craving more. There are plenty of spots to shop for a new outfit or outfit yourself with some new fishing gear. Step back in time at one of the many historic museums, or look into the future at Orlando’s Science Center.
A perk of assisted living communities is that they often give residents the opportunity to explore local attractions with scheduled group outings. For a more private day out, explore independently when family and friends come to visit. Check out our list of local highlights for Orlando’s seniors below. You can also browse the Visit Orlando website for even more suggestions of things to do.
Outdoor Orlando
Central Florida is known for its abundance of natural springs. Formed when rainwater dissolves the common dolomite and limestone bedrock, these natural springs offer a variety of recreational options.
- Explore the crystal clear water with friends or family while paddling a see-through canoe in Wekiwa Springs.
- Saunter along the boardwalk at Blue Spring State Park and watch Manatee frolic in the warm water.
- Or find a quiet spot to fish for bass in De Leon Springs State Park.
- For something a little closer to town, Lake Eola Park, in downtown Orlando, is a great place for a stroll along the wide, smooth path while watching the resident swans on the water.
Arts and history
Seniors who enjoy viewing art, listening to music or learning about the area’s rich history, Orlando has several options.
- From Broadway plays and top comedians to the Orlando ballet, opera and philharmonic, the Dr. Phillips Center has something for everyone.
- The Orlando Museum of Modern Art houses the masterpieces of both established artist and up and comers.
- Downtown’s Wells’Built Museum offers a glimpse into the history of Orlando’s African-American community and the role it played in the civil rights movement.
Sporting events
Orlando is home to several professional sports teams and host to a variety of sporting events.
- The NBA’s Orlando Magic are just one of the teams that call the Amway Center home.
- If you like your sports a little cooler, the Orlando Solar Bears ice hockey team offers exciting home games.
- You can also watch the Orlando City SC play host to the biggest stars in major league soccer.
- For college football fans, the Citrus Bowl and Tropical Bowl are held annually at Camping World Stadium in downtown Orlando.
Frequently asked questions
Cascade Heights, Spring Hills Hunters Creek and Grand Villa of Altamonte Springs are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Orlando, FL. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Orlando is 3999.71 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). American community survey: Florida, 65 to 74 years, 75 years and over, veteran status (S2101).
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. (2023). Welcome to statewide Medicaid Managed Care.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. (2023). Find out about long-term care services.
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Florida Medicaid.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Medicare savings programs.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Parts of Medicare.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. (2023). Assisted living facility.
Florida Department of State. (2019, July 1). Staffing standards.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101); Orlando city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Aggregate income in the past 12 months (B19050); Orlando city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
U.S. News and World Report. Best hospitals.
Walk Score. (2023). Orlando, FL.
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