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Destin is an inviting beach town known for its outstanding seafood restaurants, golf courses and scenic views. This growing community has nearly 14,000 residents, almost 17% of whom are aged 65 and over. It has a warm year-round climate with long, hot summers and very mild winters, which may appeal to those who enjoy being outdoors.
Destin is home to high-quality assisted living facilities that provide a full range of services to older adults. These facilities are ideal for those who need help with some daily living activities but want to maintain their freedom and privacy. Residents have individualized care plans that preserve their independence while providing necessary services. The facilities also provide daily meals, recreational activities and transportation. The 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey shows that seniors in the Destin area pay $4,924 per month for assisted living, which is high compared to state and national averages.
This guide provides more information on assisted living costs in Destin and how they compare to other Florida cities, helping you make informed decisions regarding your care plans. It also highlights options you may have for paying for assisted living and some of the agencies and programs that may help.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Florida. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
Seniors in Destin pay $4,924 per month on average for assisted living.
In Destin, monthly assisted living rates average $4,924. This is nearly $1,000 higher than the state rate of $4,000. It also exceeds the national average of $4,500 per month.
Assisted living facilities in Destin charge $4,924 per month for care. This is nearly $2,600 more than care costs in Gainesville, where rates are the lowest surveyed in Florida at $2,350. Lakeland has competitively priced residential care, with fees coming in at $3,300. In Deltona, monthly care costs average $3,975, and in the state’s capital city of Tallahassee, seniors pay $4,650 for assisted living. In Panama City, care costs exceed Destin’s average at $5,081, and in Naples, rates are among the highest in the state at $5,300.
Note: Data for Destin was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Crestview, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Florida.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Destin Senior Center | (850) 654-5184 | The Destin Senior Center meets in the local community center and has a range of year-round activities and programs for older adults. At this center, members can attend book clubs, art classes, monthly carry-in dinners and fitness classes and clubs. It also organizes field trips to local points of interest. |
| Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging | (866) 531-8011 | The Northwest Florida Area Agency on Aging serves those aged 60 and over in Destin and the surrounding area. Through this agency, you can speak with information and referral specialists who can help you evaluate your needs and find community-based programs, including durable medical equipment loans, long-term care options counseling and public benefits screenings. The agency also provides transportation services and congregate meals to supplement what you obtain through assisted living. |
| Legal Services of North Florida | (850) 862-3279 | Legal Services of North Florida provides free legal assistance regarding age-related matters to seniors in the Destin area. You can contact this agency to speak with a lawyer regarding advance planning, creating a will or assigning powers of attorney. The organization can also screen you for eligibility for public benefits, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income and the optional state supplement. |
| Veterans Services | (850) 651-7258 | The county’s Veterans Services office has benefits specialists who help older veterans enroll in state and federal programs that may help them cover assisted living expenses, such as pension benefits and Aid and Attendance. It can also help you find community-based services, such as prescription drug assistance, emergency financial assistance and medical services. |
| Retired and Senior Volunteer Program | (850) 243-0315 | RSVP has a range of exclusive volunteer activities for those aged 55 and over in Destin and the rest of Okaloosa County. Through this program, older adults can participate in a range of activities, including pairing with school-aged children through the Reading Pals program, serving as teacher’s aides in classrooms, helping to maintain community gardens and volunteering at community events throughout the year. In exchange for their service, volunteers may access benefits, such as transportation reimbursement and invitations to recognition events. |
| Elder Helpline | (800) 963-5337 | The Elder Helpline is a free information and referral service available to all Florida residents. This helpline, which is operated by the state’s Department of Elder Affairs, can connect older adults with long-term care ombudsman services, health insurance options counseling and assistance with finding financial assistance programs that cover living, care and medical costs. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Destin area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
