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Located in North Central Florida, Lake City is known as the Gateway to Florida due to its proximity to two interstates. The city is home to around 12,000 people, with seniors aged 65 and older making up 16.5% of the population. Lake City offers retirees warm weather, a low cost of living and access to world-class hospitals such as Lake City Medical Center. Perched on the banks of Alligator Lake, the city also has freshwater springs and an abundance of natural beauty for older adults looking for a tranquil retirement location. Lake City’s prime location means that seniors can travel to other parts of the state if needed, and friends and family can easily visit.
The average cost of assisted living in Lake City is $4,571 per month, although the exact cost varies between facilities based on the amenities and services offered.
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 >
Genworth’s Cost of Care 2020 Survey shows that the average cost of assisted living in Lake City is $4,571 per month. This is $871 higher than the Florida average of $3,700, and $271 higher than the national average. Lake City prices are also high compared to costs in neighboring Alabama ($3,150), Georgia ($3,500) and South Carolina ($3,988).
Assisted living costs span a wide range in Florida, and Lake City is on the higher end at $4,571 per month. Costs are highest in Tallahassee, at $5,506, and lowest in Sebring, at $2,895. Rates in nearby Ocala and Jacksonville average $4,000 and $4,150 per month, respectively. Costs are significantly lower in Tampa ($3,225) and Orlando ($3,700).
Note: Data for Lake City was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Gainesville, was used instead.
In Florida, long-term care support is offered through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program. The program provides financial support to eligible seniors and helps fund a range of services in an assisted living setting. Low-income residents can also access the Optional State Supplementation payment, which provides funds to help pay for room and board in assisted living facilities.
Learn more about the eligibility criteria and application process for these programs on our Assisted Living in Florida page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Elder Options | (800) 262-2243 | Elder Options is the Area Agency on Aging for North Central Florida. It operates a helpline where seniors and their families can get information about and referrals to local resources. It also offers a range of other services to help seniors as they age, including healthy aging classes, wellness programs, and long-term care options and benefits counseling. |
| Gainesville Vet Center | (352) 331-1408 | Staff at the Gainesville Vet Center are available to assist seniors who served in the United States military. The center has a variety of counseling options available to veterans and their families. Seniors can also get assistance with applying for benefits that can help them cover the cost of assisted living, such as the VA Aid and Attendance pension supplement. |
| Columbia County Senior Services | (386) 755-0235 | Columbia County Senior Services is a nonprofit organization that provides support and assistance to residents of Lake City and Columbia County who are aged 60 and older. The organization offers case management services and provides senior transportation in the local area. |
| Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (850) 414-2323 | Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program advocates for residents of long-term care facilities, including assisted living facilities. In addition to investigating and resolving complaints, program volunteers help develop resident and family councils, conduct assessments and monitor the well-being of residents in facilities. Reports to the Ombudsman can be made by residents or their friends and family. |
| Lifestyle Enrichment Center of Lake City | (386) 755-0235 | The Lifestyle Enrichment Center of Lake City is an initiative of Columbia County Senior Services. The center provides a range of activities that help seniors stay active and connected to the community, including weekly dances, wellness activities, educational classes and a theater group. The LEC also hosts the Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) program, which provides assistance and counseling regarding health insurance, Medicare and Medicaid. |
Assisted living facilities in Lake City must follow the rules and regulations established by the state of Florida. The facilities are licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration. For more information about these regulations, visit our Assisted Living in Florida page.
