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Sebring is a haven for retirees, thanks to its low cost of living, sunny climate and abundant recreational amenities. Notable attractions include the Highlands Hammock State Park, the Sebring International Raceway and Circle Drive, which winds through the historic downtown area. The community also attracts seniors with its retirement-friendly tax policies and lack of state income tax. Given all of these perks, it’s not surprising that seniors represent more than one-quarter of the city’s 10,600 residents.
Local seniors are served by more than a dozen assisted living facilities, seven of which are in the city proper, and nine others are located in the surrounding area. The median cost of assisted living care in Sebring is $2,895 per month, which is 20-30% lower than other parts of the state and the nation. This makes Sebring an appealing choice for budget-conscious seniors who are looking for a community that offers a high quality of life.
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 >
According to Genworth Financial’s 2020 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Sebring pay $2,895 per month for assisted living, which is roughly $800 lower than the state median of $3,700 and $1,400 lower than the U.S. average of $4,300. Prices in Sebring are approximately $250-$820 lower than neighboring states, including Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi.
Sebring is the most affordable location for long-term care in central Florida. Price differences start at $330 in Tampa and go up to $1,605 in Sebastian, where seniors pay $4,500 per month for assisted living. At $4,399 per month, prices are also higher than average in Port St. Lucie. Lakeland and Punta Gorda are slightly more affordable at $3,945 and $3,938, respectively, and prices are almost $1,000 higher than Sebring in the North Port area at $3,888.
Seniors who live in Sebring and need help with daily activities may qualify for Assistive Care Services. This Medicaid home- and community-based services waiver provides financial assistance for personal care provided in adult family care homes, assisted living facilities and similar settings. Seniors must meet medical and financial eligibility requirements to qualify.
To learn more about this waiver, the eligibility requirements and the application process, visit our Assisted Living in Florida page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Senior Connection Center | (800) 963-5337 | As the Area Agency on Aging for Highlands County, the Senior Connection Center provides informational assistance and referrals to community-based partners. It offers Medicare insurance counseling, healthy aging courses and advocacy services to prevent abuse. Elder Helpline Specialists can help with long-term care placements and financial assistance applications. |
| MTM Transit | (863) 382-0139 | MTM Transit is the community transportation coordinator for seniors and disadvantaged riders in Sebring and four surrounding counties. The agency provides low-cost, door-to-door transportation for seniors who need rides for medical appointments, errands and social events. Service must be scheduled at least two days in advance. |
| South Florida State College Community Programs | (863) 784-7189 | South Florida State College in Avon Park manages the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program of Highlands County. Every year, more than 400 local seniors aged 55 and older volunteer their time at hospitals, schools and charities through this program. It also sponsors the Heartland Senior Games and a Lifelong Learners Institute that offers noncredit classes for adults. |
| Florida Rural Legal Services, Lakeland Office | (863) 688-7376 | This pro bono law office provides free civil legal services with an emphasis on personal rights, consumer protection, housing, family law and public benefits. Its elder law attorneys focus on estate planning, nursing home rights, guardianship, financial planning and long-term care options. |
| NU-HOPE Elder Care Services | (863) 382-2134 | NU-HOPE offers supportive services to seniors aged 60 and older in Highlands and Hardee counties. It provides case management services to assess seniors’ personal needs and develop a plan of care. Seniors may qualify for emergency alert systems, nutritional consultations, meal deliveries and other services. |
| Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman, South Central Office | (863) 413-2764 | Based in Lakeland, this regional long-term care ombudsman program advocates for seniors who live in assisted living and other residential care facilities. They perform inspections and accept complaints to ensure that providers uphold local, state and federal regulations. |
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration is responsible for licensing assisted living facilities in Sebring and the surrounding areas. License applications and inspections are handled by the Assisted Living Unit at the Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. Learn more about the regulations these facilities need to follow on our Assisted Living in Florida page.
