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Lakewood Ranch is ranked among the top master-planned communities in Florida and has been recognized as the top multigenerational community in the United States for several consecutive years. The community is located in Sarasota County, where those aged 65 and over account for nearly four out of 10 residents, and it’s comprised of nearly two dozen home villages, each with shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Pristine lakes and 150 miles of trails provide room to explore, and the community’s lifestyle programs and interest-based social clubs promote a strong sense of belonging among residents.
Despite its wide scope of age-friendly amenities, Lakewood Ranch is an affordable option for assisted living. The Genworth 2020 Cost of Care Survey shows that local care costs average $3,888 per month, which is well below the national median. This may offset the region’s relatively high cost of living and make it a viable option for those with budgetary considerations.
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 >
Seniors in Lakewood Ranch pay $3,888 per month for assisted living, making it among the more expensive cities in the region for this type of care. On average, seniors in Florida pay a monthly rate of $3,700 for assisted living services. In South Carolina, care costs are closer to Lakewood Ranch’s average at $3,988 per month, and in Mississippi, fees are lower at $3,713. Seniors in Georgia pay $3,500 per month, and Alabama is the cheapest nearby state for assisted living at $3,150. While care costs in the southeast region of the country range considerably, state averages are well below the national monthly rate of $4,300.
At $3,888 per month, Lakewood Ranch is among the pricier cities in Florida for assisted living. In the nearby city of Punta Gorda, rates are a little higher at $3,938, and in the Lakeland area, seniors pay $3,945. Ocala is a little pricier at $4,000, and in Jacksonville, facilities charge $4,150 per month. Tallahassee is the costliest city in Florida for care at $5,506. Those seeking more budget-friendly options may consider Miami, where rates are the cheapest in the state at $3,500 per month.
Note: Data for Lakewood Ranch was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, North Port Area, was used instead.
Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program pays for assisted living services in Lakewood Ranch. Some eligible expenses include housekeeping, medication assistance, social programs and help with daily living activities. To be accepted into the program, seniors must meet income and asset guidelines. Those who are over these limits may have other options for qualifying for coverage such as Qualified Income Trusts or Medicaid planning.
To learn more about SMMC-LTC and other options for covering assisted living services in Lakewood Ranch, individuals can refer to our Assisted Living in Florida page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida | (866) 413-5337 | The region’s AAA provides a broad range of services and supports to older adults, including health and wellness services, financial and tax advice and elder abuse education and prevention. It operates the Elder HELPLINE, which is staffed with live agents who help callers connect with services in their communities. The agency also has a long-term care ombudsman that educates seniors regarding their rights as assisted living residents and resolves issues related to quality of care. |
| Sarasota Friendship Center | (941) 955-2122 | The Sarasota Friendship Center is located about 10 miles from Lakewood Ranch and offers a broad range of social and recreational programming, wellness services and support services. It has retired licensed health care professionals who provide services for those who meet certain guidelines, and it hosts classes and guest speakers that cover age-related issues, art and music, technology and current events. The center also serves daily congregant meals for those aged 60 and over. |
| Sarasota County Veterans Services | (941) 861-8387 | The county’s Veterans Services Office supports veterans in Lakewood Ranch through advocacy, community-based services and assistance with accessing VA benefits. At this office, specialists help veterans apply for pension programs and the Aid and Attendance Benefit, which can help cover assisted living fees. |
| AARP Volunteer Opportunities | (866) 740-7719 | AARP offers a broad range of volunteer opportunities, including in-person and virtual options to accommodate seniors’ needs, schedules and levels of ability. Through AARP, older adults can serve their community by tutoring and mentoring children, helping coordinate virtual events and providing administrative support for nonprofit organizations. |
| Florida SHINE | (800) 963-5337 | Florida SHINE is a statewide program that provides free, unbiased health insurance options counseling for those who qualify for Medicare. It’s staffed with trained volunteers who speak at community events on topics such as Medicare benefits and health insurance fraud and provide one-on-one help to seniors researching options for paying for assisted living. |
| Legal Aid of Manasota | (941) 366-0038 | Legal Aid of Manasota is a nonprofit organization that serves those aged 60 and over. Its legal professionals help seniors address issues such as medical billing errors, denied Medicaid or Medicare claims and canceled health insurance policies. |
Lakewood Ranch’s assisted living facilities are regulated by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. This agency enforces standards for staffing, scope of care and quality of life through a rigorous initial licensing process, background checks, training requirements and scheduled and unscheduled visits. To learn more about licensing requirements for assisted living facilities in the Lakewood Ranch region, see our Assisted Living in Florida page.
