Located in Central Florida, Orlando is best known for its world-class theme parks, but this city is also a popular destination among seniors seeking a sunny, snow-free place to spend their retirement years. Just under 290,000 people call Orlando home, and one in ten residents are aged 65 or older, while statewide, one in five Floridians are seniors. In addition to its well-known attractions such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios and the SEA LIFE Orlando aquarium, there are plenty of shopping malls, theaters and restaurants for seniors to enjoy in the city. The Lake Eola Farmers Market is a great place to spend an afternoon, and the iconic, century-old Polk Theater is a favorite venue for live music, movies and performing arts.
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Orlando is $4,274. Actual costs vary with each facility based on amenities, accommodations and location.
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 >
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Orlando is $4,274, which is $774 above the statewide average cost of $3,500 and $223 above the national average of $4,051. In neighboring Alabama, assisted living costs an average of $3,250 per month, and $3,335 in Georgia. Costs in South Carolina ($3,500) and Tennessee ($3,900) are also less than the average cost of assisted living in Orlando.
Statewide, assisted living costs in Florida range from a low of $2,836 in Sebring up to $5,375 in The Villages, a master-planned retirement community just northeast of Orlando. Costs in nearby Deltona are slightly higher than in Orlando, at $4,500 per month, while costs are lower to the southeast in Lakeland ($3,498) and Tampa ($3,250). Assisted living costs in Orlando are similar to Naples ($4,195) and Jacksonville ($4,263).
Low-income seniors who meet the eligibility criteria for Medicaid and need help paying for assisted living may be eligible for enrollment in the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-term Care Program. This nursing home diversion program provides a range of services, such as adult day health care, personal care and intermittent and skilled nursing, which can be delivered in an assisted living setting. Alternatively, Florida seniors may also want to consider the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly, a community-based managed care program that provides personalized supports to help seniors remain in a noninstitutional setting, such as assisted living.
Learn more about these programs, plus who’s eligible, on our Assisted Living in Florida page.
Contact | Description | |
Senior Resource Alliance Aging and Disability Resource Center | (407) 514-0019 | Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs oversees programs and services for seniors aged 60 and older through a statewide network of Area Agencies on Aging, also known as Aging and Disability Resource Centers. In Orlando, the local ADRC is the Senior Resource Alliance, a nonprofit organization that collaborates with local service providers to plan, develop and administer programs and services for older adults. |
Orange County Veterans Services | (407) 836-8990 | Veterans and their dependents can learn about county, state and federal benefits, programs and services by contacting Orange County Veterans Services. Veterans Services Officers provide free assistance with VA claims’ applications and appeals, including regular and enhanced VA pension benefits. |
ACCESS LYNX Transit Service | (407) 841-5969 | Seniors who are unable to use the regular, fixed-route public transit system due to disability can register for ACCESS LYNX, the local paratransit service. ACCESS LYNX provides shared, door-to-door service throughout Orlando. |
City of Orlando Community Centers | (407) 246-2121 | The City of Orlando operates 12 community centers, including two dedicated senior centers, the Mayor William Beardall Senior Center and the L. Claudia Allen Senior Center. These centers offer a variety of free and low-cost fitness classes, activity groups and special events designed to help seniors stay active, make new friends and remain as independent as possible. |
Stepping Stone Medical Equipment Bank | (407) 649-4100 | Low-income seniors who need durable medical equipment, such as mobility scooters, walkers, wheelchairs and shower chairs, can purchase new and gently used devices through the Stepping Stone Medical Equipment Bank. Prices are set on a sliding-scale basis, and those who are unable to pay may be eligible for a grant that covers the entire cost. |
Seniors First Meal Programs and Food Pantry | (407) 615-8987or(407) 615-8969 | SeniorsFirst is a social service agency that operates neighborhood hot lunch programs throughout Orlando for seniors aged 60 and older. Transportation to meal sites is provided at no cost, and participants can also take part in trips to local grocery stores, parks and recreational facilities. The agency also operates a free food pantry for all seniors, with distribution twice monthly. |
Orange County Parks and Recreation Senior Centers | (407) 836-6200 | Orange County Parks and Recreation operates two senior centers in Orlando, the Renaissance Senior Center and the Marks Street Senior Complex. Seniors aged 55 and older can join either center for a $10 annual membership fee, which includes access to a variety of free and low-cost fitness classes, educational workshops, drop-in programs and special events. |
As with all other assisted living facilities in Florida, Orlando assisted living communities must comply with a number of state laws and regulations designed to ensure residents receive high-quality care. These regulations cover medication administration, dementia care, health and safety, staffing and emergency procedures. Visit our Assisted Living in Florida page for more information.