Key Takeaways on Assisted Living in Port St Lucie
- The monthly cost of assisted living in Port St Lucie is $3,763. This is less expensive than the Florida average monthly cost of $4,000
- There are several ways older adults can find help to cover the costs of assisted living in Port St Lucie, including personal savings, long-term care insurance, and Medicare or Medicaid
- Taking the time to tour assisted living facilities in Port St Lucie and asking questions is essential to finding the right fit for you or your loved one.
Assisted Living in Port St Lucie: The Big Picture
Assisted living facilities offer support for older adults who seek social interaction and value their independence, but may need help with some or all activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, or eating. Those who are interested in moving to an assisted living community in Port St Lucie will find they have several options.
The National Center for Assisted Living reported that the state of Florida has 1674 assisted living communities. Throughout the state, 45% of assisted living residents are over the age of 85, and 24% of residents rely on Medicaid for their long-term care.
Cost and Financial Considerations for Assisted Living in Port St Lucie
Choosing an assisted living facility is all about ensuring good care and comfort for you or your loved one. However, it’s important to acknowledge that assisted living can be costly, and discussing finances is a necessary aspect. In this article, we provide an overview of the expenses associated with assisted living and offer guidance on how to manage the fees.
Comparing the Cost of Assisted Living in Port St Lucie
The average monthly cost of assisted living in Port St Lucie is about $3,763, which is less expensive than the average monthly cost of assisted living in Florida, which is $4,000. Assisted living in Port St Lucie is more expensive than the national average, which is $4,500.
The Cost of Other Types of Senior Care in Port St Lucie
Assisted living includes three shared meals each day, activities to socialize, and support with managing medications and certain everyday tasks. Most assisted living facilities do not offer skilled nursing care. Keep in mind that there are various options for senior living and long-term care. You or your family member may require more or less assistance than what is available in assisted living, and you might choose to stay at home instead of moving to a residential community.
In the table below, learn what you can expect to pay for other types of senior care in Florida. Keep in mind that Medicare can be used to pay for some home health aide services, and Medicaid will often cover the cost of long-term care in a nursing home. In some cases, Medicaid will cover all or part of the cost of assisted living.
Type of Care | Median Monthly Cost |
---|---|
Home Health Aide | $4,767 |
Adult Day Health Care | $1,517 |
Assisted Living Facility | $4,000 |
Nursing Home, Shared Room | $8,654 |
Nursing Home, Private Room | $9,627 |
Source: Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey
Directory of Assisted Living Facilities in Port St Lucie
Our comprehensive guide to assisted living facilities in Port St Lucie can help you find the ideal community for yourself or a loved one. The goal of this directory is to make it easier for you to find what you’re looking for and make informed choices that suit your needs. When you find assisted living facilities that match your requirements, make sure to visit them in person. This way, you can see for yourself the quality of care they offer.
The Brennity at Tradition
10685 SW Stony Creek Way
Opened in 2003, with bed count up to 200
Watercrest of St. Lucie West
279 NW California Blvd
Opened in 2018, with bed count up to 199
Palms of St. Lucie
501 NW Cashmere Blvd
Opened in 2004, with bed count up to 100
Port St. Lucie Nursing and Restorative Care Center
7300 Oleander Ave
Opened in 1970, with bed count up to 199
Savannas Park Health and Rehabilitation Center
1655 SE Walton Rd
Opened in 1960, with bed count up to 199
The Gardens of Port St. Lucie
1699 SE Lyngate Dr
Opened in 1990, with bed count up to 100
Wickshire Port St. Lucie
9825 S. US Hwy 1
Opened in 1999, with bed count up to 100
Tiffany Hall Nursing & Rehab Center
1800 SE Hillmoor Dr
Opened in 2004, with bed count up to 199
Harbor Place at Port St. Lucie
3700 SE Jennings Rd
Opened in 2004, with bed count up to 200
Life Care Center of Port Saint Lucie
3720 SE Jennings Road
Opened in 1970, with bed count up to 199
Paying for Assisted Living in Port St Lucie
Florida residents pay for assisted living with personal savings, insurance, home equity, or a combination of these payment options. Assisted living in Florida offers in-depth coverage of Florida-specific financial assistance programs.
Here’s a list of the resources people use to pay for assisted living:
- Personal savings: You can use pension payments, Social Security benefits, stocks, and IRA or 401(k) accounts to pay for assisted living.
- Long-term care insurance: If you or your loved one has a long-term care insurance policy, it’s possible to be reimbursed for the cost of long-term care. Just be sure to know the details of your policy. In some cases, there’s a 90-day out-of-pocket period before expenses can be reimbursed.
- Medicare or Medicaid: Medicare will not cover the cost of long-term care. In most cases, Medicaid will cover the cost of personal care received when living in an assisted living facility, such as help with ADLs or medication administration, but it will not cover the cost of room and board.
- The value of your home: You can use proceeds from the sale of your home to pay for assisted living expenses. A reverse mortgage, which allows you to borrow money using your home as security for the loan, is also an option for helping to cover costs. Always check with a trusted financial advisor before signing off on this kind of financial agreement.
More Affordable Alternatives to Assisted Living in Port St Lucie
Sometimes, older adults who need help with personal care can’t pay for assisted living. Other times, older adults can afford the cost but can’t find a facility that fits their needs. If this sounds like you or someone you know, think about staying at home with in-home care. Usually, Medicaid will cover in-home care services more easily than the cost of assisted living.
In-home care includes:
- Personal companions, also called homemakers, provide companionship as well as light housekeeping and some meal preparation.
- Home health aides can help with housekeeping and can also assist you or a loved one with ADLs, such as bathing and dressing.
- In-home nursing services must be administered by a registered nurse (RN). These services are essential for anyone who is aging in place and also needs skilled nursing for wound care or chronic illnesses like diabetes.
- Adult day centers, which provide social activities during the day, are a great way to engage older adults who are aging at home while also offering caregivers a break from caregiver responsibilities.
Free and Low-Cost Assisted Living Resources in Port St Lucie
There are free resources available in Port St Lucie for older adults who are seeking assisted living and other forms of long-term care. Many assisted living resources are state-specific. You can learn more about Florida resources through our coverage of assisted living in Florida.
Area Agencies on Aging (AAA)
An Area Agency on Aging is a community organization created to serve the needs of all older adults in that region or area. AAA refers to the type of organization, but the names of AAAs will vary by region.
Social Security Offices
Social Security benefits often help older adults pay for the cost of assisted living. You can apply to start receiving your Social Security benefits as early as age 62. Just keep in mind that the longer you wait to start receiving benefits—up to the age of 70—the more your monthly benefit will increase. You can find a local Social Security office or apply to start receiving your Social Security benefits through the Social Security Administration website.
Conclusion
No senior living option is one-size-fits-all. When visiting assisted living facilities in Port St Lucie, ask lots of questions of the administration, and don’t forget to ask residents about their experiences. Make sure the community you choose is a good fit for your personal needs and preferences, and offer a home you’ll be happy to live in.