DEV | TEST h1 template (view-level fallback) Assisted Living

Most families use public funds to cover as much of their loved one’s assisted living care as they can. The most common public financial resources are veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. However, these programs can vary based on individual circumstances, eligibility criteria, and available benefits. Most families need to supplement the cost of assisted living by using their own income, savings, or investments, such as stocks or properties.

The key to keeping your ideal assisted living facility within budget is planning ahead. We outline both private and public payment methods so you can make the best use of your money.

Miami has enough blue skies and swanky villas to make anyone suspect that it’s a lovely place to retire. And, they’re right. While it no longer boasts a low cost of living, Miami boasts some of the most luxurious senior living facilities in the United States. Miami can truly feel like heaven on earth for those willing to pay the price. For those looking for more affordable assisted living options, Miami also offers a range of options.

What are assisted living facilities?

Assisted living facilities provide housing, nutritious meals, and tailored care to seniors who typically need more help each day. This usually means help with personal care, such as mobility, medication management, meal preparation, and hygiene. For many seniors in assisted living, one of the most significant advantages is the daily social interaction they enjoy with fellow residents and staff members. All of A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living facilities offer an interactive calendar filled with activities and events to keep seniors sharp and engaged.

Luxury assisted living vs. residential care homes

Assisted living facilities are often pricier than other senior care options due to the increased demands for staff training and supplies. In Miami, assisted living costs on average $5,631 a month. However, this number reflects a wide range of assisted living costs in Miami. Unlike many other markets, Miami stands out with an above-average number of luxury assisted living facilities, where residents should expect monthly expenses of more like $9,000.

On the other hand, the majority of Miami’s assisted living facilities are smaller residential care homes, which generally cost between $3,000 and $4,000 a month. In fact, about 60% of partner Miami assisted living facilities are these affordable residential care homes.

Both larger assisted living facilities and residential care homes follow the same licensing process and must maintain the same standards. While cost may be an important determining factor, seniors’ preferences also play a significant role in their choice. Some seniors favor the intimate, homelike environment of residential care homes, while others seek more amenities and social engagement. Additionally, both residential care homes and larger, traditional assisted living facilities can provide a spectrum of services, encompassing assisted living, skilled nursing care, and memory care. Regardless of your preference, Miami has options.

Health care for seniors in Miami

Miami is home to some of the best health care providers in the world. The Cleveland Clinic Weston and the University of Miami Hospital and Clinic are two exceptional options for seniors needing medical care.

Transportation for seniors in Miami

Most seniors in assisted living won’t need to travel on their own. About 50% of assisted living facilities in Miami offer transportation at an additional cost to their residents. Many active seniors and their families travel throughout Miami using their personal vehicles. However, seniors can get almost anywhere in Miami without a car thanks to safe and low-cost public transportation. The Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus are the primary public transportation options provided by Miami-Dade County. Additionally, seniors in downtown Miami can use the trolleys. Ride sharing services and taxis are also available in the city.

Miami residents age 65 and older can ride all public transportation for free by using a Golden Passport EASY Card. Apply for your Golden Passport in-person at the Miami-Dade Transit Golden Passport Office or by calling 311. Regardless of your preferred travel method, keep in mind that Miami is known for having heavy traffic. If you’re visiting from out of town, consider leaving more time for travel as you make plans.

Walk Score rates cities on their walk, bike, and transit-friendliness. Walk Score gave Miami the following scores, each out of 100:

Senior activities in Miami

Miami is one of the most multicultural, exciting, and accessible cities for seniors to explore. While seniors in assisted living facilities tend to enjoy most of their recreation within their community, visiting family members and friends are encouraged to take their loved ones on day trips to Miami’s beaches, concerts, and museums. Due to local government initiatives such as the Golden Ticket, seniors age 62 and over have access to a wealth of artistic, outdoor, and social opportunities in and around Miami. Additionally, almost all of the senior-friendly recommendations below are wheelchair accessible.

Miami’s senior programming

• Golden Ticket Arts Guide. Seniors over the age of 62 can register with the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs to get a Golden Ticket. This ticket provides free access to cultural events throughout the city, such as concerts, movie screenings, and performances. Find registration information and schedules on their website or call 305-499-8755 to request a guide. Consider using the Golden Passport to get to and from events.
• Miami-Dade Parks’ Active Older Adults program. While this is more appropriate for more active seniors, adults aged 55 and older who wish to keep up their physical fitness and well-being will enjoy the county’s active older adults program. This program includes regular fitness courses, such as Tai Chi and yoga, field trips, and meals for seniors across the county. Program schedules vary month to month and by park location. Call 786-372-9701 to learn more about the activities near you.

Fun in the sun for Miami seniors

• Sunny Isles Beach. Located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Sunny Isles Beach is known for being peaceful and close to exquisite restaurants. Beach wheelchairs are available at 10 different lifeguard stands throughout the beach to promote accessibility. The beach is open from sunrise to sunset, and you can call 305-792-1940 for current beach conditions.
• Crandon Park Beach. Also known as a quiet, under-the-radar haven, Crandon Park beach has 27 tennis courts, a golf course, and shower cabanas. This park is also home to the Marjory Stoneman Douglas Biscayne Nature Center, which makes an excellent day trip for visiting family members. You can explore nature exhibits, presentations, and a gift shop. Active seniors or visiting family members can hike through the native Hammock groves in the nearby Bear Cut. While the beach area has wheelchairs available for free, other parts of the park do not.
• The Everglades. While not technically in Miami, Everglades National Park is only a 90-minute drive from Miami. It can be an accessible day trip for seniors as most of the park is accessible by airboat, which should be booked in advance.

Mini cultural adventures in Miami

• Little Havana. Little Havana, located on Calle Ocho (Southwest Eighth St.), is the epicenter of Miami’s thriving Cuban culture. Here, you’ll find an abundance of Latin restaurants, lounges, murals, music, cigar parlors, and more. You can find daily walking or bus tours on the Little Havana website. These tours typically involve a visit to Memorial Boulevard, Cuban food tastings, and visits to cigar craftsmen.
• Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Seniors who enjoy Renaissance art and groomed gardens will appreciate the former home of businessman James Deering. This historic home was built to mimic the Mediterranean Revival architectural style with inspiration from Venetian palaces. It’s also surrounded by native hammock groves and botanical gardens. A visit typically costs around $15, but is free for seniors with the Golden Ticket on Mondays and Wednesdays. The museum is open from Wednesday through Monday, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., although hours are subject to change on holidays.