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

Seniors and their families have several options available when it comes to paying for assisted living. In many cases, seniors will start with their own savings and assets before looking into public resources. However, your loved one can use a combination of payment methods such as private pay, veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare, depending on what they qualify for.

Sarasota assisted living facilities have high standards and offer compassionate care to their residents. All assisted living facilities in Florida are licensed and regulated by the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation.

The bureau offers a few different assisted living licenses. Small residential care homes receive an Adult Foster Care license, and assisted living facilities that offer skilled nursing receive an Extended Congregate Care license. Most traditional assisted living communities apply for the Assisted Living Facility license.

Florida assisted living regulations

According to the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation, all assisted living facilities in Florida should follow these standards to maintain their licensure:

• Facilities must be kept in a clean and livable condition.
• Facilities must provide residents with nutritious daily meals.
• Facilities should allow residents to keep their personal belongings in their rooms.
• Facilities should allow spouses in the same facility to share a room.
• Facilities should contact families or guardians at least once every 30 days.

Employee requirements in Florida assisted living facilities

Employees in Florida need to first meet the following requirements before working in an assisted living facility:

• All employees must pass a background check.
• Within 30 days of their employment, caregiving staff members should complete a one-hour training on senior care. Then, they must complete an additional three hours of training during their first seven months.
• Administrators should complete an initial 26 hours of training and 12 hours of continued training every two years.

Inspection results for Florida assisted living facilities

The Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation inspects all assisted living facilities at least every two years. Inspections are always unannounced, however, some low-risk facilities may be exempt from an inspection, especially if they have a good history of past inspections or are accredited through a reputable organization.

Florida Department of Health contact information

Florida Agency for Health Care Administration

2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308

Phone: 888-419-3456

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COVID-19 regulations for Sarasota assisted living facilities

Florida complies with recent legislation prohibiting any mandatory mask mandates outside of clinical necessity.

Residents of assisted living facilities in Sarasota are encouraged to receive visitors regularly. Visitors are allowed at any time, regardless of vaccination status, and can take their loved ones on outings and trips. You can find vaccination sites, testing centers, and local mandates on the Sarasota COVID-19 FAQ page.

Standards are high for Sarasota’s assisted living communities. Considered one of the best places to retire in the world, Sarasota lives up to its reputation. Lush scenery, including the famous Siesta Key Beach, and a coastline that’s protected from coastal weather patterns are just a few of the reasons why Sarasota tops so many retirement wish lists. Discover what makes Sarasota so special, and learn about our local partnering assisted living communities.

Sarasota’s assisted living is world-class

Over 37% of the population in Sarasota is 65+, and its popularity among seniors is still growing. Assisted living communities in Sarasota have developed to meet this demand, and the competition for new residents has pushed local assisted living communities to excel.

Communities are uniformly spotless, combining familiar design touches with state-of-the-art security systems and amenities. Residents receive compassionate care from some of the best caregivers in Florida. In Sarasota, caregivers are there because they want to be.

Multi-care assisted living facilities in Sarasota

About half of Sarasota’s assisted living facilities provide at least one additional type of senior living. Memory care is the most common care type tied to assisted living in Sarasota, and memory care is also the fastest-growing care type in the area. Many assisted living communities are also partnered with independent living facilities, memory and skilled nursing units.

These facilities tend to be large and are evenly distributed throughout downtown Sarasota and neighboring suburbs. Most multi-care facilities in Sarasota were built between 20 and 30 years ago. Amenities such as yoga studios, bars, and game rooms are the norm. Almost all assisted living communities also include a pool, although the beach is nearby.

Daily living in Sarasota’s assisted living facilities

Residents can often choose to have their own room or share a room with a spouse or a roommate. Rooms range between about 220 square feet to over 1,000 square feet for a shared room. Restaurant-style dining is offered at almost every assisted living community, and communities enjoy offering chef-prepared meals using local produce and seafood.

Activity coordinators work to fill residents’ days with engaging and sociable pastimes. Outings to local cultural highlights and, of course, the beaches occur every week in most communities. Daily activities like gardening clubs, finance classes, fitness courses, and dances are also common.

Sarasota is a senior living paradise

Safe, quiet, and dynamic, Sarasota has a strong argument to be paradise on earth. With a population of about 54,764 people, Sarasota is just the right size for most seniors. Bright blue skies, crystal clear water, and a vibrant cultural scene keep Sarasota residents happy and fulfilled.

Assisted living in the surrounding Sarasota suburbs

Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton offer cost-effective senior living options within an hour of Sarasota. Lakewood Ranch is inland and attracts young professionals, families, and seniors. It’s a growing city, and the assisted living facilities tend to be newer and more affordable. It’s within a 25-minute drive of Sarasota.

Bradenton is just north of Sarasota and is booming with seniors who want to stay near the water. It’s only 15 miles away from Sarasota, but senior living costs are about $500 cheaper, on average, in Bradenton than they are in Sarasota.

Best hospitals for seniors in Sarasota

Sarasota has a strong network of health care professionals and hospitals to serve local seniors. Hospitals and health care providers are spread evenly throughout the city, which keeps health care accessible for seniors regardless of where they live.

Transportation for seniors in Sarasota 

Of our partnering assisted living communities in Sarasota, 93% offer complimentary transportation, so seniors won’t need to worry about finding their own way to get around. Visiting family members and friends should be aware that Sarasota is a driving city. While only 24 square miles, Sarasota does have traffic, especially during the winter months. Expect to spend some time in the car if you’re trying to get to the more popular areas, such as Siesta Key Beach.

Sarasota’s public transportation system is called Breeze (formerly known as The Sarasota County Transit System, or SCAT). Breeze offers bus transportation throughout Sarasota County. It also offers Breeze OnDemand, which is a pickup and drop-off service. Routes, fees, and instructions for how to sign up for OnDemand can be found on the Breeze website.

While Sarasota usually requires a car, it does have some walkable areas, including the Rosemary District and Gillespie Park. The scores below are based on how easy walking, biking, and taking public transportation is. Scores are based out of 100, with a higher number meaning an easier time using that kind of transportation. Sarasota received the following scores:

Things to do in Sarasota for seniors and their families

Living in Sarasota comes with its own rewards. Seniors in Sarasota benefit from a community of engaged peers, and visiting family or friends can enjoy one of the top vacation spots in the world. While there’s not a bad time to visit Sarasota, it does get hot in the summer months. Peak season runs from about November to March.

Activities in Sarasota’s assisted living communities

Almost every partnering assisted living community in Sarasota employs an activities coordinator to plan daily classes, activities, games, and outings for the residents. Residents can also enjoy their community’s amenities at their leisure, like a pool, garden, or game room. Visiting musicians and lecture series often come through Sarasota assisted living communities, enriching the lives of the residents. Happy hours and holiday parties are also common in these communities.

Recharge at Siesta Key Beach

Siesta Key Beach is one of the best beaches in the world. Made up of almost 100% white-quartz sand, it stays cool on your feet on even the hottest of days. The clear water and expansive shallows are perfect for wading. It’s also large, so you can find your own patch of paradise. Siesta Key Beach is one of the few public beaches with lifeguards on duty. Seniors can also request sand wheelchairs at any of the lifeguard stations for no cost.

There are additional beach options in and around Sarasota. Lido Beach, Caspersen Beach, and Longboat Key Beach are popular favorites, and they also offer sand wheelchairs. Unlike most other cities on the Gulf Coast, Sarasota is typically protected from coastal storms.

Explore Sarasota’s circus past at The Ringling Museum

The Ringling Museum offers a deep dive into the long history of circus life in Sarasota. John Ringling — also known as the Circus King — built his fanciful Ca d’Zan mansion here, and it’s still open for tours today. The museum includes two distinct circus museums, the Bayfront Gardens, the State Art Museum of Florida, and the Asolo Theater. Budget at least one full day for The Ringling Museum, or buy a membership to visit for shorter times across a few days. Seniors get ticket discounts at the door.

Go birding at Celery Fields

The Sarasota Audubon Society recommends The Celery Fields as one of Sarasota County’s best birding destinations. The Celery Fields are the region’s primary stormwater collection zone, and Sarasota County has worked to restore more than 100 acres to traditional wetlands. It’s an ideal location for breeding birds and many can be seen from picnic areas scattered throughout the site. Seniors get an admissions discount.

Find Paul McCartney’s car at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum

Amble amongst antique and notable vehicles from history at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. In its collection are Paul McCartney’s Mini Cooper and John Lennon’s Mercedes Benz. Besides its permanent collection, the museum also has traveling exhibitions, such as The Automotive Art of Ferdinand Porsche and Enzo Ferrari.

Explore the rest of Florida from Sarasota

Sarasota is within driving distance from some of Florida’s most celebrated attractions. Walt Disney World is an hour and a half away, and Everglades National Park is two and half hours south of Sarasota. Or, head to Tampa (one hour away) or Fort Myers (two hours away) for a day trip.

Local guides to Sarasota

Visit Sarasota is an excellent resource for up-to-date information about events and deals in Sarasota. Learn about weekly community events, farmers markets, and restaurant deals.