35 Independent Living near Facilities Tavares, FL. Page 2

Independent Living

For many seniors, the burden of home ownership might deter them from enjoying an otherwise independent lifestyle. Independent Living Communities provide a solid solution. Basic tasks such as meal planning and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and leisure activities is maintained, allowing residents an opportunity to use their time as they see fit, free from daily obligations. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to be among peers, surrounded by others of similar age groups and backgrounds. Within the individual units, residents have access to their own private living space and a full kitchen, and can even live with a companion if they choose. While policies differ between communities, a number of residences allow pets as well. If residents decide they would like to employ the services of independent health care providers, they always have the option. There are an assortment of expenses and advantages to keep in mind while selecting an independent living community. It is important to determine if these services are covered in your plan: transportation, Waiting list deposit, wellness program, utilities, internet access, initial assessment fee, cable TV, and meals. The benefits associated with independent living include private rental hall, game/TV room, healthcare center, fitness center & swimming pool, concierge services, beauty salon & barber shop, laundry service, and golf course.

Cost of Living

The total cost of living can be the major influence in deciding which destination fits best. The median monthly rent in Tavares is $547 and the median value for a house for Tavares is about $116,948. The rent burden for Tavares is about 15.1% of the average person’s monthly income.

Demographics and Values

In Tavares, 14.6% of the population are veterans of the United States military. The total population of Tavares consists of 16,865 people. Tavares has a population density of 549 people per square mile. Out of the total population of Tavares, 23.1% have some form of disability, 8.6% do not have health insurance, 11.6% live in poverty, and 42.2% participate in the labor force. Of the population of Tavares 20.6% have a college degree, 37.0% have a high-school diploma, and 6.7% have a graduate degree. Based on gender, 46.4% are male and 53.6% are female. The median age of Tavares is 53 years old. Racially, the population of Tavares is 1.2% other or not specified, 0.1% Native American, 2.9% mixed race, 81.3% white, 0.1% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, 10.5% Hispanic, 2.4% Asian, and 12.1% black.

State Information

An overview of Florida

In terms of resources, Florida has a cost of living index of 98.9, a grocery index rating of 104.0, and a housing index rating of 95.4. These index ratings are based on a system where 100 is considered the national average and anything below 100 is considered less expensive than the national average. Residents of Florida enjoy its natural beauty which ranks 21st in the United States. In total, Florida has 218 general hospitals and 108 health centers that provide care for 21,626,797 citizens. The top three hospitals in the state are considered to be St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and Jupiter Medical Center. Florida is ranked 13th in quality of life and 29th in healthcare.

Social demographics of the state

In the last presidential election 48% of Florida residents voted Democrat and 49% voted Republican. The state of Florida ranks 8th in the country for diversity, and the state is considered LGBTQ friendly. In Florida, 34% of the population is over the age of 55. The median age in the state is 42. In Florida, 35% of the population attend some form of religious service and there are 15,611 different congregations. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-3%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%, with the most common Christian denominations consisting of Evangelical Protestant-24%, Mainline Protestant-14%, and Historically Black Protestant-8%. In Florida there are 290 masonic lodges.

State-wide weather information

On average, Florida has an air quality index rating of around 37.0 AQI. The average air quality index rating peaks in the month of April with a rating of around 47.9 AQI. The average temperature in the winter falls to around 60F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 79F during the month of February. In the winter months, the average low temperature falls to around 36F during the month of January. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 82F. The average high summer temperature is around 95F in the month of July. In the summer, the average low temperature drops to around 66F during the month of June. Florida experiences an average humidity rating of about 75%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 78% in the month of September. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of June at around 11.50 inches. The average monthly precipitation for the state of Florida is around 4.54 inches. While residents of Florida mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Florida can include hurricanes and floods.

Wildlife to be found in Florida

The state of Florida has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of southern magnolia, saw palmetto, muhly grass, and a wide variety of palms. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the swamp rabbits, the American crocodile, the west Indian (Florida) manatee, or the wild hog. The state animal of Florida is the Florida panther.