10 Best Nursing Homes in Miami, FL

Most seniors and families try to cover as much as possible of their nursing homes fees using public funds, such as veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. In some cases, these public funds can cover the majority or all of a nursing home stay.

However, the cost of assisted living and memory care facilities are most often covered by a combination of public funds and private savings. Most seniors can expect to pay for most of their assisted living or memory care expenses out of pocket.

In this section, we’ll cover how to pay for senior care, including nursing homes, using a variety of public funds and private methods.

Miami is a tropical paradise, and seniors are among one of the most populous groups within the city. A deep appreciation for the Latin culture, warm weather, and stylish lifestyle unites Miami’s seniors, and this love shows no signs of slowing down. A higher cost of living accompanies Miami’s swanky reputation, but it still maintains a variety of senior living options.

Nursing homes in Miami provide skilled nursing and medical care for seniors who either need short-term rehabilitation or continuous care for the rest of their lives. If you or your loved one need this type of care, it’s important to note that A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with traditional nursing homes. However, skilled nursing care is not limited to traditional nursing homes, and is now frequently offered as a separate wing within many partnering assisted living and memory care facilities in Miami.

Nursing homes in Miami

Skilled nursing services in Miami are usually provided in two distinct settings: traditional nursing homes or as a dedicated wing within other senior living facilities. Traditional nursing homes are the best option for seniors who require continuous medical care for the rest of their lives. These are often funded by Medicaid, and are some of the best in the nation. Florida consistently earns top rankings for prioritizing seniors’ health in its nursing homes. The state takes pride in its reputation for implementing some of the strictest staff and safety standards across the nation.

For seniors who simply need a place to recover after a procedure or an illness, skilled nursing wings within assisted living or memory care facilities are designed to provide just that. Stays at these facilities are generally one to four weeks long. Seniors who currently reside in the facility’s assisted living or memory care wings experience a comforting sense of familiarity. Additionally, they avoid extended travel between their skilled nursing facility and their primary residence.

Assisted living and memory care in Miami

If you or your loved one don’t require extensive medical care, but could use extra help with day-to-day activities, consider assisted living or memory care. Miami’s assisted living facilities range from homey to extravagant. While Miami has a luxurious reputation, around 60% of Miami’s assisted living facilities are more affordable board and care homes. These facilities are in residential homes, and typically have between three and 10 residents.

In board and care homes, the caregivers live with the residents and foster a family-oriented environment. Meals are enjoyed at the dining room table, games are played in the living room, and afternoons are spent on back patios. These communities typically cost around half as much as other assisted living facilities in Miami. Many board and care homes also offer memory care services in addition to assisted living.

The remaining 40% of assisted living facilities in Miami live up to Miami’s opulent reputation. These are typically multi-care facilities, with independent living, assisted living, and memory care all under one roof. Amenities such as pools, spas, beauticians, movie theaters, multiple formal dining rooms, and concierge services are often available. Plus, these facilities tend to employ fitness and wellness coaches, and have a wide range of daily social, physical, and artistic activities to choose from.

All assisted living and memory care facilities in Miami provide personalized and compassionate care to seniors. Both residential care homes and large senior care complexes are licensed in the same way and provide essential care to residents.

Health care for seniors in Miami

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

Transportation for seniors in Miami

Miami has plenty of affordable and accessible transportation options for seniors. However, seniors in Miami’s nursing homes shouldn’t travel alone through the city. Thankfully, about 60% of Miami’s assisted living and memory care facilities offer transportation for an additional cost.

In Miami, seniors and their families often rely on their vehicles to travel around the city. Keep in mind that traffic in Miami can be challenging, so plan ahead for longer journeys. While Miami is a driving town, seniors can get almost anywhere without a car thanks to Miami-Dade’s public transportation. A few options include the Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus for car-free travel. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and downtown trolleys are also easily accessible downtown.

Miami Golden Passport EASY Card

Any resident in Miami-Dade county aged 65 or older can ride all public transportation for free using their Golden Passport EASY Card. Seniors can apply for their card by calling 311 or by going to the nearest Miami-Dade Transit Golden Passport Office.

Ease of getting around

Walk Score rates cities on their bike friendliness, public transportation options, and bikeability. Walk Score gave Miami the following scores, each out of 100:

Activities for seniors in Miami

Miami is an exciting tropical paradise for seniors and their families to explore. However, most seniors living in Miami’s senior care facilities won’t need to leave their community to find something fun to do. Miami’s senior care facilities pride themselves on offering a wide range of daily activities and amenities. Assisted living facilities tend to host an array of daily happy hours, physical fitness classes, game nights, visiting performances, and other lively events or activities.

Many assisted living facilities allow residents to form their own clubs based on personal interests, such as birding, rock ‘n’ roll, and chess. In memory care, these facilities customize their activities to focus on reminiscence games, therapies, and building social connections.

Family members and friends of residents are also encouraged to take their loved ones on outings throughout the area. As a tourist hot spot, Miami has no shortage of versatile activities that are senior-friendly and accessible to a wide range of mobility levels. For example, almost all of the following recommendations are wheelchair-friendly or easy to navigate.

Miami’s Golden Ticket for seniors

• Golden Ticket Arts Guide.All seniors over the age of 62 can get a Golden Ticket through the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. This ticket gives seniors free access to county events, such as concerts, performances, movie-screenings, and art exhibitions. You can register and find schedules on the department website or by calling 305-499-8755. Accompanying family members or friends may not get free admission to these events, but are encouraged to join their loved one in their adventures. Consider using the Golden Passport for transportation to and from events.

Senior-friendly outdoor activities in Miami

• Sunny Isles Beach. Miami is synonymous with white sand beaches, colorful umbrellas, and aquatic activities. One of the best beaches for seniors is Sunny Isles Beach. It’s easily accessible, and is located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It’s also known for being especially peaceful. Enjoy a quiet afternoon on the beach and then try one of the excellent restaurants nearby. Like most beaches in Miami-Dade County, Sunny Isles offers beach wheelchairs at 10 different lifeguard stations. You can enjoy the beach from sunrise to sunset, and can call 305-792-1940 for current beach conditions.
• Crandon Park Beach.Crandon Park Beach is an excellent option for seniors traveling with younger family members or friends. This quiet beach offers 27 tennis courts, a golf course, shower cabanas, and several walking and hiking paths. Crandon Park also includes nature exhibitions, guided tours, expert presentations about the local plants and animals, and a gift shop. Family members or friends may enjoy hiking through the native Hammock Groves. The beach is wheelchair accessible and has beach wheelchairs available in some parts of the park.
• The Everglades. Just a 90-minute drive from Miami’s city center, Everglades National Park is a surprisingly accessible day trip for adventurous seniors. You can explore most of the park using airboats, but it’s advisable to book them in advance. Please note that airboats typically move at a fast pace, so they may not be suitable for those who are prone to seasickness or vertigo. While visiting, seniors can have a great time at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, where park rangers are available to offer the best trip guidance.

Senior-friendly cultural activities in Miami

• Little Havana. Miami is famous for its strong Cuban culture, and Little Havana is the epicenter of the city’s Latin scene. Little Havana is located on Calle Ocho, or Southwest Eighth St. It’s home to Latin restaurants, art galleries, cigar workshops, and live music establishments. The best way for seniors to experience Little Havana is through a bus tour. These can be found on the Little Havana website, and typically include food tastings and visits to musical establishments, cigar workshops, and Memorial Boulevard.
• Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Businessman James Deering constructed his renowned home, inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture and Venetian palaces. Today, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens — housing an impressive collection of Renaissance art — stands as a prominent attraction in Miami for visitors to enjoy. Be sure to spend time in the gardens, as they display native hammock groves and a bounty of exotic flowers. Visits cost about $15, but seniors with the Golden Ticket can get in for free on Mondays and Wednesdays. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but is closed on Tuesdays.