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Clearwater, Florida, is idyllically situated between Tampa Bay and the Gulf of Mexico. Located just 23 miles from Tampa, the city is a popular retirement destination where about 22% of the 117,000 residents are aged 65 and older. The community’s pleasant year-round weather and easy access to miles of sugar-sand beaches make it ideal for sunbathing, swimming, boating and all sorts of water sports. Clearwater also offers budget-stretching benefits for retirees, including an affordable cost of living and no state income tax. The city’s walkable Cleveland Street District features plenty of dining and shopping options and hosts a variety of festivals, exhibits and concerts throughout the year.
Assisted living facilities can help seniors manage their daily needs by assisting with personal care tasks, household chores and social programming. Staff members are onsite 24 hours a day, providing peace of mind. According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, seniors in Clearwater can expect to pay around $3,350 per month at these types of facilities, which is more affordable than statewide and national averages.
This guide provides an overview of assisted living in Clearwater, including how its costs compare to other cities and where to find financial assistance. It also features a list of local organizations dedicated to helping seniors.
Hundreds of thousands of American seniors utilize assisted living, a figure that is only growing. For these seniors, assisted living combines residential housing,assistance in daily activities, and some healthcare. These communities also strive to provide an atmosphere that is comfortable and engaging for their residents… Read More >
COVID-19 restrictions and rules for Assisted Living Facilities are typically set by the state – to see the rules in your state, you can read our guide to Assisted Living in Florida. Keep in mind that there may be other policies that communities put in place to protect their residents, so you should contact your local community for more information. Additionally, you can contact your local Area Agency on Aging to learn more – find contact information here.
The average cost of assisted living in the Clearwater area is $3,350 per month.
Clearwater offers comparatively affordable assisted living. While average costs in Florida are already well below the national average, costs in Clearwater are $650 less expensive than the state median of $4,000.
At several nearby cities, including Orlando, rates are on par with the state average. It’s also cheaper in Clearwater than in Ocala, where assisted living costs $500 more per month, and North Port, where costs are almost $800 higher. Costs in Jacksonville are over $1,300 more expensive than in Clearwater, though the most expensive city near Clearwater is The Villages. Here, monthly rates are $1,850 higher. Seniors looking for more affordable care may consider Gainesville, where costs are $1,000 lower than in Clearwater.
Note: Data for Clearwater was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Tampa, was used instead.
Since not everyone can afford to pay for assisted living out-of-pocket, it’s important to find alternative methods to help make assisted living more affordable. Some of these options include:
For more information about your options for making assisted living more affordable, visit our guide to Assisted Living in Florida.
| Contact | Description | |
| Clearwater Office on Aging | (727) 724-3070 | The Clearwater Office on Aging provides older city residents with access to local aging-related resources to help them maintain a high quality of life. The OOA also offers a wide range of programs through the Aging Well Center, located within the Long Center, and other sites throughout the city. Offerings include educational classes and workshops, health and wellness programs and social and recreational activities. |
| Neighborly Transportation | (727) 573-9444 | The Neighborly nonprofit agency offers no-cost transportation services to eligible Clearwater seniors aged 60 and older. The agency provides door-to-door transportation on wheelchair-accessible buses staffed by drivers trained in elder care and CPR. Rides can be scheduled for a variety of purposes, including medical appointments, grocery shopping and social outings. |
| Area Agency on Aging of Pasco–Pinellas | (800) 963-5337 | The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas administers a range of programs to help older residents stay engaged and independent. The AAA is also the designated Aging and Disability Resource Center for Pinellas and Pasco counties, and it operates the local Senior Helpline. With one phone call to the helpline, Clearwater seniors can access long-term care and Medicare counseling, as well as information about and assistance applying for state and federal programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. The helpline is operated by bilingual staff on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. |
| Pinellas County Veteran Services | (727) 464-8460 | Senior veterans and their dependents can get help accessing available state and federal benefits through the Pinellas County Veteran Services program. Staff at the local office in Clearwater can help vets obtain their service records, apply for VA medical coverage and file for disability compensation, pensions and VA Aid and Attendance and Housebound Allowance pension top-up benefits. |
| Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (727) 588-6912 | Volunteers with the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program work to protect the well-being and rights of residents in Clearwater’s assisted living facilities. These trained volunteers can investigate complaints regarding deficiencies in living conditions and care and act as intermediaries between residents and facility staff to get complaints resolved. |
| Senior Legal Helpline | (888) 895-7873 | The Florida Department of Elder Affairs partners with Bay Area Legal Services of Tampa to provide Clearwater residents with access to no-cost legal advice through the Senior Legal Helpline. Trained staff operate the helpline on weekdays, and if more assistance is required, referrals can be made for local pro bono representation. |
| Florida Department of Elder Affairs SHINE Program | (800) 963-5337 | The Florida DOEA trains volunteers to provide seniors with unbiased Medicare counseling through the SHINE program. Volunteers can answer questions regarding Medicare coverage and eligibility and provide guidance on the enrollment process. Seniors can also receive assistance accessing available programs to help cover or reduce their Medicare premiums and prescription drug costs. These free SHINE services are available by phone or in person at four designated counseling sites in Clearwater. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Clearwater area are required to follow a set of rules and regulations that are determined at the state level. For an overview of those rules and regulations, see the information below. For more specific information, talk with your local community or Area Agency on Aging.
