Jacksonville has a significant senior population; adults 65 years and up comprise 13.8% of its estimated 949,611 residents. Older adults choose Jacksonville for many reasons, including its relatively low cost of living and Florida’s retiree-friendly economic environment. Jacksonville also offers easy access to the beach and other outdoor attractions like state parks. Its mild winters appeal to many seniors, too. For medical care, Jacksonville residents have several options, including UF Health Jacksonville and Baptist Health. Both offer emergency departments and specialty providers, and Baptist Health features a program focused on seniors.
Many older adults need help with daily activities but do not need 24-hour-a-day care. Assisted living facilities cater to this population by easing tasks such as meal preparation and personal care. In Jacksonville, seniors pay an average of $4,660 per month for assisted living accommodations. That is slightly higher than the corresponding national figure of $4,500.
This guide offers information on how Jacksonville’s assisted living facilities compare in cost to those in other areas and outlines local resources that support Jacksonville 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.
On average Jacksonville seniors pay $4,660 per month for assisted living, which is more than many other seniors in the state and nation pay.
Florida’s statewide median rate for assisted living is $4,000, which is $660 less than the cost in Jacksonville. Nationwide, the average rate is $4,500, or $160 less than Jacksonville.
Nearby cities offer a range of assisted living costs. In The Villages, seniors pay considerably more than Jacksonville: $5,208 per month on average. Tallahassee’s median rate of $4,650 is nearly identical to Jacksonville. Homosassa Springs is several hundred dollars less expensive, with an average cost of $4,250. Orlando has a similar median price of $4,000. Ocala and Deltona are even more affordable on average, with typical rates of $3,850 and $3,975, respectively. Prices are remarkably lower in Gainesville, where the average senior pays $2,350 per month for assisted living.
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.
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Contact |
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(904) 255-5550 |
The Military Affairs and Veterans Department offers assistance with benefits claims to eligible seniors with military backgrounds. Specific areas of focus include disability compensation, pensions and rehabilitation programs. The organization also conducts case management and advocates on behalf of veterans. |
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(904) 255-5400 |
Jacksonville’s Community and Senior Center Services Program aids adults 60 years of age and up. Through the city’s senior centers, elders can access counseling, programs that promote healthy living and information and referrals regarding local services. Free transportation to the nearest senior center is available. |
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(850) 414-2323 |
The Florida Ombudsman Program’s representatives aid residents of assisted living facilities and other long-term care settings. They inform residents of their rights, helping residents and family members raise concerns and solve problems within facilities. This is a free program, and ombudsmen work confidentially. Ombudsmen may be helpful in matters related to housekeeping, medication administration and nutrition, among others. |
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(1-888) 242-4464 |
ElderSource is the Jacksonville region’s Area Agency on Aging. Along with running a general helpline, it houses a unit dedicated to helping seniors and their family members learn about and choose long-term care arrangements. Its other programs cover areas such as caregiver support and counseling on Medicare and related topics. |
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(1-866) 256-8091 |
TRLS helps eligible senior citizens with government programs such as Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare. It is also active in the areas of elder abuse and end-of-life planning, offering aid with wills and other legal mechanisms. The organization’s services are free, except for certain fees and court costs. |
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(904) 255-6655 |
RSVP is a volunteer program that links older volunteers with local causes. Volunteers can work with populations such as veterans, students and people affected by disasters, plus various charities. The minimum age to volunteer through RSVP is 55. |
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(904) 620-4200 |
Associated with the University of North Florida, the OLLI offers a variety of courses to seniors 50 years of age and up. Example topics include art, history and language. Additionally, there are volunteer opportunities available through the OLLI. Participation in OLLI activities generally requires an OLLI membership. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Jacksonville 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.