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Approximately 35,000 people call Merritt Island home. Almost 24% of the population is aged 65 and older. The area has plenty of parks and conservation areas for seniors who enjoy getting outdoors and experiencing nature. The Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge is one place to go and birdwatch or take an afternoon hike. With mild winter temperatures and 237 sunny days per year, Merritt Island provides an inviting climate to stay outdoors year-round and stay active.
There are seven assisted living communities in Merritt Island. These facilities have an average cost of $4,100 per month. The exact cost varies per community depending on where it’s located within the city, the types and number of amenities the facility offers and the types of care offered.
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 >
According to Genworth’s 2020 Cost of Living Survey, the average monthly cost of assisted living in Merritt Island is $4,100. This is more than the state average of $3,700 but less than the national average of $4,300. Assisted living in Merritt Island is also more expensive than the cost of facilities of the surrounding states of Georgia and Alabama, which are $3,500 and $3,150 respectively. Mississippi costs around $3,713 and South Carolina communities are around $3,988.
Assisted living communities throughout Florida also have varying costs. Pensacola facilities cost around $295 less, and residents in Miami facilities can expect to pay around $600 less. In Tampa, assisted living communities cost around $3,225, and Panama City is one of the most expensive areas at $5,161 per month.
Note: Data for Merritt Island was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Palm Bay, was used instead.
Low-income seniors who need help paying for home and community-based services in assisted living can apply for the Statewide Medicaid Managed Long-Term Care Program Waiver. This waiver pays for items like grooming, staffing, meal prep and housekeeping. Learn more about this waiver, including the eligibility requirements and how to apply, at our Assisted Living in Florida page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Aging Matters in Brevard | (321) 639-8770 | Aging Matters is the not-for-profit lead agency for senior resources in Merritt Island and throughout Brevard County. The agency helps connect seniors with services such as transportation, nutrition and community volunteer programs. All services are completely free or based on income. Funding is provided by agencies like the United Way, the Brevard County Board of Commissioners and the Brevard County Parks and Recreation. |
| I Love My Island, Inc | (321) 473-3355 | I Love My Island is a non-profit organization that connects seniors 65 and older with local resources or socialization groups to provide assistance with everyday activities such as grocery shopping, transportation and meals. The agency also holds special events like Coffee With Seniors – Be Our Guest, which allows seniors to come to the agency store and shop with discounts and enjoy free coffee and refreshments. |
| Woody Simpson Community Center | (321) 455-1379 | The Woody Simpson Community Center is home to many senior programs and services. Hot meals are served daily. Activities include games, guest speakers, holiday celebrations and live music. |
| Area Agency on Aging of Central Florida | (407) 514-1800 | The Area Agency on Aging of Central Florida helps seniors in Merritt Island locate programs to improve their overall health and well-being. These services include transportation, meals, health care and insurance counseling, |
| Brevard County Housing and Human Services Veteran’s Services | (321) 633-2170 | The Brevard County Housing and Human Services Veteran’s Services department helps prior military sign up and receive their maximum benefits. These benefits include assistance paying for home and community-based services in assisted living. |
Assisted living communities in Merritt Island are regulated by the Agency of Health Care Administration. Standards are in place for everything from medication administration and quality of care to staffing and health and safety. Learn more about these laws and regulations at our Assisted Living in Florida page.
