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Palatka is a Putnam County city by the St. Johns River, 40 minutes from Palm Coast, FL. According to the 2020 Census, almost 21% of its 10,500 residents are aged 65+. The city’s appeal to seniors could be its low cost of living as well as its senior-friendly climate, with temperatures varying between 45 and 91 degrees throughout the year. Downtown is home to many restaurants, shops and antique stores, and the city is surrounded by recreational spaces, such as the Horseshoe Point Conservation Area. Medical care is provided by the well-respected Putnam Hospital.
Assisted living is a type of care suitable for seniors who don’t have medical needs but cannot live independently in their own homes without help. Staff is trained to provide personal care, such as assistance with bathing and dressing, while others handle daily chores, including housekeeping. Meals are typically prepared by chefs three times daily, and rooms are frequently furnished with the resident’s own items to make them homier. The typical monthly fee in Palatka is $3,850, which is below Florida’s average.
This guide discusses assisted living and considers Palatka’s fees in comparison with some other Floridian cities. It also lists some senior-friendly resources.
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.
According to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, Palatka’s median monthly fee for assisted living is $3,850. The figure is based on 44 hours of care but doesn’t account for varying services, which could make it higher or lower.
Palatka’s median fee of $3,850 can see savings of $150 per month compared to Florida’s average ($4,000) and $650 compared to the U.S. average ($4,500).
Palatka’s median fee of $3,850 is at the more affordable end of the spectrum, although several cities — such as Tampa ($3,350) — are less costly. This is unusual as larger cities are generally costlier, including Jacksonville ($4,660), Tallahassee ($4,650), Miami, ($4,385) and Orlando ($4,000). Florida’s costliest city for assisted living is Naples, at $5,300, while its most affordable is Gainesville, at $2,350.
Note: Data for Palatka was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Ocala, 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.
| Resource | Contact | Service |
| Edgar Johnson Senior Center | (386) 329-0469 | Edgar Johnson Senior Center provides Palatka’s older residents with opportunities to socialize, learn and develop fitness with their peers. It hosts many healthy activities, such as line dancing, balance classes and aerobics. There are also arts and crafts classes for seniors to explore their creative sides and movie afternoons. |
| Community Legal Services | (800) 405-1417 | Community Legal Services is a nonprofit law firm that provides free legal support to people on low incomes. The firm helps in civil law matters only, so it can’t assist in criminal cases. However, its scope is wide, including support in matters concerning debt, health care, government benefits and estate planning. |
| Putnam County Veteran Services | (386) 329-0327 | Putnam County Veteran Services assists U.S. military vets and their dependents free of charge. It can help them apply for state and federal benefits, burial benefits, and, if they qualify, VA Aid and Attendance. The department’s officers can also help vets file disability claims related to their military service. |
| Durable Medical Equipment Loans | (352) 378-7474 | The Center for Independent Living in Gainesville and Ocala operates a durable medical equipment loan program in Putnam County. The nonprofit regularly stocks donated equipment available for free, such as scooters, wheelchairs, walkers, crutches and canes. As it’s limited by donations, it recommends seniors call to confirm availability before visiting. |
| Florida Ombudsman Program | (850) 414-2323 | Seniors in assisted living communities can get help from the Florida Ombudsman Program if they have concerns about their care. Free of charge, the Ombudsman can investigate their complaint and pursue a resolution with the care provider while retaining the senior’s anonymity. Ombudsmen also educate seniors on their rights. |
| SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) | (800) 963-5337 | SHINE is a state-sponsored program for seniors who want information and assistance in Medicare matters. Trained counselors working from the Edgar Johnson Senior Center provide free and unbiased advice and support. They can help seniors understand Medicare and supplementary programs, such as Medigap, and advocate for those denied insurance. |
| The Ride Solution | (386) 325-9999 | The Ride Solution is a Palatka-based service dedicated to providing transport for seniors, the disabled and residents on low incomes. The service travels to most locations in the area, such as the train station, as well as helping residents reach connecting routes, such as the Gainesville Greyhound. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Palatka 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.
