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Located on Florida’s desirable southwest Gulf Coast, Punta Gorda is a paradise for retirees. Seniors — who make up a whopping 54.1% of the city’s population — enjoy a below-average cost of living and year-round warm weather with plenty of sunshine. The waterfront city has no shortage of recreational amenities, from golf courses to wildlife centers to the many restaurants and boutiques at Fisherman’s Village. With several hospitals located within a short drive of the city, including some considered high-performing by U.S. News and World Report, seniors can rest assured that medical attention is never far away.
In this retirement hotspot, seniors pay an average of $3,938 per month for assisted living care. This is lower than some other cities in the region, making Punta Gorda an ideal destination for seniors who want to retire in South Florida on a budget.
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 >
Seniors in Punta Gorda pay an average of $3,938 per month for assisted living care. This is nearly $240 higher than the statewide average of $3,700. However, it represents an approximately $360 per month savings compared to the U.S. average of $4,300. Neighboring Alabama ($3,150) and Georgia ($3,500) are even more affordable.
Assisted living prices vary throughout Florida, from a low of $2,895 in Sebring to a high of $5,506 in Tallahassee. Compared to many other cities in desirable South Florida, Punta Gorda ($3,938) is relatively affordable. On the Gulf Coast, costs are significantly higher in Cape Coral ($4,500) and Naples ($4,550). On Florida’s Atlantic Coast, seniors in Port St. Lucie ($4,399) pay similarly high prices, while Miami ($3,500) is an outlier in the region, offering prices below the state average.
Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program helps nursing home-eligible seniors remain at home or in an assisted living facility. It covers a long list of supportive services, including personal care, skilled nursing and occupational therapy. Seniors may qualify for SMMC services if they meet certain medical and financial requirements.
To learn more about the SMMC program, visit our Assisted Living in Florida page.
| Contact | Description | |
| Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida | (866) 413-5337 | Serving seniors in Charlotte County, the Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida offers information about local aging and disability resources. The organization also offers regular health and wellness workshops to help seniors learn to prevent falls or manage chronic conditions. Trained volunteers are available year-round to help seniors navigate Medicare. |
| Senior Friendship Centers | (941) 955-2122 | Senior Friendship Centers is a nonprofit organization that operates four senior centers in Southwest Florida. Seniors can stop by its Punta Gorda location to make new friends and participate in fun activities. Bingo, card games, exercise classes, and holiday parties are just a few of the activities seniors may see on the center’s calendar. |
| Charlotte County Transit | (941) 575-4000 | With its curb-to-curb shared ride service, Charlotte County Transit helps residents reach destinations throughout the county, including libraries, recreation centers and health care facilities. This county-wide service is available from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays. Limited Saturday service is available within Punta Gorda. Seniors can apply for the Transportation Disadvantaged program to take advantage of discounted fares. |
| Charlotte County Veterans Services | (941) 764-5579 | Charlotte County Veterans Services helps eligible seniors access Veterans Affairs benefits and services. Seniors can contact the office for information about the financial support or compensation they may be eligible to receive. A Veteran Service Officer is available to help seniors file claims or appeals. All services are free of charge. |
| Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (888) 831-0404 | The state’s ombudsman program advocates for seniors who live in assisted living facilities. It educates seniors about the civil and legal rights they have as assisted living residents. The organization’s volunteers investigate and work to resolve complaints made by seniors. There is no charge for these services. |
Punta Gorda-area assisted living facilities are licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration and must follow all applicable statutes. State law sets standards for resident rights, dietary services, staffing requirements and much more.
Visit our Assisted Living in Florida page for more information about the state’s assisted living laws.
