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Sebastian is a charming coastal community located on the Indian River between Melbourne and Vero Beach. It’s an ideal location for nature lovers with its diverse landscapes, rich ecology and many protected natural areas, including Pelican Island and Stormwater Park. This laid-back city is home to just over 26,000 residents, and seniors represent about 35% of the population, more than double the national average. Florida has long been a sought-after retirement destination, and Sebastian is no exception. The climate is pleasant with 235 days of sunshine and winter lows in the 50s. Florida is also known for its retirement-friendly tax policies and lack of individual income tax, which can help seniors stretch their dollars further. Although the cost of living is on par with the state and national average, assisted living costs $4,500 per month, which is slightly higher than the state and national average. Seniors can choose from more than 20 assisted living facilities are located in Sebastian and the surrounding area.
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 Sebastian pay $4,500 per month for assisted living, which is $200 more than the national average and $800 more than the state median. Local rates are also more expensive than in many parts of the Southeast. Prices in Mississippi are close to the state median at $3,713. Seniors in South Carolina pay $3,988, and Georgia is slightly lower at $3,500. Alabama is the region’s most affordable state with rates that are $1,350 lower than Sebastian.
Sebastian is one of the most expensive communities for assisted living in central Florida. Port St. Lucie is also pricier than the typical U.S. city with average rates of $4,399 per month. Seniors in Palm Bay, Ocala and Lakeland save $400-$555 per month compared to their peers in Sebastian. Assisted living in Orlando is on par with the state median of $3,700, and Sebring is remarkably affordable at $2,895, a savings of $1,605.
Sebastian residents who require ongoing personal care and meet certain financial requirements may qualify for Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. It includes Managed Medical Assistance for primary, specialty and emergency medical care, plus other services. A second LTC Managed Care component covers assisted living services and similar supports. Additional information about the SMMC program, including eligibility requirements, is available on our page for Assisted Living in Florida.
| Contact | Description | |
| Area Agency on Aging of Palm Beach/Treasure Coast | (561) 684-5885 | This Area Agency on Aging is part of a federally designated service network authorized by the Older Americans Act. It provides information, referrals, one-on-one counseling and direct services with help from local partners. Seniors can contact this organization for more information about Community Care for the Elderly, a program that funds community-based services. It can also connect residents to personal care, transportation, companion visits and healthy aging programs. |
| Sebastian Community Center | (772) 589-1009 | Open Monday through Friday, this local community center offers fitness classes and facility rentals for special events. Seniors can visit the center for aerobics, tai chi, karate, gentle yoga and similar activities. Classes start at $3 per session and are appropriate for most skill levels. The city also operates 17 parks, two boat ramps and a waterfront walkway at Riverview Park. |
| Senior Resource Association | (772) 388-5827 | The Senior Resource Association has been serving seniors, disabled adults and families on the Treasure Coast since 1974. In addition to operating the local Meals on Wheels program and providing home energy assistance, SRA’s information and referral service can help with long-term care planning. Plus, it manages two transportation programs. GoLine operates 15 free fixed-route bus lines across the county, and Community Coach provides door-to-door transportation for riders who don’t have other options. |
| Indian River County Veterans Services | (772) 226-1145 | This county agency has offices in Vero Beach and Sebastian to serve veterans and their families. Officers help with applications and appeals for all types of government benefits, including health care, pensions and transportation. They can also assist with applications for Aid & Attendance or Housebound benefits that can provide pension recipients with extra funds needed for assisted living or personal care. |
| Florida’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program | (888) 831-0404 | The long-term care ombudsman is a part of a network of volunteer advocates who represent the interests of nursing home and assisted living residents. Seniors and their families can turn to the ombudsman for questions about visitation, independence and resident rights. The ombudsman accepts confidential complaints regarding the quality of care and works with providers to reach a satisfactory solution. |
| Florida Rural Legal Services | (888) 582-3410 | This pro bono law firm operates seven regional offices in south-central Florida. Its Fort Pierce location serves seniors and other qualifying individuals in Sebastian and surrounding areas. Cosponsored by the AAA, its elder Law Project provides free information and legal representation to seniors age 60 or older. It focuses on estate planning, advance directives, probate, long-term care and government benefits among other issues. |
Assisted living facilities in Sebastian and communities statewide are regulated by the Agency for Health Care Administration through the Bureau of Health Facility Regulation’s Assisted Living Unit. Additional information about these laws is available in our consumer guide to Assisted Living in Florida.
