Seniors in Tampa, Florida, have their pick of activities and services. The city enjoys about 246 sunny days each year, so residents can get outdoors or enjoy one of the numerous indoor attractions and restaurants. As of April 2020, about 385,000 residents called Tampa home, with 12.7% aged 65+. Its 100.1 overall cost of living (COL) score is less than Florida’s 102.8, and at 0.83%, the state beats the 1.07% property tax national percentage. Health care options include Tampa General Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital.
Should seniors require daily assistance, an assisted living community may be a good fit. The residential housing option offers assistance with many types of responsibilities, including housekeeping and medication management. In Tampa, living in an assisted living community costs about $3,350 monthly, making it significantly cheaper than the average $4,650 in the state capital of Tallahassee.
Designed for seniors considering moving to an assisted living community in Tampa, Florida, this guide breaks down the complex financial aspects involved by providing valuable resources about how to pay for it, as well as information about activities and rules and laws regarding assisted living facilities.
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.
When choosing an assisted living community, it’s important seniors know what they may be paying each month. In Tampa, the monthly average is $3,350, putting it on the lower end of costs around the state.
While the average monthly assisted living cost in Tampa is $3,350, the state’s median is $4,000. Both are less than the national monthly average of $4,500, making Tampa the least expensive of the three.
When compared to Tampa’s $3,350 monthly average, Lakeland is the only Florida city with less expensive assisted living at $3,300, with Ocala’s running slightly higher at $3,850. Orlando meets the state average of $4,000. Pensacola follows next at $4,323, with Miami slightly ahead at $4,385. Tallahassee and Jacksonville fall close in range at $4,650 and $4,660, respectively. Naples’ monthly $5,300 average is the most expensive on the list, making it $1,950 more than Tampa.
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 |
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – VA Tampa Health Care – James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital |
(813) 972-2000 |
James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital is the main campus of VA Tampa Health Care. Services include audiology, caregiver support, geriatrics and pain management. The organization offers veterans and caregivers transportation to their medical appointments via DAV vans. |
1 (800)-96-ELDER |
The not-for-profit Senior Connection Center assists those who are 60+ (or a caregiver of a senior) in Hillsborough County and four other counties in the state. Support includes help with health insurance, wellness courses and virtual classes such as yoga and health and wellness courses. | |
(850) 414-2323 |
The Florida Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program is a free service. Its volunteers provide support for those in assisted living communities and other long-term facilities within Florida, ensuring that care is properly provided, that complaints are dealt with and that all laws are properly followed. | |
(813) 974-5263 |
Available via the University of South Florida, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute offers courses for those who are 50+ in history, finance, computers and more. Membership is required. | |
(813) 253-7000 |
Seniors 60+ may qualify to receive a “Senior Citizen Waiver” at Hillsborough Community College that entitles them to audit classes for free. The cost of textbooks isn’t included. | |
(813) 932-0241 |
Located in Tampa, the Life Enrichment Center offers in-person and virtual classes for members and non-members who are 50+. Classes range from watercolors and bridge to Tai chi and creative writing. | |
(866) 584-7389 |
Medicare members who are 65+ may qualify for the SilverSneakers program. Membership includes class entry at participating fitness businesses. Perks vary by location, but a SilverSneakers membership may include use of the facility’s amenities, such as the sauna and pool. |
Assisted Living Facilities in the Tampa 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.