Getting Ready to Move to Assisted Living in Tampa

If you live in Tampa and are thinking about assisted living for yourself or for a senior family member, there are some steps to go through before committing to a decision. First, almost everybody who opts for assisted living gets a medical examination from their primary care doctor. This is to make sure they’re healthy enough for assisted living and that they don’t need a higher level of care, as often happens for people with Alzheimer’s or other conditions.

After the doctor endorses assisted living as an option, you can start touring assisted living communities near you in the Tampa area. Tampa has a lot of places to choose from, so budget extra time for facility tours and time interviewing residents about what their community is like.

In the month or two before the move, try to shed as many unnecessary pieces of furniture and other items as possible. Space is often limited in an assisted living community, and you can always bring things from home after settling in. This is also a good time to look at your finances and make sure you’re set up to pay the monthly cost of rent and other services that come with assisted living.

How Much Does Assisted Living Cost in Tampa?

The average monthly cost of assisted living in Tampa is $3,150 according to the Genworth Cost of Care survey 2017.

Typical assisted living costs nationwide hover around $3,750 a month for basic care, which usually means room and board. Be sure to ask on your visit what else is included; some communities include laundry, transportation and room cleanup service in the monthly bill, while others charge extra. The median cost per month of assisted living in Tampa is $3,150. This is not only lower than the national figure, it’s also much lower than the $4,100 a month many people pay in the newer neighborhoods in nearby Orlando.

Our local Seniorly Partner Agents often have the ability to negotiate monthly rent and fees on your behalf at many of the communities you might be interested in.  This is a free service to you.  To connect to a Seniorly Partner Agent email us now at ask@seniorly.com or call (855) 866-4515.

What’s the Difference Between Assisted Living vs. Other Senior Care Types?

Assisted living is just one level of care that sits between independent living and skilled nursing facilities, also referred to as nursing homes.

• In-home care is a step down from assisted living, requiring regular in-home visits from a caregiver.
• Independent living communities, for those who want to downsize but don't need help with ADLs.
• Hospice care is tended to caring for the critically ill.
• Memory care is another level some aging citizens come to need, though this form of residential care is mainly for those with Alzheimer's or dementia, and sometimes other chronic neurological conditions. 

Unlike the other care options, assisted living is for aging citizens who can still live more or less independently, with perhaps a daily check-in by staff for safety and medications, and with personalized help managing ADLs, while still preserving as much privacy and independence as possible.