I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Bonita Springs, FL
Bonita Springs is a sunny city on southern Florida’s Gulf Coast. This fast-growing city has nearly 54,000 residents with a very large senior community that makes up over 40% of the population. Its warm climate makes it a popular retirement destination for seniors who want to enjoy outdoor activities year-round, and good air and water quality benefit seniors, particularly those managing chronic conditions. While the city’s overall cost of living is high compared to other Florida communities, senior property tax exemptions and the lack of state income taxes may help older adults afford to remain in their own homes.
Bonita Springs offers high access to health care for older adults who live at home, letting them supplement home care services with outpatient skilled nursing services. While there are no hospitals in the city proper, several major medical facilities are within easy driving distance, including NCH North Naples Hospital and Physicians Regional Medical Center, both of which are within 10 miles of Bonita Springs. The city is also home to numerous home care providers, making it a practical option for older adults who want to enjoy the privacy and comfort of their own homes for as long as possible.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Bonita Springs, FL
According to the 2021 Genworth Cost of Care Survey, Bonita Springs residents typically pay $5,196 per month for home care, which includes non-medical services such as meal preparation and personal care. Home health care includes these services along with specialized services such as medication administration and diabetes management. Despite this, in Bonita Springs, monthly care costs are the same as home care at $5,196.
Surveyed monthly rates assume 44 hours of care per week, or approximately 8.8 hours of care per weekday. Based on this rate, you should expect to pay $27.25 per hour for either level of care.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Seniors in Bonita Springs pay $5,196 for home care and home health care. By comparison, statewide, both levels of care cost $4,767 per month. Nationally, home care costs $4,957, and home health care comes in at $5,148. Bonita Springs is an affordable alternative to obtaining care in Naples, where home care rates average $5,720 and home health care is a little more affordable at $5,577. In Punta Gorda, home care costs come in at $4,767, and home health care averages $4,957, and in Lakeland, respective care costs average $4,576 and $4,481.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
You have several long-term care options to choose from in Bonita Springs depending on your living preferences, care needs and budget. Home care and home health care are moderately priced at $5,196 per month. If you obtain this type of care in assisted living, you may pay considerably lower monthly rates of $4,334. Adult day care is the cheapest option at $1,603 per month, and nursing home care is the most expensive at $9,186 for semiprivate accommodations.
Note: Data for Bonita Springs was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Cape Coral, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Bonita Springs, FL
Finding a home care provider for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. Below, we explain the process of how to find a home care provider in 5 simple steps. Use the infographic below to help guide your search for in-home care in Bonita Springs, FL.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Bonita Springs, FL
Bonita Springs Meals on Wheels
What You Should Know
Bonita Springs Meals on Wheels promotes the health and security of housebound older adults in the region through home-delivered meals. Meals are delivered by trained volunteers on weekday mornings, and extra meals are delivered on Thursday and Friday to those who requested seven meals per week. You must be home to accept the deliveries. Meals consist of a main course, a fresh vegetable or starch and a dessert.
Who Is Eligible?
Meals on Wheels is available to Bonita Springs residents who are housebound, either temporarily or permanently. Most clients are aged 60 and over, but the program is open to younger individuals who are housebound due to disability or illness.
How to Get Started
To learn more about home-delivered meals, call the organization at (239) 337-1055. Alternately, send an email to [email protected].
Bonita Senior Center
What You Should Know
The Bonita Senior Center hosts social and recreational programs for older adults, helping seniors who live alone to avoid loneliness and boredom. At this center, you can enjoy congregate meals, live entertainment and classes that promote your health and independence at home, such as Improving Balance. The center has online activities to help housebound seniors stay connected with others. It also publishes an up-to-date list of senior resources in the community to help you find health care services, support groups and health insurance options counseling.
Who Is Eligible?
The Bonita Senior Center is open to all area residents aged 50 and over.
How to Get Started
To learn more about this center, including details on becoming a member and up-to-date information on upcoming activities, call the main office at (239) 399-4881.
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
What You Should Know
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida serves Bonita Springs’ older residents through programs and services that promote safety and independence. Its Home and Community-Based Care Program provides affordable long-term care services to older adults who live at home, including personal care, case management, housekeeping, shopping assistance and home health aide services. It hosts free workshops throughout the region that cover topics such as managing chronic pain, fall prevention, arthritis-friendly exercises and caregiver support services in the community. The agency’s Medicare counselors help older adults understand their health insurance coverage for long-term care services at home and determine whether they qualify for Medicaid.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for services through the AAA, you must be at least 60 years old. Some programs have additional eligibility requirements.
How to Get Started
To learn more about services through the AAA and to enroll, seniors can call the AAASWFL Elder Helpline at (866) 413-5337. The helpline is staffed on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lee County Human & Veteran Services
What You Should Know
Lee County’s Human & Veteran Services office provides supportive services to older adults and veterans in Bonita Springs and the surrounding region. Its electric bill assistance program provides one-time financial assistance to qualified individuals who are behind on their utility bills and at risk of disconnection, and it also offers a rent/mortgage/water bill assistance program. The county’s Veteran Services team helps older veterans in the region with accessing state and federal benefits, including Aid and Attendance, which may help cover home care expenses.
Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for county-funded assistance programs, you must meet income-related guidelines or be a U.S. veteran or surviving spouse, depending on the program you’re seeking to enroll in.
How to Get Started
To reach the Human Services office, call (239) 533-7930. To speak with someone regarding veterans’ services and benefits, call Veteran Services at (239) 533-8381.
Property Tax Exemptions
What You Should Know
Lee County has two homestead exemptions for seniors in Bonita Springs, including a $50,000 exemption and an additional exemption for those who’ve been in their homes for at least 25 years. Through these programs, you may be able to reduce what you pay in property taxes, which may make it more affordable to remain in your home.
Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for either program, you must be at least 65 years old, and the home you’re filing for must be your primary residence. The $50,000 exemption is available to all seniors whose household income falls within specified limits, and the additional exemption is available to those whose home is valued at $250,000 or less and who have lived in their home for at least 25 years.
How to Get Started
To file for these exemptions, you must complete the Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household and submit it, along with a copy of your current year’s tax return, to the appraiser’s office by March 1. If you don’t file an income tax return, you must complete the first four lines on IRS Form 4506 and submit a copy of your Social Security Statement to the office by June 1. For more information on these exemptions, contact the Lee County Property Appraiser by calling (239) 533-6100 or emailing [email protected].