I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Leesburg, FL
Located in the heart of Lake County, Florida, Leesburg is a diverse suburban community that caters to seniors and families. This lakeside community is home to 27,000 residents, and more than 25% percent of the population is aged 65 or older. The city has a senior advisory council and elder services division, and local nonprofits offer a variety of services that can help you age in place. The climate in Leesburg is close to ideal, with about 1 inch of rain every week and about 240 days of sunshine.
The area’s competitive cost of living is another advantage. Essentials cost 11% less than the national average. Housing is particularly affordable, which can make it easier to stay in your home. One downside is the area’s moderate crime rates. Leesburg has a below-average number of physicians. Several hospitals are located in the area, including the UF Health Leesburg Regional Medical Center, and Orlando is just 45 miles away for other services.
II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Leesburg, FL
The median cost of home care in Leesburg is $5,720 according to Genworth Financial’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey. This breaks down to $30 per hour for 44 hours of weekly care. Local rates are $3-$4 higher than the national average. Prices vary depending on how much or how little assistance you require. For example, you might have a home health aide visit every day or just once a week to help with errands and chores. This can also help with budgeting. In some areas, prices vary depending on whether you require medical or nonmedical assistance.
The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities
Home care prices in Leesburg are about $950 higher than the state median and about $1,240 higher than the national average. The community is also more expensive than neighboring metro areas. Home care prices in Orlando are on par with the state median. Prices in Ocala are slightly lower at $4,576-$4,767 for home care or home health care. Homosassa Springs is also affordable with median rates of $4,273-$4,559 depending on the level of care provided.
The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options
Home care provides more flexibility than other types of long-term care, so prices can vary widely. In general, it costs about $500 more than assisted living. Nursing homes in the local area charge almost $3,000 more per month, even though home health care agencies can provide similar services. If you’re on a budget, adult day health care programs offer meals, physical therapy and social activities for about $1,730 per month.
Note: Data for Leesburg was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, The Villages, was used instead.
III. How to Find Home Care in Leesburg, 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 Leesburg, FL.
IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Leesburg, FL
Elder Options
What You Should Know
Elder Options is a federally recognized Area Agency on Aging that’s designed to be your first point of contact for age-related services in your community. It’s part of the state’s Elder Helpline and Aging and Disability Resource network. You and your caregivers can call for more information about long-term care planning, in-home assistance, transportation, home modifications and ramp building. It offers Medicare insurance counseling and many other free services for older adults. If the AAA does not offer services directly, it will refer you to the appropriate agency and help with the intake process.
Who Is Eligible?
Elder Options offers informational resources and direct services for seniors aged 60 and older. It can also advise family members, caregivers and friends or neighbors. Referrals are available to veterans and disabled adults who need help accessing available services.
How to Get Started
To learn more about services that are available in your area or to request a referral, call the Elder Options Helpline at (800) 262-2243.
Mid-Florida Community Services
What You Should Know
Mid-Florida Community Services is a federally recognized Community Action Agency that offers an array of supportive services for seniors and families in need. It administers the area’s Low-Income Energy Assistance Program and Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program. These initiatives provide emergency bill pay help to households that earn no more than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. The organization can also help you arrange home repairs to reduce your energy costs. Additionally, it provides Meals on Wheels deliveries, in-home care, case management services, emergency alert systems and reassurance calls to help you maintain your health and independence.
Who Is Eligible?
Eligibility varies by program, but if you’re struggling to make ends meet or need help with basic needs, such as housing, utilities, home repairs, meals or transportation, the CAP can likely assist you.
How to Get Started
The agency’s Lake County office is located on Penn Street in north Leesburg. For information about senior services, call (352) 326-3540 or dial the statewide Elder Helpline at (800) 262-2243.
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida
What You Should Know
Community Legal Services of Mid-Florida provides free advice and representation to help seniors and low-income families with critical legal issues related to housing, fraud, consumer rights, medical care and government benefits. Attorneys can also help with wills, estate planning and power of attorney documents for health care decision-making to ensure that all your affairs are in order if you decide to age in place.
Who Is Eligible?
CLSMF helps clients across a 12-county service area, including Leesburg and other parts of Lake County. Free legal services are generally available to families that earn no more than 125% of the federal poverty level based on household size. Seniors aged 60 and older, victims of abuse and other high-priority clients are entitled to free assistance regardless of their income. Intake requires a 20-minute application process for most services. Free informational resources are also available online.
How to Get Started
The easiest way to get started is by calling the CLSMF HELPline at (800) 405-1417. You may also call the organization’s Lake County office in Tavares at (352) 343-0815.
Lake County Connection
What You Should Know
If you need help getting around town or if you no longer feel comfortable driving to doctor’s appointments or the grocery store, Lake County’s public transportation service can help. The county offers door-to-door shared van service for seniors and disabled adults who are unable to use regular LakeXpress transit routes. In-county rides cost $2 each way, and transportation is available to Orlando on Tuesdays and Thursdays for $5 each way. There are fixed departure and arrival times for out-of-county destinations. Lake County Connection will take you to Gainesville for an additional fee.
Who Is Eligible?
Lake County Connection is an ADA-compliant transportation service that serves disadvantaged residents. Its target population includes individuals of all ages who don’t have access to other forms of transportation due to age, disability, income or other factors. New riders must complete an application and show proof of need before scheduling their first ride.
How to Get Started
To see if you qualify for transportation assistance, call LakeXpress at (352) 742-2612. You can find application forms online that can be completed with your health care provider.
Lake County Property Tax Exemptions
What You Should Know
Lake County provides several property tax exemptions to senior homeowners and other groups. The first discount is a homestead exemption of up to $50,000 on the assessed value of your primary residence. Seniors whose annual household income is no more than $32,561 may be entitled to an additional $50,000 exemption. Various discounts worth at least $500 are available to disabled adults, widows, veterans and first responders. You must complete an application and submit copies of your tax returns to qualify. Additional documentation may be required.
Who Is Eligible?
Various exemptions are available to seniors, widows/widowers, disabled adults and veterans. The exact value of the discount depends on your property’s value and the type of exemption.
How to Get Started
For more information, contact the Lake County Property Appraiser at (352) 253-2154. Application forms are also available online.