Home Care in Miami-Dade County, FL

Seniors in Miami-Dade County thrive in a tropical climate that offers warm weather year-round and breathtaking coastal views. It’s ranked in the top 10% in a variety of categories that are important to seniors, including health and outdoor recreation. More than 450,000 adults aged 65 and over live in the area and can take advantage of the wealth of features that make this part of Florida a paradise for seniors living independently at home.

Outdoor activities that cater to a wide range of interests are available to you throughout Miami-Dade County every season. In addition to miles of coastline that’s ideal for swimming, fishing and boating, the county has numerous golf courses, including accessible courses with discounts for regular play. If you have a furry friend at home, you will love the dog parks and other outdoor spaces located throughout the county. Zoo Miami and the Miami Seaquarium showcase the stunning natural wildlife that surrounds this beautiful area of the country.

Miami-Dade County delivers plenty of indoor entertainment options when you want to escape the heat. Dozens of shopping malls in both suburban and shoreline locations offer everything from upscale boutiques to fine dining and movie theaters. On Ocean Drive, you can enjoy the classic art deco, fluorescent Miami experience while savoring great food and music.

In Miami-Dade County, home care costs an average of $3,623 per month, and home health care costs an average of $3,813 per month, as reported in Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey for 2020. Home health care often costs slightly more than home care because caregivers are expected to provide some limited medical services.

The exact cost of home care for you or a family member will depend on the number of hours required. Genworth’s monthly figure is based on 44 hours per week. The data shows that you can expect to pay $19 per hour for home care and $20 per hour for home health care within the Greater Miami area.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

Home care costs in Miami-Dade County are the lowest in the state at $3,623 for homemaker services and $3,813 for home health care. Costs are about $500 less than the Florida state average and $800 less than the national average. The most expensive area in the state is Collier County, where home health care costs an average of $4,957. In Duval County, where the state capital is located, you can expect to pay slightly more than the state average.

Remember that there’s not necessarily a right or wrong choice – it comes down to choosing a provider that you feel comfortable with and who’s capable of meeting your specific needs. No matter which provider you choose, you should always have a formal arrangement with your expectations and the payment rate in writing. Doing so will prevent confusion or potential disagreements down the line so that the focus remains on helping the person receiving care.

Meals on Wheels

What You Should Know
Operated by Community Action and Human Services, the Meals for the Elderly program ensures that seniors who can’t obtain or prepare their own meals get the nutrition they need to thrive at home. Those who are eligible can receive seven free frozen meals delivered to their home Monday through Friday. They can also get fresh fruit, milk and other perishable and nonperishable items. In addition to home delivery, the county offers meals at 19 locations throughout the area to improve access to nutritious food.

Who Is Eligible?
To be eligible for the Meals for the Elderly Program, you or the recipient must be at least 60 and homebound or demonstrate a disability. Spouses of eligible residents can also receive meals without any age or disability restrictions.

How to Get Started
To determine eligibility and apply for home delivery, you can call Community Action and Human Services at (786) 469-4707.

Rebuilding Together Miami-Dade

What You Should Know
Rebuilding Together makes it possible for many senior homeowners in Miami-Dade County to continue living in their homes safely and independently. They do this by improving and repairing homes with a variety of issues that make them difficult to live in safely and comfortably. After an applicant is approved, an assessment is performed on their property to determine need. Evaluators look for proper insulation, electrical, plumbing and any issues that may affect accessibility. Smoke detectors and other safety devices are also checked. All work done at the residence is free to the homeowner. Repairs and improvements are made by volunteers with help from donations and local businesses.

Who Is Eligible?
Eligible residents must meet the income requirements set by Miami-Dade County’s Public Housing & Community Development division. In addition, you must have residency for two years, be up to date on all your property taxes and mortgage payments and pass a background check.

How to Get Started
Contact Rebuilding Together at (305) 200-5711 or email the program director at [email protected]

Special Transportation Services Program

What You Should Know
If you live in Miami-Dade County, you can travel to locations throughout the Miami metro area without a car by taking advantage of Special Transportation Services. The one-way fare for STS is $3.50. Personal caregivers traveling with the senior don’t need to pay the fare. Service animals are permitted to travel with the rider. Reservations for trips can be made up to seven days in advance. Riders can also book travel online at https://stsconnect.miamidade.gov

Who Is Eligible?
STS is available for seniors and residents of all other ages in Miami-Dade who are unable to access regular public transport services due to a disability. Eligible disabilities include mental conditions that prevent the safe use of public transit. Once certified, you receive an STS EASY Card that must be carried on all STS trips. It must be renewed after 21 days.

How to Get Started
You can apply for the STS EASY Card by contacting the Miami-Dade County STS Certification Office at (786) 469-5000.

Senior Volunteer Programs

What You Should Know
Miami-Dade County operates a senior volunteer program that provides elderly residents living at home the opportunity to give to their communities in a variety of ways. The Foster Grandparent Program matches seniors with at-risk and special needs children who could benefit from the emotional and physical support of a caring volunteer. The Retired and Senior Volunteers program connects seniors with organizations that could benefit from their unique talents and experience. The county also offers a Senior Companion Program that enables seniors to help each other through friendship and light assistance.

Who Is Eligible?
The only eligibility requirement for these volunteer programs is to be aged 55 or over. Once you complete an application and are approved, you receive hourly stipends and transportation allowances.

How to Get Started
Seniors can print and fill out the Senior Volunteer Corps Application and mail it to Miami-Dade Community Action and Human Services. Additional information is available at (786) 469-4600.

Alliance for Aging

What You Should Know
Alliance for Aging is associated with Florida’s Department of Aging Affairs and offers a wealth of information and resources for seniors living at home in Miami-Dade County. SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) helps seniors access government benefits that can pay for anything from in-home care to emergency home repairs. The Healthy Aging resource section gives seniors the information they need to promote their own health and comfort while dealing with a wide range of conditions. The Community Care for the Elderly Program may be able to help seniors at risk of needing a nursing home or assisted living facility stay at home.

Who Is Eligible?
You can access the resources available through the Alliance for Aging whether you’re a senior or a younger family member looking for options. Some specific programs may have their own eligibility requirements.

How to Get Started
Questions about any of the resources or programs available through Alliance for Aging can be directed toward the office at (305) 670-6500.