I. What You Should Know About Home Care in Miramar, FL

Located in the Miami metro area, Miramar is a vibrant city near a wide array of social and recreational amenities, health care facilities and long-term care options, making it an outstanding retirement option. While seniors account for just 12% of the population of 135,000 people, there are a range of benefits for older residents, including no state income tax, a low crime rate and high access to affordable health care. The city has a free shuttle you can use to get to popular points of interest as well as a transportation service exclusively for those aged 60 and over.

Miramar residents have access to 10 major medical facilities, including Ascension Sacred Heart Emerald Coast, which is just a couple miles away in Miramar Beach and provides 24-hour emergency care. There are about 224 doctors per 100,000 residents, which is higher than the national norm, and health care expenses come in about 4% below the nation’s average. These features make Miramar a popular option for seniors who need home care services.

II. What You Should Expect to Pay for Home Care in Miramar, FL

The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey estimates rates for nonmedical in-home care in Miramar at $4,195 per month. Home health care includes skilled nursing services for $4,385. This is considerably more economical than Florida’s average of $4,767 for both levels of care. Nationally, monthly care costs are even higher at $4,957 for home care and $5,148 for home health care.

Monthly home care rates are estimated based on 44 hours of care per week at $22 per hour. Depending on your financial resources, you may be able to lower your monthly care expenses by obtaining subsidized services. On the other hand, if you need more than nine hours of assistance each weekday, you may pay more for care.

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

Miramar seniors pay $4,195 per month for home care and about $200 more for home health care, which costs $4,385. In Sebring, rates are consistent with the national norm and hundreds higher than fees in Miramar at $4,767 for both levels of care. In Cape Coral, monthly fees are $1,000 higher than Miramar’s home care rates at $5,196. In Naples, monthly fees come in at $5,720 for home care and $5,577 for home health care, which is more than $1,500 higher than home care costs in Miramar.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

In Miramar, home care and home health care cost $4,195 and $4,385 per month, respectively. Seniors residing in assisted living facilities pay comparable monthly fees of $4,385, but those who live at home and attend adult day care pay much lower rates of $1,517. Nursing homes, which accommodate those with extensive medical needs, have the highest long-term care costs in Miramar at $9,019.

Note: Data for Miramar was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Miami, was used instead.

III. How to Find Home Care in Miramar, 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 Miramar, FL.

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Miramar, FL

Meals on Wheels South Florida 

What You Should Know
Meals on Wheels South Florida serves housebound seniors in the Miramar region by providing home-delivered meals to those who are unable to shop for or prepare meals themselves and have no one to do so for them. It has an Emergency Meal Program that provides a 14-day supply of meals to those returning home from a hospital stay or otherwise needing immediate one-time food assistance, as well as the regular program that provides home-delivered meals on an ongoing basis. It operates a friendly visitor program to help you avoid isolation and loneliness, as well as a Meals for Companion Pets program to help you feed your cat or dog. It can also connect you with financial assistance programs such as EHEAP Assistance.

Who Is Eligible?
In general, you must be at least 60 years old and mainly housebound to be eligible for regularly delivered, free or subsidized home-delivered meals from Meals on Wheels. The Complete Cuisine program doesn’t have an income limit.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the programs available through Meals on Wheels, you can call the main office at (954) 731-8770.

Area Agency on Aging of Broward County 

What You Should Know
The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County is a regional nonprofit organization that provides a range of programs to help seniors in the Miramar region maintain their independence and safety. The agency is staffed with options counselors who can help you evaluate your care needs and connect with providers in the community that offer affordable services. It has a Home Assistance program that features financial assistance for energy bills, the Home Repair program and In-Home Services, which include personal care and respite services. The agency also hosts health and wellness classes, provides transportation services and operates senior centers and day centers where you can participate in social and recreational activities.

Who Is Eligible?
Everyone in Miramar aged 60 and over can get information and referrals through the Area Agency on Aging. To qualify for specific programs such as transportation services, in-home care and food assistance, you may need to meet additional guidelines regarding income and functional needs.

How to Get Started
To learn more about the services available through the Area Agency on Aging, you can contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center at (954) 745-9779.

Miramar Senior Services 

What You Should Know
Miramar administers a range of programs and services to older adults in the city, helping you enjoy comfort and independence throughout retirement. Through the city, you can obtain door-to-door transportation for medical appointments and errands, recreational activities, health education and wellness screenings, referrals for community-based programs and counseling and support groups. These services are available through the city’s two senior centers, which also serve hot lunches daily courtesy of Meals on Wheels.

Who Is Eligible?
To get programs and services through the city, you must be at least 65 years old. Some services have additional requirements related to your functional needs. The senior centers are open to those aged 60 and over.

How to Get Started
You can learn more about these services by contacting the Multi-Service Complex at (954) 889-2707 or Sunset Lakes at (954) 602-3347.

Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program 

What You Should Know
Broward County LIHEAP provides financial assistance with your electric bills, which may help you avoid disruptions in service, particularly during the hottest months of the year. This program features three types of assistance, including home energy assistance, supply shortage energy crisis assistance and emergency assistance, helping you meet ongoing or emergent needs.

Who Is Eligible?
Broward County LIHEAP is open to all Miramar residents whose income falls within the program’s guidelines. If you live alone, you must have a pretax annual income of no more than $26,036. If you live in a two-person household, the income limit is $34,048. You automatically qualify for LIHEAP if you’re receiving benefits such as Supplemental Security Income or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

How to Get Started
To have your eligibility verified and to apply for this assistance program, you should call the Broward County LIHEAP Call Center at (954) 357-5025.

Property Tax Exemption 

What You Should Know
You may be able to reduce what you owe in property taxes through several exemptions, including the Exemption for Widowed Persons, the Additional Low-Income Senior Exemption and the Veterans Disability Exemption. The exemption ranges from $500 up to $50,000, depending on the program you qualify for and the rules Broward County sets for a given year.

Who Is Eligible?
You may be able to save money on your property taxes through the Additional Low-Income Senior Exemption if you are at least 65 years old on January 1. You must have the Homestead Exemption on your home, and your total pretax household income must fall within the program limits. As of 2022, the income limit is $32,561. The Exemption for Widowed Person is open to all Florida residents able to verify their spouse’s death, and the Veteran’s Disability Exemption is available to Florida residents who have a military service-related disability. Surviving spouses may also qualify for this exemption.

How to Get Started
To learn more about this program and to begin the application process, contact the Broward County Property Appraiser at (954) 357-6830. The office is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.