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

Snowbirds and native Floridians alike flock to Naples for its sunny beaches, relaxed pace, and delicious restaurants featuring fresh local seafood. It may be one of the most desirable locations for seniors in the country, as more than 52% of the city’s 22,000 residents are aged 65 and older. There are plenty of opportunities for you to have fun with friends, as well. If you like golf, try one of the city’s 100+ golf courses or stroll through one of the 19 parks in the Naples area. If you enjoy worshiping in a community, Naples has 50 churches of varying denominations, allowing you to find the right fit.

If you love the fresh air, consider spending time oceanside, boating, or beachcombing at Clam Pass Park or Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. If you have a limited retirement budget, your dollars may stretch further in Naples than other places in the state, as its cost of living is just a little higher than the national average. Plus, Florida has no state income tax, including on income derived from retirement investments. Crime rates are lower than the national average, which may help you feel more secure when out and about.

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

Home care, which includes chores, assistance, and help with personal care, has an average cost of $4,767 per month in Naples, while home health care costs a little more at $4,957 per month, according to Genworth Financial’s Cost of Care Survey 2020. The cost of home health care is higher due to the medical services it provides.

The averages from Genworth are based on 44 hours of care per week. Your monthly cost can vary depending on your needs and how many hours of service you require. To break these numbers down further, Naples residents can expect to pay an average of $25 per hour for home care assistance and $26 per hour for home health care services.

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

In Naples, you can expect to pay significantly more for both types of in-home care services compared to Florida and nationwide averages. The median cost for home care in Florida is $4,195, while home health care services average $4,290 per month. The U.S. averages are $4,481 for home care and $4,576 for home health care. Costs are lower in nearby cities. Rates in Miami average over $1,100 less, while in Cape Coral and Tampa, monthly costs for in-home care services are about $200-$600 lower.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

In Naples, remaining at home and receiving assistance from a homemaker or home health aide costs only about $200-$400 more than what you’d pay for room and board in an assisted living facility, which has an average cost of $4,550 per month. Nursing home care, however, is more than twice the price for all of these types of care, at $10,391 per month for a semiprivate room. Although cost data for adult day care is unavailable, this is typically the least expensive care option available because it provides weekday-only care in a group setting.

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

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

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.

IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Naples, FL

Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida

What You Should Know
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida offers many programs to meet the emotional and physical needs of seniors in Naples and the surrounding area. The AAA’s health and wellness programs, which include light exercises such as tai chi and a walking club, can help you preserve your mobility and physical fitness while allowing you to meet new friends. You can also participate in other programs, such as education about fall prevention and special classes to improve balance. Topics such as fraud prevention and learning how to spot signs of elder abuse and neglect are covered in regularly scheduled seminars. Representatives of the AAA can also help you and your family find the right long-term care services to meet your needs and apply for Social Security, Medicaid and other government benefits.

Who Is Eligible?
AAA services are available to all seniors in the Southwest Florida area, plus their caregivers. Some programs may have certain thresholds for participation, and resources are a mix of government-funded, self-pay, and nonprofit.

How to Get Started
The Elder Helpline is the starting point for you to get more information about the programs available through the AAA. Your or a family member can call (866) 413-5337 to speak with a specialist about which programs match your needs.

Collier Senior Resources

What You Should Know
A collaborative effort of several area organizations, Collier Senior Resources provides support services and helpful information for you and your family or caregiver. Congregate lunches are served during the week, which can allow you to spend time with your peers while enjoying a delicious, low-cost meal. Educational programs and social activities are scheduled before and after lunch, including UPSLIDE mental health counseling, group fitness classes and organized games such as bingo and bridge.

Who Is Eligible?
As a Collier County senior, you’re welcome to attend any of the available programs. Many of these programs are free, although attendance for some, such as fitness groups, may be limited due to space or availability of equipment.

How to Get Started
For more information about offered programs, you can call (239) 252-4541 or email [email protected]. Spanish translators are also available.

Collier County Services For Seniors

What You Should Know
Local low-income seniors may receive help with home improvement, meal delivery or food preparation assistance and emergency electrical bill payment help. You may also receive help applying for medical benefits and Social Security and assistance with developing a plan to meet your long-term care needs. Other resources include matching you with local volunteer opportunities through the Retired Seniors Volunteer Program and providing information about activities, programs and services available in the area.

Who Is Eligible?
Depending on the program you’re applying for, you may have to meet certain income guidelines or residency requirements to qualify.

How to Get Started
You or a family member can call (866) 413-5337, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. to learn more about the available services and how to apply.

Legal Aid Services of Collier County

What You Should Know
Legal Aid Services of Collier County is a nonprofit law firm that offers free legal assistance to low-income County residents. The staff of LASCC can provide help if you’re at risk of neglect or abuse or facing an uncertain housing situation. Other services can include drafting documents, such as wills, living wills and trusts, to ensure your wishes are respected and your finances are protected in the event you can’t advocate for yourself.

Who Is Eligible?
To qualify for legal assistance, you must be a resident of Collier County and meet certain income thresholds.

How to Get Started
Help may be provided over the phone or via video chat, making it easier for you to access assistance if you have transportation challenges. You can call (239) 775-4555 to learn more or whether you qualify for assistance.

Henderson Haven Pay It Forward Durable Medical Equipment

What You Should Know
Henderson Haven receives donations of durable medical equipment and makes these items available to anyone in the community who needs them. You may be asked to pay it forward by returning the equipment when you’re done, or by donating any unused equipment to keep the outreach program going. Donated equipment may include manual wheelchairs, walkers, and canes, TTY kits, blood pressure cuffs and showering or toileting chairs. These pieces of equipment may help you retain your independence and aid you in taking care of yourself at home.

Who Is Eligible?
The program is open to all those in need. However, because it relies on donations, the inventory of items can vary.

How to Get Started
You can call Henderson Haven at (904) 264-2522to learn about the program and ask what pieces of equipment are in stock.