Home Care in Saint Petersburg, FL

Situated along Florida’s scenic gulf coast, the city of Saint Petersburg is a member of the AARP’s Age-Friendly Network, a voluntary network of municipalities committed to senior-friendly policies, programming and infrastructure. Saint Petersburg is home to just over 258,000 residents, and about one in five are retirees aged 65 and older. The city’s overall cost of living is just below the national average, and Florida is one of only seven states that don’t levy individual income taxes, which can help make retirement in Saint Petersburg affordable.

You’ll also be pleased to know that health care services are readily available in the Saint Petersburg area. HCA Florida St. Petersburg Hospital offers comprehensive acute care services, while Bayfront Health St. Petersburg is a 480-bed facility that features a high-tech cardiovascular care department, trauma center and rehabilitation services. The city’s many amenities, services and affordability make it a great place for seniors who want to age in place with support from a home care provider.

According to Genworth Financial’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, you can expect to pay an average of $4,767 for home care services in Saint Petersburg. Home health care, a type of care that includes some limited medical services, costs slightly more at $4,862 per month.

The figures listed by Genworth are based on full-time in-home care, which is classified as 44 hours of care per week. Your actual home care costs may vary depending on your specific needs and preferences. You can estimate your expenses by multiplying the average hourly rate, $25, by the number of hours of support you expect you’ll need.

Average monthly home care rates in Saint Petersburg match the statewide average of $4,767, and are the same as what seniors in nearby Sebring and Orlando pay. Just to the south in North Port, rates for home care run an average of $5,720, nearly $1,000 more per month than people in Saint Petersburg pay. At an average of $4,862, home health care rates in Saint Petersburg are slightly above the state average of $4,767 and well below the nationwide average of $5,148.

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.

What You Should Know

Proper nutrition is important at any age, and that’s especially true for seniors. If you’re struggling to maintain a healthy, balanced diet because you have difficulty leaving your home to shop for groceries, or if you’re unable to prepare your own meals, you may qualify for home-delivered meals through Meals on Wheels St. Petersburg, MOWSP. The program can also supply housebound pet owners with a monthly supply of free cat or dog food.

This nonprofit program can provide you with a freshly prepared, low-cost meal each weekday. Volunteers bring the meal to your door, and take a moment to ask how your day is going. If you need additional support, the volunteer driver can help connect you with community resources. As a MOWSP participant, you’ll receive a hurricane preparedness pack each May with shelf-stable meals, bottled water and information on your local shelter.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for Meals on Wheels, you need to be a senior who’s largely homebound or an adult with an illness or disability that limits your access to healthy food. You’ll be asked to pay $5.50 to offset the cost of each meal, but if you’re unable to afford that, you can request a subsidy.

How to Get Started

You can apply for MOWSP through the organization’s website or by calling (813) 344-5837.

What You Should Know

Getting around can be a challenge as you get older, especially if you use a mobility aid or have health issues. If you’re unable to use the regular, fixed-route public bus service due to temporary or permanent disability, you may qualify for accessible transit service through the Pinellas Suncoast Transit Authority’s Paratransit Service, PSTA Access.

PSTA Access is the region’s ADA-compliant accessible public transit service. All PSTA Access vehicles are wheelchair-accessible, and trips on this low-cost, shared-ride service must be reserved in advance. PSTA Access operating hours match the regular PSTA bus service hours, and any cancellations need to be made at least 2 hours before a scheduled trip.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for PSTA Access service, you need to submit an application signed by your medical provider that verifies your mobility limitations. You’ll also need to book a 30-minute phone consultation with the PTSA, after which you may receive confirmation of your eligibility by mail within 21 days.

How to Get Started

To begin the PSTA Access application process, call (727) 540-1888 to request an application form.

What You Should Know

The St. Petersburg Parks & Recreation Department owns and operates the Sunshine Senior Center, a nationally accredited community center for adults aged 50 and older.

The center is home to a number of programs that can help you connect with other seniors, access low-cost goods and learn about resources in your community. You can get help with your Medicare benefits, speak with a counselor about financial assistance benefits and enjoy a low-cost communal lunch. There’s also a free notary service for seniors, regular preventative health screening clinics and a computer lab.

Who Is Eligible?

All Saint Petersburg residents aged 50 and older can access the programs and services offered at the Sunshine Senior Center.

How to Get Started

The Sunshine Senior Center is open weekdays, and information on current classes, workshops and programs is available by calling (727) 893-7101.

What You Should Know

As you age, you may find yourself struggling to safely navigate your own home due to issues with your mobility. If so, you may be eligible for assistance through the Independent Living Program, offered by the Pinellas County Community Development Division.

The Independent Living Program provides eligible low-income Pinellas County homeowners with a grant of up to $7,000 toward home accessibility upgrades. These upgrades can include wheelchair ramps, grab bars and roll-in shower stalls, lowered kitchen counters, electrical and plumbing upgrades, and widening of doorways to accommodate mobility devices.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for assistance through the Independent Living Program, you need to be a homeowner in Pinellas County who needs help making your home more accessible. You must also have an annual household income at or below 80% of the area median income.

How to Get Started

To learn more about the Independent Living Program, call the Pinellas County Community Development Division at (727) 464-8210.

What You Should Know

The Area Agency on Aging of Pasco-Pinellas is a nonprofit organization that plans, coordinates and delivers a wide range of programs and services for seniors and their caregivers.

You can contact the AAA for information on local programs for seniors, including respite services for family caregivers, health and wellness programs, and legal assistance for older adults.

Who Is Eligible?

Any senior living in Pasco or Pinellas County can access the services offered by the AAA, as can their loved ones and community members.

How to Get Started

To learn more about the services offered by the AAA, call (800) 963-5337.