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

Located in Broward County, Tamarac is part of the Miami-Fort Lauderdale-Pompano Beach metropolitan area. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the city had a population of just under 71,900 as of April 1, 2020. Approximately 26% of Tamarac residents are 65 years of age and older, which is much higher than the national average of 16.9%. In 2018, city commissioners adopted a long-term residency tax exemption, giving seniors who have lived in Tamarac for at least 25 years the opportunity to save money on their property taxes. Broward County also offers a homestead exemption for additional savings.

Although the overall cost of living is a bit higher than the national average, Tamarac has lower-than-average costs for housing, utilities and health care. It also has a mild climate, with 251 days of sunshine per year and average temperatures ranging from 57.5 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter to 90.8 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer. All of these points come together to make Tamarac a great place for seniors to call home.

If you need medical care, HCA Florida Woodmont Hospital is located right on North University Drive. Tamarac is also just a 40-minute drive from Miami, home to University of Miami Hospital and Clinics, an integrated health system that’s nationally ranked in three specialties.

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

On average, seniors in Tamarac, FL, can expect to pay $4,195 per month for home care and $4,385 per month for home health care, as per the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey for 2021. The monthly estimate is based on 44 hours of care per week. On an hourly basis, home care costs an average of $22 per hour, while home health care costs an average of $23 per hour. Your total monthly costs will depend on how many hours of care you need each week.

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

Home care in Tamarac is significantly less expensive than in Cape Coral and Sarasota. Cape Coral has monthly average costs of $5,196 for home care and home health care, while Sarasota has average monthly costs of $5,720 for both types of care. Tamarac also has lower average costs than Port St. Lucie, which comes in at $4,671 per month for home care and $4,767 per month for home health services.

The Cost of Home Care Compared to Other Senior Living Options

In Tamarac, in-home care costs significantly more than adult day care, but remember that adult day facilities only offer services during limited hours. If you arrange for in-home care, you’ll be able to get help when it’s most convenient for you. At an average cost of $4,385 per month, assisted living costs the same as home health care. Nursing home care is by far the most expensive, coming in at an average of $9,019 per month for a semiprivate room.

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

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

An infographic giving steps to finding a home care provider

IV. Home Care Resources for Seniors in Tamarac, FL

Minor Home Repair Program

What You Should Know

Tamarac’s Minor Home Repair Program exists to help eligible homeowners repair their properties. Repairs made with MHRP funds must correct existing health and safety hazards, address code deficiencies or provide some type of weatherization benefit. For example, participants can use program funds to replace their roofs or install impact-resistant doors and windows. How much you earn determines how much assistance you receive, but the funding limit is $60,000.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for MHRP funds, you must own a home within Tamarac city limits and use it as your primary residence. You must also meet the program’s income eligibility requirements, which are based on the area median income (AMI) for Broward County. For a one-person household, the income limit ranges from $19,050 to $76,200 per year. The limit increases to $21,800 to $87,120 for a two-person household, $25,400 to $98,040 for a three-person household and $27,750 to $108,840 for a four-person household.

How to Get Started

To apply for the Minor Home Repair Program, visit the City of Tamarac Community Development Department Participant Portal. You’ll need to create a username and password before you can fill out the application. If you have questions about the program, contact the Housing Division at (954) 597-3549.

Tamarac Food Pantry

What You Should Know

The City of Tamarac operates a food pantry to ensure that residents with incomes at or below 50% of the AMI have access to nutritious foods. Participants typically receive canned meats, canned fruits and vegetables, rice, cereal, nut butters and pasta. Food is available by appointment only on the first, second and third Thursday of each month.

Who Is Eligible?

Participants must fall into the “extremely low” or “very low” income categories. Extremely low incomes range from 0% to 30% of the AMI, while very low incomes range from 31% to 50% of the AMI. If you live alone, you may qualify for the program with an annual income of up to $31,200. The limit increases to $35,650 for a two-person household, $40,100 for a three-person household and $44,550 for a four-person household. You must also reside in the City of Tamarac.

How to Get Started

To register for the food pantry or schedule an appointment, call (954) 597-3626.

Tamarac Long-Term Senior Residency Tax Exemption

What You Should Know

Tamarac is one of 30 cities in Broward County to adopt an additional homestead exemption for seniors. The program allows eligible homeowners to exempt up to $25,000 of a property’s appraised value when paying their property taxes. This lowers the amount of tax due, saving eligible seniors money.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the long-term senior residency tax exemption, you must be at least 65 years old at the start of the tax year. You must also have a combined household adjusted gross income of no more than $32,561. For your property to be eligible for the exemption, it must have a value of no more than $250,000 for the initial year of application. You must also have maintained permanent residence on the property for a minimum of 25 years.

How to Get Started

To apply for the exemption, fill out a Sworn Statement of Adjusted Gross Income of Household and submit it to the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office by March 1. You also need to submit copies of the latest federal income tax return for all members in your household no later than June 1. For more information about the exemption, call the Broward County Property Appraiser’s Office at (954) 357-6830.

Meals on Wheels South Florida

What You Should Know

Meals on Wheels South Florida operates a home-delivered meal program to ensure homebound seniors have access to nutritious foods. Some participants receive meals funded by the Older Americans Act, leaving them with no out-of-pocket costs. Residents who don’t qualify for OAA funding have the option of signing up for Complete Cuisine, a gourmet meal delivery program with private payment options.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for home meal delivery, you must be at least 60 years old, homebound and a resident of the Meals on Wheels South Florida service area.

How to Get Started

If you prefer to apply online, fill out the application on the Meals on Wheels South Florida website. You can also call (954) 714-6946 to speak with a social worker. Once you apply, someone will contact you to set up a needs assessment.

Area Agency on Aging of Broward County

What You Should Know

The AAoA of Broward County offers a wide range of services to seniors and adults with disabilities. These services include respite care, congregate meals, home-delivered meals, Medicare counseling and wellness classes. The agency also operates five full-service senior centers, giving older residents a place to socialize, access health services and participate in a variety of activities.

Who Is Eligible?

To receive services through the AAoA of Broward County, you must be at least 60 years old and reside in Broward County. You may qualify at a younger age if you have a disability.

How to Get Started

Connect with an information and referral specialist by calling (954) 745-9779.