Useful, no-cost guides and tools for South Florida families navigating senior care. Everything here is free, and our advisors are a message away if you'd rather just talk it through. Hablamos español.
Understanding costs
What care actually costs is the question families ask first. Our city cost guides give real 2026 ranges by care level and neighborhood — for example, the cost of assisted living in Miami. As a rule of thumb across South Florida in 2026: assisted living runs roughly $3,500–$7,500 a month, memory care $5,000–$9,000, adult family-care homes $2,500–$5,500, and private-pay skilled nursing $9,000–$13,000+.
Paying for care
Most families combine several sources: private savings, long-term care insurance, VA benefits, and — for the care portion — Florida SMMC Long-Term Care Medicaid. Our Florida resources hub explains each, including SMMC Long-Term Care Medicaid and VA benefits for veterans.
Touring and evaluating providers
When you tour, ask about the overnight staff-to-resident ratio, what care needs would force a move-out, and the all-in monthly cost in writing with the rate-increase history. In South Florida specifically, confirm the hurricane and generator plan and that language and dietary needs (Spanish, Creole, kosher, Cuban or Caribbean cuisine) are genuinely met. Always verify the license on FloridaHealthFinder before signing.
Help by situation
If something specific brought you here — a hospital discharge, worsening memory loss, caregiver burnout, or money running short — see our help by situation guides for the clearest next step.
Browse by city and care type
Every South Florida city we serve has a dedicated page covering local neighborhoods, hospitals, demographics, and costs, and every care type has a plain-language explanation. Start wherever your question is, or reach out through our contact page for personal help.
Common mistakes families make
A few missteps come up again and again. Touring too many places at once until they all blur together — better to start with two or three that actually fit. Focusing only on the monthly base rate and missing the care-level add-ons that can add thousands. Assuming Medicare will cover long-term assisted living (it won't). Waiting until a crisis to start, which removes your leverage and your choices. And applying for Florida Medicaid without understanding the timing and asset rules, which can cost months of benefits. Each of these is avoidable with a little guidance.
A quick glossary
ALF — Assisted Living Facility, the Florida license for assisted living. Adult family-care home — a small residential home for a handful of residents. SNF — Skilled Nursing Facility (nursing home). SMMC LTC — Florida's Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care program. AHCA — the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, which licenses providers. Aid & Attendance — a VA pension benefit that helps eligible veterans pay for care. If any term on a tour or in a contract is unclear, ask us — that's what we're here for.