What to Consider About Assisted Living in Bradenton
Located on the west-central coast of Florida, Bradenton has much to offer seniors in the way of preserves, parks, and museums and nearby beaches. Bradenton is also home to 25 assisted living facilities, with an additional 21 in nearby Lakewood Ranch, Sarasota and Sun City Center.
Florida licenses several types of assisted living communities, and they all provide meals and some level of personal care. Homes with a standard license offer basic help with daily activities such as dressing and personal hygiene.
Benefits and Drawbacks of Assisted Living in Bradenton
- Bradenton receives nearly 50 percent more rainfall than the average U.S. city, and the rainfall is often in the form of thunderstorms. Summers are humid with high temps averaging in the 80s and 90s more than half the year. Winters are short and mild with average lows in the 50s.
- The Bradenton area is home to world-class medical facilities, including Manatee Memorial Hospital, in the event of medical emergencies or illness.
- Unlike most states, Florida does not have a state income tax. This means that social security benefits, 401(k)s and pensions are not taxed, which could result in extra budget flexibility for seniors moving into the state.
- The American Lung Association grades Manatee County a B for its relatively low number of high-ozone days. For people with breathing difficulties, a location with a score of A or B is a good choice.
- Bradenton’s crime rate is about 40 percent higher than the national average. There are 5.89 incidents of violent crime per 1,000 residents per year compared to 4.3 in Florida and 4 nationwide.
- The cost of living in Bradenton is slightly higher than the national average, although residents do enjoy 7 percent lower health care costs.
Financial Assistance for Assisted Living in Bradenton
There are several ways for low-income seniors to find assistance in Bradenton. Seniors who receive Federal SSI benefits can take advantage of Florida’s optional state supplementation, and the state allows families to supplement benefits if they don’t give the money to the resident but pay the provider directly.
The state’s Medicaid Long-Term Care and Assistive Care Services programs can help eligible seniors pay for services at assisted living facilities, but the plans don’t cover room and board.
Betsy Wells, Community Outreach and Senior Advocate, (833) 229-0799