10 Best Nursing Homes in Miami, FL
Miami, Florida, is swanky, sunny, and thriving. The city’s South Florida tropical climate has appealed to seniors for decades. In fact, 17% of Miami-Dade County’s residents are over age 65. Because it’s a large city, Miami has a host of senior living options to consider, including assisted living, memory care, and nursing homes. The term nursing home is sometimes used as a catch-all for assisted living and memory care services. However, nursing homes or skilled nursing facilities are highly-specialized institutions that cater to seniors with more severe medical needs. If your loved one needs 24-hour medical supervision, rehabilitative care, or hospice, a nursing home may be the right option.
While A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with nursing homes, we do partner with assisted living and memory care facilities that offer some skilled nursing care services. These facilities are a good fit for seniors who don’t require 24-hour medical care, but may need short-term rehabilitative care after an illness, procedure, or injury. A Place for Mom’s partnering assisted living and memory care facilities in Miami provide compassionate personal care, meal preparation, and activities within a social and safe environment.
This guide includes everything you need to know about senior care facilities in Miami, Florida. Discover more about the cost of nursing homes, payment options, state and federal safety regulations, as well as lifestyle tips for seniors. Additionally, we provide an extensive overview of senior care facilities in Miami to give you a better understanding of senior living in the city.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Miami, FL
Staff are very friendly and competent. Housekeeping service is provided once per week (independent living). Communication is excellent with the family. Move in process was very smooth. Meals are good quality...
Our loved one is perfectly happy at Bay Oaks, everyone there is so friendly. She is really enjoying the meals and dining and we know she is being well taken care of.
Overall, the staff are respectful. The administration is very responsive and update me on my loved one's status, if necessary. The common areas are overall clean. From what my loved one tells me, the food is...
Staff is very helpful and friendly. [name removed[ is vegetarian and sometimes has problems with lack of food choices. We like it here but I hope costs do not go up.
I am currently a resident at The Watermark at Coral Gables and everything about my experience at this facility has been great. I love it here! I would recommend The Watermark at Coral Gables to others.
The staff is very caring and friendly to my aunt. She loves the food. It's great for a Latin resident, as the food and environment is very Latin. The place is always clean, and there is plenty of parking...
The Palace in Coral Gables is an excellent place to live. My mother has been there for five years. She just celebrated her 100th birthday and the Palace gave her a party that was the “best night of her...
I initially didn't consider the Floridean for my dad because of the subpar ratings on US News & World Report. However, after he lost his bed at a much higher rated facility -- University Plaza -- for being...
[Name removed], we checked out like 10 different places before we chose to put my mother in the Palace. I can't thank them enough for the care they provided to my mother. Everyone there knew her name and...
They have a good amount of activities there, there is always something going on. We were looking around a lot and we did not find anything bad at this place. This place has everything, they take care of a...
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My Mom has been there for a month and it’s been a blessing to have found them. The owner, management & staff are always available when needed. Overall, it’s a great team at Cutler Bay Village. They provide a...
I can't think of a better place to have my mother. Place very clean the staff is so caring, The administrator [name removed] is very professional and always there for any questions. Highly recommend Colonial...
After searching in other ALF's for a nice place for my mother I decided this is one of the best assisted living facilities in the area. Place is very clean, rooms are big with good lighting, food...
Everything is going well for my husband here at East Ridge we are very pleased with all the help they have been giving us. He in the memory care unit of the community and the staff here is just great and...
Our mother is 100 years old and has dementia. We (both daughters) work and were not longer able to care for her especially at night, so we had to find an ALF for mom. It was a very difficult decision to make...
Excellent care very happy with the facility great staff
Queria agradecer en nombre de mi familia a este centro por el cuidado que sumistraron a mi suegro [name removed].Ese cuidado que le sumistro el mismo fue un antes y un despues para el.En especial un...
My Mother has been in this facility for the past month and me and my sisters couldn’t be any happier the place is Clean the Staff is on point treatment of the patient’s is Extremely professional no Hypocrite...
My aunt was very happy here the final years of her life! My family had to make a very difficult decision because we could not provide for her the attention she deserved, and she could no longer live alone....
It is good. The lady was extremely clean, and the food was really, really good. The place had a big yard. If your relative can walk, having a place with a big yard with beautiful trees and a large patio to...
The facilities are brand new and very modern. The assisted living facility rooms are larger and more spacious than other older ALFs. Based on the experience we have had so far, we would recommend this...
I enjoyed my stay at the Pinecrest Rehab Center In the spring of 2023. I had suffered a broken hip and arm from a fall, and was there to learn to walk again. The buildings and grounds are pleasantly laid...
Epworth Village is very clean and the staff is very friendly. Even the food is tasty, all of the soups are very tasty. I join my mother for lunch in their dining room a few days a week. I wish there were...
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Miami
- The cost of nursing homes in the Miami area
- How to pay for a nursing home in Miami
- Florida’s laws and regulations for nursing homes
- Get to know senior living in Miami
- Miami: A senior-friendly tropical paradise
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Miami? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about nursing homes in Miami
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Miami
Courtyard Plaza ALF in North Miami, FL
Cutler Bay Village in Miami, FL
Artis Senior Living of Davie
The cost of nursing homes in the Miami area
Nursing homes are typically the most expensive senior care facility, because they require a higher level of staff training, medical equipment, and round-the-clock supervision. Miami’s nursing homes are no different. Because Florida has some of the strictest staffing requirements in the nation, the cost of nursing homes in the state is higher than most others. The average cost is $9,290 a month for a semi-private room, and $11,231 a month for a private room.[03] This monthly nursing home fee typically includes the following:
- A private or semi-private room
- Housekeeping and utilities
- Meals and snacks
- All medical and therapeutic care services
- Some social activities and entertainment
Other benefits, such as transportation or amenities, may have an additional cost.
The cost of assisted living and memory care facilities in Miami
Both assisted living and memory care facilities in Miami come at a more affordable price point compared to nursing homes, with costs averaging around $5,819 and $5,699 respectively.[02] If neither you nor your loved one requires the medically intensive care offered in a nursing home, you might find assisted living or memory care to be better options. The monthly fee for assisted living and memory care facilities typically includes the following:
- A suite or apartment
- Maintenance and extermination services
- Housekeeping and utilities
- Meals and snacks
- Personal care, including grooming, bathing, and mobility assistance
- Medication management
- Daily social and physical activities
Some communities may have an additional fee for using amenities, such as the pool or gym.
Cost of living in Miami
Miami is undeniably expensive. In comparison to the rest of the United States, Miami’s cost of living is 21% higher.[04] Seniors looking to make the most of their finances might want to explore more budget-friendly metropolitan areas in Florida, such as Tampa or Jacksonville.
However, Florida does provide some financial benefits to seniors. The state doesn’t impose taxes on income, retirement savings, or Social Security. Additionally, Florida has no inheritance or estate tax. Although these advantages may not completely offset the cost of living in Miami, they do make the beautiful city more financially accessible to some seniors.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Miami, FL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Miami, FL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Miami vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Miami, FL by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Miami over time
How to pay for a nursing home in Miami
Most seniors and families try to cover as much as possible of their nursing homes fees using public funds, such as veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare. In some cases, these public funds can cover the majority or all of a nursing home stay.
However, the cost of assisted living and memory care facilities are most often covered by a combination of public funds and private savings. Most seniors can expect to pay for most of their assisted living or memory care expenses out of pocket.
In this section, we’ll cover how to pay for senior care, including nursing homes, using a variety of public funds and private methods.
Private savings for senior care are often accrued over a lifetime. Retirement accounts are the most common savings method, but certainly not the only one. Social Security benefits, real estate, and investment returns may all be invaluable when planning for senior care. You can explore these methods and more through the following articles:
Number of veterans who live in Miami
About 53% of Miami veterans are over the age of 55.
Florida is a preferred destination for retired veterans and ranks as the state with the third-largest veteran population in the United States. Veterans in Miami can access support through comprehensive and well-established veterans programs, including the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs.
How to use veterans benefits to pay for a nursing home or senior care communities
Veterans benefits may cover some skilled nursing care costs and some assisted living or memory care facility costs. Veterans benefits are processed and granted through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
The VA provides various types of benefits, and one of the most generous is the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be especially beneficial for senior veterans with disabilities. This benefit is monthly income added to an existing Veterans Pension. Veterans can use their Aid and Attendance benefit to pay for anything that improves their quality of life, such as care in a nursing home or an assisted living facility.
How to qualify for veterans benefits
Eligibility for any veterans benefit is often based on specific criteria. For instance, most benefits for veterans with disabilities require that the disability is related to the veteran’s time in active service. We recommend that you reach out to a veterans benefits counselor to help you and your family navigate the application process because of the complexity of veterans benefits.
Local veterans service organizations (VSOs) are a great place to find veterans benefits counselors. VSOs are nonprofits vetted by the VA whose purpose is to help veterans or their loved ones get the most benefits possible. Some VSOs may also provide support in appealing denied claims.
Veterans benefits counseling in Miami
The following benefits counselors offer their services to all veterans in Florida. They can assist you in determining the benefits for which you qualify, guide you through the application process, and may support you in appealing denied benefits. Contact the following experts in Miami for personalized assistance:
- The Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs (FDVA). The FDVA offers professional and compassionate veterans benefits to local veterans and their loved ones. Counselors are employed through the department, and offer virtual benefits counseling. All veterans counseling services through the department come at no cost to veterans or their families. Call 727-319-7408 to request your initial virtual appointment.
- Miami-Dade County Veterans Services Program. Miami-Dade County offers benefits counseling to veterans and their families living in Miami and the surrounding areas. The county partners with the Community Action and Human Services Department to offer this service. Veterans benefits counseling through this program are free to veterans and their loved ones. You can find a list of local Veterans Service Centers in Miami-Dade County through the VA website or by calling 305-756-2830.
- Veterans of Foreign Wars – Miami. The Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) is a national organization that sponsors local chapters. Local Miami chapters of the VFW offer personalized benefits counseling, in addition to community service events, and social support. You can sign up for benefits counseling at your local VFW post or review the VFW Membership: At a Glance Brochure.
Resources for Miami veterans
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., #214
Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 727-319-7440
Email: VSO@fdva.state.fl.us
Medicaid is a joint state and federal program that offers health insurance to people who may not otherwise be able to afford it. Each state has their own program, and in Florida, it’s called Florida Medicaid.
Florida Medicaid may cover some or all of your senior care costs, including nursing home care and assisted living facility fees. The Medicaid coverage you receive depends on your income level and health care needs. Seniors enrolled in Florida’s Medicaid program can choose between two plans:
- Managed Medical Care (MMA) plan. The MMA plan functions like all other health insurance plans by covering basic medical services and preventative care. It covers your regular physician appointments, visits from specialists, some procedures, and necessary medications. The MMA plan may cover some of the health care received at a nursing home, but it won’t cover rent, meals, or personal care. The MMA plan is not intended for people who need nursing home-level care.
- Statewide Managed Medical Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) plan. The SMMC LTC is intended for people who require a nursing home-level of care. If you or your loved one is trying to pay for as much of their assisted living, memory care, or nursing home care with Medicaid, you should enroll in the SMMC LTC plan. It covers the same services as the MMA plan, as well as the full cost of care in Florida Medicaid-approved nursing homes.
Paying for assisted living or memory care with Medicaid
The SMMC LTC plan covers the full cost of care in Medicaid-approved nursing homes. Some assisted living or memory care facilities have skilled nursing wings that may be Medicaid-approved. If you or your loved one is receiving care in one of these skilled nursing wings, the SMMC LTC plan should cover the full cost of care, including rent, meals, health care services, and personal care.
It’s possible to receive the full SMMC LTC benefits while receiving assisted living or memory care services, but there is typically a waitlist. To ensure Florida Medicaid covers most or all of the assisted living or memory care expenses for you or your loved one, consult with an elder law attorney who is familiar with Florida Medicaid.
Eligibility for Florida Medicaid
You should apply for the SMMC LTC plan even if you’re unsure about your eligibility because it’s a generous program. Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for Florida Medicaid:
- Be a Florida resident
- Be 65 years or older
- Be without health insurance
- Be low-income (income limits change annually)
To qualify for the SMMC LTC plan, seniors must meet all of the criteria for the MMA plan and be in need of a nursing facility level of care. This qualification is determined through the Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) program.
How to get help applying for Florida Medicaid
Check out the resources below if you need help applying for Florida Medicaid. These programs can help you apply for both of Florida Medicaid’s programs.
- Area Agency on Aging. In Miami, the Area Agency on Aging is called the Alliance for Aging, Inc. local Miami organization is dedicated to helping seniors by simplifying their daily lives. They offer benefits counseling for Medicaid, and connect seniors to meal services, recreation, and transportation options.
- Department of Elder Affairs for the State of Florida. This state department offers professional Medicaid benefits counseling through their phone service. Call 1-800-963-5337 to connect with a counselor at no cost to you or your family.
- SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders). SHINE is a national program that helps seniors and their families understand their benefits. Counselors can help seniors and their loved ones identify the right benefits. Counselors can also walk with seniors as they go through the application process.
- The Florida long-term care ombudsman. You can contact the ombudsman if you have complaints about your Florida Medicaid coverage. They may help solve your problem or direct you toward someone who can.
Miami Medicaid resources
Medicare is a federal health insurance program specifically for people over 65. Medicare will cover the costs of a nursing home or skilled nursing facility on a limited basis. While Medicare won’t cover the full cost of a long-term care facility, it will cover up to 20 days in a skilled nursing facility. Seniors typically reside in skilled nursing facilities for short periods of time to recover from a procedure or illness.
In these cases, Medicare will cover the full cost of that stay, including rent, meals, therapeutic services, and medical care. After the 20 days, Medicare will cover a portion of the cost at a declining rate. Some seniors may need to pay a portion of the cost, depending on their income. This contribution is known as Share of Cost and is assessed on an individual basis.
Medicare coverage for assisted living or memory care
Medicare doesn’t typically cover the expenses associated with assisted living or memory care. However, if you or a loved one resides in a senior care facility and require medical care during that time, Medicare may cover the medical services. It’s important to note that Medicare does not cover costs related to rent, meals, or non-medical personal care.
Medicare eligibility for seniors
Americans who paid their Medicare taxes are eligible for Medicare coverage. There is no income limit for Medicare eligibility. Seniors with lower incomes, however, may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs. In these cases, a senior should make below a certain income limit. Medicare Savings Programs allow low-income seniors to remove or lower their Share of Cost.
Benefits counseling for Medicare beneficiaries
The need for Medicare coverage often takes seniors by surprise when they find themselves in an emergency health situation. If you need help applying for Medicare, or simply need a professional to confirm that you’re doing it right, consider speaking with a Medicare benefits counselor. The Florida Department of Health and the Department of Elder Affairs offer Medicare benefits counseling to seniors at no cost. You can contact these counselors through the department’s websites to learn more.
Miami Medicare resources
Florida’s laws and regulations for nursing homes
Florida holds a top position nationally for the quality of its nursing homes. In 2018, the Kaiser Family Foundation reported that Florida is one of only five states that exceeds the federally required number of nurses on staff at all of the state’s nursing homes. Florida also has strict state mandates for nursing homes.
The Sunshine State mandates more hours of care per senior each day than any other state. As a result, Floridian seniors experience less falls, fewer hospitalizations, and are less likely to be given antipsychotics compared to other states. The high level of care translates to a higher cost. Nursing homes in Florida — especially in Miami — are among the most expensive in the nation.
State regulations for nursing homes in Miami
The Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) regulates and licenses Floridian nursing homes. Every 15 months, the AHCA makes an unannounced visit to each nursing home and publishes a public report card, which you can find online at FloridaHealthFinder.gov. The Agency mandates that nursing homes follow these regulations:
- Facilities must maintain health, safety, and building codes.
- Nursing homes must guard the residents’ rights to private, personal decision-making, communication, and dignity.
- Nursing homes must allow residents to choose their own physical and health care services.
- Caregivers must provide each resident at least 3.6 hours of care per day, on average over two-week periods.
- At least two of these hours must be from a nursing assistant, and one must be from a licensed nurse.
Federal regulations for nursing homes in Miami
Since skilled nursing services can be covered by federal programs, such as Medicaid or Medicare, the federal government also regulates nursing homes. Similarly to the state, the federal government inspects nursing homes and publishes a public report card on facilities, which can be found using the Medicare provider search tool. The federal government ensures that nursing homes meet the following criteria:
- Nursing homes should provide residents a high quality of life.
- Nursing homes must create a care plan for each resident.
- Nursing homes must give equal access to high-quality care to all residents.
A full list of requirements for nursing homes can be found via the Code of Federal Regulations.
Regulations for other assisted living or memory care facilities
The AHCA regulates all senior care facilities, including assisted living and memory care facilities. To maintain their licenses, these facilities must comply with specific criteria including:
- Senior care facilities that are not nursing homes can only accept seniors who don’t need 24-hour medical services.
- Facilities should be kept up-to-date on safety and health codes.
- Families or guardians must be contacted at least once every 30 days.
- Employees should receive a background check.
- Administrators should complete at least 26 hours of initial training and 12 additional hours of education every two years.
- Caregiving staff must complete senior care training within a month of their hire date.
Florida Department of Health contact information
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456
Bureau of Health Facility Regulation
COVID-19 regulations for Miami nursing homes
Florida has no enforced masking, quarantining, or vaccination requirements for senior living staff or residents. However, individual assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing facilities can ask visitors, residents, and staff to mask. Miami-Dade County provides free COVID-19 testing and vaccinations for all county residents. The county also published updated case numbers on the Coronavirus (COVID-19) website.
Visitors are allowed and encouraged at any time in all senior care facilities in Florida, regardless of vaccination status.
Vaccinations. Miami-Dade County offers free vaccinations to all residents in the county.
Facility cleanliness. All nursing homes and other senior care facilities must keep facilities hygienic to maintain their licenses.
CDC guidelines. Local senior care facilities follow federal COVID-19 guidance.
Get to know senior living in Miami
Miami: A senior-friendly tropical paradise
Miami is a tropical paradise, and seniors are among one of the most populous groups within the city. A deep appreciation for the Latin culture, warm weather, and stylish lifestyle unites Miami’s seniors, and this love shows no signs of slowing down. A higher cost of living accompanies Miami’s swanky reputation, but it still maintains a variety of senior living options.
Nursing homes in Miami provide skilled nursing and medical care for seniors who either need short-term rehabilitation or continuous care for the rest of their lives. If you or your loved one need this type of care, it’s important to note that A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with traditional nursing homes. However, skilled nursing care is not limited to traditional nursing homes, and is now frequently offered as a separate wing within many partnering assisted living and memory care facilities in Miami.
Nursing homes in Miami
Skilled nursing services in Miami are usually provided in two distinct settings: traditional nursing homes or as a dedicated wing within other senior living facilities. Traditional nursing homes are the best option for seniors who require continuous medical care for the rest of their lives. These are often funded by Medicaid, and are some of the best in the nation. Florida consistently earns top rankings for prioritizing seniors’ health in its nursing homes. The state takes pride in its reputation for implementing some of the strictest staff and safety standards across the nation.
For seniors who simply need a place to recover after a procedure or an illness, skilled nursing wings within assisted living or memory care facilities are designed to provide just that. Stays at these facilities are generally one to four weeks long. Seniors who currently reside in the facility’s assisted living or memory care wings experience a comforting sense of familiarity. Additionally, they avoid extended travel between their skilled nursing facility and their primary residence.
Assisted living and memory care in Miami
If you or your loved one don’t require extensive medical care, but could use extra help with day-to-day activities, consider assisted living or memory care. Miami’s assisted living facilities range from homey to extravagant. While Miami has a luxurious reputation, around 60% of Miami’s assisted living facilities are more affordable board and care homes.[02] These facilities are in residential homes, and typically have between three and 10 residents.
In board and care homes, the caregivers live with the residents and foster a family-oriented environment. Meals are enjoyed at the dining room table, games are played in the living room, and afternoons are spent on back patios. These communities typically cost around half as much as other assisted living facilities in Miami. Many board and care homes also offer memory care services in addition to assisted living.
The remaining 40% of assisted living facilities in Miami live up to Miami’s opulent reputation. These are typically multi-care facilities, with independent living, assisted living, and memory care all under one roof. Amenities such as pools, spas, beauticians, movie theaters, multiple formal dining rooms, and concierge services are often available. Plus, these facilities tend to employ fitness and wellness coaches, and have a wide range of daily social, physical, and artistic activities to choose from.
All assisted living and memory care facilities in Miami provide personalized and compassionate care to seniors. Both residential care homes and large senior care complexes are licensed in the same way and provide essential care to residents.
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Unfamiliar with Miami? Highlights for seniors
Health care for seniors in Miami
Miami is home to some of the best health care providers in the world. Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital and the University of Miami Hospital and Clinic are two exceptional options for seniors needing medical care.
Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital
The Cleveland Clinic provides a wide range of services across specialties, such as geriatrics, general surgery, and cardiology. The physicians at the Cleveland Clinic Weston Hospital develop exciting new medical advancements in blood and marrow transplants. This hospital also accepts most insurance policies.
1950 Cleveland Clinic Blvd.
Weston, FL 33331
Phone: 954-659-5000
University of Miami Hospital and Clinics
The University of Miami Hospital and Clinics is a teaching hospital known for developing the best and brightest new physicians. Many of its programs are the top in the nation, including internal medicine, ophthalmology, and general surgery. Additionally, the hospital provides care across most specialties and accepts most insurance policies.
1400 NW 12th Ave.
Miami, FL 33136
Phone: 305-325-5511
The Mount Sinai Medical Center is another local teaching hospital, but it serves both Miami and Fort Lauderdale residents. This medical center has the only Ivy-League-backed cancer center in South Florida through a partnership with Columbia University. The hospital offers care within most specialties and has an emergency department. It also accepts most health insurance policies.
4300 Alton Road
Miami Beach, FL 33140
Phone: 305-674-2121
Transportation for seniors in Miami
Miami has plenty of affordable and accessible transportation options for seniors. However, seniors in Miami’s nursing homes shouldn’t travel alone through the city. Thankfully, about 60% of Miami’s assisted living and memory care facilities offer transportation for an additional cost.
In Miami, seniors and their families often rely on their vehicles to travel around the city. Keep in mind that traffic in Miami can be challenging, so plan ahead for longer journeys. While Miami is a driving town, seniors can get almost anywhere without a car thanks to Miami-Dade’s public transportation. A few options include the Metrorail, Metromover, and Metrobus for car-free travel. Taxis, ride-sharing services, and downtown trolleys are also easily accessible downtown.
Miami Golden Passport EASY Card
Any resident in Miami-Dade county aged 65 or older can ride all public transportation for free using their Golden Passport EASY Card. Seniors can apply for their card by calling 311 or by going to the nearest Miami-Dade Transit Golden Passport Office.
Ease of getting around
Walk Score rates cities on their bike friendliness, public transportation options, and bikeability. Walk Score gave Miami the following scores, each out of 100:[07]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Activities for seniors in Miami
Miami is an exciting tropical paradise for seniors and their families to explore. However, most seniors living in Miami’s senior care facilities won’t need to leave their community to find something fun to do. Miami’s senior care facilities pride themselves on offering a wide range of daily activities and amenities. Assisted living facilities tend to host an array of daily happy hours, physical fitness classes, game nights, visiting performances, and other lively events or activities.
Many assisted living facilities allow residents to form their own clubs based on personal interests, such as birding, rock ‘n’ roll, and chess. In memory care, these facilities customize their activities to focus on reminiscence games, therapies, and building social connections.
Family members and friends of residents are also encouraged to take their loved ones on outings throughout the area. As a tourist hot spot, Miami has no shortage of versatile activities that are senior-friendly and accessible to a wide range of mobility levels. For example, almost all of the following recommendations are wheelchair-friendly or easy to navigate.
Miami’s Golden Ticket for seniors
- Golden Ticket Arts Guide. All seniors over the age of 62 can get a Golden Ticket through the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs. This ticket gives seniors free access to county events, such as concerts, performances, movie-screenings, and art exhibitions. You can register and find schedules on the department website or by calling 305-499-8755. Accompanying family members or friends may not get free admission to these events, but are encouraged to join their loved one in their adventures. Consider using the Golden Passport for transportation to and from events.
Senior-friendly outdoor activities in Miami
- Sunny Isles Beach. Miami is synonymous with white sand beaches, colorful umbrellas, and aquatic activities. One of the best beaches for seniors is Sunny Isles Beach. It’s easily accessible, and is located between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. It’s also known for being especially peaceful. Enjoy a quiet afternoon on the beach and then try one of the excellent restaurants nearby. Like most beaches in Miami-Dade County, Sunny Isles offers beach wheelchairs at 10 different lifeguard stations. You can enjoy the beach from sunrise to sunset, and can call 305-792-1940 for current beach conditions.
- Crandon Park Beach. Crandon Park Beach is an excellent option for seniors traveling with younger family members or friends. This quiet beach offers 27 tennis courts, a golf course, shower cabanas, and several walking and hiking paths. Crandon Park also includes nature exhibitions, guided tours, expert presentations about the local plants and animals, and a gift shop. Family members or friends may enjoy hiking through the native Hammock Groves. The beach is wheelchair accessible and has beach wheelchairs available in some parts of the park.
- The Everglades. Just a 90-minute drive from Miami’s city center, Everglades National Park is a surprisingly accessible day trip for adventurous seniors. You can explore most of the park using airboats, but it’s advisable to book them in advance. Please note that airboats typically move at a fast pace, so they may not be suitable for those who are prone to seasickness or vertigo. While visiting, seniors can have a great time at the Royal Palm Visitor Center, where park rangers are available to offer the best trip guidance.
Senior-friendly cultural activities in Miami
- Little Havana. Miami is famous for its strong Cuban culture, and Little Havana is the epicenter of the city’s Latin scene. Little Havana is located on Calle Ocho, or Southwest Eighth St. It’s home to Latin restaurants, art galleries, cigar workshops, and live music establishments. The best way for seniors to experience Little Havana is through a bus tour. These can be found on the Little Havana website, and typically include food tastings and visits to musical establishments, cigar workshops, and Memorial Boulevard.
- Vizcaya Museum and Gardens. Businessman James Deering constructed his renowned home, inspired by Italian Renaissance architecture and Venetian palaces. Today, the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens — housing an impressive collection of Renaissance art — stands as a prominent attraction in Miami for visitors to enjoy. Be sure to spend time in the gardens, as they display native hammock groves and a bounty of exotic flowers. Visits cost about $15, but seniors with the Golden Ticket can get in for free on Mondays and Wednesdays. The museum is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but is closed on Tuesdays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seaside at Hallandale Beach Senior Living, The Peninsula Assisted Living and Memory Care and Arbor Terrace Cooper City are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Miami, FL. These Nursing Homes facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Nursing Homes in Miami is $3,772 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Miami city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Genworth. (2021). Cost of Care Survey.
Rentcafe.com. (2022). Miami, FL rental market trends.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Miami city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2023). Mean income in the past 12 months (S1902): Miami city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. (2023). Miami, Florida.
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- Miami Shores, Florida