10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Sarasota, FL
Standards are high for assisted living facilities in Sarasota, and it shows. Seniors and their families can expect exceptional care and a sense of fun from their Sarasota assisted living facility. Not to mention a range of activities, amenities, and beach trips.
This guide has everything you need to know about A Place for Mom’s partner assisted living communities in Sarasota. You’ll learn what living in these communities is like, how much your loved one can expect to pay, and rules and regulations for facilities. We also include information about transportation, health care, and senior-friendly activities in the Sarasota area.
Sarasota Assisted Living Facilities | 1349 Reviews
My mother was placed here over a year ago and we couldn't be happier. The staff is always supportive and helpful and it has been a while since I've seen my mom so comfortable. Glad we made the move!
Brookdale Sarasota Midtown has done a remarkable job taking care of my mom. They call their program Crossings and really have a top notch team. I appreciate the good communication and care. It’s not the...
We had to move my 92 year old mother into Heron House as caring for her became just too much for me and my family as much as we tried to keep her at home. It was one of the hardest decisions my family and I...
Staff is very accommodating, [name removed] went out to the rehabilitation facility to see her and check on her, as of yesterday she had moved to Georgia with her daughter, she is declining rapidly and the...
They have recently gone through some changes but I'm happy to say they are all for the better. They currently have a very caring staff. Now they just need more residents! My mother is 100, and says her...
The staff paid personal attention to each resident which was very much appreciated. My Dad was a Navy vet and he said before he moved in that he liked just about any food because of his years on board ships....
Overall we were pleased with the care that my mother received here. I gave numbers 3 and 4 lower due to the constant turnover of staff and lack of training. The facility is clean, never has an odor. Good...
Mom has been there for 3 months and so far so good. Plenty of trips and activities available. Staff is friendly and helpful. Her room is cleaned twice weekly. I have switched her to the Dr on staff there...
Great move in experience. The process went smoothly. The food is excellent and many choices. Am enjoying all the activities and live music. Have met a couple of guys and having fun hanging out in the...
Ever since my father moved in he has never been happier. He is thriving and getting the care he needs. All the staff are very friendly and supportive. They take the time to get to know your loved one and...
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Ever changing constant renovation period management is eager to please, as with all 55 plus communities food is mediocre but descent. I can see that Windsor of Lakewood Ranch attempts to provide balance...
The stairways aren't very attractive, the elevators could get cleaned more frequently. Most of the meals are very good. There are not a lot of activities in house. They have outings two days per week, plus...
The move in was riddled with issues. The unit was to be ready by mid-Dec. It was not and Grandma planned to move in mid-late January. Still not ready by early January. Grandma had health issues and that...
Deer Creek has been very responsive to my uncle's needs and any requests that we have made. They have really tried hard to protect his dignity and genuinely seem to care about him. I chose Deer Creek...
Needed to find a safe caring facility for our mother, and after reviewing several facilities decided that Windsor was a perfect fit. She enjoys lots of activities and social interaction every day. Staff is...
Based on the experience we have had so far, we have to say that we all have been treated with kindness and respect. We would recommend Brookdale Palmer Ranch community to other families who are looking for a...
Head of Facility [name removed] is very responsive, attentive and on top of the residents needs; nursing staff truly cares about the residents and providing the best possible care. They could have more...
I'm glad I chose Arden Courts for him. Because he was quiet and seemingly content, I think he was overlooked at times. Not mistreated just overlooked. Especially Sunday evenings when AC was extremely...
We absolutely would recommend the facility and we actually have already! The move in process was very easy! Communication is AMAZING! Housekeeping is great. The food is okay, but part of that is just because...
We love the staff, they're very friendly. The nice residents have also helped her to adapt. The food is not that great. Hate to say that, but for what people pay in any of these facilities, dining should...
They were very supportive, even before we signed a lease, to help with the hospital and rehab forms. The move in process was seamless, very adaptable to my timing, and very friendly about letting me have the...
Its hard to get a hold of someone in memory care to ask questions or take care of my mom. Also, we just moved in a couple months ago and all of a sudden the rent went up [fee removed] per month which is not...
They are very friendly and they always remember my loved on when she goes for her respite stays. I would recommend them to friends and family. I'm very satisfied with this caring and friendly facility.
My first impression as I looked at the bright and open apartment was that I could make this my home and enjoy living here. My first impression was right. I live in an Assisted Living facility that is rated...
My father died in 2017, but my mother continues to live at the Fountains, now over 15 years. She moved to the Assisted Living residence in 2021. Overall, this has been a great place for both of them. They...
- What families are saying about assisted living in Sarasota
- Costs of assisted living in the Sarasota area
- How people pay for assisted living in Sarasota
- Sarasota laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- Get to know assisted living in Sarasota
- What assisted living is like in Sarasota
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Seniors’ guide to the city of Sarasota
What families are saying about assisted living in Sarasota
Recent reviews for assisted living in Sarasota
Westminster Point Pleasant in Bradenton, FL
Venice Green Village
Morningside House of Sarasota
Costs of assisted living in the Sarasota area
Assisted living in Sarasota costs an average of $4,600 a month, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This total monthly sum includes more than just a room and meals. It also includes general caregiving services, like assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs). Additional care fees tend to fluctuate as care needs change. The above amount that families paid for assisted living each month includes the following:
- Rent for a private or shared room
- Three meals a day plus snacks
- Personal care services, like ADL assistance
- Housekeeping and maintenance
- Amenities, such as access to a gym, game room, movie room, business center, etc.
- Wellness classes and daily activities
Florida cost of living
Florida is an affordable state, especially compared to states along the East Coast and in the West. Florida doesn’t have an income tax, including on Social Security benefits and pensions. It also doesn’t have an estate or inheritance tax. These tax breaks can help offset some of the higher costs of living in Sarasota.
Sarasota compared to nearby neighborhoods
The figures in the chart below reflect the average starting costs of assisted living in Sarasota’s neighboring areas. It’s best read as a comparison of the baseline cost of assisted living in Sarasota versus neighboring cities.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Sarasota, FL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Sarasota, FL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Sarasota vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Sarasota, FL by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in Sarasota over time
How people pay for assisted living in Sarasota
Seniors and their families have several options available when it comes to paying for assisted living. In many cases, seniors will start with their own savings and assets before looking into public resources. However, your loved one can use a combination of payment methods such as private pay, veterans benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare, depending on what they qualify for.
Retirement accounts are one of the most common and widely used methods to pay for assisted living. However, these are not the only ways to use your private funds. Learn how to use other assets to pay for assisted living. The following articles explain each payment method in detail.
Number of veterans who live in Sarasota
About 57% of veterans in Sarasota are 65+.
Senior veterans can expect to find a wide and welcoming community in Sarasota, Florida. Many seniors may be able to use veterans benefits to help cover the cost of assisted living. The most generous is the Aid and Attendance benefit, which can be added to an existing VA Pension. These additional monthly funds can be used for anything that improves the veteran’s quality of life, including any associated senior living costs.
Veterans benefit counseling in Sarasota
There’s a wide range of benefits that seniors can apply for. However, the application process can be long and confusing, especially with different requirements for each benefit. Because of this, it’s best to talk to a certified benefits counselor who can look closely at your loved one’s case and help them apply for the right benefits. Counselors can also help with appeals, if necessary.
Sarasota has many organizations dedicated to helping veterans thrive. The Sarasota County Department for Veterans Services is an excellent starting point for veterans interested in applying for benefits. It provides access to the forms and resources needed to apply for veterans or survivors benefits. The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs, though located in St. Petersburg, offers virtual benefits counseling for anyone in the state.
Additional benefit counseling is available through Sarasota’s local veterans service organizations (VSOs). These organizations are vetted by the VA and help with advocacy, benefits counseling, and the application process. Seniors in Sarasota can work with a number of VSOs, including the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), and the American Legion. Find their local contact information below.
Resources for Sarasota veterans
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., #214
St. Petersburg, FL 33708
Phone: 727-316-7440
Email: vso@fdva.state.fl.us
Sarasota County Department for Veterans Services
2200 Ringling Blvd., Suite 125
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-861-3024
Email: veterans@scgov.net
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 3233
124 S. Tuttle Ave.
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-365-1918
Disabled American Veterans Chapter 97
7177 Bee Ridge Road
Sarasota, FL 34241
Phone: 727-319-7444
American Legion Florida Post 312
1610 67th Ave. East
Sarasota, FL 34243
Phone: 941-758-6616
Email: ccobb312@gmail.com
Meetings: 1st Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Medicaid is a federal health insurance program for low-income adults and people with disabilities that is administered by the state. Each state runs their Medicaid program a bit differently. Florida Medicaid may cover some of the costs associated with assisted living. Run by the Agency for Health Care Administration, Florida Medicaid offers two different plans:
- Managed Medical Assistance (MMA) plan. The MMA plan is Florida’s general Medicaid plan. It functions like other health insurance plans and covers doctor’s visits, prescriptions, and some procedures. The MMA plan will not cover any amount of time or care in a long-term care facility, such as an assisted living facility.
- Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) plan. The SMMC LTC plan is for people who need long-term care. This plan covers more services than the MMA plan.
Covered services under the SMMC LTC plan
Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan covers the same health care services as the MMA plan, as well as personal care services. In general, the SMMC LTC plan covers the following additional services:
- Personal care and assistance with activities of daily living
- Medication management
- Therapy, including occupational, physical, and respiratory
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
The SMMC LTC plan may cover rent and meals
Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan guarantees coverage for rent and meals for eligible seniors already residing in Medicaid-approved nursing homes in Florida. In Florida, any facility that provides skilled nursing care is considered a nursing home. Some assisted living facilities fall under this category and may be Medicaid-approved.
If your loved one doesn’t yet live in a Medicaid-approved nursing home, or you are unsure if they qualify, you may want to speak with an advisor at your loved one’s community or an eldercare attorney.
Eligibility for Florida Medicaid
To be eligible for Florida Medicaid, a senior should meet these criteria:
- Be a Florida resident
- Be without health insurance
- Be low-income
As of 2024, an individual can make no more than $19,392 a year, and a couple can make no more than $26,228 a year.[03] These numbers may be adjusted annually for inflation.
Eligibility for the SMMC LTC plan
To be eligible for the SMMC LTC plan, a senior must meet the care requirements, which is typically done through the Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long-Term Care Services (CARES) program. If a senior needs an assisted living level of care, they’re generally eligible for the SMMC LTC plan.
You can schedule your free needs assessment by contacting your local Medicaid office.
Home and community based services waivers
Home and community based services (HCBS) waivers are part of Florida Medicaid’s SMMC LTC plan. Florida seniors may be eligible for an HCBS waiver to help cover the costs of in-home care, which may be provided in their assisted living community. Here’s what you need to know about HCBS waivers in Florida:
- HCBS waivers can help pay for home care services, like bathing, grooming, meal preparation, and mobility assistance.
- If you or your loved one is 65+ and is eligible for the SMMC LTC plan, you’re likely also eligible for HCBS waivers.
- You can choose your home care service while using an HCBS waiver.
Help to apply for Florida Medicaid
Seniors or their families living in Sarasota, Florida, can find Medicaid benefits counseling from a few different organizations, including the following:
- The Florida Department of Health — Sarasota County. The county employs human services counselors to help you apply for the right Florida Medicaid plan.
- The Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) program. SHINE is a free program run by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging. It offers benefits counseling for Medicaid and Medicare in Sarasota’s Senior Friendship Centers. Call 866-413-5337 to set up a benefits counseling appointment.
- The Florida long-term care ombudsman. All complaints about Medicaid or the application process can be directed towards the Florida long-term care ombudsman.
Sarasota resident Medicaid resources
Florida Department of Health
2200 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-861-2900
Email: DOHSarasotaInfo@FLHealth.gov
Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE)
Senior Friendship Center – Sarasota
1888 Brother Greenen Way
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 866-413-5337
Department of Elder Affairs for the State of Florida
Phone: 800-963-5337
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc.
2830 Winkler Ave., Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33816
Phone: 239-762-6900
Florida long-term care ombudsman
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 380
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-414-2323
Email: LTCOPInformer@elderaffairs.org
Medicare is a federally run health insurance program. Medicare covers some health care costs for seniors age 65 and older or people with disabilities. While Medicare won’t cover the cost of rent or meals at an assisted living facility in Sarasota, it can cover some health care procedures, medications, and other medically prescribed items.
Medicare covers short-term and medically necessary health care costs
Like most health insurance programs, Medicare only covers health care expenses. Short-term expenses, such as a few days in a rehabilitation facility, are typically covered. Recurring expenses, like dialysis or medications, are also often covered.
In order for Medicare to cover a procedure, medication, or item, a physician and Medicare need to establish that it’s medically necessary. You can get an idea of what’s usually covered by Medicare by going to the coverage portal on the Medicare website.
Sarasota pharmaceutical assistance programs
Sarasota seniors can apply for the state’s AIDS Drugs Assistance Program. To be eligible, seniors must have AIDS or HIV and lack prescription coverage. The program also has income limitations and won’t provide coverage for those living in a nursing home or hospital.
Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) in Sarasota
Seniors in Sarasota can get help to pay for their Medicare premiums through local Medicare Savings Programs. Requirements include income and resource limits, which will differ depending on which MSP a senior applies for. Sarasota offers the following MSP:
- Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB)
- Special Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB)
- Qualifying Individual (QI)
- Qualified disabled and working individuals (QDWI)
Sarasota also offers the Extra Help/Low-Income Subsidy, which pays for the cost of Medicare prescription drug coverage. This includes the copays, premiums, and deductibles for Part D coverage. Seniors will need to meet income and resource limits in order to qualify.
Medicare benefits counseling in Sarasota
If your loved one is struggling to apply for Medicare or understand their coverage, they can speak to a Medicare benefit counselor. The following organizations offer Medicare benefit counseling services at no cost to the senior:
- Florida Department of Health. Seniors can contact the Florida Department of Health directly to be paired with a benefit counselor.
- The Department of Elder Affairs. These counselors may be local to Sarasota. You can set up your appointment by calling the Department of Elder Affairs.
- Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE). Offered by the Department of Elder Affairs and the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, SHINE offers benefits counseling for Medicare. Seniors can find out which services and get answers to other questions.
Sarasota resident Medicare resource
Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE)
Senior Friendship Center – Sarasota
1888 Brother Greenen Way
Sarasota, FL 34236
Phone: 866-413-5337
2200 Ringling Blvd
Sarasota, FL 34237
Phone: 941-861-2900
Email: DOHSarasotaInfo@FLHealth.gov
Department of Elder Affairs for the State of Florida
Phone: 800-963-5337
Florida long-term care ombudsman
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 380
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-414-2323
Email: LTCOPInformer@elderaffairs.org
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida, Inc.
2830 Winkler Ave., Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33816
Phone: 239-762-6900
Sarasota laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
Sarasota assisted living facilities have high standards and offer compassionate care to their residents. All assisted living facilities in Florida are licensed and regulated by the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation.
The bureau offers a few different assisted living licenses. Small residential care homes receive an Adult Foster Care license, and assisted living facilities that offer skilled nursing receive an Extended Congregate Care license. Most traditional assisted living communities apply for the Assisted Living Facility license.
Florida assisted living regulations
According to the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation, all assisted living facilities in Florida should follow these standards to maintain their licensure:[04]
- Facilities must be kept in a clean and livable condition.
- Facilities must provide residents with nutritious daily meals.
- Facilities should allow residents to keep their personal belongings in their rooms.
- Facilities should allow spouses in the same facility to share a room.
- Facilities should contact families or guardians at least once every 30 days.
Employee requirements in Florida assisted living facilities
Employees in Florida need to first meet the following requirements before working in an assisted living facility:[05]
- All employees must pass a background check.
- Within 30 days of their employment, caregiving staff members should complete a one-hour training on senior care. Then, they must complete an additional three hours of training during their first seven months.
- Administrators should complete an initial 26 hours of training and 12 hours of continued training every two years.
Inspection results for Florida assisted living facilities
The Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation inspects all assisted living facilities at least every two years. Inspections are always unannounced, however, some low-risk facilities may be exempt from an inspection, especially if they have a good history of past inspections or are accredited through a reputable organization.[06]
Florida Department of Health contact information
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456
COVID-19 regulations for Sarasota assisted living facilities
Florida complies with recent legislation prohibiting any mandatory mask mandates outside of clinical necessity.
Residents of assisted living facilities in Sarasota are encouraged to receive visitors regularly. Visitors are allowed at any time, regardless of vaccination status, and can take their loved ones on outings and trips. You can find vaccination sites, testing centers, and local mandates on the Sarasota COVID-19 FAQ page.
Facility cleanliness. Frequently used areas are regularly disinfected.
Staff safety. Caregiving staff members are required to go through a 4-hour training course on senior care and disease mitigation.
Vaccination. All visitors are allowed in Florida assisted living communities regardless of vaccination status.
CDC guidelines. Sarasota assisted living communities follow CDC guidelines.
Masking. Assisted living facilities comply with legislation that prohibits mandatory masking.
Get to know assisted living in Sarasota
Number of people we referred to assisted living facilities in Sarasota in the last 12 months
Average age of residents we referred to assisted living facilities in Sarasota in the last 12 months
Gender split: 62% female
What assisted living is like in Sarasota
Standards are high for Sarasota’s assisted living communities. Considered one of the best places to retire in the world, Sarasota lives up to its reputation. Lush scenery, including the famous Siesta Key Beach, and a coastline that’s protected from coastal weather patterns are just a few of the reasons why Sarasota tops so many retirement wish lists. Discover what makes Sarasota so special, and learn about our local partnering assisted living communities.
Sarasota’s assisted living is world-class
Over 37% of the population in Sarasota is 65+, and its popularity among seniors is still growing. Assisted living communities in Sarasota have developed to meet this demand, and the competition for new residents has pushed local assisted living communities to excel.
Communities are uniformly spotless, combining familiar design touches with state-of-the-art security systems and amenities. Residents receive compassionate care from some of the best caregivers in Florida. In Sarasota, caregivers are there because they want to be.
Multi-care assisted living facilities in Sarasota
About half of Sarasota’s assisted living facilities provide at least one additional type of senior living. Memory care is the most common care type tied to assisted living in Sarasota, and memory care is also the fastest-growing care type in the area. Many assisted living communities are also partnered with independent living facilities, memory and skilled nursing units.
These facilities tend to be large and are evenly distributed throughout downtown Sarasota and neighboring suburbs. Most multi-care facilities in Sarasota were built between 20 and 30 years ago. Amenities such as yoga studios, bars, and game rooms are the norm. Almost all assisted living communities also include a pool, although the beach is nearby.
Daily living in Sarasota’s assisted living facilities
Residents can often choose to have their own room or share a room with a spouse or a roommate. Rooms range between about 220 square feet to over 1,000 square feet for a shared room. Restaurant-style dining is offered at almost every assisted living community, and communities enjoy offering chef-prepared meals using local produce and seafood.
Activity coordinators work to fill residents’ days with engaging and sociable pastimes. Outings to local cultural highlights and, of course, the beaches occur every week in most communities. Daily activities like gardening clubs, finance classes, fitness courses, and dances are also common.
Sarasota is a senior living paradise
Safe, quiet, and dynamic, Sarasota has a strong argument to be paradise on earth. With a population of about 54,764 people, Sarasota is just the right size for most seniors. Bright blue skies, crystal clear water, and a vibrant cultural scene keep Sarasota residents happy and fulfilled.
Assisted living in the surrounding Sarasota suburbs
Lakewood Ranch and Bradenton offer cost-effective senior living options within an hour of Sarasota. Lakewood Ranch is inland and attracts young professionals, families, and seniors. It’s a growing city, and the assisted living facilities tend to be newer and more affordable. It’s within a 25-minute drive of Sarasota.
Bradenton is just north of Sarasota and is booming with seniors who want to stay near the water. It’s only 15 miles away from Sarasota, but senior living costs are about $500 cheaper, on average, in Bradenton than they are in Sarasota.
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Seniors’ guide to the city of Sarasota
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Sarasota, Florida
Percentage of seniors 65 and older within Sarasota, Florida
Total population in Sarasota, Florida
Best hospitals for seniors in Sarasota
Sarasota has a strong network of health care professionals and hospitals to serve local seniors. Hospitals and health care providers are spread evenly throughout the city, which keeps health care accessible for seniors regardless of where they live.
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Sarasota Memorial Hospital has 895 beds, making it the largest public hospital in Sarasota. Operated by the Sarasota Memorial Health Care System, it offers care services within every specialty. Providers specialize in geriatrics and neurology, among other specialties. The hospital has its own Cancer Institute. The hospital system operates six different campuses across Southwest Florida, but the main campus is in Sarasota.
HCA Florida Blake Hospital
The HCA Florida Blake Hospital is an award-winning hospital specializing in acute care, including emergency medicine, burn care, strokes, heart health, trauma, and orthopedics. While technically in Bradenton, it serves all of Sarasota County.
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota
Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Sarasota is Sarasota County’s most well-known rehabilitation facility. Specializing in rehabilitation care for strokes, hip fractures, and spinal cord rehabilitation, Encompass also runs support groups for amputees, stroke and cardiac patients, and MS patients.
Transportation for seniors in Sarasota
Of our partnering assisted living communities in Sarasota, 93% offer complimentary transportation, so seniors won’t need to worry about finding their own way to get around. Visiting family members and friends should be aware that Sarasota is a driving city. While only 24 square miles, Sarasota does have traffic, especially during the winter months. Expect to spend some time in the car if you’re trying to get to the more popular areas, such as Siesta Key Beach.
Sarasota’s public transportation system is called Breeze (formerly known as The Sarasota County Transit System, or SCAT). Breeze offers bus transportation throughout Sarasota County. It also offers Breeze OnDemand, which is a pickup and drop-off service. Routes, fees, and instructions for how to sign up for OnDemand can be found on the Breeze website.
While Sarasota usually requires a car, it does have some walkable areas, including the Rosemary District and Gillespie Park. The scores below are based on how easy walking, biking, and taking public transportation is. Scores are based out of 100, with a higher number meaning an easier time using that kind of transportation. Sarasota received the following scores:[08]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Things to do in Sarasota for seniors and their families
Living in Sarasota comes with its own rewards. Seniors in Sarasota benefit from a community of engaged peers, and visiting family or friends can enjoy one of the top vacation spots in the world. While there’s not a bad time to visit Sarasota, it does get hot in the summer months. Peak season runs from about November to March.
Activities in Sarasota’s assisted living communities
Almost every partnering assisted living community in Sarasota employs an activities coordinator to plan daily classes, activities, games, and outings for the residents. Residents can also enjoy their community’s amenities at their leisure, like a pool, garden, or game room. Visiting musicians and lecture series often come through Sarasota assisted living communities, enriching the lives of the residents. Happy hours and holiday parties are also common in these communities.
Recharge at Siesta Key Beach
Siesta Key Beach is one of the best beaches in the world. Made up of almost 100% white-quartz sand, it stays cool on your feet on even the hottest of days. The clear water and expansive shallows are perfect for wading. It’s also large, so you can find your own patch of paradise. Siesta Key Beach is one of the few public beaches with lifeguards on duty. Seniors can also request sand wheelchairs at any of the lifeguard stations for no cost.
There are additional beach options in and around Sarasota. Lido Beach, Caspersen Beach, and Longboat Key Beach are popular favorites, and they also offer sand wheelchairs. Unlike most other cities on the Gulf Coast, Sarasota is typically protected from coastal storms.
Explore Sarasota’s circus past at The Ringling Museum
The Ringling Museum offers a deep dive into the long history of circus life in Sarasota. John Ringling — also known as the Circus King — built his fanciful Ca d’Zan mansion here, and it’s still open for tours today. The museum includes two distinct circus museums, the Bayfront Gardens, the State Art Museum of Florida, and the Asolo Theater. Budget at least one full day for The Ringling Museum, or buy a membership to visit for shorter times across a few days. Seniors get ticket discounts at the door.
Go birding at Celery Fields
The Sarasota Audubon Society recommends The Celery Fields as one of Sarasota County’s best birding destinations. The Celery Fields are the region’s primary stormwater collection zone, and Sarasota County has worked to restore more than 100 acres to traditional wetlands. It’s an ideal location for breeding birds and many can be seen from picnic areas scattered throughout the site. Seniors get an admissions discount.
Find Paul McCartney’s car at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum
Amble amongst antique and notable vehicles from history at the Sarasota Classic Car Museum. In its collection are Paul McCartney’s Mini Cooper and John Lennon’s Mercedes Benz. Besides its permanent collection, the museum also has traveling exhibitions, such as The Automotive Art of Ferdinand Porsche and Enzo Ferrari.
Explore the rest of Florida from Sarasota
Sarasota is within driving distance from some of Florida’s most celebrated attractions. Walt Disney World is an hour and a half away, and Everglades National Park is two and half hours south of Sarasota. Or, head to Tampa (one hour away) or Fort Myers (two hours away) for a day trip.
Local guides to Sarasota
Visit Sarasota is an excellent resource for up-to-date information about events and deals in Sarasota. Learn about weekly community events, farmers markets, and restaurant deals.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Windsor of Bradenton, Bayshore Guest Home and Gardens and Venice Green Village are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Sarasota, FL. These Assisted Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Assisted Living in Sarasota is $4,581 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2022). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran status (S2101): Sarasota city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Benefits.gov. Florida Medicaid.
Florida Legislature. The 2023 Florida Statutes (Including Special Session C). Chapter 429: Assisted Care Communities. Section 429.41: Rules Establishing Standards.
Florida Legislature. The 2023 Florida Statutes (Including Special Session C). Chapter 249: Assisted Care Communities. Section 429.52: Staff Training and Educational Requirements.
Florida Legislature. The 2023 Florida Statutes (Including Special Session C). Chapter 408: Health Care Administration.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and sex (S0101): Sarasota city [Data set]. American Community Survey.
Walk Score. Living in Sarasota.
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