Tampa is home to several nationally accredited senior centers. These centers offer a range of services for older adults, including social engagement and support groups.
The fear that moving into a retirement community will mean losing independence is unfounded. Most independent living communities offer other care types, like assisted and memory care, either through third-party providers or in a different wing of the facility.
Access to High-Quality Local Health Care Facilities
Tampa is a popular destination for retirees because of its sunny weather, beaches, golf, and top-rated medical facilities. The city has a BestPlaces Comfort Index score of 9.1 during the winter and is home to several nationally accredited senior centers as well as the Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute.
Independent living communities in Tampa provide residents with a comfortable, active lifestyle while ensuring their health and safety. Many offer meals, transportation, housekeeping, and other services for an additional fee. Independent living communities also usually have partnerships with nearby hospitals or healthcare providers for added peace of mind.
A local senior care advocate can help you find a Tampa independent living community that fits your needs and budget. Most of these communities have trained staff on hand around the clock to assist with daily tasks and will alert you if your loved one needs a higher level of care. This means you’ll have access to the quality healthcare that you need without having to leave your tampa senior independent living home.
The Myth of Losing Independence
Florida’s warm weather and reasonable taxes make it an appealing destination for retirees. Many senior independent living communities offer amenities and social activities that foster a carefree lifestyle while providing a level of security for those with limited mobility.
Residents can enjoy meals at a full-service restaurant and relax on screened porches and patios. They can also participate in fitness classes and educational lectures, or get pampered at the on-site salon and spa.
Many independent living communities in Tampa also provide housekeeping and transportation services, sometimes for an additional fee. These fees are typically not covered by Long Term Care Insurance, Veteran’s Aid and Attendance, or Medicare. However, retirement living in a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) may be covered by these organizations. CCRCs provide a range of care options starting with Independent Living and progressing to Assisted Living and Memory Care as needs change. This allows seniors to transition seamlessly from one level of care to another.
SMMC Long-Term Care
Florida’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care (SMMC LTC) waiver program provides home and community-based services to help seniors who require a nursing home level of care remain living in their own homes, the home of a family member, adult family care residence or assisted living residence. This can prevent or delay the need for institutionalization. The SMMC LTC Waiver program has certain income and resource limits and a waitlist for some programs and services may exist.
Those who are eligible to participate in the SMMC LTC program will have a choice of managed care companies offering a variety of different benefits. Many of these benefits, including personal care and home health services, can be consumer-directed. The SMMC LTC program also includes respite and adult day services. However, if a senior enrolls in the program, they must make sure that their preferred Assisted Living Facility (ALF) contracts with the SMMC LTC program. This can be done by visiting the AHCA website.
Resources for Seniors
Independent living communities are an ideal choice for older adults who don’t require daily assistance and want the freedom of a low-maintenance lifestyle. They offer amenities and social activities for all ages, along with housekeeping, meals and scheduled transportation. In some cases, they also offer concierge services and salon and spa services for an additional fee.
Visiting neighbors can be a lifesaver for seniors who do not have family in the area to help with chores and other day-to-day tasks. This volunteer-matched service can escort them to appointments, grocery shopping or simply visit with their friends.
Tampa’s humid subtropical climate and proximity to the Caribbean makes it a popular destination for retirees. Its residents are fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (NFL football), the Tampa Bay Lightning (NHL hockey) and the Tampa Bay Rays (MLB baseball). Several top-rated hospitals in the city include St. Joseph’s Hospital, Morton Plant Hospital and a center for lung and colon cancer surgery at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Research Center.