10 Best Assisted Living Facilities in Fort Myers, FL
Fort Myers is a vibrant Florida city situated between the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico, just north of Cape Coral. With long coastal drives, nature preserves, historic districts, shopping, and community centers galore, Fort Myers is a city built for a happy and restful retirement. Residents and visitors alike will never run out of things to do here.
There is a rich collection of assisted living properties to explore in Fort Myers. These facilities offer seniors a safe and comfortable place to live with the added security of extra care. Whether you or your loved one needs help with daily activities, extra support for a memory-related condition, or just the option of having more help should it be needed, there will be an assisted living community to suit you in Fort Myers.
A Place for Mom’s listings cover a 10-mile radius of the Fort Myers downtown area, and our pattern network includes 20 assisted living facilities — six are stand-alone assisted living facilities; one is a combination assisted living/independent living facility; three are combo assisted living/independent living/memory care facilities; and 10 combine assisted living/memory care under one roof.
Beyond exploring the listings themselves, you can use this guide to find advice for care payment, Fort Myers travel destinations, local hospital information, and help to apply for various benefits.
Fort Myers Assisted Living Facilities | 1300 Reviews
I’ve been a resident here for 7 years. It has a little of everything for every person. You can be as active as you’d like to be. All departments work together to provide a really good experience.
We’ve had nothing but a great experience with Calusa Harbour. [name removed] was fantastic to work with. She knew residents by name and they her! During our tour, many residents chatted and joked with [name...
Barkley Place is a nice place to live. The food is good. At times they run out of things that should not happen. Service is decent most of the time, and at times poor. Management is good to work with, but...
My mom loves it here. She has lots of friends and a group she eats with every day. We would recommend this community to other families based on the experience we have had so far
All is good with my mom at Amavida. She loves it. I am not there very often as I live in another state. However in talking to my mom, she would rank them 5 on all. I can tell you that mom feels the staff...
It is a very nice community, everyone that works there is very nice and helpful. They care about their residents. I would recommend to others.
The facility is clean, the food is excellent.. If you don't have anyone around, you are kinda stuck. The cost was a HUGE factor. Springwood was the most reasonable in the area and overall it is a safe and...
They communicate very well. Make adjustments when needed. Very easy to deal with. We would recommend them without hesitation. The experience has been excellent. If something comes up the call us immediately.
Overall, the nurses and support staff were kind, professional, and knowledgeable. I didn't find the front main front desk person especially friendly, but they were helpful if you needed something. I had an...
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I just moved my mother and father in to High Point Of Cape Coral. The staff are just all around wonderful and caring. So happy we chose Highpoint for my parents. The nurses are amazing and you can tell they...
We are blessed to have found such a warm welcoming community for mom to now call her "new: home". The staff is most receptive and accomodating
To say that I am pleased with the decision to trust Brookdale Ft. Myers The Colony with the care and well being of my spouse would be a vast understatement. I am absolutely delighted with the decision. ...
The Windsor of Cape Coral is an older facility, but has recently been updated, and is conveniently located to stores and restaurants. It is very welcoming. Staff is very friendly and helpful, and gets to...
5 stars all around. We went with The Opal at Lakes Park over others we looked at because of the value for the money, the location, and the welcoming community. The staff have been wonderful.
I would tell a friend, how loving and caring the staff is and how they go above and beyond to engage the residents in as many events and activities as possible. They also have music groups and dancing, that...
My loved one lived here for quite some time. Cleanliness was ok, but communication with the family was amazing. I got updates on my loved one frequently, for big things and little things. I can't say enough...
My husband and I are happy here. The staff is both competent and caring and they listen to us. Our needs are met quickly. The facility is clean, comfortable, and secure. The meals are pretty good. The only...
It's very expensive they almost do to much as its Like a expensive nursing home. There was almost no rehabilitation for mom after knee replacement. They pushed her in wheelchair instead of making her use...
Arden Courts A ProMedica Memory Care Community in Ft. Myers
15950 McGregor Boulevard, Fort Myers, FL 33908
The staff are friendly and know all the names of the people there. Hourly, they go through and locate every person in their hall. My mom is doing well there. They have lots of walking area, inside and...
The facility is small and personal. The staff seems to have a good general sense of the individual needs and personal quirks of their clients. Housekeeping and dietary services are good, though it is not...
The whole experience was very pleasant. The staff was very attentive and very friendly. The rooms were spacious and very comfortable. Love the meals and snacks. The kitchen was a welcome surprise! Definitely...
My family member has resided at Promised Sky for seven months and I have only good things to say. The facility is clean, inviting and cozy with plenty of sofas and chairs for the residents to relax in the...
I am currently a resident at Seaside at Fort Myers and my experience at this facility has been good. The staff is nice and passionate. The cleanliness and friendliness is good. The care services, value for...
The overall experience was 5 stars until hurricane hit and they closed down They refused to return the money I had already paid thru the first week of October. That was due to owners dishonesty and not a...
Our methodology
How we rank order the Fort Myers community options above
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Fort Myers community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
- Proximity to your search location
- Availability of recent, high-quality reviews
- The amount of detailed community information available
Where we source our information
14,000+ communities
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
350,000+ reviews
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
- Costs of assisted living in the Fort Myers area
- What families are saying about assisted living in Fort Myers
- How people pay for assisted living in Fort Myers
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
- What to expect from assisted living in Fort Myers
- Fort Myers assisted living services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Fort Myers? Highlights for seniors
Costs of assisted living in the Fort Myers area
The average cost that residents are paying for our partner assisted living facilities in Fort Myers is $4,314.[01] This monthly figure has been taken from A Place for Mom’s proprietary data and includes associated fees and service fee add-ons to reflect a total average cost.
The below graphic shows the average baseline costs that people in Fort Myers are paying for assisted living. This is without add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Fort Myers, FL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Fort Myers, FL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Assisted Living in Fort Myers vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Assisted Living in Fort Myers, FL by room type
Average cost of Assisted Living in Fort Myers over time
What families are saying about assisted living in Fort Myers
Recent reviews for assisted living in Fort Myers
Pacifica Senior Living Fort Myers
Cairn Park in Fort Myers, FL
Best Care Senior Living at Punta Gorda
Fort Myers review score based on 320 family reviews
This proprietary review score is based on 320 reviews of 51 Fort Myers assisted living communities. All reviews were submitted in the past two years by verified community residents and family members.Fort Myers review score compared against nearby cities
Review subcategories for Fort Myers assisted living
When assisted living residents and family members submit a review on our site, they rate each community on categories such as cleanliness, activities, meals, and more. The chart below is based on 320 reviews of 51 Fort Myers assisted living communities. This chart helps you compare Fort Myers resident and family assisted living satisfaction rates against national averages. Use it to assess your needs and develop criteria for your own search. If you know that one of these categories is important to you or your loved one, our senior living advisors can help you find communities to match your needs.How people pay for assisted living in Fort Myers
When joining an assisted living community, most seniors use a combination of methods to pay for housing and care costs. They might use Medicaid or Medicare, veterans benefits, or private payment methods such as pensions or investment returns. In this payment guide, we provide advice for using these methods, as well as resources you might want to check out.
Most people will use a combination of private sources to help cover their assisted living costs. This could include personal savings, work or personal pension, Social Security benefits, and investment returns. Seniors may also choose to use the following:
Number of veterans who live in Fort Myers
About 45% of Fort Myers veterans are 75+
If you’re a veteran looking for assisted living support, you may be entitled to receive the VA Aid and Attendance benefit. To be eligible, you will need to meet one of the following criteria: You require daily assistance to perform necessary activities like dressing, you have limited eyesight, you live in a nursing facility, or you spend a large proportion of the day bedbound due to illness.
Benefits like Aid and Attendance are added to your monthly VA Pension amount. Applying for these benefits can be complex, so make sure you and your family get some help before and during the process. Great places to start are governmental resources like the Florida Department of Veterans Affairs or the Lee County Veteran Assistance Program. Seniors can also reach out to local VA-vetted and -recognized veterans services officers for guidance or tap into veterans services organizations (VSOs), such as Jewish War Veterans or Disabled War Veterans, to get answers to VA-related questions.
Resources for Fort Myers veterans
Florida Department of Veterans Affairs
9500 Bay Pines Blvd., Suite 214
Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 727-319-7440
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Lee County Veteran Assistance Program
2440 Thompson St.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-533-8381
Email: veterans@leegov.com
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Jewish War Veterans
Victor Paul Tuchman Post 400
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 813-404-5616
Disabled American Veterans
2489 Diplomat Parkway East
Cape Coral, FL 33909
Phone: 239-652-1800
Rodney Van Ness
Phone: 239-533-7977
Email: rvanness@leegov.com
Joe Delorenzo
Phone: 239-533-7978
Email: jdelorenzo@leegov.com
Jonathan Ramirez
Phone: 239-533-7975
Email: jramirez@leegov.com
Medicaid is a federal health care insurance program designed to help low-income seniors and those with disabilities access affordable care. Florida’s version of Medicaid is called, simply enough, Florida Medicaid. It’s run by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA), and recipients access their benefits via Statewide Medicaid Managed Care. Medicaid in Florida can cover some of the costs of assisted living for eligible Fort Myers seniors through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Long-Term Care Managed Care (LTCMC).
This assistance comes in the form of a home and community based services (HCBS) waiver. HCBS waivers allow states to use Medicaid funds to provide senior care at home or in assisted living facilities instead of in an institution like a nursing home. Seniors who are on Medicaid will need this waiver to get care at home or in an assisted living facility. It won’t, however, cover room and board costs. A guide to applying for these benefits can be found online.
Checking your eligibility and applying can be complicated, so be sure to get all the help you need from your local Area Agency on Agency and your local ombudsman, as both resources know exactly how to navigate individual cases within the complex benefits system. You can also call the Elder Helpline for Medicaid information and referrals or visit the Elder Affairs website for more information. SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders) is another program by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the local Area Agency on Aging whose volunteers can answer Medicare, Medicaid, and health insurance questions. SHINE is Florida’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP).
Fort Myers resident Medicaid resources
Florida State Medicaid Managed Care
Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive, MS 62
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 888-419-3456
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
2830 Winkler Ave., Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-652-6900
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Florida Ombudsman Program
2295 Victoria Ave., Room 152
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-338-2563
SHINE (Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders)
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 800-963-5337
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
Elder Helpline
Phone: 866-41-ELDER or 866-413-5337
Medicare is designed to provide necessary health care assistance for seniors and people with long-term health needs. It cannot be used for custodial costs like rent and meals, but it can help with costs related to medically necessary health visits and pharmaceuticals.
Because the application process can be complex, it’s advised that you contact Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) — the local Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) — for free benefits counseling. You could also make use of the local Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which is called Hope PACE, for additional support if you need a high level of care.
Fort Myers has plenty of resources available to help you navigate the Medicare system. When you’re ready to apply, you should contact the Social Security Administration office in person or online. Seniors who are struggling to afford Medicare may be eligible for the Medicare Savings Program, which can help those who qualify with their Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance payments by either reducing them or covering them altogether.
If you need any extra assistance or help challenging a health benefits decision, your local long-term care ombudsman is there for you.
Fort Myers resident Medicare resources
Social Security Administration Office
4220 Executive Circle, Suite 25
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
SHINE
2830 Winkler Avenue, Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-652-6900
Fax: 239-652-6989
Toll-free number: 866-413-5337
Hope PACE
2668 Winkler Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-985-6400
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
2295 Victoria Ave., Room 125
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-338-2563
Understand Florida laws and regulations for assisted living facilities
It’s important to understand the laws and regulations that govern assisted living facilities in Fort Myers. Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs) are licensed by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. A standard license is for an ALF providing housing, meals, and personal care. On top of that license, there are three specialty licenses an ALF can acquire:
- Limited Nursing Services (LNS): This license allows nursing care to be provided on top of the standard license.
- Extended Congregate Care (ECC): This license incorporates both the standard and LNS license, but allows for an even higher level of physical and mental health care.
- Limited Mental Health (LMH): This license allows standard facilities to care for those with mental illness.
State laws and regulations must be adhered to by all types of licensed ALFs. These cover medication administration, meal service guidelines, staffing requirements, as well as staff training, facilities requirements, and the exact services each level is authorized to provide.
Every assisted living facility in Fort Myers must be inspected prior to licensure, as well as at least once every two years. However, ECC facilities must have quarterly visits by a registered nurse to monitor residents and to determine facility compliance. You can request inspection reports from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration or search for them yourself using this Facility/Provider Locator.
Half of the assisted living facilities in our network also provide memory care to residents, so these facilities must also fulfill the requirements for memory caregivers. This includes memory care-trained staff, layouts, and equipment that help protect residents with dementia from harm.
Florida Department of Health contact information
Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
COVID-19 regulations for Fort Myers assisted living facilities
Fort Myers assisted living facilities follow COVID-19 guidance set out by the state of Florida and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). While there currently aren’t any legal mandates for masking, social distancing, or vaccination, recommendations continue to be followed and effective in minimizing the impact of community spread.
Vaccinations.
It is recommended that seniors and care staff receive vaccinations and booster shots against COVID-19.
Masking.
While there is no masking mandate in Lee County, assisted living facilities may advise visitors to wear a mask in enclosed spaces. Masks are also recommended for anyone with symptoms or anyone who has had close contact with someone who has tested positive.
Social distancing.
It is recommended when visiting or spending time indoors to keep a social distance of six feet or more. This is especially true for residents most vulnerable to COVID-19.
Quarantining.
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, have tested positive, or have been in close contact with someone you know to have tested positive, the guidelines say to self-isolate.
CDC guidelines.
Comprehensive CDC guidelines and recommendations can be found on the agency website.
What to expect from assisted living in Fort Myers
Fort Myers, which sits between the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico, offers year-round warmth, beach-lined coasts, urban amenities, and ubiquitous history. Assisted living communities in the area have been designed to make the most of these aspects of Florida living.
A balance of care and independence
In Fort Myers and among the 20 assisted living communities within our network of partners, you will find a diverse range of senior care options. For those wanting a little more independence, there are communities that blend higher and lower levels of care, helping you adapt as your needs shift. For those needing more regular remedial and custodial care, many facilities offer intensive, on-site nursing. All communities offer a safe, enclosed, and well-supported environment, as well as additional activities and amenities to make life more enjoyable. Our partner breakdown is as follows:
- 6 stand-alone assisted living facilities
- 10 assisted living and memory care facilities
- 3 independent living, assisted living, and memory care combination
- 1 independent living and assisted living combination
An affordable way of life
There are many cost-friendly options for assisted living in Fort Myers. Because the area is a relatively inexpensive place to live, luxury accommodations and amenities like swimming pools and yoga classes are often affordable. The city offers elements of the good life — palm trees, balmy breezes, social occasions, etc. — in addition to specialized nursing care, support staff, and physician visits. You’ll be able to enjoy your golden years in comfort and style.
Your favorite things to do
When looking for an assisted living facility, everyone will have a different wishlist. If you want to bring your dog to live with you in a cozy, private room, you’re in luck — 17 of the 20 assisted living facilities in our Fort Myers network are animal-friendly. Only one facility doesn’t employ a visiting occupational, physical, or speech therapist or visiting podiatrist. Seniors prioritizing their faith will find that 80% of A Place for Mom’s partner communities offer onsite devotional activities. If it’s important for you to be able to invite guests and enjoy special occasions with new friends, you’ll be happy to know that 90% of our Fort Myers assisted living partner facilities host birthday parties and live musical performances.
Fort Myers assisted living services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Fort Myers assisted living
Availability of select dementia care services in Fort Myers assisted living
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Fort Myers assisted living
Availability of select dining options in Fort Myers assisted living
Availability of select programs and activities in Fort Myers assisted living
Explore senior care with confidence
Know where to start.
Identify the right care for your loved one with our free assessment.
See what you can afford.
Understand cost and payment for long-term care based on your loved one's needs.
Find top facilities for you.
Free, personalized guidance from our Senior Living Advisors can help you narrow your search.
Tour your favorite facilities.
Our free touring checklist can help you choose the right community.
Unfamiliar with Fort Myers? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Fort Myers
Median annual income for Fort Myers seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Fort Myers
Gulf Coast Medical Center
Gulf Coast Medical Center stands out as a top-tier healthcare facility in Lee County, serving as the sole certified comprehensive stroke center in the region. It garners exceptional ratings, particularly in heart failure rehabilitation and colon cancer surgery.
Lee Memorial Hospital
Lee Memorial is a highly regarded healthcare facility offering a wide range of services. With medical, surgical, and cardiac ICUs, along with 10 exceptional specialty areas, it provides primary, general, and specialized care. Additionally, its Skilled Nursing Unit, supported by Medicare, is an outstanding resource for seniors residing in the area.
Transportation for seniors in Fort Myers
Most people living in and around Fort Myers rely on cars to get around. With a vast network of highways and coastal roads, this stretch of the Florida coast is a nice place to take a road trip. It isn’t really possible to run errands on foot. Still, if you love to stroll, there are zones that are more walkable, such as the neighborhoods of Lincoln Park and Bowling Green.
There are also public transport options to get around town. LeeTran, the local public transit system in and around Fort Myers, operates 22 bus and trolley lines around the city. Serviced locations include the seaside at Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, and Bonita Springs. Other organizations, such as the subsidized, door-to-door, excursion-assisting Cape Coral Mini-Bus, also offer senior-friendly transport options.
It’s also worth noting that 85% of the assisted living facilities in A Place for Mom’s network offer complimentary transportation, so seniors can shop, run errands, and go to their personal and medical appointments without hassle. And 35% provide transportation services at cost.
The Walk Scores below come from comparing cities across the country and are based on a 100-point scale. The higher the number, the better the environment for that mode of transportation.[06]
Walk Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Fort Myers
Fort Myers has a lot of different perspectives to offer seniors and their families. Just walking or driving around the city and its shorelines will provide great views and brushes with nature. For those able to get out and about, Estero Bay holds many natural treasures, such as the Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail and several pristine, sandy beaches to choose from.
For seniors who need an accessible experience, there are many historic and cultural buildings and organizations to explore. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is a visitor attraction celebrating the history and legacies of inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, who were both seasonal Fort Myers residents. With a museum, laboratory, and gardens, it’s a grand day out for seniors and their families. A map of the accessible areas of the grounds is available online. For more local history, check out the Southwest Florida Museum of History or the Lakes Park Railroad Museum.
Performing and fine art lovers will appreciate the Florida Repertory Theater and the Sidney and Berne Davis Art Center, the latter of which hosts film festivals, “wine and paint” evenings, a rooftop sculpture park, and all sorts of other events. Those interested in sports might prefer to take in a game at JetBlue Park, the spring training headquarters for the Boston Red Sox.
Another lovely aspect of senior life in Fort Myers is the feeling of community that exists in the area. There are so many community and recreation centers to choose from that you’ll be sure to find one with kindred spirits. Try Olga Park and Community Center, Buckingham Community Center, or Veterans Parks and Recreation Center, where seniors can enjoy card games, puzzles, various classes, and other social activities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canterfield of Fort Myers, Gulf Coast Memory Care and Naples Green Village are the top-rated Assisted Living facilities near Fort Myers, 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 Fort Myers is $4,393 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Test the answer:
The average cost of Assisted Living in Fort Myers is $4,393 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Veteran Status (S2101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey.
United States Census Bureau. (2021). Age and Sex (S0101) [Data Set]. American Community Survey
U.S. News & World Report. (n.d.). Gulf Coast Medical Center.
U.S. News & World Report. (n.d.). Lee Memorial Hospital.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Fort Myers.
More questions?
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