10 Best Nursing Homes in Fort Myers, FL
Senior care facilities in Fort Myers offer a blend of Floridian tranquility, specialty care, and a vibrant, reassuring sense of community. Here, residents can make friends among palm tree-lined boulevards, visit the beaches of the Gulf Coast with loved ones, and enjoy cultural activities in a safe environment.
Seniors or their loved ones searching for a nursing home nearby may be looking for a skilled nursing facility, an assisted living community, or a memory care facility. Those are all senior care options, but they all have different offerings. A nursing home offers constant medical care and skilled nursing for residents with serious ailments. An assisted living facility provides supervision and help with daily activities, like bathing or getting dressed, while a memory care facility does all of that plus provides specialized care for seniors with cognitive difficulties.
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with nursing homes, but we do have 22 partner assisted living and memory care options within a 10-mile radius of the Fort Myers downtown area. In this guide, you will find information about costs, advice about how to pay for senior care, relevant local laws and regulations, local transportation tips, health care information, and more about Fort Myers.
Nursing Homes Facilities near Fort Myers, FL
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...
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...
Great; well managed and friendly.
Based on our experience with Palmview at Gulf Coast we think they could improve on the activities and just having more diverse activities. They could also have special food for events/days/birthdays.
The Woodlands is wonderful they are 5 stars all the way! I couldn't have picked a better place, my mother was in the hospital and when she was ready to leave, she asked to go back to The Woodlands. They are...
My mother was in the independent living facility for 2+ years and then moved to the assisted living facility, Palm View. Both facilities were clean with good food and adequately staffed. Mom is safe and...
From the moment I walked in the door when my dad Bill was admitted, I knew I had made the right decision to have him placed there after his stay at Cape Coral Hospital. The admissions department ladies and...
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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 nursing homes in the Fort Myers area
- What families are saying about nursing homes in Fort Myers
- How people pay for a nursing home in Fort Myers
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for nursing homes
- What to expect from nursing homes in Fort Myers
- Fort Myers nursing homes services and amenities
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Fort Myers? Highlights for seniors
Costs of nursing homes in the Fort Myers area
The median monthly cost of a private room in a Fort Myers nursing home is $10,053 and $9,186 for a semi-private room.[01] That’s more than twice as much as the monthly average residents of our partner assisted living and memory care facilities pay. According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, seniors pay $4,314 a month for assisted living and $4,545 a month for memory care.[01] These figures show an average total cost that includes additional fees and service add-ons as well.
There will be a difference in services between these senior care categories. For example, a nursing home offers 24-hour medical care for those who need a high level of skilled nursing care. An assisted living facility provides personal care and helps with daily activities, such as getting dressed, mobility, and using the bathroom. A memory care facility does all of that, as well as has staff specially trained in caring for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s and a secure place for them to live.
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Fort Myers, FL vs. nearby cities
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Fort Myers, FL vs. the state and national average
Average monthly cost of Nursing Homes in Fort Myers vs. other types of senior living
Median monthly costs of Nursing Homes in Fort Myers, FL by room type
Average cost of Nursing Homes in Fort Myers over time
What families are saying about nursing homes in Fort Myers
Recent reviews for nursing homes in Fort Myers
Merrill Gardens at Barkley Place in Fort Myers, FL
The Opal at Lakes Park in Fort Myers, FL
Pacifica Senior Living Fort Myers
How people pay for a nursing home in Fort Myers
If you’re thinking about a nursing home, memory care facility, or assisted living community, affordability may well be top of mind. Most residents combine financial methods to cover the costs of care and services. In this guide to paying for care, you will find details about private payment, benefits for veterans, Medicare, and Medicaid.
Paying privately for a nursing home, assisted living facility, or memory care means using income sources such as savings, pensions, Social Security benefits, and investment returns. It could also mean using any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Fort Myers
About 45% of Fort Myers veterans are 75+
With thousands of senior veterans living in and around Fort Myers, there are many organizations and offices dedicated to the task of assisting veterans.
Veterans in Fort Myers may want to consider applying for the VA’s Aid and Attendance benefit, alongside the VA Pension. Aid and Attendance is a helpful monthly amount that is added to your Pension. Eligible vets require help for daily tasks, have limited eyesight, stay in bed for a large portion of the day, or live in a nursing facility. Proof of eligibility, such as details about which tasks you regularly require help with or an explanatory note from your doctor, may be necessary.
The Florida Department of Veterans Affairs and the Lee County Veteran Assistance Program are great resources to seek out when needing help with VA benefits and eligibility. Local veterans services officers and veterans services organizations (VSOs), such as Jewish War Veterans and Disabled American Veterans can also help you navigate this complex process.
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
Florida Medicaid is administered in Fort Myers by the state’s Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). Benefits are delivered through AHCA’s Statewide Medicaid Managed Care. You can access a comprehensive guide to applying at the AHCA website.
Medicaid is designed for low-income seniors and those with disabilities. It does not cover rent, board, or any other custodial elements of senior living at memory care or assisted living facilities. However, it does cover the cost of a nursing home if a doctor has prescribed it as medically necessary for the resident. The nursing home must also accept Medicaid payments.
For seniors living in any kind of senior care facility, Medicaid’s home and community based service (HCBS) waivers can cover medically necessary care costs for those who qualify. These waivers allow medical care to be covered and delivered to seniors who live anywhere, including in assisted living or memory care facilities.
To help you navigate the Medicaid application process, visit your local Area Agency on Aging. The Elder Helpline, the Elder Affairs website, and organizations like Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE) can also help seniors and loved ones navigate Medicaid forms and applications. For advice about any aspect of claiming benefits or resolving issues, you can contact your local ombudsman.
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 a program that covers the medical needs of seniors who are at least 65 years old. While it will not defray the custodial costs associated with living in a long-term skilled nursing, assisted living, or memory care community, it could cover the costs of some medically necessary in-home care, such as a required visit from a doctor. Medicare will cover short-term stays in a nursing home if certain conditions are met, but it is not going to cover a nursing home as a long-term care option.
If a senior meets the requirements of being in need of the level of care a nursing home provides, they might be eligible for the Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which is called Hope PACE in Fort Myers. This program delivers a broad array of medical care and social services to seniors with the goal of keeping them as independent as possible so they don’t have to move into a nursing home.
The Medicare Savings Programs, which helps make Medicare more affordable, can also benefit eligible seniors. These programs can reduce the out-of-pocket costs for seniors when it comes to paying premiums, copays, or deductibles. In some cases, the costs can be entirely covered.
For help understanding what is and isn’t covered by Medicare, reach out to Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE), the local Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). This program offers free Medicare-related benefits counseling and can help seniors with the enrollment process.
Seniors can also sign up for Medicare online, visit the Fort Myers Social Security Administration office, or reach out to their local long-term care ombudsman.
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 nursing homes
In Florida, nursing homes and other senior care facilities, such as assisted living and memory care facilities, must be licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration’s Bureau of Health Facility Regulation.
Nursing homes must meet certain standards for personal attendant training, have a medical director and physician services available, and be financially able to care for residents. One of the most important requirements licensees must meet is to provide a “safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment.” In addition to Florida laws and regulations, nursing homes are governed by federal standards as well and are subject to annual inspections.
Assisted living facilities in Fort Myers are required to be inspected prior to licensure, as well as at least once every two years. The types of services that assisted living facilities provide depend on their licensure type. State laws and regulations must be followed by all types of licensed assisted living facilities; Florida offers three different types of licenses. The regulations cover rules around medication administration, meals, staffing, training, requirements for the physical facility, and the exact services each level is allowed to provide.
If the care facility you’re looking at is licensed as a memory care facility, there will be additional regulations. For example, any staff member who provides care to residents with dementia or Alzheimer’s must have received at least four hours of additional training, and any direct caregiver must also have additional yearly training top-ups for working with individuals with Alzheimer’s and other memory-related conditions.
If a facility doesn’t meet any of these standards, it will fail its inspection and not be permitted to continue operating until violations are corrected. You can look up completed inspection reports on the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration website.
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 nursing homes
The state of Florida does not have mandatory COVID-19 protocols that the public must observe. However, there are guidelines and best practices that residents of Lee County should continue to follow to protect one another. Nursing homes, memory care facilities, and assisted living communities may also have their own specific guidelines.
Vaccinations.
It is not required by law for seniors and their visitors to be vaccinated against COVID-19, but it is recommended, especially for vulnerable residents and care staff.
Masking.
Wearing a mask is a personal choice, but it is recommended in areas where distance cannot be maintained, in the case of a positive test result, or when someone has symptoms of respiratory infection.
Facility cleanliness.
As part of their licensing responsibilities, facilities that provide nursing care must keep areas and equipment extremely clean.
Quarantining.
If anyone in a nursing facility has a positive test result or is suffering from any symptoms of COVID-19, self-isolation is recommended.
CDC guidelines.
Full COVID-19 guidelines can be found on the CDC website.
What to expect from nursing homes in Fort Myers
Fort Myers is Florida at its most sea-breezy. Nestled just off the Gulf Coast and with the dreamy banks of the Caloosahatchee River at its side, the city enjoys balmy weather year-round that makes you feel like you’re on vacation even when you’re not.
A blend of luxury and care
Many of our 22 partner facilities pride themselves on offering a peaceful, retreat-style environment. Facilities are surrounded by palm trees, spaces are large, and amenities such as courtyards and cafe-style dining impart a resort-like atmosphere.
Of course, it’s equally as important that facilities offer a high level of care and cleanliness. All of our partner assisted living and memory care facilities are designed with care and mobility needs in mind, with enclosed spaces, helpful navigation, and a program of on-site activities that promote the well-being of all residents.
An affordable oasis
When it comes to senior care facilities, affordability is important. You want a combination of high-quality care, activities and dining, highly trained staff, and comfortable rooms and spaces that you can afford. In Fort Myers and in our partner network, you will find facilities with a range of options, from low-budget to high-end, but good value can be expected across the board.
A visitor’s dream
When a senior loved one stays in a care facility, visiting and spending quality time with family is critical to finding a sense of belonging and comfort. In Fort Myers, our partner homes work hard to make visitors feel just as welcome as residents. Many also host events and activities to prompt social connection. Most assisted living and memory care facilities in Fort Myers throw holiday parties and host happy hours, trivia nights, barbecues, and karaoke. There’s really something for everyone here.
Fort Myers nursing homes services and amenities
Availability of select care services in Fort Myers nursing homes
Availability of select dementia care services in Fort Myers nursing homes
Availability of select dietary accommodations in Fort Myers nursing homes
Availability of select dining options in Fort Myers nursing homes
Availability of select programs and activities in Fort Myers nursing homes
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
Seniors in the Fort Myers area will do well to keep Gulf Coast Medical Center on their list of local resources. The hospital is a well-respected general medical and surgical facility. As the only certified comprehensive stroke center in Lee County, it has cutting-edge technology for diagnosis and treatment. It is also high-performing in nine other specialty areas, including diabetes care.
Lee Memorial Hospital
Lee Memorial is a well-regarded hospital that offers a cardiac intensive care unit, a medical-surgical intensive care unit, and a skilled nursing unit where seniors can find thoughtful, caring experts in elder care. The facility also has 10 areas of special expertise, including stroke, heart attack, and kidney failure.
Transportation for seniors in Fort Myers
Seniors with memory impairments or other medical needs will require supported transportation for any personal appointment or outing. Because regular, chaperoned rides are vital to senior transportation, 93% of the communities in our network have complimentary transportation, and 47% have at-cost transportation on offer.
The Fort Myers area is also home to some public transport options for seniors and their families. LeeTran is the local public transit provider for Fort Myers and the surrounding area. It runs 22 different bus and trolley routes, including popular rides to the beaches south of the city, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, and Bonita Springs. Seniors can get discounted fares, but remember that seniors with assisted living or memory care needs should only travel on public transit with help.
Senior activities in Fort Myers
People in nursing home environments, whether at assisted living facilities or memory care units, need engaging activities and outings they can enjoy with friends and family members. Luckily, there is a host of accessible places to visit along this stretch of coast.
If you want to get a look at the historical architecture while having a refreshing drink or snack, pay a visit to the River District, a much-loved outdoor shopping and dining area. For live music, consider going to the Florida Repertory Theater, which often hosts accessible and purpose-made shows for senior audiences. The Gulf Coast Symphony at the Music & Arts Community Center is also a popular destination year-round for thrilling live shows and concerts of varied musical genres.
You could also get to know local Fort Myers history with a guided tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, the former seasonal homes of household-name inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, or the Burroughs Home & Gardens historical site, which is a Georgian Revival style mansion built in 1901 that hosted “many high society parties of Fort Myers’ elite residents.”
Of course, Fort Myers wouldn’t be the destination it is without its coastline. The beautiful public beaches that curl around the Gulf of Mexico are always worth visiting, regardless of your age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Canterfield of Fort Myers, Gulf Coast Memory Care and American House Fort Myers are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Fort Myers, 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 Fort Myers is $4,660 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Views -> Challenger -> By Care type answer 3
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. (2023). Gulf Coast Medical Center.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Lee Memorial Hospital.
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