Venice, Florida, has become quite the haven for retirees. The city offers the best of beach living, as it’s situated not far from Tampa, between Sarasota and Fort Myers. Plus, seniors love its subtropical climate and Italian-style architecture. It’s no wonder that the area has so many senior living communities.
If your loved one is considering moving to a nursing home, you may not know where to begin your search. To start, the term nursing home is often used for all senior living arrangements, but it actually refers to facilities that provide skilled nursing. This involves licensed health care and 24-hour supervision.
It’s important to identify what your loved one might need before selecting a facility. Your loved one may prefer an assisted living or memory care facility, which allows them to maintain some independence while providing on-site personal or health care. A Place for Mom partners with 19 assisted living and memory care facilities within a 10-mile radius of Venice’s city center — at least one has an on-site skilled nursing wing.
Need support? A Place for Mom has put together this guide on skilled nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care communities. As you read, you’ll learn more about the various communities we partner with, how much these facilities cost, potential payment options, local and state regulations, transportation methods, nearby senior activities, and more.
We developed a proprietary recommendation system that orders Venice community options based on factors we know are important to seniors and their families:
We collect proprietary data from our network of 14,000+ senior living communities in the U.S., with regular refreshes of data and information
We have 387,000+ reviews from senior living residents and family members that provide first-hand accounts about senior living communities
Skilled nursing facilities provide high-level care for individuals who might need short-term rehabilitation or long-term oversight and care for an ongoing medical condition. As such, the costs will be much higher than other residential facilities. In the Venice area, you can expect to pay around $9,490 a month for a semi-private room; a private room will be slightly more, averaging about $10,615 a month.[01]
Assisted living and memory care, on the other hand, are often half the cost. According to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data, our partner assisted living facilities in Venice average $4,483 a month.[02] Memory care is comparable in price, coming in at an average of $4,392 a month.[02] Both of these figures typically include room and board as well as associated and add-on fees to give you a full picture of the price one might pay each month.
Paying for skilled nursing, assisted living, or memory care in Venice often requires a combination of private and public resources. To help better understand your options, you’ll find information on the most common methods below, including private funds, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Most seniors and their families rely on private resources to cover at least some portion of the costs associated with skilled nursing, assisted living, or memory care. Some options include personal savings accounts, pensions, inheritances, Social Security benefits, distributions from retirement accounts, income generated from investments, and any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Venice
About 57% of Venice veterans are 75+
Many veterans are eligible for a range of benefits that can help offset the costs associated with skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care. The VA Pension, for instance, is available to veterans who have been honorably discharged and meet certain eligibility criteria. There is also the Aid & Attendance benefit, which can be used to cover expenses that improve a wartime veteran’s quality of life. You can apply online or at a regional VA office.
There is also the VA Disability Compensation available to veterans, with disabilities stemming from military service or existing conditions made worse by service, who require assistance with daily activities. You may also want to look into the Special Monthly Compensation. This benefit is paid in addition to the VA Disability Compensation to veterans who require significant help in personal care.
Beyond that, veterans facing financial hardships may be eligible for the Unmet Needs program through the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). This program awards up to $1,500 to cover the costs of basic life needs and can be put toward skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care.
As you begin to explore your options, it isn’t uncommon to run into questions about eligibility or the application process. Luckily, help is available. Many seniors and their families work with a veterans services organization (VSO) to navigate the complex VA benefits system. In the Venice area, the American Legion, VFW, and Disabled American Veterans can connect you with a veterans services officer who can help. These trained experts can also be found by contacting the Sarasota County Veterans Services Office or the VA.
Resources for Venice veterans
Sarasota County Veterans Services Office
4000 S. Tamiami Trail, Suite 139
Venice, FL 34293
Phone: 941-861-3047
Email: veterans@scgov.net
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Florida Department of Veterans’ Affairs
11351 Ulmerton Road, Suite 311-K
Largo, FL 33778-1630
Phone: 727-518-3202
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
9500 Bay Pines Blvd.
Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 800-698-2411
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
1770 E. Venice Ave.
Venice, FL 34292
Phone: 941-488-1157
Hours: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Wednesday 5 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Disabled American Veterans Post 101
600 Colonia Lane E
Nokomis, FL 34275
Phone: 941-488-4500
Email: venicegulf101@gmail.com
Hours: Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC), Florida’s Medicaid program, will cover the cost of a skilled nursing facility as long as your family member meets eligibility requirements and demonstrates need.[05]
Assisted living and memory care are typically considered residential care rather than medical care, so SMMC won’t cover room and board. However, it may cover certain health care services. You can apply for Medicaid’s in-home care support through the home and community based services waiver program. The Long-Term Care Waiver, for example, covers the cost of some assisted living and memory care health care services, such as attendant care, occupational therapy, and medication management.
If you or a family member needs assistance with the application process, there’s the Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHIP) program offered by the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging. You can also reach out to the Florida Ombudsman Program for long-term care advocacy support.
Venice resident Medicaid resources
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care
Phone: 877-711-3662
Hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Friday 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration
2727 Mahan Drive
Tallahassee, FL 32308
Phone: 850-412-4000
Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE)
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000
Phone: 800-963-5337
Fax: 850-414-2150
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 380
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000
Phone: 850-414-2323
Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida
2830 Winkler Ave., Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-652-6900
Fax: 239-652-6989
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
If your loved one is 65 or older or has Social Security Disability benefits, then they’re eligible for Medicare. You can apply online via the Social Security Administration website.
Like Medicaid, Medicare can cover the cost of a skilled nursing facility. However, your loved one must meet the following three conditions:
Assisted living and memory care have similar stipulations. The coverage can help offset the costs of medically necessary in-home care services, but not room and board. Applicable services include acute care, physician fees, and general nursing.
It’s also important to note that other programs are available through Medicare that can save money. These programs include:
If you have more questions or need assistance when applying for Medicare, a Social Security Administration representative can help. You can also contact your local long-term care ombudsman program if you require advocacy support.
Venice resident Medicare resources
Venice Social Security Administration Office
1435 E. Venice Ave.
Venice, FL 34292
Phone: 888-676-2944
Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.; Wednesday, 9 a.m. – noon
Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE)
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000
Phone: 800-963-5337
Fax: 850-414-2150
Email: information@elderaffairs.org
4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 380
Tallahassee, FL 32399-7000
Phone: 850-414-2323
Florida Medicare Savings Program
Phone: 888-419-3456
Florida Discount Drug Card Program
Phone: 866-341-8894
In Florida, there are laws and regulations associated with nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care to ensure quality care.
Skilled nursing facilities are regulated by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s Bureau of Health Facility Regulation, and federal regulations are enforced by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. These facilities must ensure every resident’s well-being, provide 24-hour nursing services by licensed staff, and assess each resident’s functional capacity to determine a care plan.
Assisted living and memory care facilities are also regulated by the Florida Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. These communities must obtain a standard long-term care license as well as specialty licenses for limited nursing services (LNS), extended congregate care (ECC), or limited mental health services (LMH). For instance, a memory care facility with an ECC license must have 24/7 staffing, wandering interventions, and dementia-specific training for direct care staff.
All assisted living and memory care facilities must be inspected in order to receive licensing. After that, they must be inspected every two years, while nursing homes are inspected annually. Inspectors are looking at staff-to-patient ratios, staff training, resident care plans, and registered nurse staffing levels, among other things. Your loved one can review reports online via the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration website.
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Florida has lifted all statewide COVID-19 mandates, including those for skilled nursing, assisted living, and memory care facilities. Individual communities may have their own guidelines based on Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.
Vaccinations. People are encouraged — but not required — to get vaccinated.
Masking. Wearing a mask is not mandatory, but it is recommended if your loved one is experiencing symptoms or recently tested positive.
Facility cleanliness. Staff members should regularly clean and disinfect all high-touch surfaces.
Staff safety. To prevent the spread of COVID-19, staff should take good care to wash hands regularly for at least 20 seconds.
Deciding which senior living facility is right for your loved one isn’t easy. However, you can get started by being clear about their medical needs. What services and amenities best suit your loved one’s lifestyle? What’s important to your loved one? Are there any hobbies or interests that could impact the decision? Depending on the answers to these questions, your loved one may prefer one type of community over another.
To help you narrow down what your loved one is looking for, let’s examine what they can expect when moving to an assisted living community or memory care facility in the Venice area.
A Place for Mom doesn’t partner with facilities solely dedicated to skilled nursing, although 5% of our partner communities in Venice offer skilled nursing on-site. If your loved one wants to age in place, then they’ll want a facility that offers multiple types of care under one roof. Here’s a breakdown of all of our Venice partners:
Depending on the community you choose, your loved one could start out in independent living and transition to assisted living over time. This would allow your loved one to make lasting friends and settle into a new home without worrying about moving. Memory care is also available at most places if that ever becomes a need.
Senior living facilities aim to improve seniors’ quality of life through amenities and services. Your loved one can expect special programming and activities at our partner assisted living or memory care facilities in Venice. For instance, some communities host happy hours, barbecues, picnics, birthday celebrations, cooking classes, yoga classes, holiday parties, and more. When it comes to amenities, your loved one may enjoy visiting an on-site library, theater room, or arts and crafts center. Outings to local restaurants or Venice’s beachside attractions are also organized at many of our partner facilities.
In Venice, residents at our partner assisted living and memory care facilities benefit from quality personal and health care services. The majority of the communities in our partner network provide on-site nursing and memory care. If your loved one requires care outside of what is offered, many communities will make arrangements for practitioners to come to the property. This allows your loved one to receive occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, and even podiatry. If you’re looking for skilled nursing, 5% of our partners in Venice have a dedicated skilled nursing unit.
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.
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Venice
Median annual income for Venice seniors 65 and older
Sarasota Memorial Hospital stands as a comprehensive medical facility offering acute care services. It has earned national recognition in two adult specialties and holds the sixth position among Florida’s top-ranked hospitals. Renowned for its expertise in heart attack, heart failure, aortic valve surgery, kidney failure, stroke, gastroenterology, hip replacement, and knee replacement, the hospital consistently delivers exceptional care in these areas.
HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital is a renowned medical center specializing in general medical and surgical care. It has garnered a reputation for high performance in various domains, including heart failure, kidney failure, and stroke care, as well as hip and knee replacement procedures. Notably, the hospital has been awarded a prestigious five-star rating by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, further validating its exceptional quality of care.
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center, an acute care hospital, has earned the esteemed recognition of being voted the best hospital by a local publication. With a comprehensive array of services, the facility is dedicated to providing exceptional care in areas such as cancer care, diabetes care, and orthopedics.
Though most of the assisted living and memory care communities in our partner network provide all the services and amenities your loved one might need, there could be occasions when they need some means of getting around Venice. The majority (74%) of our partner assisted living and memory care facilities offer complimentary transportation for residents. Additionally, 47% of communities offer at-cost transportation.[02]
In terms of public transportation, Venice has bus lines through Sarasota County Area Transit (SCAT). However, the coverage is minimal. If you or a family member visits, it’s best to bring a car or rely on a rideshare service like SCATPlus. SCATPlus is a curb-to-curb rideshare service for individuals unable to use fixed routes. SCATPlus costs $3 per trip, and care attendants ride for free.
Venice is cozily located on Florida’s shores between Fort Myers and Sarasota. Its subtropical climate and beautiful beaches make it one of Florida’s top destinations for seniors. Residents at our partner communities in Venice enjoy various in-house activities. For instance, your loved one could participate in gardening, arts and crafts, cooking classes, or yoga classes, to name a few. These opportunities allow seniors to socialize and spend time with visiting friends and family.
Venice has something to offer everyone, especially those interested in fish and wildlife. Anglers, for example, may enjoy a trip to the Venice Fishing Pier, which sports a landing of roughly 700 feet. Birdwatchers, on the other hand, may prefer to visit the Venice Area Audubon Society. From dawn until dusk, visitors can enjoy free bird watching at the rookery.
Anyone interested in the area’s history may want to check out the Venice Museum & Archives. It’s home to 30,000 photographs, archives, and other objects. Plus, admission is free Monday through Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Car enthusiasts should check out Ideal Classic Cars, which is part museum, part dealership.
Of course, if you’re in Florida, a trip to the beach is definitely in order. There’s Venice Beach, Brohard Beach and Paw Park, and Caspersen Beach. Caspersen Beach also has captivating nature trails that take you through dunes, marshes, mangroves, and tidal flats. It’s a sight to be seen.
If out on a Saturday, the Venice Farmers’ Market is a must. It offers the usual fare (vegetables, fruit, plants, and seafood) but also arts, crafts, gifts, and more. You and your loved one can enjoy local cuisine while listening to live music from local entertainers.
Also, there’s Centennial Park. Here you and your loved one can enjoy the green space, travel the walking paths, and admire the landscaping. And much like the Venice Farmers’ Market, local musicians often treat visitors to a melody or two. Just take a seat near the gazebo whenever there’s a regularly scheduled concert.
Sarasota is also a great place to explore with your loved one, due to its proximity to nursing homes in the area. Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach are two of the best beaches around to catch some rays in Sarasota. When you and your loved one need to cool off from the sun, explore the Ringling for a more cultural experience. Centered around one of the brothers of circus fame, this complex includes the historic Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, Bayfront Gardens, the State Art Museum of Florida, the Art Library, two Circus Museums, and the Historic Asolo Theater.
Brookdale Punta Gorda Isles, Brookdale Colonial Park and Bayshore Guest Home and Gardens are the top-rated Nursing Homes facilities near Venice, 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 Venice is $4,520 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
Views -> Challenger -> By Care type answer 3
Genworth Financial. (2021) Cost of Care Survey.
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.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. (n.d.) Nursing Facility Services.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.
Ask an A Place for Mom local advisor at no cost.
Genworth Financial. (2021) Cost of Care Survey.
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.
Florida Agency for Health Care Administration. (n.d.) Nursing Facility Services.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.