Assisted Living in Lake Wales, Florida
Lake Wales is a charming community of about 16,000 residents in the heart of Florida. It’s part of the Lakeland metro, providing access to shopping and dining amenities and medical facilities. AdventHealth Lake Wales, a 160-bed licensed nonprofit hospital, is located within the city, and those seeking other care options have over 30 more hospitals within driving distance. Health care costs trend about 5% below the national norm, and the overall cost of living is low. The city has a range of long-term care options to meet the needs of its large senior community, which accounts for a quarter of the population.
Seniors seeking assisted living in Lake Wales can choose from 19 local residential facilities, including four in Lake Wales proper and 15 more within range. On average, assisted living facilities charge $3,300 for care, which includes nonmedical services such as housekeeping, meal preparation and personal care services. By comparison, the statewide average rate is $4,000, and nationally, assisted living fees come in at $4,500.
The SeniorScore™ for Lake Wales, Florida
The SeniorScore offers an unbiased assessment of how favorable a geographic region is for older residents by weighing over 100 factors that affect their quality of life. It assigns communities an overall score on a 100-point scale, as well as scores across four categories, including Health & Safety, Recreation & Leisure, Finances and General Quality of Life. Lake Wales has a SeniorScore of 71, which is consistent with the national score of 72 but a little lower than the state score of 76.
Lake Wales received its strongest score of 73 in the General Quality of Life category. Warm year-round temperatures and decent air quality are ideal for those who enjoy relaxing outdoors, and an average population density of 551 people per square mile supports a strong economy. Public transportation options are limited, but assisted living facilities typically provide scheduled transportation. In the Recreation & Leisure category, Lake Wales scores 67. Nearly four out of 10 residents are at least 55 years old. Among the age-friendly social and recreational amenities are 20 churches, four dozen golf courses, eight parks and five shopping destinations.
Lake Wales has a more modest score of 62 in Finances. Property and sales taxes are lower than national norms and there’s no state income tax, which may make local assisted living rates affordable for those with fixed incomes. Nonmedical long-term care costs are comparatively low, which may make up for a relatively high cost of living. The city rates 51 in Health & Safety, indicating limited access to medical services. One hospital serves the city, and there’s an average number of Medicare-registered practitioners to choose from.
SeniorScore™ for Lake Wales, Florida
The SeniorScore™ is calculated based on over 100 variables, some of which are shown below. The final score is curved based on a linear curving method. For More info visit senioradvice.com/seniorscore.
- Lake Wales scores lower than the Florida average of 76.
- Lake Wales scores lower than the national average of 72.
- There is an average number of Medicare registered physicians within the city limits.
- There is 1 hospital within close range of the city (Lake Wales Medical Center).
- There are 8 senior living facilities in close proximity to the city, including Groves Center, Savannah Court of Lake Wales, and Water's Edge of Lake Wales.
- There is an average number of home healthcare providers operating in the city.
- There is an average number of fire stations serving the city.
- The average life expectancy is 79.4, compared to the national average of 78.6.
- There are 22 pharmacies within close range of the city.
- The area has a high property crime rate.
- The area has an average violent crime rate.
- The city has a very high percentage of seniors in the population (39% of residents).
- There are 48 golf courses in or around the city, including Highland Park Hills Inn & Golf Club, Oakwood Golf Club, and Lake Wales Country Club.
- There are 8 parks near the city center, including Lake Wales Ridge State Forest, The Harbor Waterfront Resort, and Camp & Aire Resort.
- There are 20 churches in or near the city, including River Ranch Chapel, Jackson Robert B, and Golfview Baptist Church.
- There are 5 malls / shopping centers within close range of the city.
- There are 18 grocery stores within the city.
- There are 3 movie theatres in or near the city.
- There are no gyms or health clubs in or near the city.
- The property taxes average 2.52% of total income, which is lower than the national average of 2.79%.
- The property taxes average 0.90% of property value, which is significantly lower than the national average of 1.09%.
- The city sales taxes averages 6.75%, which is lower than the national average of 6.97%.
- Florida has an average state income tax of 0.00%, compared to the national average of 3.38%.
- The city's mean household income is $47,562, which is significantly lower than the national average of $64,580.
- The city's median household income is $35,355, which is significantly lower than the national median of $51,560.
- The city's per capita income is $19,961, which is significantly lower than the national average of $25,611.
- Assisted living costs average $33,600 per year, which are very low compared to national figures.
- Nursing home costs average $95,995 per year, which are high compared to national costs.
- Adult daycare costs average $14,560 per year, which are very low compared to national numbers.
- Home healthcare costs average $44,616 annually, which are average compared to national costs.
- The unemployment rate is about 14.42%, which is very high compared to national averages.
- The overall cost of living is high compared to national averages.
- 1% of the senior population are financially responsible for at least one grandchild.
- Lake Wales receives very high levels of rainfall each year.
- Lake Wales has ideal mean temperatures, with very mild winters and very warm summers.
- This city has average air quality.
- Lake Wales has an average population density of 550.6 people per square mile.
- Residents of Lake Wales have an average daily commute time.
- The city has a low public transportation ridership.
- Lake Wales has an average public school quality ranking.
- The city has a high public school safety rating.
- This city has a low graduation rate of 78.78%.
Assisted Living Costs in Lake Wales, Florida
The Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey doesn’t contain assisted living cost data for Lake Wales, but seniors can estimate local care costs based on rates in Lakeland, which is about 30 miles away. On average, assisted living services in the Lake Wales region cost $3,300 monthly. This offers savings of $700 monthly over the state rate of $4,000, and it’s over $1,000 less than the U.S. norm of $4,500.
- Lake Wales: $3,300
- Florida: $4,000
- U.S. Average: $4,500
Florida is a generally affordable place to obtain assisted living services, and Lake Wales has some of the most economical costs in the state. The only surveyed city with lower rates is Gainesville, where care costs are about $1,000 less at 2,350 monthly. In Port St. Lucie, rates are a few hundred dollars higher than in Lake Wales at $3,763, and in Ocala, residents pay $3,850 for services, over $500 more than in Lake Wales. Monthly rates in Orlando are higher at $4,000, and assisted living facilities in North Port charge $4,145, $800 more than in Lake Wales. In Tallahassee, Florida’s capital city, care costs exceed the average rate in Lake Wales at $4,650, and in Naples, rates are $2,000 higher than in Lake Wales at $5,300.
- Lake Wales: $3,300
- Gainesville: $2,350
- Port St. Lucie: $3,763
- Ocala: $3,850
- Orlando: $4,000
- North Port: $4,145
- Tallahassee: $4,650
- Naples: $5,300
Note: Data for Lake Wales was unavailable, so data for the nearest city, Lakeland, was used instead.
Top Assisted Living Facilities in Lake Wales, Florida
Located at 12 East Grove Ave, Savannah Court of Lake Wales is a senior care facility in Lake Wales, Florida. The surrounding area has a medium-density population, with around 12,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 33853. ...
Located at 10 Grove Avenue West in Lake Wales, Florida, Water's Edge of Lake Wales is a senior community for those over the age of 55. With a median household income of $31,920, the community is in a predominantly ...
Carlsberg Estates On Lake Suzanne HOA is a senior housing facility situated nearby the Waverly area of Lake Wales, Florida. With approximately 12,000 individuals residing in the zip code of 33859, the surrounding area has an average population density. ...
Carlsberg Estates On Lake Suzanne is a senior community situated nearby the Waverly neighborhood of Lake Wales, Florida. The facility is in a generally middle class area, with a median per-family income of $39,777. With around 12,000 ...
The Meadows at Cypress Gardens is a 145 unit senior care community situated in Winter Haven, Florida. The encompassing area is heavily populated, with around 30,000 individuals living in the 33884 zip code. It is a largely middle ...
9 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Located at 625 Overlook Dr, The Hawthorne Inn is a senior housing facility serving Winter Haven, Florida. With an average per-household income of $55,057, the community is in a generally middle class area. It is densely populated, with ...
10 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Astoria Health and Rehabilitation Center is a 120 unit skilled nursing facility. It is located at 701 Overlook Dr SE in Winter Haven, Florida. With an average household income of $55,057, the community is in a predominantly middle ...
10 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Located at 1387 Vienna Square Dr, Vienna Square is a senior care community in Winter Haven, Florida. The encompassing area has a dense population, with around 30,000 individuals living in the zip code of 33884. It is a ...
10 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Life Care Center of Winter Haven is a 177 bed senior housing community. It is located at 1510 Cypress Gardens Blvd in Winter Haven, Florida. The neighboring area is heavily populated, with about 30,000 poeple living in the ...
11 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Palm Garden of Winter Haven is a 120 unit senior housing facility. It is located at 1120 Cypress Gardens Blvd in Winter Haven, Florida. The community is in a primarily middle class area, with an average per-family income ...
11 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Wedgewood of Winter Haven is a senior community located at 480 Avenue E SE in Winter Haven, Florida. With about 39,000 residents in the 33880 zip code, the encompassing area is densely populated. It is a generally middle ...
12 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Autumn Breeze Assisted Living Facility is a senior care community located at 904 Lake Martha Drive NE in Winter Haven, Florida. The community is in a generally middle income area, with an average family income of $36,860. It ...
12 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Located at 534 Lakeview Dr, Janet's Adult Home Care is a senior housing facility in Poinciana, Florida. With around 31,000 poeple living in the 34759 zip code, the surrounding area is densely populated. It is a primarily middle ...
13 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Ella's Place Assisted Living is a 4 room senior care community located in Kissimmee, Florida. With approximately 31,000 individuals living in the 34759 zip code, the surrounding area is densely populated. It is a primarily middle income area, ...
13 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Located at 650 North Lake Howard Dr, Lake Howard Heights is a senior housing community serving Winter Haven, Florida. With an average per-household income of $41,370, the community is in a predominantly middle income area. It has a ...
13 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
New Horizon Assisted Living Rsidence is a senior community located at 2100 State Road 540 W in Winter Haven, Florida. With an average per-household income of $41,370, the facility is in a mostly middle class area. It is ...
13 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Located at 2100 State Road 540 West, New Horizon Assisted Living Residence is a senior community serving Winter Haven, Florida. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with a median household income of $41,370. With around ...
13 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Located at 409 S 10th St in Haines City, Florida, Haines City Health Care is a 120 unit skilled nursing facility. The facility is in a primarily middle income area, with an average per-family income of $35,408. It ...
14 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Located at 1225 Havendale Boulevard NW, Spring Haven Retirement is a senior care facility in Winter Haven, Florida. The encompassing area has a dense population, with roughly 30,000 people residing in the zip code of 33881. With an ...
14 miles away from Lake Wales, FL
Senior Resources in Lake Wales, Florida
Florida Rural Legal Services Florida Rural Legal Services provides civil legal assistance to those otherwise unable to afford help from a lawyer. The office specializes in age-related issues, such as drafting wills, resolving consumer debt issues and assigning powers of attorney. It can also help seniors and veterans apply for benefits that may cover assisted living. 963 East Memorial Boulevard, Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 688-7376 frls.org |
Polk County Better Living for Seniors Polk County Better Living for Seniors is a nonprofit coalition that supports the quality of life for seniors through information and advocacy. It organizes monthly meetings to discuss age-related issues and programs and services in the region that may benefit those in assisted living. P.O. Box 91884, Lakeland, FL 33804 (863) 588-6690 blfspolk.com |
Florida SHINE Florida SHINE provides Medicare counseling, helping seniors understand their health insurance coverage and private alternative options. Through this free helpline, seniors can get answers to questions about cost-sharing responsibilities, coverage limits and provider networks. The helpline can also help them determine whether they qualify for Medicare Savings Programs or Medicaid. 4040 Esplanade Way, Suite 270, Tallahassee, FL 32399 (800) 963-5337 floridashine.org |
Long-Term Care Ombudsman The long-term care ombudsman helps to ensure a high standard of care for those residing in assisted living communities. Through the South Central district office, Lake Wales seniors can get one-on-one help with researching local assisted living facilities, comparing monthly fees and contracts and finding ways to pay for long-term care. The office can also help seniors understand their rights and obtain necessary services. 200 North Kentucky Avenue, Suite #224, Lakeland, FL 33801 (863) 413-2764 ombudsman.elderaffairs.org |
Senior Connection Center, Inc. Senior Connection Center is a regional nonprofit organization that promotes the safety and quality of life of those aged 60 and over. It’s staffed with information specialists who connect older adults with services in the community, such as transportation, congregate meals and prescription drug assistance, and it has counselors who help seniors assess their care needs and options. 8928 Brittany Way, Tampa, FL 33619 (813) 740-3888 seniorconnectioncenter.org |
Mid-Florida Community Services, Inc. Mid-Florida Community Services supports seniors through an array of free services. Through its Polk County office, which is located in Bartow, those aged 60 and over can get information and referrals or supportive services in the community. The agency also operates congregate meal sites, transportation services and nutrition education programs, and it has a telephone reassurance program that provides regular check-ins with participants. 1290 Golfview Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 534-5326 mfcs.us.com |
Veteran Services Polk County’s Veteran Services office provides benefits counseling and assistance to older veterans in Lake Wales, helping them enroll in the local, state and federal programs they qualify for. Through the office, veterans get information on programs such as burial benefits, survivor benefits, military pensions and disability compensation. The office is open on weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. for in-person and over-the-phone assistance. 1290 Golfview Avenue, Bartow, FL 33830 (863) 534-5200 polk-county.net |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question
How much is assisted living in the state of Florida?
Answer
The cost of assisted living in Florida averages around $100 per day, $3,000 monthly, and $36,000 per year. By comparison, the national averages are $117 per day, $3,500 monthly, and $42,000 yearly.
Question
How much does assisted living cost in Lake Wales?
Answer
The cost of assisted living in Lake Wales, Florida ranges between approximately $2,000 and $3,795 monthly. The mean cost is approximately $2,800 monthly, or around $33,600 yearly.
Question
What does assisted living include?
Answer
The services offered in assisted living communities commonly include transportation assitance, meal preparation, help getting dressed, help with chores, and medication assistance.
Question
Which assisted living facilities in Lake Wales take Medicaid?
Answer
There are multiple assisted living communities in Lake Wales accepting Medicaid, including Life Care Center of Winter Haven, Haines City Health Care, Consulate Health Care of Winter Haven, Palm Garden of Winter Haven, and Brookdale Oakbridge.
Question
How many retirees live in Lake Wales?
Answer
While the city is home to 37,098 inhabitants, the surrounding statistical area includes a populace of 534,931. Around 39% of the local residents are over the age of 55.