With a great sense of community and numerous social and cultural events throughout the year, Venice, Florida, is quickly attracting more and more retirees. And with a greater influx of seniors to the city located between Fort Myers and Sarasota, it’s only natural to find an increasing number of senior housing options cropping up. Independent living is one such option.
A Place for Mom partners with 10 independent living communities located within a 10-mile radius of Venice’s city center. Most of these communities offer more than independent living, ensuring a continuum of care with their assisted living and memory care services. What’s more, many of the communities feature bountiful amenities, such as swimming pools, fitness centers, beauty salons, game rooms, and billiard lounges.
To make the selection process a little easier, A Place for Mom has put together this guide about independent living facilities in the Venice area. Below, you’ll learn more about these communities as well as information on payment options, local and state regulations, transportation methods, nearby health care facilities, and local activities for seniors. We hope this helps you or your loved one choose a retirement community.
10 Best Independent Living Communities in Venice, FL
With a great sense of community and numerous social and cultural events throughout the year, Venice, Florida, is quickly attracting more and more retirees. And with a greater influx of seniors to the city located between Fort Myers and Sarasota, it’s only natural to find an increasing number of senior housing options cropping up. Independent living is one such option.Read more
A Place for Mom partners with 10 independent living communities located within a 10-mile radius of Venice’s city center. Most of these communities offer more than independent living, ensuring a continuum of care with their assisted living and memory care services. What’s more, many of the communities feature bountiful amenities, such as swimming pools, fitness centers, beauty salons, game rooms, and billiard lounges.
To make the selection process a little easier, A Place for Mom has put together this guide about independent living facilities in the Venice area. Below, you’ll learn more about these communities as well as information on payment options, local and state regulations, transportation methods, nearby health care facilities, and local activities for seniors. We hope this helps you or your loved one choose a retirement community.
Venice Independent Living Facilities | 754 Reviews
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- Compare local facilities
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- What families are saying about independent living in Venice
- Costs of independent living in the Venice area
- How people pay for independent living in Venice
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities
- Get to know independent living in Venice
- Types of independent living in Venice
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Venice? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about independent living in Venice
Recent reviews for independent living in Venice
The Windsor of Bradenton
Discovery Commons South Biscayne in North Port, FL
Beneva Lakes Assisted Living Center in Sarasota, FL
Costs of independent living in the Venice area
The average monthly cost of an independent living community in the Venice area is $3,991, according to A Place for Mom’s proprietary data.[01] This figure includes rent, associated fees, and service fee add-ons. However, prices can vary greatly based on location, unit size, floor plan, amenities, and other services. But this data reflects the total average cost of what residents paid at our partner communities in the Venice area.
The following figures represent the average baseline costs for the Venice area and do not include additional fees for ancillary services.
Average monthly cost of Independent Living in Venice, FL vs. nearby cities
Venice, FL
How people pay for independent living in Venice
You or your loved one can pay for independent living in a variety of ways. Some seniors use a combination of resources to cover the costs, while others foot the bill completely out of pocket. To help you understand your options, we’ve provided additional information on a range of payment methods, including private resources, VA benefits, Medicaid, and Medicare.
Many seniors use private resources to fund their stays at independent living facilities. Why? Unfortunately, insurance rarely helps offset the room and board costs of independent living. As such, you may find yourself relying on retirement savings, Social Security benefits, pensions, distributions from retirement accounts, income generated by investments, and any of the following:
Number of veterans who live in Venice
About 84% of Venice veterans are over the age of 65
Veterans living in the Venice area will find a variety of benefits available that may help offset the costs associated with independent living. To start, there’s the VA Pension. This benefit serves as a supplement to your personal resources and can be put toward housing-related expenses. If eligible, you can apply it directly to the monthly fees of a senior community.
For veterans who require assistance with daily activities, the VA Aid & Attendance benefit is another option. Aid & Attendance can be put toward anything that helps improve wartime veterans’ quality of life. Applications are available online or at a regional VA office.
There are additional benefits as well, such as VA Disability Compensation, a tax-free benefit made available to veterans with service-connected disabilities or existing conditions made worse from service in the military. Check out the full list of benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.
If you find yourself facing some financial difficulties, you can look into the Unmet Needs program offered by Veterans of Foreign Wars. Grants vary based on your individual circumstances but can reach up to $1,500. These funds can help cover the costs of your basic needs, such as rent and utilities.
When it comes to VA benefits, you may run into a few questions. Luckily, help is available. Veterans services organizations (VSOs) offer a range of services and can assist you with understanding eligibility requirements, identifying available benefits, applying for those benefits, and connecting you with additional resources. If you’d like more information about working with a VSO in Venice, the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans can connect you with a veterans services officer who can help. You can also contact the Sarasota County Veterans Services Office or the Regional VA Benefits Office for help.
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.
Regional VA Benefits Office
9500 Bay Pines Blvd.
Bay Pines, FL 33744
Phone: 800-698-2411
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
American Legion Post 159
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.
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 8118
832 E. Venice Ave.
Venice, FL 34285
Phone: 941-303-6671
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) is the name of Florida’s Medicaid program, and it’s operated by the Agency for Health Care Administration. To apply, check out the official SMMC website. Independent living communities are considered a form of general housing, so SMMC doesn’t cover the cost of room and board. Rather, this benefit is designed to cover care-related services administered by a registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, or qualified home health aid.
To apply for in-home care, you can utilize one of Florida’s waiver programs. Perhaps you’re dealing with an injury that requires physical therapy; the Long-Term Care Waiver could be of benefit. The same could be said if you were to need occupational therapy, speech therapy, or medication administration. This is just one part of the home and community based services waiver program, which can cover health care costs delivered where a person lives.
If you have questions about coverage, the Florida Department of Elder Affairs and the Area Agency on Aging offer a Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHIP) program. SHIP offers financial counseling to Medicaid enrollees. There’s also the Florida Ombudsman Program, which offers 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
Florida Ombudsman Program
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.
Anyone over the age of 65 or diagnosed with specific illnesses or disability is eligible for Medicare, the federal health insurance program. While Medicare can’t be used to offset the room and board costs of an independent living community, it’s still a valuable benefit for seniors who require medically necessary health care. Medicare covers inpatient hospital stays, short-term in-home care services, and a range of doctor’s fees.
There are several programs available to Medicare beneficiaries, including:
- Florida Medicare Savings Program. The Medicare Savings Program can help cover at least some of the costs of Medicare premiums and copays for income-eligible seniors.
- Florida Discount Drug Card Program. The Florida Discount Drug Program is a general pharmaceutical assistance program that can offset the costs of medication.
- Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE). SHINE can be a great resource if you require financial assistance because they can help you with the application process and answer questions.
The Florida Ombudsman Program also offers long-term care advocacy support. You can also contact the Social Security Administration to apply in person.
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
Florida Ombudsman Program
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
Understand Florida laws and regulations for independent living communities
In Florida, independent living communities have one main regulation: At least 80% of units must be occupied by individuals who are 55 or older.[04] If operating as an age-restricted community, the property owner must demonstrate that they provide housing for older adults through their policies and procedures.
Independent living communities must also follow the same laws as other rental properties. This means they must comply with the following regulations:
- The Fair Housing Act, which protects renters and home-buyers from discrimination.
- The Americans with Disabilities Act, which protects people with disabilities from discrimination.
- Standards set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Senior communities are subject to additional regulations if they offer additional services outside of independent living, such as assisted living or memory care.
All long-term care facilities are subject to regular inspections by Florida’s Department of Health. These inspections will assess the state of the property and determine whether the community is providing the appropriate services associated with its license. You can view inspection reports online 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 Venice independent living communities
The state of Florida has no specific COVID-19 regulations for independent living communities aside from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention best practices. However, individual communities may have their own guidelines. Inquire directly with your chosen facility for more information.
Vaccinations. Vaccinations and boosters are encouraged but not required.
Masking. People can wear a mask at any time but it’s not required.
Facility cleanliness. Facilities should regularly clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces.
Staff safety. Facilities should make ventilation improvements to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Get to know independent living in Venice
Types of independent living in Venice
Independent living communities are similar in nature to apartments; they offer seniors the option to live independently with a few additional perks. Venice is the perfect place if you’re looking for an independent living facility in a beachside city. You’ll love the city’s subtropical climate and Italian architecture. Plus, some facilities may even seem like resorts, providing residents with access to plentiful amenities. In the following sections, we’ll take a look at what you can expect from independent living in Venice, Florida.
Continuum of care
Many senior living communities offer a continuum of care. These facilities allow you to age in place should you need assistance or additional services in the future. In Venice, you’ll be able to choose from the following partner facilities:
- 2 stand-alone independent living facilities
- 1 independent living and senior apartment facility
- 2 independent living and assisted living facilities
- 5 combination independent living, assisted living, and memory care facilities
On-site amenities
Most independent living communities in Venice take the idea of convenience and relaxation seriously, putting a great deal of thought into the amenities they offer. If you’re looking for a community with an on-site fitness center, for example, you won’t be disappointed. Roughly 70% of communities in our partner network offer this amenity. You’ll also find communities where you can take a dip at the on-site swimming pool, get a little creative at the arts and crafts center, sit down with a good book at the in-house library, or shoot a round of pool at a billiards lounge. Need to narrow down your independent living community choices? It’s all a matter of determining what amenities you want.
Getting around town
Though independent living communities are perfect for seniors who don’t require assistance with daily activities, our partner network understands the difficulties of traveling when you’re older. Many communities make it easy for residents to get around town by offering resident parking options. Additionally, 70% of our partner facilities provide complimentary transportation, and 30% offer at-cost transportation.
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Unfamiliar with Venice? Highlights for seniors
Number of seniors over the age of 65 currently living in Venice
Median annual income for Venice seniors 65 and older
Health care for seniors in Venice
Sarasota Memorial Hospital
Nationally ranked in two adult specialties and regionally ranked as the sixth-best hospital in Florida, Sarasota Memorial Health is a Level II trauma center. It’s recognized for being high-performing in heart attack, heart failure, aortic valve surgery, kidney failure, stroke, gastroenterology, hip and knee replacement, and seven other procedures and conditions.
HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital
Awarded a five-star rating from The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital is a general and surgical medical center that’s ranked as high-performing in heart failure, kidney failure, stroke, and hip and knee replacement.
Lakewood Ranch Medical Center
Voted “best hospital” by a local publication, Lakewood Ranch Medical Center is an acute care hospital that provides a range of services, including cancer care, diabetes care, and orthopedics.
Transportation for seniors in Venice
Of our partner independent living communities in Venice, 70% offer complimentary transportation, and 30% offer at-cost transportation making it easy to get around.[07] However, there are other ways to get around Venice, too.
Though the area is mostly car-dependent, Sarasota County Area Transportation (SCAT) operates two bus lines in Venice. Seniors and Medicare cardholders receive a discounted fare of $0.75 for one-way trips, and anyone 80 or older rides for free. SCAT also operates SCATPlus, a curb-to-curb rideshare service for individuals who are unable to use fixed routes. The cost of the SCATPlus service is $3 per trip, and personal care attendants ride for free.
Active seniors should know that Venice is bikeable, earning a score of 56 out of 100 for its bike infrastructure.[08] In fact, the city has been recognized as a Silver Bicycle Friendly Community by the League of American Bicyclists. Trails of note are the Legacy Trail, Venetian Waterway Park Trail, and Island Park Loop.
If you’re hoping to get around by foot, it all depends on the neighborhood. Venice has a walk score of 31 out of 100, with the neighborhoods of Venice, Venice Edgewood, and East Gate ranking anywhere from 41 to 51 for walkability.[08]
Walk Score
Transit Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Venice
Venice is home to a range of activities and attractions that may be of interest to seniors. To start, there are the beaches. Venice Beach and Caspersen Beach are must-sees. Caspersen Beach, in particular, features a beach as well as a nature trail that takes you through a coastal hammock of dunes, marshes, mangroves, and tidal flats. It’s become quite the destination for bird and other wildlife watching. Outside of Venice, Sarasota is another wonderful option for beaches where you can soak up the sun at Lido Beach and Siesta Key Beach.
Speaking of birdwatching, the Venice Area Audubon Society will not disappoint. While its nature center is currently closed to the public, the “rookery” is open from dawn to dusk and offers seniors opportunities for free birdwatching. You can also participate in one of its many programs, such as its birding field trips, bird stewardship, pollinator garden, and more.
If angling is more your game, then a trip to the Venice Fishing Pier is in order. With 700 feet of area to cast your line, there’s most definitely a spot for you. But you can only drop one line in the waters, as per a recent ordinance. Once you’ve caught your fill, consider heading over to Centennial Park. This park features ample green space, walking paths, picnic areas, and beautiful landscaping. Plus, the central gazebo holds regular events and concerts that may be of interest.
Should you want to enjoy the arts, there’s always the Venice Community Center. Depending on the month, you can listen to some music at a tribute concert, hit up the booths at an arts and crafts show, or find some treasures at an antique show. You can also visit the Venice Museum and Archives. There, you’ll find more than 30,000 photographs, archives, and other objects on the city’s history.
Out and about on a Saturday? You must make a point of swinging by the Venice Farmers’ Market. Obviously, you can pick up a week’s worth of produce, bread, and seafood from a host of different vendors. Just don’t forget to grab a delicious lunch from one of the food stalls and enjoy some live music from local entertainers.
If you’re looking for fellowship, the Senior Friendship Center is a great place to socialize and participate in an array of activities, such as fitness classes, book clubs, crafting, Tai chi, ballroom dancing, crocheting, pickleball, and more. All classes and activities are free to members, and annual memberships currently run $125.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Windsor of Bradenton, Bayshore Guest Home and Gardens and Brookdale Punta Gorda Isles are the top-rated Independent Living facilities near Venice, FL. These Independent Living facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Independent Living in Venice is 4130.11 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.
Florida Commission on Human Relations. (n.d.). Housing – 55 & Older Communities.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). Sarasota Memorial Hospital.
U.S. News & World Report. (2023). HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital.
A Place for Mom. (2023). A Place for Mom proprietary data.
Walk Score. (2023). Living in Venice.
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