Just 20 miles from the Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a tourist hotspot for good reason. From natural beauty to a great climate, there’s lots to love. With a large retiree population, seniors will feel right at home along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River.
Senior apartments in Fort Myers offer comfortable, secure, and vibrant homes in a city known for its active lifestyle. By opting for a senior apartment, individuals are choosing independence with the added security of adaptable and accessible features and a welcoming community of peers.
In this guide, you will find advice about choosing and paying for a senior apartment, local transportation and health care guidance, and activities you might want to get involved in. Our listings cover a 10-mile radius of the downtown Fort Myers area, which includes North Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
Senior Living Apartments in Fort Myers, FL
Just 20 miles from the Gulf Coast, Fort Myers is a tourist hotspot for good reason. From natural beauty to a great climate, there’s lots to love. With a large retiree population, seniors will feel right at home along the banks of the Caloosahatchee River.Read more
Senior apartments in Fort Myers offer comfortable, secure, and vibrant homes in a city known for its active lifestyle. By opting for a senior apartment, individuals are choosing independence with the added security of adaptable and accessible features and a welcoming community of peers.
In this guide, you will find advice about choosing and paying for a senior apartment, local transportation and health care guidance, and activities you might want to get involved in. Our listings cover a 10-mile radius of the downtown Fort Myers area, which includes North Fort Myers and Cape Coral.
Senior Apartments Facilities near Fort Myers, FL
Brookdale on Country Club Blvd in Cape Coral, FL is OUTSTANDING! Here’s why. My loved one needed a place quickly after rehab as she could no longer live alone. Fortunately, I toured Brookdale and immediately...
They have a lot of activities, such as; bingo, sing-along, church services, puzzles, and games. They try to keep the residents busy. It's so expensive, but my loved one has total care. We picked this...
I like knowing that my father is doing well at his new home. The apartments are clean and a good atmosphere for him to live in. He does cook his own meals. They try and offer him things to do within the...
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...
It's been going well, so far. I am still getting moved in so I haven't had a chance to really check everything out. It's a clean place though, and the staff is friendly. Everything is nice, and I like it so...
Our free advisors can help
- Compare local facilities
- Determine care type
- Schedule tours
- Evaluate pricing
- What families are saying about senior apartments in Fort Myers
- Costs of senior apartments in the Fort Myers area
- How people pay for senior apartments in Fort Myers
- Understand Florida laws and regulations for senior apartment communities
- What to expect from senior apartments in Fort Myers
- Explore senior care with confidence
- Unfamiliar with Fort Myers? Highlights for seniors
What families are saying about senior apartments in Fort Myers
Recent reviews for senior apartments in Fort Myers
Brookdale Cape Coral
Lehigh Acres Assisted Living
Costs of senior apartments in the Fort Myers area
If you’re looking for a senior apartment in Florida, the cost of living may be at the forefront of your mind. The good news is that Fort Myers and the surrounding area are known for being affordable, especially compared to other cities in the Sunshine State. The average actual cost of senior living in Fort Myers is $1,989, which includes rent as well as any associated fees and services provided within the facility.[02]
Bear in mind that the following figures represent the average baseline costs of senior apartment living, without add-on fees.
Average monthly cost of Senior Apartments in Fort Myers, FL vs. nearby cities
Fort Myers, FL
How people pay for senior apartments in Fort Myers
Senior apartments are generally not considered care facilities because they do not provide the specialized care that an assisted living or memory care facility would. This means that long-term insurance and plans like Medicare and Medicaid do not cover the rent portion of senior apartment living. Fortunately, there is help available for other related costs.
Most seniors pay for their senior apartments with a combination of personal income, investments, housing assistance, Social Security, and other benefits. In this section, you can find information about private pay, housing assistance, and VA benefits, as well as Medicare and Medicaid resources.
Most seniors will use some amount of private pay to cover the cost of living in a senior apartment. This will typically mean using savings, income, pensions, and investments first. Then, seniors may look at other income sources they are eligible for, such as Social Security benefits and work-based pensions. The following additional sources may also come in handy:
Number of veterans who live in Fort Myers
About 70% of Fort Myers veterans are 65+
Veterans living in the Fort Myers area are entitled to claim benefits if they are eligible. The main benefit source for veterans in senior apartments is the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which can cover anything that improves the quality of life for a qualified veteran.
Some veterans may also be eligible for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) vouchers. The HUD-VASH program provides homeless veterans (or those at risk of becoming homeless) with rental assistance and other services. This document provides more information about eligibility requirements.
Applying for VA benefits can be complex, so you might need some help navigating application forms and supplying the supporting documents you need. Fortunately, whether you believe you’re eligible for VA Aid and Attendance or the VA Pension, there are local veterans service officers who are dedicated to helping you. Veterans services organizations (VSOs), such as Jewish War Veterans, will be able to help you access more specific help as well.
Below you will find contact information for the local government offices and other resources for accessing veterans benefits.
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.
While Medicaid does not cover rent costs for senior apartment residents, it will in some cases cover health care costs related to senior living. For example, if you are eligible for Medicaid and you receive a visit from a nurse for medically necessary in-home treatment, you may be able to access coverage via the home and community based services waiver program (HCBS).
Florida Medicaid is the Medicaid provider that covers the Fort Myers area, and most recipients access their eligibility and enrollment status through Florida Statewide Medicaid Managed Care. The state has a public guide to applying that can be accessed online. 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).
You may also want to contact a local representative for assistance in navigating the process of applying. Call the local Area Agency on Aging’s Elder Helpline or reach out to your local long-term care ombudsman for assistance.
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 the health care program developed for low-income seniors aged 65 and over, as well as younger people who receive Social Security Disability benefits. It does not cover rent costs for seniors, but it will cover medically necessary treatment for acute health care needs. This could be an at-home visit by a nurse following surgery, a hospital stay, or a new drug prescription.
Some seniors may also be eligible for the Medicare Savings Program, which helps mitigate Medicare-related costs. Florida also provides a discount drug program to help seniors save money on prescriptions.
The local Program for All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is Hope PACE. This program helps eligible seniors find primary care, pay for medications and treatments, and access the medical services they need in order to stay in the community longer and avoid nursing home placement.
For help with the Medicare application process, contact Serving Health Insurance Needs of Elders (SHINE), the local Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP). Additionally, it’s good to keep in mind that your local ombudsman is always there for you if you find the Medicare application process confusing or inaccessible, or if you have an issue getting support elsewhere.
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.
Long-Term Care Ombudsman
2295 Victoria Ave., Room 125
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-338-2563
Hope PACE
2668 Winkler Ave.
Fort Myers, FL 33901
Phone: 239-985-6400
SHINE
2830 Winkler Ave., Suite 112
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 239-652-6900
Fax: 239-652-6989
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Choice Voucher Program can help seniors afford their Fort Myers senior apartments. Formerly known as Section 8, HUD vouchers are allowances for low-income seniors to apply for rental assistance. Vouchers only work if landlords accept them. The local HUD office can connect you to the relevant resources.
You may also be able to access Social Security benefits to help defray the costs of senior living. There are four benefit types that you might consider. The Social Security in Retirement benefit replaces part of your monthly income if you can no longer work, whereas Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income are designed for those with disabilities across different income levels. The Social Security Survivors Pension, which does not require that recipients have a disability, is another option for widows, widowers, and dependents of workers.
Fort Myers resident public assistance resources
Florida Regional HUD office
Brickell Plaza Federal Building
909 S.E. First Ave., Room 500
Miami, FL 33131-3028
Phone: 305-536-5765
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Fort Myers Social Security Office
4220 Executive Circle, Suite 25
Fort Myers, FL 33916
Phone: 800-772-1213
Hours: Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Understand Florida laws and regulations for senior apartment communities
Typically, because senior apartments are not considered care facilities with unique requirements such as dementia-friendly layouts or extra security, they do not need special licenses. However, senior apartments are subject to standard rental and housing laws, which exist to protect tenants and property owners alike. For this reason, all residential buildings must earn a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Completion from the city of Fort Myers when they’re built.
Officers of the city’s Code Enforcement Division are responsible for conducting inspections in response both to reported and observed code violations. It’s expected that landlords quickly address these violations and make every effort to prevent them from happening. Fort Myers has created a searchable database of address-specific code violations that anyone can access.
One of the laws that applies to senior apartments is the Fair Housing Act. This set of laws dictates that anyone in Florida should be able to receive equal access to housing and not be discriminated against or denied dwelling. Senior apartments must also comply with laws established by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). These laws require landlords to make reasonable accommodations for tenants with additional needs. For example, if a senior in a senior apartment occasionally uses a wheelchair, the landlord must not penalize that senior for the extra wear and tear that may occur as a result.
Some senior apartment communities may have additional requirements for tenancy, but most will only require an age minimum. Florida has an online guide that provides more details about the Landlord/Tenant Law.
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 senior apartments communities
While there are currently no legally mandated COVID-19 regulations in Fort Myers, the state of Florida continues to follow and recommend CDC guidelines. These include vaccination advice and recommendations for social distancing and reducing transmission. It also sets out responses for different eventualities, such as rising community infection levels.
Senior apartments tend to be treated like any other rental property, but some communities and complexes may provide additional guidance like masking in public areas to help keep vulnerable residents safe.
Vaccinations.
Vaccinations are not required in Florida, but they are recommended for seniors.
Masking.
Residents of Fort Myers are not required by law to wear a mask but may choose to. Some facilities reserve the right to expect masking in areas where social distancing can’t be ensured.
Social distancing.
CDC guidelines recommend keeping a distance of six feet or more from others and avoiding contact with those who are sick or who have tested positive for COVID-19.
Quarantining.
Self-isolation is recommended if you’ve been in close contact with anyone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
What to expect from senior apartments in Fort Myers
Senior apartments in Fort Myers and surrounding areas are great places for seniors to spend their golden years. Here are some of the most significant benefits of these communities:
Culture and nature
Senior apartments in Fort Myers offer a range of living styles in an environment known for its tranquility and friendliness. With warm weather, beaches, nature reserves, golf courses, shopping centers, and museums, it truly represents a meeting point of culture and nature. Lee County is the peak of Florida living.
Communities for every interest
Whether you’re searching on a budget or attempting to find a luxury residence, there are many local senior apartment options to choose from. Some complexes pride themselves on hosting neighborhood activities that encourage residents to make new friendships and connections. Other communities offer a quieter, more solitary experience. You get to decide your preferred level of community that fits your unique needs and interests.
Amenities and other perks
Amenities and services are included in or additional features of some properties. For example, some senior apartments and independent living communities have outdoor common areas, on-site beauty salons and art classes, and even movie and theater rooms. Make a note of your must-have and nice-to-have amenities so you can find an apartment that makes you feel safe, secure, and fulfilled.
Explore senior care with confidence
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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 is a high-performing health care facility in Lee County and the only certified comprehensive stroke center in the area. It is especially well-rated for heart failure rehabilitation and colon cancer surgery.
Lee Memorial Hospital
With medical/surgical ICU and cardiac ICU, as well as 10 high-performing specialty areas, Lee Memorial is a well-regarded facility for primary, general, and specialized care. It also boasts an excellent Skilled Nursing Unit, which is served by Medicare and may be especially useful for seniors in the area.
Transportation for seniors in Fort Myers
While Fort Myers isn’t the most highway-heavy, bustling metropolis on the planet, it does help to have a car here. The Lee Island Coast offers drivers a sunny, windswept journey along the Florida shore. For recreational rides, traveling by boat is a delightful way to see the landscape from a new perspective. There are 20 public-access marinas in the Fort Myers area.
According to Walk Score, Fort Myers does provide some cycleways and bike route options. Walking, on the other hand, probably won’t be your chosen mode of transportation unless you’re exploring the more accessible areas of Lincoln Park, Winkler Safe Neighborhood, and Bowling Green. The overall walk (35) and bike (48) scores are based on a scale of 1-100 to rate how easy it is to get around on a bike or on foot.[07]
For seniors wishing or needing to take public transport, LeeTran is the main operator in the area. By bus and trolley service, LeeTran can transport you across the region to beaches, airports, and most landmarks. The Fort Myers Beach Trolley, which runs the length of Fort Myers Beach, is especially popular. LeeTran offers ID cards for seniors with a ride discount. Other organizations, such as the subsidized, door-to-door, excursion-assisting Cape Coral Mini-Bus, also offer senior-friendly transport options.
Walk Score
Bike Score
Senior activities in Fort Myers
With a climate so sunny and sociable, Fort Myers always has something for residents and visitors to do. Shopping, sightseeing, beach visits, and off-the-beaten-path excursions are just some of the countless ways to spend a day here. Seniors will have no trouble filling out their date cards quickly.
Sports fans will love the Fort Myers Country Golf Club and the Racquet Club of Fort Myers, a historic tennis club with a vibrant and active community. They can also take a dip at the public pool, which has a convenient view of the golf course for those who want to keep an eye on their competitors. Fort Myers is also home to JetBlue Park, the spring training grounds for the Boston Red Sox, so baseball fans will feel safe at home here.
For lovers of culture, the Florida Repertory Theater hosts regular events and plays, including new works by local playwrights and accessible events for seniors with extra mobility needs. The city and county also host cultural events like the Island Hopper Songwriter Fest throughout the year. What’s more, the IMAG History & Science Center offers a great interactive museum experience that’s perfect for visiting family. Grandkids will love the aquarium!
One lovely way to experience Fort Myers as a senior resident is to visit a recreational or community center. Estero Park and Recreation Center, Lehigh Acres Senior Citizen Center, and Boca Grande Park and Community Center all offer games, sports, arts and crafts, clubs, and social time. Whether you’re a bird watcher or a scrap-booker, you’ll find your community in no time.
There’s no shortage of nature activities for Fort Myers residents. Besides swimming in the ocean, beachfront activities include ecotours, parasailing, and kayaking. If you’re interested in seeing the local wildlife, there’s even a service that lets you paddle alongside manatees on the Orange River. The Everglades Day Safari, which offers full- and half-day airboat tours of the 1.5-million-acre Everglades National Park, is also an excellent way to view Florida’s unique fauna.
History buffs will want to go on the River District History Tour, which educates participants about the origin and development of Fort Myers by taking them to historically significant parts of the city. The Southwest Florida Museum of History offers a more conventional educational experience. Train enthusiasts won’t want to miss out on the Lakes Park Railroad Museum, an exhibit dedicated to the railroad industry and its role in growing Southwest Florida. Fun fact: The former estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, who both regularly wintered in Fort Myers with their families, still stand and are open to the public for tours.
Fort Myers won’t disappoint seniors who like to shop and dine out. For starters, the Gulf Coast Town Center is an outdoor mall that has just about everything you could want, whether that be art, ice cream, or fishing equipment. There’s also Bell Tower, another outdoor mall that contains restaurants, a movie theater, and dozens of boutiques. If you’re looking for a more down-to-earth shopping experience, Fleamaster’s Fleamarket is probably right up your alley.
Frequently Asked Questions
Brookdale Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres Assisted Living and Willow Creek are the top-rated Senior Apartments facilities near Fort Myers, FL. These Senior Apartments facilities received the highest rankings based on verified family reviews. See full list of communities.
The average cost of Senior Apartments in Fort Myers is 2017.92 per month. This cost may vary based on location, amenities, floorplan, level of care and other factors.
References
Britannica, T. Editors of Encyclopaedia (2023, February 11). Fort Myers. Encyclopedia Britannica.
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.
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