In short
The Villages is the country's biggest active-adult retirement community — 135,000 people and growing — which means senior care here looks different. Most residents move in healthy and independent, but the assisted living, memory care and skilled nursing options are spread across three counties (Sumter, Lake and Marion). Costs generally run $4,000 to $6,000 a month.
What’s available in The Villages
Because most Villages residents are healthy when they move in, the community itself has limited assisted living and skilled nursing inside the gates. Most options are in the surrounding towns.
| Type | Who it’s for | What’s included | In The Villages |
|---|---|---|---|
| Care at home | Wants to stay home, needs daily help | Aides, nursing visits, meals, rides | Licensed agencies available |
| Independent living | Active, done with upkeep | Apartment, meals, activities | Range of options |
| Assisted living | Needs help with meds, bathing, meals | Private apartment, 24-hour staff, care plan | Multiple communities |
| Memory care | Alzheimer’s or dementia | Secured, higher staff ratio | Standalone and campus-based |
| Skilled nursing | Round-the-clock nursing or rehab | Nurses, therapy, medical oversight | Available; Medicare for short rehab |
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What it costs here
The Villages costs run about $4,000 to $6,000 a month for assisted living, depending on the level of care and the neighborhood. Here is the typical range:
| Type | Typical monthly cost | What moves the number |
|---|---|---|
| Independent living | $3,000 to $4,800 | Apartment size, meal plan, amenities |
| Assisted living | $4,000 to $6,000 | Base rent plus care level; higher needs add $500-$1,500 |
| Memory care | $6,000 to $8,500 | Staffing ratio, private vs. shared room |
| Home care | $30 to $35 an hour | Hours per week; rates may vary |
| Skilled nursing | $9,500 to $12,000 | Private vs. semi-private; Medicare for short rehab |
How Florida helps pay
Florida programs that help seniors pay for care
- Medicaid long-term care
- Florida's SMMC LTC program covers nursing home care and assisted living for qualifying seniors. Which county office serves you depends on where in The Villages the parent lives.
- Where to start
- Elder Options (Mid-Florida AAA), 100 SW 75th St. Suite 301, Gainesville; Elder Helpline 1-800-262-2243; agingresources.org
- Veterans
- VA Aid and Attendance pension for wartime veterans who need help with daily activities.
- Medicare
- Does not pay for assisted living or long-term care. Covers short rehab stays.
Sources: State agency; Medicare.gov; VA.gov. Rules change; confirm current eligibility.
Local resources worth knowing
- Elder Options Mid-Florida AAA covering Sumter, Lake, Marion. SHINE counseling, caregiver support. 1-800-262-2243.
- FloridaHealthFinder.gov State database of inspection reports.
- SHINE Counseling Four of Sumter County's five SHINE sites are inside The Villages.
- Eldercare Locator, 1-800-677-1116. The federal government’s free line for aging services anywhere in the country.
- Adult Protective Services. To report elder abuse or neglect, call the state APS hotline or 911 if there is immediate danger.
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Questions from The Villages families
Which county is my parent in?
The Villages spans Sumter, Lake, and Marion counties. Which county program applies depends on the street address. Confirm this first.
Are there assisted living communities inside The Villages?
There are a few, but most are in Lady Lake, Fruitland Park, Leesburg, and Ocala just outside. Many offer shuttle services.
What happens when a resident's health declines?
A resident who develops significant care needs usually has to move outside the development to an assisted living community or nursing home.
Sources: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025; Medicare.gov; Elder Options (Mid-Florida AAA), 100 SW 75th St. Suite 301, Gainesville; Elder Helpline 1-800-262-2243; agingresources.org; state agency websites. Retrieved October 8, 2026.