This is a Clearwater-first guide to assisted living: not national averages, but the providers licensed to operate here, current 2026 costs, and the local context that shapes a good decision. We currently track 28 licensed assisted living communities serving Clearwater from Florida AHCA records.
What's below: the licensed providers, 2026 Clearwater cost ranges, the local hospital and neighborhood context, what to ask on a tour, and how to act fast if a hospital discharge is looming. Prefer to talk it through? Get matched with a free local advisor — no fees, ever.
What assisted living means — and who it's for
Assisted living fits an older adult who needs daily help — bathing, dressing, medication reminders, meals — but does not require round-the-clock skilled nursing. It's the most common first move when living alone stops being safe.
How Florida regulates it: In Florida, assisted living is licensed by AHCA under Chapter 429, F.S. Communities hold a Standard license, or an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) or Limited Nursing Services (LNS) license that lets residents stay as needs increase, plus a Limited Mental Health (LMH) designation where relevant. Always verify the exact license type — it determines how long your parent can remain as care needs grow.
In Clearwater specifically, that means weighing the licensed options against Clearwater's cost range and your family's timeline. The right choice balances care level, budget, location near Morton Plant Hospital (BayCare), and how quickly you need a spot.
Clearwater assisted living: by the numbers
28 licensed assisted living communities on file in Clearwater; about 1,702 total licensed beds; averaging 61 beds per community; the largest at 220 beds. These counts come from current Florida AHCA licensing data, not estimates.
Licensed assisted living providers in Clearwater
Selected by licensed bed capacity. Source: Florida AHCA / FloridaHealthFinder, current 2026. Always confirm a current license at quality.healthfinder.fl.gov before signing.
| Provider | City | Licensed beds | AHCA license # |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grand Villa Of Clearwater | Clearwater | 220 beds | 6670 |
| Oaks Of Clearwater, The | Clearwater | 175 beds | 4818 |
| The Grove At Countryside | Clearwater | 131 beds | 13954 |
| Pruittplace- Clearwater, LLC | Clearwater | 130 beds | 10143 |
| Colliers At Clearwater | Clearwater | 119 beds | 9227 |
| Wickshire Countryside | Clearwater | 119 beds | 9748 |
| Aravilla Clearwater | Clearwater | 100 beds | 13583 |
| Elevate Senior Living At Clearwater | Clearwater | 100 beds | 13876 |
| Cottages At Belleair | Clearwater | 98 beds | 9666 |
| The Preserve At Dunedin | Clearwater | 93 beds | 12158 |
| Seasons Largo | Clearwater | 92 beds | 12518 |
| Midway Manor ALF | Clearwater | 50 beds | 8632 |
Senior care in Clearwater, Pinellas County
Clearwater draws snowbirds and year-round retirees to its Gulf beaches and the Countryside area, sustaining one of the highest per-capita concentrations of senior communities in Pinellas. Anchored by Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater pairs beach-town living with a mature network of assisted-living, memory-care, and rehab providers in Countryside and along US-19.
Nearby hospitals: Morton Plant Hospital (BayCare), Clearwater (BayCare urgent/specialty). Proximity to a hospital matters for rehab discharges, dementia emergencies, and ongoing specialist visits — families in Clearwater often shortlist communities a short drive from these.
Areas families ask about: Countryside, Sand Key, Island Estates, Downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach.
What assisted living costs in Clearwater (2026)
Clearwater pricing runs $3,700–$5,850/month, above the metro average for Tampa Bay — a reflection of local real-estate and the mix of small residential homes versus larger communities.
- Assisted living (standard): $3,700–$5,850/month
- Memory care: $5,100–$7,400/month
- In-home care: $28–$40/hour
To trim cost in Clearwater, families commonly choose a companion (shared) suite, favor a small residential home over a big campus, pay only for the care level actually needed, and tap VA Aid & Attendance or the Florida SMMC Medicaid waiver where eligible.
How we vet Clearwater providers
- Active Florida AHCA license verified on FloridaHealthFinder, with no open disciplinary action
- Last two AHCA survey cycles reviewed for deficiencies and complaints
- Real family references — not curated testimonials
- Transparent monthly pricing (a provider who won't disclose cost is one we won't refer)
- An in-person visit by a local advisor within the last 12 months
Questions to ask on a tour
- What is the staff-to-resident ratio overnight?
- What care changes would force a move-out?
- What is the all-in monthly cost for this care level — every line item?
- How do you handle a sudden change in needs, like a fall?
- What is your current resident average length of stay?
What's included — and what costs extra
Usually included: housing, three meals daily, 24/7 awake staff, housekeeping, laundry, scheduled transportation, social and wellness programming, and a basic care plan. Typically extra: medication management above a basic tier, two-person transfers, incontinence care, on-site hospice coordination, and one-on-one aide hours. Ask any Clearwater provider for an itemized rate sheet so you can compare apples to apples.
How fast you can move in Clearwater
Plan on roughly 7–14 days for a Clearwater placement: assessment, deposit, physician's order, then move-in. Memory-care and post-hospital moves can happen same-day to 72 hours when a secured bed opens. A free local advisor can tell you which Clearwater communities have current openings.