This is your hub for Florida senior-care resources — the state programs, regulators, and benefits that Tampa Bay families use most. Florida's senior-care system is overseen by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) for licensing and the Department of Elder Affairs (DOEA) for services.
Paying for care in Florida
Florida's SMMC Long-Term Care Medicaid program is the main public pathway for long-term care, with eligibility based on medical need and finances. Veterans may qualify for VA benefits or a State Veterans' Home.
Safety and rights
Report concerns through the AHCA complaint process, the Long-Term Care Ombudsman, or the Florida Abuse Hotline for suspected abuse or exploitation.
Local help
Tampa Bay services run through the West Central Florida Area Agency on Aging, whose Elder Helpline screens seniors for meals, in-home support, caregiver respite, and more — much of it free or sliding-scale.
How Tampa Senior Advisor can help
We're a free, local senior-care advisory service for Tampa Bay families. We don't charge you — communities pay us a referral fee only if you choose to move in. If any of this feels overwhelming, tell us what's going on and we'll point you to the right next step, whether or not it involves a paid placement.