Home Care in Panama City, FL

The waterfront town of Panama City is located on the Florida Panhandle along U.S. Highway 98, a location that offers access to area amenities and outstanding medical facilities. It has about 33,000 residents and a senior community that accounts for 19% of the population. This budget-friendly city has a low overall cost of living and some of the most affordable housing in the state. Combined with the lack of state income tax, this may make it a financially feasible option if you’re looking for an affordable retirement location.

As is typical of the Southeast, Panama City’s weather is pleasant throughout the year and snowfall is rare, making it ideal for those who enjoy spending time outdoors. Reliable public transportation reduces seniors’ reliance on private vehicles, and a variety of nonprofit agencies and programs make it possible for many seniors to live at home throughout retirement. Two hospitals, Ascension Sacred Heart Bay and HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital, are located within the city, and health care costs are in line with national norms, benefiting those who are managing ongoing health conditions. These factors make Panama City a good option for those seeking home care.

According to the Genworth 2021 Cost of Care Survey, home care services in Panama City cost $4,767 per month. This type of care includes nonmedical services, such as housekeeping and personal assistance. Home health care, which includes medication administration, physical therapy, vitals monitoring and other specialized services, has the same monthly rate.

Average prices are based on an hourly rate of $25, assuming 44 hours of care per week during normal business hours. If you need care on evenings and weekends, your monthly care costs could be higher. On the other hand, you may be able to obtain more affordable care through local nonprofit agencies, such as the Bay City Council on Aging.

The Cost of Home Care & Home Health Care in Nearby Cities

In Panama City, home care costs are equal to the state norm at $4,767. This is a couple of hundred dollars below the national average of $4,957 for home care and $5,148 for home health care. In nearby Crestview, care costs are higher at $5,005 for home care and $5,053 for home health care, and in Tallahassee, seniors pay $4,814 for both options. In Gainesville, fees are cheaper with agencies charging $4,481 for home care and $4,576 for home health care.

Bay County Council on Aging

What You Should Know

The Bay County Council on Aging administers a range of programs and services to older adults in the Panama City area to help them maintain their independence. It operates the local Meals on Wheels program, which provides nutritionally balanced home-delivered meals to housebound individuals, and it provides volunteer-based door-to-door transportation services to help you attend one of the local fellowship centers or the Respite Center. It provides several in-home services, including light housekeeping and laundry, shopping assistance and personal care, and it has a friendly caller program that provides regular check-ins.

Who Is Eligible?

Services through the Council on Aging are available to those in Bay County who are aged 60 and over or have disabilities. Some programs, such as financial assistance and Meals on Wheels, have additional eligibility requirements related to your health or income.

How to Get Started

You can get more details on qualifying for programs and services through the Council on Aging by calling the office at (850) 769-3468 or emailing [email protected].

Advantage Aging Solutions

What You Should Know

Advantage Aging Solutions provides services directly and through contracted providers to help older adults remain safe and independent at home. It operates the Emergency Home Energy Assistance for the Elderly Program, which provides funds to help low-income seniors pay burdensome energy bills. The agency offers evidence-based health and wellness programs throughout the region, and it has options counselors who help you determine whether you qualify for veterans or public benefits that may help you pay for in-home care. The agency also operates the Elder Helpline, which can connect you with community-based services and programs.

Who Is Eligible?

Everyone in the agency’s service area, which includes Panama City, can obtain options counseling, information and referrals. Some programs available through this agency are limited to those who meet requirements related to functional abilities or income.

How to Get Started

To speak with a specialist and get more information on the services and programs available through Advantage Aging Solutions, you can call the Elder Helpline at (800) 963-5337 or the local agency at (850) 488-0055. You can also email the agency at [email protected] or fill out the online contact form.

Property Tax Exemption

What You Should Know

Seniors in Panama City have access to several property tax exemptions that can reduce what you pay in property taxes and enable you to retain ownership of your home even with a fixed income. The county has two programs for seniors: the Additional Homestead Exemption and the Senior Longevity Exemption. The Additional Homestead Exemption lets you exempt $50,000 of your home’s value in addition to the standard homestead exemption of $50,000. The Senior Longevity Exemption provides a 100% property tax exemption to those who meet qualifications.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the Additional Homestead Exemption, you must be at least 65 years old on January 1 of the year you’re filing for, and your household income must fall within the program’s limits. You may be eligible for the Senior Longevity Exemption if you’re 65 or older, you’ve lived in your home for at least 25 years and your home’s market value is $250,000 or less.

How to Get Started

You can learn more about these programs by contacting the Bay County Property Appraiser at (850) 248-8401. When applying for exemptions, you should have certain pieces of information available, including proof of household income and a state-issued ID or birth certificate to verify your age.

211 Northwest Florida

What You Should Know

211 Northwest Florida is a free referral service that can help you find programs in your community that may help you remain independent at home. Through this service, you can speak with a trained advisor to find home-delivered and congregate meals, chore and housekeeping assistance, transportation and wellness services. It can also help you connect with veterans’ resources near Panama City. All services are free, unbiased and confidential.

Who Is Eligible?

Everyone who lives in the Panama City region is eligible for informational services through 211. There are varying requirements and income limits for supportive programs and services you may identify through this agency.

How to Get Started

You can speak with an advisor by dialing 211 or toll-free (855) 420-8689. Over-the-phone assistance is available around the clock every day. You can also text your zip code to 989211 on weekdays between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., or you can use the guided search on the website to find resources yourself.

Department of Health

What You Should Know

The Department of Health operates several health and wellness programs to meet the needs of older adults in the Panama City area. Through the local office, you can verify the license of a health care professional, find chronic disease management programs and obtain immunizations. The office also has a special needs registry that helps the county provide evacuation assistance to housebound individuals in case of an emergency.

Who Is Eligible?

Everyone living within the Panama City region can get information and assistance through the Department of Health. Some programs are directed toward those who meet guidelines related to their health status or income.

How to Get Started

For more information on the services available through the Department of Health, you can call the local office at (850) 872-4455.