In short
Home care in Sarasota covers everything from a few hours of companionship to full-time skilled nursing. Non-medical caregiver rates run $30 to $34 an hour, and home health aide visits through licensed agencies are typically $150 to $250 per visit. Florida\u2019s SMMC LTC program can help pay for home care for qualifying seniors.
Sarasota home care landscape
The home care market in Sarasota is large and seasonal. Many agencies staff up in the winter months and have more availability in summer. When comparing agencies, ask about caregiver training, background checks, backup coverage, and whether they can provide the same caregiver consistently.
The Area Agency on Aging for Southwest Florida (AAASWFL), aaaswfl.org, can help families find and evaluate home care options. The Elder Helpline, 1-800-963-5337, starts the process.
Questions families ask
How is home care different from home health?
Home care (non-medical) helps with daily activities like bathing, dressing, meals, and companionship. Home health (skilled) is provided by licensed nurses or therapists and includes wound care, injections, therapy, and monitoring. Medicare covers only skilled home health under certain conditions; it does not cover non-medical home care.
Does Florida Medicaid pay for home care?
Yes. Florida\u2019s SMMC LTC program can pay for home and community-based services for qualifying seniors. The Elder Helpline starts the screening.
How many hours a week is typical for home care?
It varies widely. Some families arrange 10-15 hours a week for companionship and light help; others need 24/7 live-in care. The sweet spot for most families in Sarasota is 20-40 hours a week, costing about $2,600 to $5,500 a month at $30/hour.
Sources: CareScout Cost of Care Survey 2025; AAASWFL; Medicare.gov. Retrieved October 8, 2026.