Senior Living Apartments in Naples, FL

Because senior apartments don’t provide personal or health care to residents, programs like Medicaid, Medicare, and long-term care insurance will not cover the custodial costs (like rent) of living in a senior apartment. They may, however, cover costs related to necessary in-home care services. In this section, you’ll learn how seniors can use these health programs and other payment options such as private pay methods, VA benefits, and public assistance to pay for senior apartment living.

As rental properties, senior apartments are subject to all state and federal laws that apply to rental housing. Locally, Collier County enforces the Fair Housing Act, which protects people from discrimination during the sale, rental, or financing of housing. It also ensures that those with disabilities aren’t discriminated against when receiving federal financial assistance.^[03]

Renters are also protected by the Americans with Disabilities Act which makes it unlawful to discriminate against people with disabilities. It also ensures those with disabilities can request reasonable accommodations for rental properties. In addition, the Equal Credit Opportunity Act provides protection from discrimination during any part of a credit application.^[04]

Additionally, Florida has local tenants’ rights, laws, and protections, all of which can be accessed on the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development website. According to Collier County regulations, all condos or co-op buildings three stories or taller must have structural inspections once they are 25 years old and every ten years after that. Inspection reports are available online.

Senior apartments also have age restrictions in Florida. At least 80% of occupied units must have a resident over 55 years of age, while other occupants must not be younger than the minimum age requirement. This requirement changes from community to community, but it is typically 45.

Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Naples senior apartments communities

Collier County and the city of Naples don’t have any specific guidelines for COVID-19. However, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends following these general guidelines:

Naples is known for its luxury living and high-end shopping. So, seniors should expect apartment communities to be equally luxurious. Most apartments and communities are equipped with walk-in closets, soaking tubs, Peloton bikes, and private theaters.

What to know about senior apartments

Senior apartments are ideal for active and independent seniors who value community and appreciate elements of senior living. Because senior apartments don’t offer health care services or assistance, they’re best for people who can live alone or with a loved one.

Outdoor living at its finest

With its subtropical climate, Naples has mild winters and hot summers that are often broken by the sea breeze. As a result, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside. Seniors will enjoy many patio dinners as well as many fishing, boating, and golfing opportunities. In fact, Naples is the self-titled golf capital of the world.

Community-centered life

Naples is a relatively small community with plenty of support for seniors. Many people in the community form friendships and look out for one another. There are also several senior centers and organizations that can provide opportunities for socializing.

Health care for seniors in Naples

Transportation for seniors in Naples

Walk Score ranks Naples a 35 out of 100 for walking, which means the city is mostly car-dependent. The score is determined by how friendly a city is to pedestrians. You’ll need a vehicle for most daily errands.^[07] However, if you prefer to walk as much as possible, Old Naples, Lake Park, and Sun Terrace are all walkable neighborhoods. Naples also has bike lanes scattered across the city for those who’d rather exercise while traveling.

Collier Area Transit (CAT) provides public transportation, offering 19 routes in the county. Naples Bay Water Shuttle serves the waterfront, operating between several popular shopping and dining spots.

For those who need additional support while traveling, CAT also offers paratransit options through CATConnect. This door-to-door service is designed for people who are unable to use the fixed-route bus system. To use this service, seniors must meet Americans with Disabilities Act eligibility requirements and apply at Ridecat.com.

If you’re not eligible for CATConnect, you can make reasonable modification requests to improve access to the fixed-route bus services. These modifications include:

• Adjusting a pick-up or drop-off location at a bus stop to remove obstructions.
• Allowing passengers to eat or drink if they have a medical condition.
• Having a chaperone or assistant accompany people with limited mobility.

More details on reasonable modification requests can be found on the CAT website and via this document.

With sun-soaked beaches, balmy weather, and a cosmopolitan city center, Naples has all the amenities you’d expect from a busy seaside town.

Naples is a beach-lovers paradise. Lowdermilk Beach is known for its charming beach-front park, and Naples Pier provides plenty of opportunity to take in the views from one of the city’s most popular sightseeing locations. For those interested in traveling by water, a sunset cruise will let you explore Florida’s waterways and wildlife.

If you’d rather beat the heat by staying inside, Naples has several museums which are accessible to those who are hard of hearing or have mobility needs. The Baker Museum is a fine art museum that regularly brings in exhibitions from all over the world. The Revs Institute has curated some of the rarest and most historically important classic cars. Finally, the Naples Historical Society offers several tours, lectures, and events that delve into local history.

While most people know Naples for its beaches, the city also sports some beautiful outdoor areas. Naples Preserve hosts a butterfly garden on its 9.5 acres, allowing people to get up close and personal with some of the native flora and fauna. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Nature Center takes people on electric boats through Gordon River and has many indoor and outdoor exhibits delving into Florida’s ecosystem. Naples also has an accessible botanical garden that features nine gardens focusing on different themes and regions of the world.

Feeling competitive? Naples has a thriving community of people who enjoy games and sports. Naples Ladies Mah Jongg meets weekly and hosts players at all experience levels. Naples Bridge Center and the Bridge Deck Club have daily events and offer classes and competitions. If you prefer an outdoor sport, head over to the Arthur L. Allen Tennis Center, where you can reserve one of the 12 courts, sign up for clinics, or enter into a tournament.

For a long weekend getaway, consider the Seminole Casino Hotel. The on-site hotel is ideal for those who want to make a weekend out of everything the casino offers, which includes table games, music performances, and more.

Naples is also home to a number of community centers and country clubs for those who want to make new friends and foster a sense of community. Here are some of the options you can consider:

• River Park Community Center
• Norris Community Center
• Country Club of Naples
• Wilderness Country Club
• Wyndemere Country Club