Best Nursing Homes Near Palm Harbor, FL

For most people, retiring in Florida is the dream. But what happens when you need long-term care in the Sunshine State? Finding a good nursing home can be difficult. Wading through bad reviews, poor ratings, and negative opinions can diminish a person’s motivation and hope that they’ll ever find the right fit. Fortunately, good nursing homes are out there—and we’ve found all the best ones near Palm Harbor, Florida. So, if you’re an older living in the Sunshine State, don’t go anywhere. Keep reading to find out more about these nursing homes and what makes them so great.

How Do We Curate This Selection?

Here’s our process:

• Resident Feedback: We prioritize the voices of those who matter most – the residents themselves! We comb through review platforms like Google, Facebook, and Yelp to capture firsthand experiences shared by current and former residents.
• Issue Resolution: We confront complaints head-on. By consulting the Better Business Bureau, we investigate any grievances and, more importantly, how the community resolved them. Swift and professional resolutions demonstrate a dedication to resident happiness.
• Transparency Standards: We delve into the digital footprint of each assisted living community, from their websites to YouTube channels and social media profiles. Do they actively engage with their audience? Are they transparent in their information sharing and responsive to inquiries? Open communication signifies a reliable and accountable facility.

By combining these sources with our unwavering commitment to excellence, we compile a list of only the FINEST suggestions just for you. So, without further ado, continue reading to unveil our top picks for premier nursing homes near Palm Harbor, Florida!

Freedom Plaza

• What it is: A full-scale retirement community that offers skilled nursing in Sun City Center, a little over an hour from Palm Harbor.
• Features we love: This award-winning skilled nursing facility is housed in a retirement community, complete with resort-style amenities, top-notch care, and beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds. While staying at Freedom Plaza, patients will have access to a wide range of services and amenities. These include 24-hour nursing care, daily activities, and scheduled transportation. Freedom Plaza also offers rehab, for which they received the 2022-2023 Best Nursing Home Short-Term Rehabilitation Award from U.S. News & World Report!
• What others are saying: The Joint Commission gave Freedom Plaza’s skilled nursing program the National Quality Seal of Approval.

Freedom Square of Seminole

• What it is: A continuum of care in Seminole, a little over 40 minutes away from Palm Harbor.
• Features we love: What skilled nursing services does the well-rounded staff at Freedom Square provide? The short answer might be everything! However, some standout specialized care services include cardiac care, IV therapy, joint replacement, pain management, and post-hospital care. Oh, and did we mention care is available 24 hours a day? Residents will also have access to all the common areas and a full-service salon and barbershop.
• What others are saying: Freedom Plaza also received the National Quality Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission! Additionally, one Facebook review reads: “I love Freedom Square! My parents have been residents for 3 years, and are very happy with their apartment, and all the facilities. The employees are wonderful with them and call my parents by name. They especially enjoy the water aerobics, the musical acts, Flex Your Brain, the Menu Chats with the chefs, and all the programs set up by the entertainment director. I love the food and look forward to the dinners when I visit them! Between the food, and the maid service, I never want to leave!”

Hawthorne Center for Rehabilitation and Healing of Brandon

• What it is: Short-term rehabilitation and long-term care in Brandon, Florida, about an hour from Palm Harbor.
• Features we love: The dedicated multi-disciplinary team is committed to every patient and a positive outcome. As such, they offer a wide range of therapies 7 days a week. This patient-centered approach extends to their long-term care services. Nursing care is available 24 hours a day and includes specialized services, like Alzheimer’s and dementia care, COPD rehab, and stroke rehabilitation. To schedule a tour of the facility, visit their website today.
• What others are saying: One website testimonial reads: “Doing my outpatient therapy here after a total knee replacement. Gym is well equipped, my therapist, Michelle, is terrific and I would definitely recommend.”

Oakpark Health & Rehabilitation Center 

• What it is: Specialized care in Palm Harbor.
• Features we love: If you have complex health needs and want to receive care in a compassionate, welcoming facility, look no further than Oakpark Health & Rehabilitation Center. From social services to wound care to physical, occupational, and speech therapy programs, there’s no shortage of excellent care services. Residents will also have access to wonderful amenities, including fine dining and social opportunities.
• What others are saying: Freedom Plaza, Freedom Square, and Oakpark have more in common than skilled nursing! The Joint Commission issued all of these Floridian facilities its National Quality Seal of Approval.

Regency Oaks

• What it is: A Clearwater retirement community that offers skilled nursing.
• Features we love: Tucked within 40 acres of beautifully maintained grounds and a forest of over 100 live oaks is a full-scale retirement community, well-suited for any lifestyle. In addition to independent and assisted living, Regency Oaks offers skilled nursing and rehabilitation. The fully equipped fitness center boasts a therapy pool and a hot tub. Rounding out the staff are a registered dietician, a licensed therapist, and a social worker.
• What others are saying: One Google reviewer stated: “Regency Oaks has become our home with many friends. You can become as involved in all of the programs, entertainment, and educational opportunities that you wish.  Something for everyone. Come as young as you can to take advantage of all that is going on.” Additionally, this facility also boasts a gold seal of approval from the Joint Commission.

St. Mark Village Skilled Nursing

• What it is: A retirement community with a skilled nursing unit in the heart of Palm Harbor.
• Features we love: Headed by a geriatric medicine specialist, the staff at this senior living facility includes registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, and therapists. Among the wide range of skilled nursing services are dental care, audiology, wound care, and pain management. If privacy is important to you, then you’ll be pleased to learn that you can have a private suite, with a private bathroom and in-room dining. How’s that for five-star service?
• What others are saying: U.S. News & World Report gave St. Mark Village the much-coveted “Best Nursing Homes” award for 2022 and 2023! It also boasts a perfect 5-star rating across the board per the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Stratford Court of Palm Harbor

• What it is: A premier Palm Harbor senior living community that offers outpatient rehab.
• Features we love: Whether you stay only a short time or a lifetime at Stratford Court, you can rest assured that all aspects of your well-being will be addressed. This pet-friendly community offers a wide range of rehab services, like physical, occupational, and speech therapies. Residents—even the temporary ones!—will have access to fine culinary options, wellness programs, and all the other amenities that make Stratford Court a five-star facility.
• What others are saying: One 5-star Google review reads: “We’ve visited many places for my mother-in-law and the Stratford was by far the most luxurious! She has been there for over a year now and absolutely loves it! As soon as you walk in the front door, the surroundings are beautiful, she raves about the meals and the staff is always smiling, very friendly, and very accommodating!” Stratford Court holds a 4.5-star out of 5-star rating on the platform.

Sun Towers Retirement Community

• What it is: A well-rounded retirement community in Sun City Center, Florida.
• Features we love: This retirement community is packed to the brim with fantastic amenities, lifestyle options, and healthcare services—including skilled nursing! All the shopping, dining, and hospitals in the area are only a short golf cart ride away. Within the campus of this premier senior living community are all the fun activities, wellness programs, and cultural events that will truly make your golden years, golden!
• What others are saying: 5 stars for Sun Towers Retirement Community on Seniorly!

Westminster Point Pleasant

• What it is: Skilled nursing and rehab in Bradenton, a little over an hour from Palm Harbor.
• Features we love: Tucked within this vibrant retirement community is a skilled nursing facility like no other. As a resident, both temporary and permanent, you’ll receive round-the-clock care that is person-centered and comprehensive. With great services like wound care and restorative nursing, you’ll be back to your usual self in no time. Of course, while you’re here, you can enjoy all the amenities—such as a fully stocked library and a heated swimming pool!
• What others are saying: U.S. News & World Report gave Westminster Point Pleasant 5 out of 5 perfect stars, a rating that encompasses both their long-term and short-term care programs.

Westchester Gardens Health & Rehabilitation

• What it is: Long-term care and rehab in Clearwater, 20 minutes from Palm Harbor.
• Features we love: Whether you need short-term rehabilitation or long-term care, you can find it at Westchester Gardens Health & Rehabilitation. Care plans are tailored to every resident and designed to promote wellness and a higher quality of life. With such an emphasis on wellness, residents can enjoy three chef-prepared meals a day, life enrichment programs, and religious services. Additionally, there are NO buy-in fees!
• What others are saying: We have another award-winning facility on our hands! U.S. News & World Report recognized Westchester Gardens Health & Rehabilitation as one of its “Best Nursing Homes for 2024” winners. Likewise, the Joint Commission awarded this facility with its much-lauded gold seal of approval.

About Palm Harbor, FL

Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico and located about 45 minutes west of Tampa is the charming community of Palm Harbor. This Golf Coast town of about 61,000 is the perfect blend of residential and commercial, combining a hometown feel with a shopping district packed with all the restaurants, boutiques, and tourist attractions that make Florida such a perennial vacation favorite. Residents and tourists alike can enjoy world-class golfing, fine dining, and historical attractions.

Palm Harbor is also home to a great many outdoor attractions, including Honeymoon Island State Park, Lake Tarpon, the Fred Marquis Pinellas Trail, and Three Rooker Island. Other recreational activities include HorsePower for Kids & Animal Sanctuary, Palm Harbor Museum, and the Anclote Key Lighthouse.

Cost of Care in Palm Harbor, FL

According to Genworth, the average monthly cost of nursing home care in the Palm Harbor area is $10,068 for a semi-private room and $12,015 for a private room. This is higher than the national monthly average of $8,669 and $9,733, respectively. Overall, long-term care costs in this area vary considerably but are generally higher than the national average.

Some older adults may need financial assistance to cover the cost of care. Many elect to use Medicare, Medicaid, veterans benefits, and long-term care insurance to pay for nursing home care. Keep reading to learn more about how these programs may be able to assist you!

• Medicare: This program can assist you if you meet the eligibility criteria. You must have Medicare Part A and 100 days left in your benefit period. Additionally, you must have a qualifying hospital stay of three days or more, with a diagnosis that requires skilled care. After 100 days in a skilled nursing facility, Medicare will cease all coverage of your stay.
• Medicaid: Medicaid may cover your stay in a skilled nursing facility if you need skilled nursing care or meet nursing home functional eligibility criteria. It’s important to note that coverage and eligibility requirements vary from state to state. For further information about Medicaid, visit Medicaid.gov.
• Veterans benefits: The VA will cover the cost of many services under standard health benefits. Veterans may be eligible for Community Nursing Homes, which are residential care centers and skilled nursing facilities, paid for by VA benefits.
• Long-term care insurance: Long-term care insurance can help pay for care received in your home, a nursing home, an assisted living facility, or even adult daycare centers. Usually, policies state that you become eligible for benefits when you’re unable to perform at least two of six activities of daily living.

More Nursing Home Resources

If you need more help, then start with these resources:

Bob Carlson’s Retirement Watch

Medicare.gov

Medicaid.gov

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs