Finding nursing homes in Clearwater starts with two things: knowing the real, licensed options and understanding Clearwater's own cost and care landscape. Both are below. We currently track 13 licensed nursing homes serving Clearwater from Florida AHCA records.
What's below: the licensed providers, 2026 Clearwater cost ranges, the local hospital and neighborhood context, what to ask on a tour, and how to act fast if a hospital discharge is looming. Prefer to talk it through? Get matched with a free local advisor — no fees, ever.
What nursing homes means — and who it's for
A nursing home is for someone who needs 24-hour licensed nursing — complex medical conditions, advanced mobility loss, or recovery requiring skilled care that assisted living cannot legally provide.
How Florida regulates it: Skilled nursing facilities in Florida are licensed by AHCA under Chapter 400, F.S., and most are also federally certified for Medicare and Medicaid. They provide 24-hour licensed nursing — a different, higher level of care than assisted living. Check the facility's CMS Five-Star rating alongside its AHCA inspection history.
In Clearwater specifically, that means weighing the licensed options against Clearwater's cost range and your family's timeline. The right choice balances care level, budget, location near Morton Plant Hospital (BayCare), and how quickly you need a spot.
Clearwater nursing homes: by the numbers
13 licensed nursing homes on file in Clearwater; about 1,471 total licensed beds; averaging 113 beds per community; the largest at 165 beds. These counts come from current Florida AHCA licensing data, not estimates.
Licensed nursing homes providers in Clearwater
Selected by licensed bed capacity. Source: Florida AHCA / FloridaHealthFinder, current 2026. Always confirm a current license at quality.healthfinder.fl.gov before signing.
| Provider | City | Licensed beds | AHCA license # |
|---|---|---|---|
| Palm Garden Of Clearwater | Clearwater | 165 beds | 1407096 |
| Kensington Gardens Rehab And Nursing Center | Clearwater | 150 beds | 1083095 |
| Advanced Care Center And Rehab | Clearwater | 120 beds | 11290961 |
| Aviata At Sand Key | Clearwater | 120 beds | 15370961 |
| Belleair Health Care Center | Clearwater | 120 beds | 10480962 |
| Clearwater Center | Clearwater | 120 beds | 1091096 |
| East Bay Rehabilitation Center | Clearwater | 120 beds | 11340962 |
| Harbourwood Post-Acute And Rehabilitation Center | Clearwater | 120 beds | 1651096 |
| Highland Pines Rehabilitation Center | Clearwater | 120 beds | 12280961 |
| Westchester Gardens Health & Rehabilitation | Clearwater | 120 beds | 1596096 |
| Gulfside Health And Rehabilitation Center | Clearwater | 76 beds | 1173096 |
| Oaks Of Clearwater, The | Clearwater | 60 beds | 1374096 |
Senior care in Clearwater, Pinellas County
Clearwater draws snowbirds and year-round retirees to its Gulf beaches and the Countryside area, sustaining one of the highest per-capita concentrations of senior communities in Pinellas. Anchored by Morton Plant Hospital, Clearwater pairs beach-town living with a mature network of assisted-living, memory-care, and rehab providers in Countryside and along US-19.
Nearby hospitals: Morton Plant Hospital (BayCare), Clearwater (BayCare urgent/specialty). Proximity to a hospital matters for rehab discharges, dementia emergencies, and ongoing specialist visits — families in Clearwater often shortlist communities a short drive from these.
Areas families ask about: Countryside, Sand Key, Island Estates, Downtown Clearwater, Clearwater Beach.
What nursing homes costs in Clearwater (2026)
Clearwater pricing runs $9,000–$13,250/month, above the metro average for Tampa Bay — a reflection of local real-estate and the mix of small residential homes versus larger communities.
- Assisted living (standard): $3,700–$5,850/month
- Memory care: $5,100–$7,400/month
- In-home care: $28–$40/hour
To trim cost in Clearwater, families commonly choose a companion (shared) suite, favor a small residential home over a big campus, pay only for the care level actually needed, and tap VA Aid & Attendance or the Florida SMMC Medicaid waiver where eligible.
How we vet Clearwater providers
- Verified active AHCA licensure and disciplinary status
- Recent survey and complaint history reviewed
- Candid references from families who live it daily
- Itemized monthly cost shared before any tour
- In-person walkthrough notes from our local team
Questions to ask on a tour
- How fast can staff respond to a call button at night?
- What would trigger a move to a higher care level?
- What's the true all-in monthly cost for our parent's needs?
- How are falls and med changes communicated to family?
- How long have caregivers worked here on average?
What's included — and what costs extra
Usually included: 24-hour skilled nursing, room and board, all meals, therapy access, medication administration, and personal care. Typically extra: private room upgrades, specialized rehab intensives, and certain therapies beyond the covered plan. Ask any Clearwater provider for an itemized rate sheet so you can compare apples to apples.
How fast you can move in Clearwater
Plan on roughly 7–14 days for a Clearwater placement: assessment, deposit, physician's order, then move-in. Memory-care and post-hospital moves can happen same-day to 72 hours when a secured bed opens. A free local advisor can tell you which Clearwater communities have current openings.