The short version:
- One free call opens most local help: the Elder Helpline for Citrus County is 1-800-262-2243 (run by Elder Options, the regional aging office).
- The county runs three community senior centers with a weekday lunch, plus Meals on Wheels for the homebound.
- Citrus has two hospitals and several walk-in clinics, and a county transit service with rides for seniors.
- For the how-to guides on care, home safety, paying, and downsizing, use the links further down. They list Citrus providers and costs.
Start here: one call that opens the door
If you only make one call, make it this one. The Elder Helpline screens your parent for free and points you to meals, in-home help, respite, and programs that help pay. You do not have to be on Medicaid, and there is no income test to call.
Elder Helpline (Citrus County)
Free screening and referrals for anyone 60+. Run by Elder Options, the regional Area Agency on Aging.
Citrus County Senior Services
County office for senior programs and the senior centers. 2804 W. Marc Knighton Ct., Lecanto.
Senior centers and meals
Citrus County runs three community centers. Each serves a hot lunch Monday through Friday at 11:30 a.m. for residents 60 and older (the Senior Dining program). They're also where a lot of local activities and help are based.
Central Citrus Community Center
2804 W. Marc Knighton Court, Lecanto
East Citrus Community Center
9907 E. Gulf to Lake Hwy., Inverness
Meals on Wheels (Citrus County)
Meals delivered to homebound residents since 1979, either a weekly box of frozen meals or a hot weekday lunch. Ask through Senior Services or the Elder Helpline.
Hospitals and urgent care
Citrus County has two hospitals, both with 24-hour emergency rooms, plus several walk-in clinics for the smaller stuff.
HCA Florida Citrus Hospital
Acute-care hospital, 24/7 ER. 502 W. Highland Blvd., Inverness. (Formerly Citrus Memorial Hospital.)
TGH Crystal River
Acute-care hospital in Crystal River. (Formerly Bravera Health Seven Rivers; part of Tampa General since December 2023.)
Crystal River
Quick Care Med (walk-in / urgent care)
Walk-in clinics with several Citrus locations, including Crystal River, Inverness, Beverly Hills, and Homosassa.
Multiple locations
Rides and transportation
If driving has become a worry, the county runs a public transit service, and there is help for people who can't get around on their own because of age, disability, or income.
Citrus County Transit
On-demand rides Monday-Friday, plus the fixed Orange Line linking Beverly Hills, Homosassa, Lecanto, Crystal River, and Inverness. Ask about the Transportation Disadvantaged program.
Veterans medical transport
County transit takes veterans to the Tampa VA hospital, and on Thursdays to the VA clinic in The Villages. Citrus County Veterans Services can help with benefits.
Guides with Citrus providers and costs
These walk through the how-to and the money, and each lists real Citrus County providers we've checked.
Care at home
Aides, therapy, meals, and rides at home.
Make the home safe
Grab bars, walk-in showers, ramps, stair lifts.
How to pay for care
Medicare, Medicaid, and help sorted by income.
Downsize or clear a home
Estate sales, cleanouts, and moving on.
For family caregivers
Find help, get a break, and get paid where you can.
The Elder Helpline & OAA
Help you can get without qualifying for Medicaid.
Common questions
- What is the Elder Helpline number for Citrus County?
- 1-800-262-2243. It's run by Elder Options, the regional Area Agency on Aging that serves Citrus County. The call is free, and it screens anyone 60 and older for meals, in-home help, respite, and programs that help pay, with no income test to call.
- Does Citrus County have senior centers?
- Yes, three: the Central Citrus Community Center in Lecanto, the East Citrus Community Center in Inverness, and the West Citrus Community Center in Homosassa. Each serves a weekday lunch for residents 60 and older.
- How do I get Meals on Wheels in Citrus County?
- Citrus County delivers meals to homebound residents. Start with Citrus County Senior Services at (352) 527-5975 or the Elder Helpline at 1-800-262-2243, and they'll set up a screening.
- What hospitals are in Citrus County?
- Two: HCA Florida Citrus Hospital in Inverness, and TGH Crystal River (formerly Bravera Health Seven Rivers) in Crystal River. Both have 24-hour emergency rooms.
- Is there senior transportation in Citrus County?
- Yes. Citrus County Transit runs on-demand rides and a fixed Orange Line route, and has a Transportation Disadvantaged program for people who can't drive because of age, disability, or income. Call (352) 527-7630.
Sources
- Citrus County Government -- Senior Centers Programs & Meals on Wheels. https://www.citruscounty.gov/departments/community_services/support_services/senior_centers_programs/index.php
- Citrus County Government -- Veteran Services. https://www.citruscounty.gov/departments/community_services/veterans_services/index.php
- Citrus County Government -- Transit Services. https://www.citruscounty.gov/departments/community_services/transit_services/index.php
- Elder Options (Mid-Florida Area Agency on Aging) -- Elder Helpline & counties served. https://agingresources.org/
- HCA Florida Citrus Hospital. https://www.hcafloridahealthcare.com/locations/citrus-hospital
- Tampa General Hospital -- TGH North / TGH Crystal River (Dec. 2023 acquisition). https://www.tghnorth.org/
- U.S. Census Bureau QuickFacts -- Citrus County, FL (age 65+). https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/fact/table/citruscountyflorida