Looking Up A Community
When researching online to learn if an assisted living community has a license and if it has any issues or regulation violations in its recent history, you’ll learn that some states’ websites are easy to navigate, while others fall far behind. But don’t give up in your search for understanding the audits and violations because it could put your loved one’s safety at risk.
Know that each of the state’s regulatory websites for assisted living facilities work differently, but generally they have search forms that allow you to verify that a senior housing provider has a license and if there are concerns or issues that you want to research, verify and resolve.
Other information you’ll learn:
- For Profit or Not for Profit Status
- Number of licensed beds
- License number and effective date
- License expiration
Legal Actions
Living Options For Floridas Seniors
Floridas seniors have a plethora of choices to consider when it comes to living options. Depending on individual needs and circumstances, aging individuals may opt for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or nursing home care depending on individual needs. Get a better idea of what each option entails below, and determine which one is best for you.
How Much Does Adult Day Care Cost In Orlando
The average monthly cost of adult day care in Orlando is the second lowest in the state at $1,300. Only Tallahassees average is lower at $1,246 per month.
At $1,408, Miami and Pensacolas average monthly adult day care costs are slightly higher than Orlandos but still less than the Florida average of $1,463 per month. Port St. Lucie has an average monthly cost for adult day care thats a bit higher at $1,517.
The average monthly cost of adult day care in Jacksonville is the highest in the state at $2,080. Tampa and North Port come in right below that with an average monthly cost of $1,907, which is $607 per month higher than Orlandos average.
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Benefits For Us Veterans
More than one-third of Americans over 65 are either wartime Veterans or are married to one. Yet less than 10 percent of all those who qualify for VA benefits have even applied.
If you or your loved one is a U.S. Veteran, you may be eligible for benefits to offset some of your assisted living costs. While assisted living rent itself is not a covered VA benefit, financial support for other needed Assisted Living services may be provided by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs under a program called Aid & Attendance Allowances .
Veterans and survivors already eligible for a VA pension, who require the aid and attendance of another person, may be eligible for additional monetary payment. These benefits are paid in addition to monthly pension.
According to the The VA.gov website, a Veteran may receive the increased Aid & Attendance amount to their monthly pension if one of the following conditions below are met:
Ask your VA social worker about eligibility guidelines or give our team a call and well be glad to share additional details.
More Ways To Finance Assisted Living
Some additional ways to finance assisted living costs include:
- Veterans Benefits: Veterans can take advantage of several different pension programs to help cover the cost of assisted living. For more information, see the article on benefits.va.gov.
- Life Insurance Policies: Even if a spouse or loved one hasnt died, certain types of life insurance policies can be used to pay for assisted living. More information is available at longtermcare.acl.gov.
- Long-Term Care Insurance: Long-term care insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for long-term care when it becomes necessary, including the cost of assisted living. For more information on the benefits and drawbacks of this financing method, visit longtermcare.acl.gov.
- Reverse Mortgages: Reverse mortgages allow seniors to access the equity from a home that they own, and these funds can be used to pay for assisted living. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development offers a federally insured reverse mortgage program.
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What Is An Assisted Living Facility
An assisted living facility is a special combination of housing, personalized supportive services and health care designed to meet the needs of those who need help with the activities of daily living. Our convenient South Florida locations give you and your loved ones options.
Senior Assisted Living: Is It the Right Choice for Your Loved One?
Senior assisted living is a strong option for people who cant live on their own, but do not require skilled nursing care. Our goal is to help your loved one enjoy as much independence and self-sufficiency as possible, while always having the safety and attentive support they need.
Our Assisted Living Facilities Provide:
- Help with daily activities, if needed
- Apartments and suites that are private and home-like
- Opportunities to socialize with others and engage in scheduled activities
- Freedom from housecleaning, meal preparation/cleanup and other tiring demands
Newly Remodeled and Private Room Enhancements:
Were pleased to announce that all private rooms at St. Joseph Residence have been recently remodeled. In addition, all rooms at St. Annes Residence will soon be private as well, providing additional living space, privacy and comfort.
Catholic Health Services assisted living apartments are charmingly furnished and decorated. They include kitchens, private suites or private bedrooms with shared baths. The apartments or suites have emergency call systems and private telephones are available.
Assisted Living Care Types
There are several assisted living care type according to the needs of seniors or those who need medical or personal care assistance. Some may need full-time care, while others need extensive medical care and some simply need to live in a community for companionship purposes. Each facility is designed to serve different kinds of needs like home care, long term care and assisted living.
You can also choose an assisted living facility based on the physical settings that appeal most to you or your loved one. Following are the categories of residential assisted living facilities you can choose from:
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What To Look For In An Assisted Living Facility
Choosing an assisted living facility is a major decision and never something to be done lightly. Careful consideration of your options can help you or a loved one live a safe, happy life in a caring environment.
Coping with a loss of independence is never easy, but most assisted living facilities provide private apartments or otherwise private housing so residents can live independently when they dont need assistance. Here are a few things to look for in an assisted living facility.
Medication & Health Care
- Does the community allows self-administration of medication?
- Is there someone on staff who coordinates home healthcare visits from a nurse, physical therapist, etc., if required?
- Are services including hospice and physical therapy available? If so, what are their charges?
- What is their procedure to handle residents medical emergency?
- Do they offer transportation for doctors appointments?
- Is the transportation disabled/wheelchair-friendly?
- Do they provide a detailed written plan of care specific to each resident?
- Does the community regularly assesses a residents needs and provide the same?
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Grand Palms Assisted Living And Memory Care
Grand Palms Assisted Living and Memory Care is a one-storey senior living community. There are three distinctive neighborhoods, including a men’s and a woman’s memory care area, and a co-ed assisted living area. Caring staff are fluent in English and Spanish, and three restaurant-style meals are served daily. There’s a salon, bistro and greenhouse with a resident gardening area, and each suite is equipped with a private bath.
- Complimentary laundry room
Who Oversees Nursing Homes In Va
the Virginia Department of HealthA nursing home is a facility in which the primary function is the provision, on a continuing basis, of nursing services and health-related services for the treatment and inpatient care of two or more non-related individuals. Nursing homes are regulated by the Virginia Department of Health .
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Difference Between Assisted Living And Nursing Homes
The primary focus of assisted living is to help residents with activities of daily life, such as bathing, cooking, taking medicines. Emergency medical care is available through the usual channels, while some assisted living facilities have a resident nurse or even an onsite health clinic.Still, assisted living facilities dont have skilled nursing staff.
On the other hand, nursing homes, also known as skilled nursing care centers, are mainly for older adults with intensive medical needs. A 2005 AARP study showed that nearly half of nursing home residents suffered from dementia, while over half spent most of their time bebdriiden or in a wheelchair. The medical care must be available 24 hours a day, every day. Nearly a quarter of people in nursing homes stay for less than three months.
Free Assisted Living Resources In Orlando
Orlando and the surrounding area are home to numerous government agenciesand non-profit organizations offering help for seniors searching for orcurrently residing in an assisted livingcommunity. These organizations can also provide assistance in a number of other eldercare services such asgeriatric care management, elder law advice, estate planning, findinghome care and health and wellness programs.
To see a list of free assisted living resources in Orlando, please visit our Assisted Living in Florida page.
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Other Financial Assistance Programs In Orlando
The Optional State Supplement
The Optional State Supplement helps Orlando seniors pay monthly costs associated with senior living. The OSS program benefits come in the form of a cash grant that is paid out to seniors who meet the programs financial qualifications and reside in either an assisted living community or in an adult care home. Apply online.
Alzheimers Disease Initiative
Orlando seniors living with Alzheimers disease or another cognitive disorder can have the cost of respite care covered for up to 30 days through the Alzheimers Disease Initiative . Applications are processed through your local Area Agency on Aging. You can also call the Elder Helpline at 1-800-96-Elder .
Respite for Elders Living in Everyday Families
Project R.E.L.I.E.F. provides short-term respite care to low-income seniors in the Orlando area free of charge. This comes in the form of caregiver support, in-home supervision and temporary care. Services can be provided in the seniors home or in an assisted living facility. The Elder Helpline has application information: 1-800-96-ELDER.
Community Care for the Elderly
Home Care for the Elderly
Description Of The Fountains Of Hope Assisted Living And Memory Care
Fountains of Hope is an elegant blend of activity and tranquility. Our warm, classic architecture and elegantly landscaped grounds welcome you to our striking community. Inside, you’ll find elegant spaces designed to accommodate a variety of activities. Residents can keep their personal style updated at the onsite beauty salon and spa or stretch and exercise in the fitness studio. Join friends for lunch with tableside service in our inviting dining room, or sip a cup of tea in front of the fire in the library. There are so many choices.
Our studio, one and two-bedroom apartment homes are incredibly comfortable year-round with individual climate control, available ceiling fans, and lots of storage. Pet-friendly floor plans are equipped for peace of mind with large walk-in showers, personal emergency call response systems, and a caring team of associates onsite 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Memory Care tailored to the individual.
Our philosophy of memory care is based on a deep respect for residents and their families. We work together, communicate with one another and build trust in relationships. Residents benefit from special memory care activities and structured social activities to promote brain health, engage critical thinking skills, stimulate memories and slow the progress of the disease.
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What You Should Know About Assisted Living In Florida
Florida assisted living communities are referred to as “Assisted Living Facilities,” or ALFs, and they require a state license to provide care. In addition to the general ALF license, Florida also offers three specialty licenses that allow ALFs to increase the scope of care they are eligible to provide:
- Extended congregate care qualifies ALFs to provide additional nursing services and complete personal care assistance.
- Limited nursing services qualifies ALFs to provide additional care by licensed nurses within the scope of their profession.
- Limited mental health qualifies ALFs to provide limited mental health services according to a community support plan created with the resident and his or her case manager.
Wellness Resources In Florida
Florida is teeming with activities and resources for the elderly. It is projected that by 2020, approximately 20% of Floridaâs population will consist of individuals over the age of 65. Florida is also home to over 300 hospitals and many of the larger metro areas have teaching hospitals and large cancer centers. There are also many doctors that specialize in geriatric residential care in Florida as well. The Department of Elder Affairs offers a wide range of services for seniors in the state as well.
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Are Assisted Living Facilities Licensed In Florida
According to the State of Florida, A facility must have a standard assisted living facility license in order to operate in the state of Florida. The other three licenses can be added in order for the facility to provide services designated outside the spectrum of a standard assisted living facility license.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Since many individuals gradually decline in their abilities as they get older, continuing care retirement communities are a popular housing choice. These senior housing communities often include apartments for those who want to live independently, assisted living communities for those who need more help, as well as nursing homes for those who require nursing care. Residents can move into a more intensive community as their needs change.
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The Transition Into Assisted Living In Florida
In the process of determining whether assisted living care is right for your loved one, he or she will also need to be assessed by a healthcare provider to determine what their needs are and what type of facility could best meet their needs. If an individual needs 24-hour residential care or does not need assistance with ADLs, an assisted living community would not be appropriate for such an individual.
If an ALF is the right place for your loved one, be sure to take some time to find out what is included in the facilities you are considering. Think about whether your loved one would do best in a large or small facility. And finally, be sure your loved one will be able to access the resources and services that they need and want at a cost they can afford.
Florida Assisted Living: Types Of Senior Housing Options
With a large number of retirees flocking to Florida, there are many different options available for senior living. The type of assisted living facility that you choose for your loved one will depend on his or her needs. There are senior living communities that offer minimal services as well as assisted living facilities and nursing homes that offer a lot more.
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Overall Cost Of Living In Florida
Floridas overall cost of living index is 97.9, on a scale where the national average is 104.63. Floridas cost of living is just slightly below average, of course some areas in the state will be more expensive than others. Florida is one of the few states with no income tax, which can make it a desirable location for retirees who subsequently dont have to worry about paying state taxes on their pensions, Social Security, or other forms of income.
Why Is Assisted Living So Bad
Anxiety over engaging with others is perhaps the most prominent reason why many seniors think they will not enjoy life in an assisted living community. Yet at the same time, it is often these seniors who find that they truly enjoy the social interaction and would never want to go back to living alone.
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More Ways To Finance Assisted Living In Florida
There are several options available to finance assisted living for yourself or a loved one. Long-term care can be financed several ways:
- Life insurance – Some life insurance policies have a provision for long-term care benefits.
- Long-term care insurance – This type of insurance is intended to cover long-term health care needs by covering costs for assisted living or long-term care communities.
- Pensions, 401K, and IRA – If you have a pension, 401k or an IRA to fall back upon this would be a great benefit in paying for assisted living costs.
- Real Estate – Having a home is a great source of income. When it is time to move into assisted living the sale proceeds from your home can cover the costs.
- Veterans benefits – While the VA will not directly cover the costs of assisted living, you can obtain help from the VA under the Veterans Aid & Attendance benefits. The Aid & Attendance benefits helps eligible veterans and their surviving spouses to pay for assistance for activities of daily living activities. Aid & Attendance benefits are often referred to by other names such as improved pension, VA assisted living benefit, or veterans elder care benefits.