The Benefits of Assisted Living for Seniors
Florida is among the most elder-friendly states, offering low taxes and numerous senior living options. It is also home to many programs that reimburse seniors for personal care services.
Assisted living staff assess residents for fall risks before they move in and monitor them as their health conditions change. One of its benefits is the significant reduction of the risk of serious injuries, including head and hip fractures.
Cost
Many seniors use a combination of funds from their retirement savings, annuities, and other investments to pay for their care in assisted living. Downsizing their home and using the proceeds from its sale is another common approach. Others may be able to access long-term care insurance or other aid programs like Medicare or Medicaid.
Living arrangements in Florida that fall under the “assisted living” category are designed to provide a home-like environment with minimal restrictions. The State of Florida regulates these facilities with standards that include staff-to-resident ratios, minimum employee hours per week, and other requirements.
Assisted living costs vary by location, with some cities in the State more affordable than others. For example, in Gainesville, seniors can expect to pay $2,350 monthly for assisted living services. It is far below the state and national averages. Similarly, Orlando and Port St. Lucie are moderately priced, while communities in the Jacksonville, Tallahassee, and Palm Beach areas are significantly more expensive.
Medical Care
Assisted living is one of the most popular ways seniors can transition to a new lifestyle and find a greater purpose after retiring. However, older adults must understand the financial aspects of this type of care.
Seniors can use a mix of resources to help cover the cost of Florida assisted living, including personal savings, home equity, and long-term care insurance reimbursements. They may also qualify for a Medicaid waiver covering room and board and residential services.
While the state does offer a long-term care waiver, applicants must be on a waitlist and will not receive it immediately. Families are encouraged to plan and apply as early as possible to avoid this issue. Seniors can qualify for aid and attendance benefits through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. These benefits have the potential to decrease monthly expenses and offer valuable support.
Medication Management
Assisted living facilities offer medication management for seniors who require it. It includes reviewing prescriptions, ensuring that they adhere to safety guidelines, and helping to manage any side effects. It also includes educating the seniors on their medication regimen and engaging them in discussions about their health needs.
Elderly couples who struggle to maintain their home often find comfort in moving into a community that offers housing and various services. They can take advantage of specialized help that otherwise would be difficult to access. For example, if they need assistance with bathing and dressing, they can use the veterans’ benefits to help them pay for assisted living in Florida.
Those not qualifying for VA benefits can look into long-term care insurance to see available options. It is another way to assist with paying for assisted living in Florida, but it can have its own set of challenges.
Socialization
From world-class medical care to world-renowned beaches, Florida offers plenty for senior adults. In addition, the Sunshine State has several government and nonprofit agencies that provide advocacy, information, and assistance to older adults.
The state regulates assisted living facilities by requiring that they provide apartments with keyed entries, fully functional kitchens, and accessibility features. They must also meet specific logistical requirements like square footage, room size, and occupancy limits. Those interested in assisted living should visit local communities and schedule tours to get a feel for the atmosphere and culture of each. They can ask questions, observe the quality of food and dining experiences, and see how well staff interact with residents. The tours will also help them understand if the facility meets their needs for family involvement, cost, and care. Sometimes, a Medicaid waiver can cover the cost of residential assisted living. Those who need this type of care are typically assessed by their local area agency on aging to determine if they qualify.
