Many families choose assisted living homes for vital care and peace of mind for their elderly parents. In Florida, finding the right senior living community is a journey that involves matching your parents’ needs, lifestyle, and budget with communities in their selected area.
In this article, you will learn the various types of assisted living available for seniors, as well as the things to consider when moving your elderly to assisted living in the Sunshine State.
TYPES OF ASSISTED LIVING
1. GROUP HOMES
Houses or apartments where two or more unrelated persons live together are known as group homes. Some examples of group homes include domiciliary care (when older individuals live with a caregiver in the community), single-room occupancy residences, board-and-care homes, and some group living situations.
The occupants of group homes vary. Many, for example, can accommodate those with dementia or persistent mental illness. The majority of group homes are run as for-profit businesses, and some states need a license.
Residents normally have their own bedrooms, but share a living area, dining room, and kitchen. This arrangement has the advantages of a lower cost of living and the ability to socialize with peers. The residents’ dependency and interactions support their independence and ability to function. Socialization opportunities are expanded, eliminating social isolation. The ratio of residents to staff may also be larger than in other assisted-living facilities.
2. ADULT FOSTER CARE
Foster care homes often give accommodation, board, and some assistance with daily activities. The sponsoring family or other paid caretakers, who normally live on the premises, supply this.
Adult foster care provides the benefit of keeping frail seniors in a more familiar setting. Foster care regulations differ by state, and some states require licensure. Some states’ Medicaid programs will cover the costs of adult foster care.
3. SHELTERED HOUSING
In sheltered housing, personal care assistance, housekeeping services, and food are frequently provided. These programs can include social work services and activity coordination. Clients are charged on a sliding basis that might cost up to 30% of their income.
4. MEMORY CARE ASSISTED LIVING
These are specialist-assisted living facilities or homes that cater to the needs of dementia-affected seniors. They operate similarly to long-term care nursing homes because they have enhanced staffing ratios. They are not long-term care facilities, but they do concentrate on screening and treating people with dementia-related social and medical requirements.
5. CONTINUING-CARE RETIREMENT COMMUNITIES
A continuing-care retirement community (CCRC) is an option for some seniors. These communities typically offer a range of living alternatives, including apartments or condominiums, assisted living, and skilled nursing home care. Older folks frequently enter the CCRCs’ more independent living areas. They may proceed to assisted living and specialized care as they grow more impaired.
5 THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN MOVING A LOVED ONE TO ASSISTED LIVING IN FLORIDA
In Florida, assisted living can bring aging parents closer to relatives, offer a safer living environment, and encourage a more active lifestyle. These five things might help you plan for your elderly parent’s transfer to an assisted living center, moving into your home, or downsizing to a senior apartment.
DELEGATE MOVING RESPONSIBILITIES
Many senior citizens have spent their lives accumulating valuable items. If your loved one is downsizing, they will have to part with some items.
Start your loved ones with a space of modest sentimental value, such as a bathroom or a guest suite. That’ll give them a sense of accomplishment as they begin the transition process.
PLAN MOVING TRANSPORTATION
Multiple stops for your loved one could lengthen your journey. Many senior citizens cannot travel long distances without help or rest stops, while others may require full-service medical transportation. Ask them whether they need to stretch their legs or make pit stops on long drives on a regular basis.
MAKE IT FEEL LIKE HOME
During times of transition, familiar objects and arrangements can be comforting for your elderly. Make their new environment seem like home by adding personal touches. It’s advisable to take images of the old arrangement with your phone before packing.
Recreate the display in the new home; arrange the picture displays and objects in the same order as before, and carry accents like throw pillows even if you have to buy new furniture. If the kitchen is small, put pots and pans where you know your loved one will be able to find them.
DISCUSS THE ADVANTAGES OF YOUR LOVED ONE’S NEW HOME
When you’ve lived somewhere for 30 years or more, it’s tempting to get caught up in the things you’ll miss. Remind your loved ones of the new opportunities that will arise as a result of the new living arrangement.
Concentrate on the advantages of your new home. Create new routines, and look for things that will please them.
EXPLORE WITH SENIOR CARE ADVISORS
An outside expert can help take the edge off the emotional aspect of moving. Even if you’re willing to assist your elderly parent with the transfer, having a third person to help make difficult decisions helps alleviate tension and family disputes.
If you cannot assist your loved one with their moving preparations, consider getting assistance from professional senior care advisors like Senior Living Selections. They specialize in finding the perfect community for seniors and assist elderly people with relocating, downsizing, and organizing their belongings.
Bottomline
Moving the elderly to assisted living is a difficult task. However, by following these suggestions, your loved one’s transition to a new home will be much easier. Remember to seek assistance from your friends and family, as well as your senior care advisor at Senior Living Selections. Schedule a free consultation and at no cost to you, one of our senior care advisors will provide knowledgeable, professional advice with a personable, tailored approach.
