Senior Assisted Living in Florida
Aside from beaches, theme parks, and nightlife, The Sunshine State has a lot to offer for your assisted living needs. Florida is a US state where seniors mostly spend their retirement due to its pleasant warm weather all year long and numerous senior-friendly activities and attractions. According to the United States Census Bureau, adults aged 65 and above make up approximately 20.9% of Florida’s total population in 2021. The continuously rising number of seniors in Florida, including those from other states, may increase the demand for senior living communities. Currently, there are 3,080 licensed assisted living facilities in Florida, with an estimated 106,103 beds, as stated by Florida Health Care Association (FHCA). Fortunately, Senior Living Selections can help you find the proper assisted living facility that suits your needs and budget. We have established wide connections with various senior care communities in different areas in Florida to make our assistance more efficient and convenient for our clients. You’ll find helpful information about assisted living in Florida below.
Cost of Assisted Living in Florida
Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey indicates that the monthly median cost of assisted living in Florida is $4,000. Comparing this to the national average of $4,500, Florida is still around $500 cheaper than most states in the USA. However, there has been an 8.11% change in the costs since 2020, which may continue to go up in the future depending on the inflation rate. Nonetheless, Florida is still one of your best options if you’re looking for a slightly budget-friendly assisted living facility for you or your aging loved one. The rates significantly vary between cities due to various factors, such as location, amenities, level of care, and more. If you want to learn more about senior living rates in a specific city in Florida, reach out to our local senior care advisors, and they will gladly accommodate your questions free of charge.
Florida Assisted Living Financial Assistance
If the assisted living costs are hindering you from getting the care you or your senior loved one requires, don’t worry because Florida offers several financial assistance programs to help underprivileged and low-income seniors pay for services associated with long-term care. There are also other means to pay for assisted living services aside from these programs.
Assisted Living Assistance Programs in Florida
Statewide Medicaid Managed Care Long-Term Care Program
The SMMC-LTC program supports Medicaid-eligible seniors who need long-term care, such as assisted living and in-home care. SMMC-LTC functions like an HMO insurance but is designed for long-term care and services rather than medical assistance. Eligible seniors will choose a plan from a specific care provider in their area, who will then be responsible for their long-term needs. They will also have a designated case manager to assess their needs according to their condition. In this step, family members and other individuals who know the participant must participate in the assessment.
The participating senior will be given a choice regarding the care provider, at least in the personal care and homemaker services areas. Then, the senior or their relatives can hire, train, and manage the chosen care provider. Family members can also be employed and compensated as a caregiver. However, if a participant has been rejected but firmly believes that the support service is necessary for their condition, they may request a Medicaid hearing. Their dispute will then be handled by a third-party organization with the Managed Care Organization.
SMMC-LTC Eligibility Guidelines
- Must be a legal Florida resident
- Must be an individual aged 65 years or older with
- Social Security Administration-approved disability
- Must require nursing facility care
- Must meet the financial conditions for Florida Medicaid
How to Apply for SMMC-LTC
The senior or family member must contact the Local Area Agency on Aging (AAA) to apply. First, the AAA representatives will set a screening date for house and community-based long-term care services. Then, a priority decision will be provided on when the services will begin. After that, the applicant will need to request Florida Medicaid approval in the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Optional State Supplementation Program (OSS)
The OSS program provides direct cash assistance up to $239 per month for individuals and $478 for couples. Amounts may vary according to the long-term care facility the participants are residing in, such as mental health treatment centers, assisted living facilities, and adult foster care housings. The cash payment is intended to cover the room and boarding costs, but other assistance is offered for various care services.
OSS Program Eligibility Guidelines
- Must be a legal Florida resident
- Must be 65 years old or older (should be disabled or blind for younger applicants)
- Must meet financial and functional qualifications
- Must be assessed and certified as requiring residential care placement by a mental health case or adult services manager
For assisted living residents, the maximum cash assistance for individuals is $78.40 a month, while married couples can get $156.80 per month. The exact amount offered to individuals varies based on their condition and overall assessment. As of 2020, seniors residing in an assisted living community must have a monthly income limit of $861.40, while couples can have a monthly income of up to $1,722.80 if they reside in the same community. There are also asset limits and rules similar to Medicaid, wherein individuals may have up to $2,000 in resources and $3,000 for couples to qualify.
How to Apply for the OSS Program
The OSS program is offered across Florida. You can learn more about it and apply through the website of Florida’s Department of Children and Families (FDCF).
Assistive care is offered to low-income individuals in assisted living communities, residential treatment facilities, and adult family care homes. The services provided in assistive care are similar to senior care, helping residents with specific needs on a daily basis, including activities of daily living (ADLs), medication management, and health support. For qualified seniors, Florida Medicaid will reimburse for assistive care services, including assistance with daily living activities, self-administration of medication, instrumental daily living skills, as well as health support. Recipients who require 24/7 assistance and specialized care may receive Assistive Care Services (ACS) based on several guidelines.
Assistive Care Services Eligibility Guidelines
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Must have a health assessment performed by a licensed health professional indicating the medical necessity of ACS
- Must include in the accomplished health assessment a minimum of two of the following types of assistance:
- Activities of daily living
- Instrumental activities of daily living
- Assistance with self-administered medication
- Health support
- Must be residing in licensed assisted living facilities, residential treatment facilities, and adult family care homes
Other Ways to Pay for Assisted Living in Florida
Aside from the government’s financial assistance programs for long-term care, there are several other ways to alleviate the financial burden of assisted living for seniors and their families.
Looking for an assisted living facility in Florida for you or your aging loved one? We’re here to help.
Senior Living Selections exists to help seniors and their families make better decisions in finding the best senior care facility for them.
Our senior care advisors can help you throughout the process, from learning the differences between communities to financing and moving in. Learn more about senior living and care today!
Florida Assisted Living Rules and Regulations
Assisted living facilities (ALFs) in Florida are guided by several rules and regulations that both residents and care providers must keep in mind.
Assisted Living Service Plan Requirements
Residents must undergo a medical examination conducted by a licensed medical professional to determine their needs and required level of care before creating their service plan. The assessment can be done two months before and one month after their admission to an assisted living facility. Then, the residents, their representatives or families, their physicians, and the facility administrators will create the service plan, ensuring that the residents will receive proper care without negatively affecting their quality of life.
Assisted Living Scope of Care
ALFs must provide residence, complete meals a day with snacks, and personal care services to their residents. The facilities should also provide for the proper nutritional needs of every resident, including those who require special diets as stated by their healthcare provider. These meals should meet the current US Department of Agriculture Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the summary of Dietary Reference Intakes by the Food and Nutrition Board of the Institute of Medicine.
Medication Management Regulations
Residents who can independently take medications may seek help from non-licensed personnel in reading labels, opening bottles, storing medicines, and the like. Otherwise, only licensed nurses and residents are strictly allowed to administer medications.
Staff Training Requirements
The US Department of Elder Affairs requires ALF administrators to complete 26 hours of core training and pass a competency test. Additionally, they need to take 12 hours of continuing education every two years. On the other hand, direct care staff needs to undergo an hour of in-service training every year about infection control and sanitation procedures, and three hours of training yearly about assistance in daily tasks and personal care needs.
Assisted Living Admission Requirements
Assisted living facilities accept adults who can perform activities of daily living, such as eating, grooming, and walking, with assistance or supervision. Residents must have the ability to engage in various social activities without harming themselves or their neighbors. In addition, they must not require 24/7 specialized nursing or medical care.
Florida Assisted Living Facility Requirements
Assisted living facilities in Florida should be licensed by the Agency for Health Care Administration Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. Aside from the standard license from AHCA, ALFs can acquire specialty licenses for different levels of care and services. They should also pass the inspections of AHCA and provide annual fire safety and sanitation copies to ensure the security and safety of senior residents.
Staff Requirements
The US Department of Elder Affairs requires ALF administrators to complete 26 hours of core training and pass a competency test. Additionally, they need to take 12 hours of continuing education every two years. On the other hand, direct care staff needs to undergo an hour of in-service training every year about infection control and sanitation procedures, and three hours of training yearly about assistance in daily tasks and personal care needs.
Assisted Living Background Checks
Employees of assisted living facilities in Florida are required to undergo a level 2 background screening before employment and every five years once employed. The screening involves fingerprint submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and you may be disqualified if you have one of the following criminal charges:
- Forgery
- Felony
- Domestic violence
- Identity theft
- Medicaid fraud
How Florida Assisted Living Supports Seniors
Assisted living supports aging adults with several activities of daily living while maintaining their independence and improving their quality of life. Every facility offers different opportunities for socialization and wellness activities, keeping residents active and engaged.
Personalized Care
Seniors have different needs. That’s why senior living communities evaluate these and develop a customized care plan for every resident. It allows the facility and its staff members to give the level of care the elderly require for an excellent senior living experience.
Comfortable Accommodation
ALFs offer various floor plans and room sizes for residents’ comfort. However, options significantly vary between communities. Rooms are usually furnished to make moving easier for seniors, but most facilities allow residents to bring their items as desired.
Convenient Living
Residents in assisted living facilities are free from homeownership responsibilities, such as cooking, housekeeping, and landscape upkeep. They can enjoy their hobbies and interests while having access to the necessary support they need for daily living.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Safety is among the main concerns of families of older adults. Fortunately, seniors in assisted living communities have a safe environment with security features. Moreover, ALFs have staff on-site 24/7 to help residents at any time.
Nutritious Meals
Many people think that food in ALFs is bland because it’s healthy. But usually, residents enjoy delicious meals that fit their dietary needs. For assisted living communities, it’s vital to keep seniors interested in food, so they offer several meal choices, along with different dining options to encourage fun social experiences.
Find the right assisted living solution in Florida for you or your senior loved one.
At Senior Living Selections, we help families find their senior loved one’s new forever home through our network and expertise. We genuinely care for seniors, and we understand how difficult it is to send them to a senior care facility. That’s why we make it easier for you by finding the most suitable community according to your needs. Let us provide you with the help you require every step of the way.
Assisted Living Facilities Near Me
Senior Living Selections has networks in different areas in Florida for anyone who needs assistance finding the assisted living facility that fits their budget and needs. Aside from Sarasota, here are other cities in Florida where we have proven safe and genuinely compassionate communities for you or your aging loved one.
