Six Essential Facts about Florida Nursing Homes

Choosing the right type of community for a family member can feel overwhelming. Florida is home to countless community options, each offering different levels of care. A common mistake that many people make is selecting a nursing home without considering the full range of living options. Here are the six facts about Florida nursing homes:

1. Nursing Homes May Not Be the Right Choice

Nursing homes serve a specific purpose: to provide around-the-clock medical supervision for a resident. Often, nursing home residents cannot care for themselves and require 24-hour medical assistance due to underlying health issues. Many times, individuals check into a nursing home following a hospital stay. Seniors with deteriorating physical or mental ailments are often candidates for nursing homes. For instance, patients diagnosed with multiple sclerosis may need full-time nursing care.

For those who need minimal medical assistance, a nursing home may not be the best fit. In these cases, assisted living communities are likely a better alternative.

2. Memory Care Isn’t Only Available at Florida Nursing Homes

Another common misconception is that nursing homes are the only option for memory care. Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia are progressive disorders. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, the early stages of the disease can last for years. During these stages, a minimal to moderate amount of care is usually needed. Only when a patient reaches the final stage of Alzheimer’s disease does he or she need around-the-clock medical supervision.

Assisted living communities provide flexible options, including memory care resources. Memory care communities offer health monitoring and security for the Alzheimer’s or dementia patient while still emphasizing the person’s independence and current capabilities.

3. Florida Nursing Homes Don’t Provide Privacy

One of the most significant drawbacks of nursing home settings is the lack of privacy. Unfortunately, many nursing homes don’t provide private rooms to residents. In the case that a private room is available, it will be costly to reserve.

If privacy is essential to a family member, then Florida nursing homes may prove problematic. Nursing homes don’t have the luxury of being selective with regards to roommate assignments. Roommates may have different personality types and may not get along.

In an assisted living community, however, private rooms are the norm. Many communities offer private apartments to residents. These apartments also include bathrooms that aren’t shared by other community members. Residents can make these apartments their own by bringing personal effects to decorate the space and make it feel like home. Although community events occur daily in many shared areas in the community, the resident can entertain family members in the privacy of their own space as well. Notably, assisted living communities allow for couples to remain together.

4. Higher Costs at Florida Nursing Homes

Due to the high level of care provided through a nursing home, costs are very high. In comparison, an assisted living community costs half the price. According to the Administration on Aging, the average cost to stay in a shared room at a nursing home is $225 per day. For a private room at the nursing home, daily prices increase to $253 per day. The price comes out to an estimated monthly cost between $6,800 and $7,700.

In comparison, a one-bedroom private apartment within an assisted living community will cost a resident an average of $119 per day. Each month, this amounts to approximately $3,600. Keep in mind these prices are estimates, and costs vary based on the location of communities and services provided. For instance, specialized memory care increases the amount of an assisted living stay.

5. Nursing Homes Have Fewer Options for Community Involvement

Nursing homes prioritize resident health. Because many residents may have severe ailments, there’s less emphasis on community events and emotional wellness. In comparison, medical treatments are minimal at an assisted living community, so the focus can be on personal wellness and social well-being. For this, assisted living communities often have calendars full of fun and enriching activities.

Recreational options are abundant at assisted living communities, and all events benefit an individual, whether physically, socially, spiritually or intellectually. For instance, each day, the community may provide workout programs tailored to different fitness levels. The assisted living center may also sponsor book clubs or bridge clubs. The residence could schedule financial seminars and other workshops to help community members make savvy financial decisions. What’s notable about assisted living is there’s something for everyone, and staff members facilitate an environment that truly allows everyone to pursue their hobbies and passions.

6. Nursing Homes May Offer (and Charge) More Than You Need

One of the most significant drawbacks of choosing a nursing home over assisted living in Florida is that you could pay for services that are not needed. Nursing homes have medical staff members full-time and often provide treatments for diseases and disorders on-site. With medical care available on the premises, there’s less need to transport residents to doctors’ visits.

Assisted living does not offer 24/7 medical care. At an assisted living community, staff members manage activities of daily living. These services may include grooming, bathing and medication management. One of the many perks of assisted living is laundry and linen services. Also, the staff handles any home and yard maintenance. Transportation services is another benefit of an assisted living community; staff members provide transportation to scheduled events, such as movie nights and theater performances. Although the staff doesn’t administer medical treatments, there is health monitoring on-site, which includes an emergency bathroom response system. Security personnel are also employed to keep residents safe.

More and more Florida residents are discovering the enriching assisted living community of The Atrium at Boca Raton.

All apartments are spacious with premium features such as walk-in closets and accessible bathrooms. Restaurant-style dining at the Atrium gives residents the chance to enjoy chef-prepared dishes. Plus, if you have furry, four-legged friends, bring them! We are a pet-friendly community.

Contact us today to learn more about our supportive community and discuss virtual tour options.