Assisted Living Facility FAQ

What are the requirements for Assisted Living Facility in Florida?

To be eligible for admission in an assisted living in Florida the prospective resident must be:

At least 18 years of age free from signs and symptoms of communicable disease.

Able to perform activities of daily living with assistance/supervision.

Be able to transfer with assistance if necessary.

Be capable of taking medications with assistance if necessary.

Not have special dietary needs that cannot be satisfied by the facility.

Not be a danger to self or others,

Not be bedridden Not require 24-hour nursing supervision/24-hour mental health, treatment/skilled rehabilitation services.

Not have stage III or IV pressure sores.

Not require oral, nasopharyngeal or tracheotomy suctioning/assistance with tube feeding.

Not require blood gas monitoring/intermittent positive breathing therapy.

Not require treatment of non-stabilized surgical incisions/wounds.

What questions should I ask when touring an Assisted Living Facility?

Is the assisted living facility licensed, regulated by the state and in good standing?

Is the assisted living facility staffed 24/7 and what is the staffing ratio?

Is the assisted living facility staff certified or licensed and has a level 2 background check on file?

Is the assisted living facility staff trained to assist with medication?

Is there a high employee turnover or is there consistency?

What are your pricing structures and do fees increase annually?

Does the assisted living facility accept long term care insurance?

Are entrance fees charged upon admission to the assisted living facility?

Are spouses allowed to share a room in the assisted living facility?

Are laundry and cleaning services included in the fees for the assisted living facility?

Are assisted living facility fees prorated based upon move in date?

Should there be an emergency, how close is the assisted living facility to the nearest hospital?

Will prospective resident be allowed to use their same healthcare providers while resident of the facility?

Is there an option for in-house healthcare provider to the assisted living facility?

What is the assisted living facility visiting hours for friends and families?

How are residents involved in activities and are the activities customized to resident capabilities?

Is the menu dietician prepared and are meals customized for special diets?

Can I take my loved one out of the assisted living facility to lunch or on special occasions?

Is Hospice Care offered at the assisted living facility for end-of-life care?

What are the pros of living in an Assisted Living Facility?

Living in an assisted living facility provides 24/7 compassion and professional staff for someone who would be alone or live with family members who are not equipped to take care of them.

It prevents social isolation since there are other residents at similar stage of life in the assisted living facility. Residents in an assisted living facility has constant interaction with others.

Assisted living facility is more affordable than employing 24 hour or even 12-hour home care.

Most seniors that have fallen at least once in their homes will often be afraid of getting into the shower for fear of falling and this could affect their personal hygiene.  An assisted living helps with activities of daily living including bathing and grooming. 

It prevents caregiver burn out for family members since assisted living facilities also offer respite to alleviate 100% of the care burden for the resident’s loved ones.

It provides a sense of security and comfort from being alone or becoming a burden to family.

Assisted living facilities are state regulated and are also monitored by Ombudsman volunteers.

All employees in an assisted living facility are level 2 background checked.

Assisted Living Facilities work with several other health care professionals and institutions to ensure the full health and wellness benefits of the residents are met without the inconvenience of them leaving the facility.

There is a choice to live in a small homelike assisted living facility for smoother transition or a larger facility.

Resident can maintain their independence in an assisted living facility and has all their rights they had at home.

Residents can age in place with the assistance of Hospice Care in an assisted living facility, creating a sense of belonging and stability.

How much does Assisted Living Cost?

Assisted living cost varies by location, type and the level of care needed by the potential resident.  In addition, whether a shared or private room is preferred as well as whether the facility is standard or dementia specific.  

Based on cost of care calculator on payingforseniorcare.com Florida.

The current cost of assisted living in Florida ranges from $1,709.42 to 4,374.23 per month, the average cost is $3,620.00 per month.  There may be additional fees based on the residents needs and type of facility.  

Assisted living in the Miami Area area of Florida ranges from $1,754.28 to $5,011.60 month.The average cost is $3,350.00.

Assisted living in the Statewide area of Florida ranges from $1,149.35 to $9,517.74 month. The average cost is $3,500.00

Assisted living assistance is available for veterans through the VA as well as low income residents through the Long Term Medicare Waiver.