Choosing a Long Term Care Facility

When the time comes for your loved one, or you, to move to an assisted living or long term care facility you will want to visit several facilities to determine where you will feel most comfortable and your needs can best be met. There are specific options available for Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, or general assistance with self-care and security. Some of you may explore locations that provide a continuum of care to accommodate the progression of an illness. It’s a decision that is at one side very much about personal tastes and comfort, another side capability and reputation of the facility, and, of course, your own financial resources.

After you chose a facility, or more than one facility to consider, you may want to do some additional research. The following resources can help:

http://elderaffairs.state.fl.us/faal/index.php
http://www.floridahealthfinder.gov/facilitylocator/facloc.aspx
This site explains the star rating used by The Agency For Health Care Administration and the Gold Seal Award given to some Florida nursing homes. You can also find assisted living facilities as well.

www.medicare.gov/NHCompare
This site allows you to compare nursing homes after doing a search for facilities.

4. www.snapforseniors.com/portals/0/PDFs/SeniorHousingEducationalBooklet.pdf

This site allows you to search for a variety of options including assisted living and skilled nursing.

Important phone numbers if you or your loved one is a resident in a facility:

1-800-963-5337 The Florida Department of Elder Affairs– The CARES Program evaluates elders to determine the level of care they need and what program are available to meet those needs.

1-866-762-2237 The Florida Department of Children and Families– Determines eligibility for Medicaid.

1-888-419-3456 Florida Agency for Health Care Administration– The agency that licenses and inspects skilled nursing facilities in Florida. Call this number to report a concern or file a complaint.

1-888-831-0404 Florida Long Term Care Ombudsman Council– Help elders and their families with concerns regarding patient rights.

1-800-962-2873 Florida Abuse Hotline– To report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of elderly or adults with disabilities.

Additional Resources:

1-727-319-7400 The Florida Department of Veteran Affairs– Provides information regarding services and funding to assist veterans or their spouses with the cost of long term care.

1-860-456-7790 The Center for Medicare Advocacy– A non-profit organization that helps elder and those with disabilities obtain Medicare and necessary health care.

1-800-772-1212 Social Security Administration- www.ssa.gov