There are many different long-term care options for older adults in Orlando. Choosing the right one can be overwhelming, but if you know what to look for, it’s easier to find a place that’s a good fit.
The type of facility you choose depends on a few factors, including your health and budget. In addition, it’s essential to tour potential facilities in person – not just through virtual tours.
Residential Care
Residential care is long-term care that provides seniors with living arrangements in a community instead of their own homes. These options are often used when a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia needs more help than can be provided at home or by family and friends.
Assisted living facilities to provide a range of services including up to three meals a day, help with personal care, laundry and housekeeping, security and on-site staff, social and recreational activities, and transportation. Some also offer specialized care for people with dementia, sometimes called memory care.
Licensed by states under different definitions, residential care settings can include tiny group homes and large assisted living communities. They typically focus on personal care but may also provide nursing and rehabilitation services. Medicare does not pay for residential care, but private sources of funds are available. Such funds can come from retirement accounts, 401Ks and savings accounts, annuities, trusts and stock market investments.
Assisted Living
Assisted living in Orlando is a type of residential care that offers housing and services to seniors who require help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, and eating. Assisted living residents usually live in apartments or rooms and share common areas.
Most facilities offer various services, including up to three nutritious meals a day, assistance with personal care, housekeeping and laundry, 24-hour supervision, security, and social and recreational activities. Exact arrangements vary from state to state.
Levels of care are determined based on assessments and service plans. These vary by facility, with some offering higher levels of care for residents who need more help with their daily lives.
Choosing the right assisted living facility depends on your family’s budget, location, and needs. An excellent place to start is by asking for recommendations from friends, relatives, and your loved one’s doctors.
Memory Care
If you have a senior in your life who is struggling with memory loss, consider moving them into a memory care facility. These facilities provide a safe, supportive environment with specialized staff who are well-trained in working with those who have dementia and other cognitive impairments.
Many assisted living communities offer some level of memory care services at an additional cost. These services include assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) and social interaction with other residents.
A memory care community is generally built with enhanced safety features such as motion-activated lights, cameras and alarms; delayed-egress exit doors; digital locks on exterior doors; and 24/7 on-site security staff.
The best memory care facilities are designed to accommodate seniors with moderate to late-stage dementia by providing the right amount of one-on-one support, supervision and safety measures. They are staffed by professionals who understand how to handle challenging behavior, diffuse situations that escalate and provide empathetic care.
Skilled Nursing
If your loved one needs round-the-clock medical care and supervision, they may require skilled nursing. These services are provided in a skilled nursing facility (also called a nursing home) or an in-patient rehabilitation center.
These skilled nursing services include wound care, IV medication, physical therapy and occupational therapy. Often, patients require skilled nursing after an injury or surgery or to build strength before returning home.
Skilled nursing can be expensive, but Medicare and private health insurance coverage may help reduce costs. It’s important to discuss your specific range with a Medicare or health insurance representative before making any decision that could impact your finances.
Fortunately, most people have options to pay for skilled nursing care, especially when it’s medically necessary. Some residents rely on Medicaid to cover their costs, while others may be able to downsize their homes and use their home equity line of credit to cover long-term care expenses.