Florida nursing homes and skilled nursing directory

Florida Nursing Home Care

With 684 certified nursing homes, Florida is one of the most popular states for retirement and nursing home services in the entire country. The balmy, sub-tropical climate makes for an ideal location for recreation and vacation in general. With a high priority in ensuring quality senior care and housing, it’s likely your search for a nursing home in Florida will be a smooth sailing experience.

Nursing Homes in Florida - Cost Comparison

City	Monthly Minimum	Monthly Maximum	Monthly Median
Daytona Beach	$6,390	$8,400	$7,450
Gainesville	$5,325	$6,600	$5,935
Miami	$6,450	$9,890	$7,790
Orlando	$6,450	$9,035	$$6,935
St. Petersburg	$5,570	$8,915	$7,300
Tampa	$5,570	$8,915	$7,300

Nursing home care is rarely an inexpensive investment for many families. The median annual cost of a private room in Florida is $96,725 with semi-private rooms costing about $87,600. There are many nursing homes and skilled nursing residences located in Florida, so shopping around can help to find the right price and home for your situation.

For more information regarding nursing home care costs in Florida, view Genworth's 2015 Cost of Care Survey - Florida.

Recreations & Attractions in Florida

The Sunshine State is a favorite for many retirees. There are many different tourist attractions that all ages will enjoy. Florida is home to the Everglades National Park, which is the second largest in the country, only behind Yellowstone. The Everglades are also the largest subtropical wilderness in the continental U.S., stretching over 1.5 million acres of marshy land and swamps. The ecosystem supports alligators, American crocodiles, Florida panthers, deer, egrets, manatees, and more.

Those that like to wonder what other planets or life is out there will enjoy a visit to the Kennedy Space Center and Cape Canaveral. It is a 140,000-acre complex that is known for launching many space shuttles. Bus tours will guide visitors around the large facility and there are displays to explore inside the complex.

Speed and NASCAR enthusiasts will enjoy getting to go to the Daytona 500, which is considered the most important in the Cup series. The Daytona 500 kicks off racing season February at the Daytona International Speedway, drawing large crowds.

Florida's Climate, Geography, & Culture

Florida is known for being a favorite retiree spot, but the state is more than just a place for seniors to settle down or for celebrities to tan during the winter. Even though the state has many large cities, for the most part, residents are relaxed and may be referred to as beach bums. However, in Miami, there are large Latino and Cuban populations that influence the culture. The city is high-energy with many options for late night entertainment and celebrity sightings on South Beach.

Most of north and central Florida have a humid subtropical climate. South Florida has a tropical savanna climate. The rainy season is from May to October, and tend to bring massive, but brief thunderstorms. Towards the end of the wet season, we tend to see the state get hit by hurricanes. The dry season starts in October across much of northern and central Florida until late April. Late winter can bring extremely dry conditions for Florida, and sometimes water restrictions are imposed to conserve water. During summer months, you can expect average high temperatures in the upper 80-degree Fahrenheit range. Winters are slightly cooler with average highs in January ranging from mid-60 to 70-degrees.

Florida's Nursing Home Regulation & Laws

Nursing homes in Florida are regulated by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA). This agency makes sure that each nursing home is following state and Federal standards for care, cleanliness, and safety. Unannounced inspections are routinely performed by qualified AHCA members who are required to pass a federal Surveyor Minimum Qualification (SMQ) Test. Unannounced visits are also used for the purpose of investigating complaints about regulations. The AHCA's highest priority is the quality of life and dignity of Floridian nursing home residents.

Crime & Safety in Florida

Although Florida does have a higher crime rate than many states in the U.S., this is likely due to its size and population overall. FBI crime statistics and analysis have revealed several cities as being the safest places to live, so choosing a nursing home in or around these areas can be a good place to begin your search.

Location	Violent Crimes Per 1,000 Residents	Property Crimes Per 1,000 Residents
Indian River Shores	0.0	3.0
Weston	0.7	5.5
Parkland	0.3	6.4
Windemere	0.3	6.3

(Source: spacecoastdaily.com)

Payment Options for Florida Skilled Nursing Care

Paying for quality senior care options can seem like an overwhelming task for many families. Luckily there are several federal programs that can help ensure your cherished elder receives the standards of care they deserve and need. To start, checking one’s eligibility for services like Medicare and Medicaid can lighten the financial load when finding an appropriate long-term care option. Those who already receive SSI are already eligible for Medicaid. Otherwise, single residents must accrue no more than $2,163 a month or $4,326 for couples both trying to qualify.

Senior & Elderly Rights for Florida Nursing Home Care

Additionally, and as with any certified health care services in the U.S., residents of nursing homes in Florida are afforded their personal rights when receiving care. Dignified treatment and respect, as well as retention of personal privacy, are some of the basic rights of residents in Floridian nursing homes. By reviewing and making all parties involved aware of these liberties, your loved one’s move to a skilled nursing home in the Sunshine State can be a brighter and more positive experience.

Florida Nursing Homes: Medical Record Rules & Regulations

Residents receiving nursing home care or any other type of medical attention in Florida are entitled to a comprehensive and accurate record of their diagnosis and treatment. State and federal laws provide that residents have access to their records and health information, as well as the right to know when disclosures have been made. Otherwise, these records are to remain confidential for up to 7 years and can be accessed by submitting a request and providing a small fee.