DEV | TEST h1 template (view-level fallback) Assisted Living

When paying for long-term care, families often use a mix of payment methods like public assistance, long-term care insurance, and personal savings. The most effective way to cover these costs varies from family to family, so it’s important to assess your loved one’s financial situation. The following section offers information on the many common resources, such as private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid, families typically use to pay for assisted living.

Licensed assisted living facilities (also known as ALFs in Florida) in Orlando are regulated by Florida’s Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation and are required to adhere to certain state laws and requirements.

Licensed facilities can range in size from one resident to hundreds. Homes or communities with an Assisted Living Facility (or ALF) license must be equipped to provide their residents with personal care services, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and access to transportation services. Keep reading for an overview of Florida’s assisted living licensure rules.

Florida state regulations for assisted living facilities

To establish a new license or renew an existing Assisted Living Facility (ALF) license, the Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation requires facilities to follow guidelines on the physical conditions of the building and the quality of the care and services provided by staff. If you would like to review the complete list of assisted living regulations, read the Florida state regulations for assisted living.

The guidelines are extensive; here are some important examples:

• Families or guardians of residents must be contacted at least every 30 days.
• Residents must be provided three daily meals.
• Residents must be allowed to keep personal belongings in their room.
• Spouses who live in the same facility must be allowed to reside together.
• It’s required that facilities maintain a livable, clean, and safe building.

Employee training and staffing requirements for assisted living facilities in Florida

Facilities are required to provide a specific staff-to-resident ratio that depends on the number of residents in a facility. This is so the care needs of all residents can be met swiftly.

Florida also maintains specific standards for employees of homes or communities with the Assisted Living Facility (ALF) license, some of which include:

• All employees must pass a background check.
• Direct care staff must complete a 4-hour training within 30 days of their hire date.
• All facility administrators must have 26 hours of initial training and 12 hours of continuing training every two years.

Assisted living licenses and inspections in Florida

The Bureau of Health Facilities Regulation regulates four different Assisted Living Facility licenses determined by the size of the structure and specialty services they may provide.

• Standard Assisted Living Facility licenses are the type of license most traditional assisted living communities apply for.
• Adult Foster Care licenses are for smaller homes, referred to as adult family care homes (AFCH). The license requires owners to live on-site and provide personal care services for no more than five people.
• Extended Congregate Care licenses allows assisted living facilities to provide nursing services for residents who are frail.
• Limited Nursing Services licenses allows facilities to incorporate nursing care into the care plan of qualified residents.

Inspections are conducted every two years and inspection results can be viewed on the Florida Health Finder website. The inspection reports provide inspection dates, details of deficiencies or complaints, and the dates corrective action was taken by a facility.

Follow these tips to search inspection reports for assisted living communities in the Florida Health Finder:

• Click “Search by Facility Type/Location” button.
• Then, in the “Facility/Provider Type” drop down menu, choose “Assisted Living Facility.”
• Enter the assisted living facility’s name, address, city, or other criteria, and click the “Search” button.
• Click on the facility name to go to information page.
• For more details, click on “Inspection Reports” or “Inspection Details” hyperlink.

Florida Department of Health contact information

Florida Health — Orange County

6101 Lake Ellenor Dr.
Orlando, FL 32809

Phone: 407-858-1400

Email: DLCHD48WebFeedback@flhealth.gov

COVID-19 regulations for Orlando assisted living facilities

The state of Florida doesn’t have COVID-19 guidance for assisted living facilities. The state does provide a COVID-19 Weekly Situation Report that details the latest infection information organized by Florida’s demographics.

The updated COVID vaccine is available to Orange County residents at several pharmacies around the Orlando area. The vaccine is offered free of charge for seniors who don’t have health insurance or who’s health insurance plan doesn’t cover the full cost of the vaccine through the Center for Disease Control’s (CDC) Bridge Access Program. For veterans and their spouses, Orlando VA offers free vaccines at all clinic locations.

Part of Orlando’s appeal is that it’s not a beach town. Orlando is surrounded by large swaths of nature, from wilderness preserves to unique natural springs. And the city itself boasts many senior-friendly entertainment and dining options.

With a population of just over 300,000, Orlando is a big city but it never feels too busy, and it always has a certain cheer to it, possibly brought on by the great weather. While summer temps can get a little toasty, spring, winter, and fall are delightful — with average daytime temps rarely dipping below 70.

Read on to learn more about what it’s like to live in an assisted living community in Orlando below.

On-site amenities and activities

Residents are treated to a host of building amenities in our partner Orlando assisted living communities. Indoor common areas provide a cool escape from the summer heat, where neighbors can enjoy conversations and share memories. And there is plenty of space to enjoy a variety of on-site activities, from devotional services and live music performances to games and clubs.

These communities in Orlando take full advantage of the pleasurable weather, with relaxing outdoor spaces where residents can take in the fresh air or go for a leisurely stroll. Nearly half of our partner communities have garden clubs, giving residents the opportunity to cultivate their own seasonal vegetables and flowers.

As adults age, it’s important to maintain an exercise routine, but it doesn’t have to be a chore. Orlando assisted living communities offer convenient on-site exercise classes that encourage healthy movement and social interaction. On-site tai chi, yoga, and water aerobics classes are just a few of the opportunities seniors have in these communities to engage in a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the company of friends.

Assisted living facilities in Orlando with memory care

Memory care is a specialized form of assisted living, and 60% of our partner Orlando assisted living communities provide memory care as well as general assisted living. At these facilities, memory care is often hosted in a separate, secured area where staff are required to have dementia-specific training to help ensure residents living with memory loss remain safe.

In addition to supporting residents with their activities of daily living, memory care staff also facilitate healthy daily schedules. These schedules include stimulating activities and games that are shown to help to slow the progression of some forms of dementia.

As the largest city in central Florida, Orlando has a variety of health care options. The two hospitals we highlight here are top-ranked nationally and excel at providing a number of specialties for seniors.

Most people in Orlando use a car as their primary mode of transportation. For residents who no longer drive, our partner assisted living facilities provide on-site transportation services — a safe and convenient alternative to public transportation. And, for those that still drive, nearly 80% of A Place for Mom’s partner communities offer resident parking for seniors with cars.

Orlando’s public transportation system is called the Lynx. Buses serve the Orlando area and many of its suburbs. Buses run throughout the city but tend to be more convenient in the city’s center. Lynx route maps are available on the Lynx website, and seniors may qualify for reduced fares through the AdvantAge Fare Program for Seniors.

Orlando’s walkability, bikeability, and public transportation options are rated on a scale of 0 – 100 by Walk Score, with 100 being the best. Orlando received the following scores:

Orlando offers a wide range of senior activities — for all mobility levels and abilities. From mouthwatering cuisine to brew houses and burger joints, the restaurant scene in Orlando will keep you craving more. There are plenty of spots to shop for a new outfit or outfit yourself with some new fishing gear. Step back in time at one of the many historic museums, or look into the future at Orlando’s Science Center.

A perk of assisted living communities is that they often give residents the opportunity to explore local attractions with scheduled group outings. For a more private day out, explore independently when family and friends come to visit. Check out our list of local highlights for Orlando’s seniors below. You can also browse the Visit Orlando website for even more suggestions of things to do.

Outdoor Orlando

Central Florida is known for its abundance of natural springs. Formed when rainwater dissolves the common dolomite and limestone bedrock, these natural springs offer a variety of recreational options.

• Explore the crystal clear water with friends or family while paddling a see-through canoe in Wekiwa Springs.
• Saunter along the boardwalk at Blue Spring State Park and watch Manatee frolic in the warm water.
• Or find a quiet spot to fish for bass in De Leon Springs State Park.
• For something a little closer to town, Lake Eola Park, in downtown Orlando, is a great place for a stroll along the wide, smooth path while watching the resident swans on the water.

Arts and history

Seniors who enjoy viewing art, listening to music or learning about the area’s rich history, Orlando has several options.

• From Broadway plays and top comedians to the Orlando ballet, opera and philharmonic, the Dr. Phillips Center has something for everyone.
• The Orlando Museum of Modern Art houses the masterpieces of both established artist and up and comers.
• Downtown’s Wells’Built Museum offers a glimpse into the history of Orlando’s African-American community and the role it played in the civil rights movement.

Sporting events

Orlando is home to several professional sports teams and host to a variety of sporting events.

• The NBA’s Orlando Magic are just one of the teams that call the Amway Center home.
• If you like your sports a little cooler, the Orlando Solar Bears ice hockey team offers exciting home games.
• You can also watch the Orlando City SC play host to the biggest stars in major league soccer.
• For college football fans, the Citrus Bowl and Tropical Bowl are held annually at Camping World Stadium in downtown Orlando.