114 Independent Living near Facilities Plantation, FL. Page 4

Independent Living

Many seniors may be capable of living without assistance, but the cost burden of home ownership might deter them from living an independent lifestyle. Independent Living Communities provide a great alternative. Basic needs such as meal preparation and housekeeping are handled by staff and a calendar of recreational and leisure activities is provided, allowing residents an opportunity to use their time as they see fit, free from daily obligations. Along with their daily needs being met, residents can enjoy the opportunity to be among peers, surrounded by others of similar age groups and interests. Typically comprised of a private living space and a full kitchen, these communities offer residences with many of the amenities of apartment life but with none of the hassle. Guests can be invited over and entertained, and more time can be spent with them with the basic maintenance of daily tasks out of the way. While policies vary between communities, a number of residences allow cats and dogs as well. If medical or nursing support is desired, residents may always utilize the services of private caregivers. There are an assortment of benefits and costs to keep in mind when determining an independent living community. It is important to figure out if these services are covered in your service plan: cable TV, move-in fee, housekeeping, field trips, transportation, meals, utilities, and laundry. The benefits associated with independent living include concierge services, laundry service, beauty salon & barber shop, game/TV room, fitness center & swimming pool, healthcare center, private rental hall, and restaurant-style dining hall.

Cost of Living

Cost of living can be a major influence when choosing which community is best for you or your loved one. The rent burden for Plantation is around 21.8% of the average person’s monthly income. Monthly, the median cost for rent in Plantation is around $1,484 and the median home value for Plantation is approximately $292,461.

Demographics and Values

In Plantation, 67.4% participate in the labor force, 13.2% do not have health insurance, 5.8% are widows, and 9.0% live in poverty. Of the population of Plantation 17.4% have a graduate degree, 20.3% have a high-school diploma, and 42.8% have a college degree. The total population of Plantation consists of 93,909 people. Plantation has a population density of 1,673 people per square mile. Demographically, Plantation is 4.3% Asian, 2.4% other or not specified, 0.0% Native American, 21.4% black, 3.6% mixed race, 68.2% white, 0.1% Pacific Islander or Native Hawaiian, and 25.3% Hispanic. In Plantation, 4.7% of the people are veterans of the United States armed forces. Out of the total city population, 52.1% are female and 47.9% are male. The median age of Plantation is 40 years old.

State Information

An overview of Florida

In total, Florida has 218 general hospitals and 108 health centers that provide care for 21,626,797 citizens. The three highest ranked hospitals in Florida are St. Joseph’s Hospital, Sarasota Memorial Hospital, and Jupiter Medical Center. In terms of personal well-being, Florida ranks 29th in healthcare and 13th in quality of life compared to other states. Based on natural beauty, Florida ranks 21st in the nation. Out of a national average of 100, Florida has a cost of living index rating of 99, a grocery index rating of 104, and a housing index rating of 95.

Social demographics of the state

The median age in the state is 42, and 34% of the population is over the age of 55. In terms of diversity, Florida ranks 8th in the nation and is considered LGBTQ friendly. Thirty-five percent of Florida residents regularly attend a religious service from one of the state’s 15,611 different congregations. The top three non-Christian denominations in the state are Jewish-3%, Muslim-<1%, and Buddhist-<1%, with the most common Christian denominations consisting of Evangelical Protestant-24%, Mainline Protestant-14%, and Historically Black Protestant-8%. In Florida there are 290 masonic lodges. In the most recent presidential election, 49% of Florida residents voted Republican and 48% voted Democrat.

State-wide weather information

During the winter, the average temperature in Florida drops to around 60F. During the winter, the average high temperature peaks at around 79F during the month of February. The average low temperature during the winter drops to around 36F in the month of January. The average temperature in the summer rises to around 82F. Over the summer months the average high temperature peaks at around 95F during the month of July. The average low summer temperature is around 66F in the month of June. The average amount of precipitation peaks during the month of June at around 11.50 inches. The average monthly precipitation for the state of Florida is around 4.54 inches. On average, Florida has an air quality index rating of around 37.0 AQI. The highest seasonal air quality index rating occurs in the month of April with a rating of 47.9 AQI. On average, the humidity rating for Florida is around 75%. The highest monthly average humidity rating is 78% in the month of September. While residents of Florida mostly enjoy pleasant conditions, it’s important to be aware of inclement weather as well, which in Florida can include hurricanes and floods.

Wildlife to be found in Florida

The state of Florida has a diverse array of plant and animal life. Local plant life can consist of sand pines, beautyberry, a wide variety of palms, and cypresses. While venturing throughout the state, you might see animals such as the shortnose sturgeon, the west Indian (Florida) manatee, the wild hog, or the diamondback rattler. The state animal of Florida is the Florida panther.