There are many alternatives to nursing homes. I have included a listing of some of the services below. The Florida Department of Elder Affairs through its Comprehensive Assessment and Review for Long Term Care Services (CARES) program can provide you with a free assessment for nursing home eligibility and other community based alternatives. The Long Term Care Ombudsman's office can assist you and provide information on long term care services. Numbers for both of these programs are listed in the State of Florida Departments & Agencies, Web Sites and Phone Numbers section of our North Florida Elder Law book.

Community Based Services

Retirement communities, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) and senior apartments are all examples of alternate community housing arrangements. Other community-based services include Meals-on-Wheels, homemaker and companion services, church sponsored elder services and the like. Most nursing homes and assisted living facilities provide respite care that can allow a caregiver to take a break. The stay is usually no longer than two weeks but can allow the caregiver to recharge their batteries. Many other institutions provide senior services and activity centers.

Homemaker and Companion Services and Agencies

By law, homemaker and companion agencies may not disperse medication or provide "hands on" help (such as bathing). However, they provide useful help by cleaning, cooking, visiting and such. They are required to register with the State of Florida and to include their registration numbers on advertisements. I usually suggest that they have liability insurance and be bonded as well. Ask to see a copy of these documents prior to the engagement of services. Make sure they are licensed by the State of Florida and check for complaints which are listed with the State of Florida.

Continuing Care Retirement Communities

These "Care-for-Life" communities offer different levels of care depending on the needs of the residents. As a resident's needs for care increase, the individual is moved to facilities with additional services. CCRC residents are guaranteed care for the rest of their lives. Most charge entrance fees as well as monthly maintenance fees. The Florida Department of Insurance regulates CCRC contracts. The Florida AHCA licenses and inspects CCRC facilities.

Home Health Care Agencies

Home health care agencies provide medical services and supplies to patients in their homes. They can also provide medical care to individuals in assisted living facilities and other community settings. These agencies supply the gamut of medical services but can only provide medicines prescribed by a medical doctor. Home health care agencies are required to be licensed and inspected by the Florida AHCA.
A variant on home health care agencies are nurse registries. These agencies act as employment agencies for nurses and other health care workers. They can provide nursing care but not therapy or medical equipment services. However, nurse registries are not required to carry liability insurance. Nurse registries are licensed by the state and must display their registration number on all advertisements.

Adult Day Care Centers

These facilities provide a minimum of care for the user. Usually the facility is a protected setting for leisure activities, meals and respite care for a portion of the day. These facilities are licensed and inspected by the state.

Adult Family-Care Homes

Adult Family-Care Homes provide an around-the-clock family living arrangement for up to five elder or disabled persons unrelated to the owner. The owner lives with the residents and provides room, board and personal services for the residents. Services vary between Adult Family-Care Homes. Adult Family-Care Homes are licensed and inspected by the Florida AHCA.

Assisted Living Facilities (ALF)

An ALF provides room, board and personal services for the residents. The services offered by ALFs vary greatly. Some provide limited nursing or mental health services through special licenses. Others provide extended congregate care (ECC). ECC allows frail ALF residents to remain and age in the facility rather than being moved around. ALFs are licensed and inspected by the state.

Hospice

Hospice care is given to terminally ill patients who have six months or less to live. The emphasis is on providing comfort to these individuals. These services are most likely to be rendered in the home of the individual. Hospice providers may provide some grief counseling services. Hospice providers are licensed and inspected by the State of Florida.
 

If you are a concerned relative or friend of an elderly person and need help with Estate Planning, Elder Law, or Medicaid and are in the Jacksonville, Orange Park, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach or in the areas around Duval, St. Johns, Nassau, and Clay counties, we'd like to hear from you.

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