There are many reasons why seniors seek retirement here in this sunny paradise called Florida. The warm weather, affordable housing and other retirement living options, the medical care available, and cost of living in general are just a few of the reasons they choose to move here. Another is the wide range of services available to seniors and to all of us as the aging process continues.  

All too frequently, as people retire to Florida, they leave behind their families and friends. They usually make new friends when they arrive here as healthy retirees, but as people age, have health issues, their friends, spouses and possibly other local siblings pass on, leaving them feeling lost and alone.  

Meanwhile their children or other loved ones are miles away or busy with their own families and/or careers. Not wanting to be a “bother” or “burden” to their loved ones, they many times try to hide their feelings or problems. Maybe the deceased spouse was caregiver to the one left behind and never shared with the family the fact that Mom or Dad had been experiencing a decline in his or her health or memory. So often it is the caregiver that goes first. “Caregiver burn-out” may not have caused it, but could possibly have contributed to their demise.  

There is help out there. It comes in many forms depending on the level of assistance required. It is best to be aware of the assistance available before you need it. You may only need something as simple as “Telephone Reassurance,” someone to personally check in with your loved one on a daily basis. Or possibly a “Care Manager,” someone to assess current needs for you and provide you with guidance when and if additional services are needed.  

Here are some of the various services or assistance that may be available in their area:  

Emergency Call Systems – There are various systems available. These systems are good when and if they are worn, or they are able to reach the pull cord, etc.

Telephone Reassurance – Someone to personally call them one or more times a day to see that they are all right, or possibly as a reminder to take their medication or to eat.

Homemaker, Companion or Sitter Agency – Someone to provide non-medical assistance, to be a companion or “friend,” to assist with errands, shopping, meal preparation, laundry, or light housekeeping. Encouraging independence, homemaker/companions can provide the assistance needed to help elderly persons maintain their current lifestyle and interests as much as possible. Should the time come that more hands-on medical assistance is needed, homemaker/companion agencies can refer or work with the Home Health Agencies.

Home Health Agency – Providing registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nursing assistants, home health aids and therapists (physical, occupational, speech, etc.), who give medical and direct hands on care to the individual. Some agencies have a few companions and homemakers, however, they may charge a little more as their primary focus is providing the direct hands-on patient care and/or meeting their medical/healthcare issues.

Nurse Registries – Companies acting as a broker, referring independent contractors to provide health care services.

Geriatric Care Manager – Someone who specializes in assisting the older person or their family in assessing and meeting their long-term care needs (usually a professional trained in gerontology with a background in social work, nursing and/or counseling). They should also be familiar with the cost and availability of services within the area. They can provide care planning, crisis intervention and coordinate and supervise home, health, and financial services, etc. The Care Manager often acts as a liaison to families at a distance.

Independent Retirement Residences – These residences are generally for the more independent and able to care for themselves. This residence option may be resident-owned, purchase of membership agreements or rentals, and are typically apartment style varying in size from efficiency to one or two bedroom. The monthly fee often includes some utilities, weekly housekeeping services, maintenance, laundry facilities, social and recreational programs, scheduled transportation, parking, etc. and may include one or more meals per day.

Assisted Living Residences (ALF) – These residences can be both for the independent and/or for the individual requiring a higher level of assistance than is provided by the independent living retirement residences. “ALF’s” provide varying levels of assistance, including medication supervision, assistance with bathing, grooming, and/or dressing, and usually provide two or all meals daily. These residences usually do not provide skilled nursing care, but refer them out to the home health agencies. Typically social and recreational activities are available, as well as housekeeping, maintenance, and transportation to scheduled appointments (usually on specific days). Some ALF residences accept residents with Alzheimer’s or other memory impairments.

Skilled Nursing/Rehabilitation Facilities – For the individual who needs rehabilitation in order to go back to their own residence or to an ALF. These facilities provide skilled nursing and the different therapies including physical, occupational, speech, etc.

Long-Term Care Facilities – Commonly referred to as nursing homes or SNF’s (skilled nursing facilities) are for the residents who require skilled nursing care or no longer qualify to be in an assisted living residence nor able to live independently.

Other Outside Services – Senior Centers, Adult Day Care, Meals on Wheels, Hospice, etc.

 Some Things to Look for When Hiring Someone to Care for Your Loved One

When hiring an agency, ask…  

·         How long have they been in business?

·         Are they licensed or registered with the state (required to follow guidelines)?

·         Do they check references and do background screening? Are they a drug free workplace?

·         What type of services do they provide?

·         Does the agency provide on-going training for their employees?

·         What are the rates?

·         Is there a minimum rate or time of service, etc.?

·         What do they do when you or your loved one requires a higher level of service?

·         Do they hire their own employees or do they use or refer independent contractors?

·         How are the caregivers supervised?

·         Are all the employees bonded and covered with insurance such as workers compensation, liability, etc.? (Most people do not realize that while most homeowner’s insurance will cover someone visiting them, it will not cover if they employ that person.)

·         If they use or refer independent contractors, who is responsible for their worker’s compensation and/or who is liable for them should they become injured, found stealing, etc.?

·         Is there continuity of care, do they try to match the appropriate caregiver to client?

·         If you do not like the caregiver, or feel they are inappropriate and want to make changes or suggestions, will the agency work with you, not just for you?

·         Is someone available or can they be reached 24 hours a day?

·         How much notice do they require for staffing a case?  

Know what services are available in the area where your loved one lives. Ask for references for anyone caring for him/her, including the care manager, then check the references! When working with a care manager, ask him/her about the agencies they recommend, even check them out yourself. The time to research options for assistance should be before it is needed. More often than not, that time arrives before you are ready for it. So, know what to look for and don’t be afraid to ask questions!