Florida is one of the most popular retirement states, with the allure of beaches, warm weather, and an affordable cost of living. There are also many senior living residences to choose from, as one-fifth of Florida’s population is over the age of 65. If you are moving to Florida and retiring, an assisted living facility is a great option for a new home.
However, moving at retirement age has its challenges. Most people need to ensure that the assisted living or senior care residence they relocate to meets their physical, emotional, and mental health needs. Therefore, the first step before moving is understanding your needs (or the needs of the senior loved one you are assisting.) This assessment will help you to decide what type of residence is appropriate – whether assisted living which provides limited help with ADLS, or memory care, which assists with cognitive impairments. Other care options, such as nursing homes, exist but typically cater to a different group of people. It is best for seniors to consult with their primary care physician and obtain an evaluation prior to retiring to a new state, so they can provide guidance to those in the new location making decisions about their care.
Florida is nationally known for retirement, with towns such as The Villages and Venice becoming famous for access to care, beautiful weather, and ample services for seniors.
Family Care When Loved Ones Are Retiring
Whether they live with family or in a senior residence, ensuring a senior citizen’s daily requirements are fulfilled is an important goal. Often, family members act as caregivers for their elderly loved one, offering not only to help with ADLs but companionship, managing finances, medication management, and other activities that may be too challenging for the older individual.
Caring for someone full-time – even someone you love – might seem like an overwhelming task, especially if you do not have the help of other family members.
It’s important that as many family members as possible agree with any decision to move a new retiree directly to assisted living. However, if the senior is able to make their own decisions and is capable of choosing their new home, that is always preferred. After all, this is still their life! Whatever they decide, all family members should plan on having an honest decision about needs and expectations.
Switching Medicaid for New Assisted Living
If a senior is receiving assisted living payment assistance in another state, it can be challenging to navigate the “switch” from one state to another. While the federal government administers Medicaid, eligibility is at the discretion of each state. Seniors don’t “transfer” their Medicaid from another state to Florida, but they can cancel their current Medicaid and apply in the new state of residence.
In Florida, eligible seniors must be over the age of 64, be blind or disabled, or have a spouse or parent who is blind or disabled. There are also requirements involving income that must be considered. Most Florida residents obtain their Medicaid through the Statewide Medicaid Managed Care (SMMC) program. One component of this is LTC (long-term care) which provides coverage for long-term care and assisted living. It is important to note that the LTC component in Florida has different requirements than standard Medicaid. Once Medicaid is settled, a senior will choose their desired community and have their physician fill out the Resident Health Assessment for Assisted Living Facilities. (Form 1823), which applies only to assisted living communities in Florida.
The final step to moving into an assisted living facility is typically the resident health assessment which reviews their medical history and current abilities. A trained administrator will discuss physical limitations, diet, behavior, treatment requirements, ability to perform ADLs, and self-care capabilities – and use all this information to determine if assisted living is an appropriate choice.
If you are moving to The Villages and considering choosing assisted living, we invite you to tour A Banyan Residence. We are happy to help with your transition to your new home.
