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How Many Assisted Living Facilities Are in Florida?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
There are 2,170 assisted living facilities in Florida. This number can and does change rapidly as new communities open and older ones close. Yet Florida’s large population of seniors ages 65 and over calls for many options for senior care, and assisted living offers services for those who need some extra help while retaining their independence.
Varieties of Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities aren’t all alike. Some are small with only five to 10 residents living together in what may once have been a private home. They receive help from a few caregivers, at least one of whom often lives on the premises to provide 24-hour support. Medium-sized communities allow for more varied care options and activities, and Florida offers many mid-range options for seniors who don’t want to live in communities that are too small or too large. They can choose a home for about 20 residents or a place with 60 or so people.
Some assisted living facilities are home to more than a hundred seniors. These usually offer a wide range of apartment floor plans to choose from, many care levels and a huge variety of activities and amenities that smaller communities can’t provide. Seniors must assess their priorities and needs when choosing the right assisted living community for them.
Characteristics of Assisted Living Communities
No matter how large or small an assisted living community is, though, most share some basic characteristics. In assisted living, residents receive help with their activities of daily living, which include bathing, dressing and grooming. Medication management and administration are usually available as well as mobility assistance. Staff members in most communities handle housekeeping, laundry and maintenance chores and serve three meals per day. Many offer snacks as well.
Assisted living communities also typically provide scheduled activities, such as games, entertainment, crafts, clubs, exercise and social events, to keep seniors busy and engaged. Many even offer group outings, wellness programs and on-site salon services. Some communities are pet-friendly.