It’s not easy to find a nursing home for your loved one, even if all you have to choose are 5-star facilities. You’re overprotective, and that’s totally natural. Plus, you have a lot to think about, like the cost, safety, quality of care, etc.
If you’re deciding between Florida and California, this article is about to make your decision easier because we’ll compare nursing homes in these two states.
Florida is where all the seniors want to be, and a lot of them move here because the weather is warm and the taxes are lower. But that doesn’t have to mean that Florida’s nursing homes are better, they can just be more crowded. On the other hand, California has some of the strictest healthcare regulations in the U.S., but does that mean that nursing home residents get better care? Not necessarily.
So, how do Florida and California compare in terms of nursing homes?
Keep reading to find out.
Comparison of Cost, Regulations, and Quality of Care
Let’s start with some numbers because the price can make your decision a whole lot easier.
In 2023, the national median price for a private room in a nursing home was close to $9,733 per month. In Florida, that number was close to $9,703 for a private room, and about $8,669 for a semi-private one. The prices are higher in California and a private room costs $11,437 a month on average, with a semi-private room costing about $9,794. Keep in mind prices vary a lot depending on whether the nursing home is located in a city or a rural area.
As far as Medicare and Medicaid coverage goes, both programs will help with the cost of nursing homes, but eligibility and benefits differ according to state. Medicaid eligibility is based on income and asset limits, and both differ between Florida and California. Generally, Medicare will cover a short-term stay for rehabilitation, but it won’t cover long-term care. Each state might offer some extra programs to help with costs, so make sure to check with your local resources for that.
When talking about regulations, Florida’s Agency for Health Care Administration is the one overseeing nursing homes, and they inspect them regularly to make sure they comply with all state standards. California’s Department of Public Health does the same thing, and both states inspect safety, quality of care, and the number of staff members.
Speaking of staff, the requirements are different. In Florida, nursing homes need to provide at least 2.3 hours of direct care per resident every day, and from those 2.3 hours, at least 1 hour has to be from a licensed nurse. In California, the minimum is 3.5 hours per day, and 2.4 hours have to be from CNAs.
As for quality, the CMS rates nursing homes all across the country, and both Florida and California have highly rated facilities, as well as plenty of those with scores below the average.
Nursing Home Laws and Resident Rights
Residents of nursing homes in both states are protected by federal and state laws that are meant to make sure they’re safe and well. The Nursing Home Reform Act, which is a federal law, guarantees all residents the right to proper medical care, dignity, and freedom from abuse or neglect. This is a law that applies nationwide, but each state has its additional laws to protect the elders in nursing homes.
Florida has a state law that outlines the residents’ rights to privacy, medical treatment, and a safe living environment. Abuse and neglect are taken seriously here, and if they occur, they can be reported to the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration, which is responsible for investigating complaints. Victims are also free to file lawsuits against nursing homes that did not provide proper care.
California’s seniors have similar rights, but the Elder Abuse and Dependent Adult Civil Protection Act is another layer of protection for seniors. Thanks to this law, it’s easier to hold nursing homes accountable for abuse and neglect. Of course, if something happens, it can be reported to the California Department of Public Health. If a family has to take legal action, they can hire a nursing home abuse lawyer in California, just like they could in Florida.
As popular as Florida is with the senior population, choosing a nursing home is a lot more than just choosing a location. California is stricter, with pricier nursing homes and stronger laws to protect the elders. Florida, however, is a bit more affordable and has slightly different laws and regulations.
Both states have 5-star facilities, but you still need to do plenty of research to find one that will be a perfect match for your loved one.
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