Nursing Homes near Boca Raton, FL

Nursing Homes in Boca Raton, Florida

When a beloved senior reaches the age where they need help with their daily activities such as dressing, cooking, and cleaning, it might be time for families to consider nursing home care. It's usually not a topic that goes over well. Most people are fiercely independent and don't like the idea of needing to be in a home because they can't take care of themselves anymore. That said, it's important for families to consider what is truly best for their loved one. Boca Raton is more of a business city rather than a residential city, but there are still options available for those who live in the area. With a little patience and research, you can find the best nursing home for your loved one in Boca Raton.

All About Boca Raton

Boca Raton has a bit of a past. For the Spanish who originally occupied the area, it was a shallow inlet with sharp rocks that damaged incoming ships. The city's name is an abridged translation of that description. The city expanded much like the rest of the United States during the colonial days. In 1904, Japanese farmers settled in the area and converted the land into pineapple plantations. These plantations were quite successful until World War II, when the land was confiscated and used for the Boca Raton Army Air Force Base. It was turned into a training facility for B-29 bomber crews. After the war, industrialization set in. In the 70's, IBM built a manufacturing factory, which created new jobs until the plant's relocation in the 80's. That plant is where Bill Gates signed his historical deal to supply IBM with the Microsoft MS-DOS operating system for its personal computer line. The history of Bill Gates' fortune began in Boca Raton, Florida. Aside from the historical significance of the city, the weather is perfect for retirees. Winter temperatures average in the 70's and 80's while the summer temperatures average in the high 80's and low 90's.

Choosing the Right Facility

Boca Raton offers a culturally diverse atmosphere, and there are plenty of activities available to seniors in the city. Create a list of nursing homes with the basic features you and your loved ones like, and then schedule a visit for those ones you like. Talk to the program director about the staff. How were they trained, what's the patient to staff ratio, do they genuinely care about the residents or is it just a paycheck to them? Once you feel good about the staff, figure out if the facility's policies resonate with you. Do you feel they are too strict, or maybe they aren't strict enough? Also, determine what level of care your loved one will receive, and how often you receive updates. Ensure the home you choose has plenty of amenities and activities to keep your loved one active. Finally, look into the safety and prevention features of the nursing home. Even in safe neighborhoods, it's important for the elderly to feel secure. If there are any concerns about the neighborhood or the home, it might be beneficial to consider other areas and other nursing homes.

Cost Considerations

Paying for a nursing home can be the biggest challenge for many families, but it doesn't have to be. It's helpful to know what to expect early so that you can prepare accordingly. The average cost of nursing home care is about $50,000 per year. But, Florida has a higher cost of living than other states, so it's possible that nursing home costs could also be higher. The best way to pay for a nursing home is with a combination of long-term care insurance and Medicare or Medicaid. They all have restrictions, which means it benefits families to look into these options early so they are all set when the time comes to move a loved one into a nursing home.

Aging loved ones already have enough to worry about, they don't need to worry about the level of care they will receive from a nursing home, too. It is important to choose one that makes both you and your loved one comfortable, but at the same time offers the best care available. Nursing homes should be an accepting, supportive community with compassionate staff and managers. Residents should be happy and relatively healthy, depending on their individual circumstances. The best way to discover what type of nursing home you're dealing with is to visit the facility and speak to the staff and residents.