Nursing Homes near Gainesville, FL

Nursing Homes in Gainesville, Florida

Nursing home discussions aren't at the top of everyone's bucket list, and sometimes it's easier to put them off than to deal with the emotional turmoil they create. However, families should have the discussion sooner rather than later. Aside from the decision to move a loved one to a nursing home, there are also the financial considerations to consider. Equally important is the decision about what city the nursing home will be in, and which one they'll choose. For those in Gainesville, there are plenty of nursing homes available to the senior community, and it's just a matter of finding the one with the best fit.

More about Gainesville

National Geographic Adventure rated Gainesville as one of the "best places to live and play," and as it is home to the University of Florida, it's not hard to see why it got that distinction. The city takes its reputation quite seriously, and works to keeps the city clean and orderly. It was one of the few cities to criminalize homelessness, and it has also issued ordinances that limit the number of meals soup kitchen's can serve. Although this has gained the city a reputation as being "mean," there are fewer panhandlers than other cities. The weather in Gainesville is also atypical for Florida with temperatures fluctuating quite a bit throughout the year. The city is also known for its music scene, as well as its art culture. The city is an interesting and vibrant place for students, tourists, and retirees.

Nursing Home Location

One of the most important factors of a nursing home is its location. Ideally, you want your loved one to be close to as many family members as possible so they have a solid support system. Regular visits help seniors cope with the changes in their lives, and shows that the family still cares about them. However, it is more important to have consistency in the senior's life, so if you have family members scattered across the country, it may make more sense to place your loved one in a home nearest the most responsible person. In that case, it's a good idea to encourage the rest of the family to write letters, send cards, and make special trips to see their parent or grandparent. Don't underestimate the power of family in helping a loved one cope with the changes inherent in nursing home care.

Environment for Residents

The environment of a nursing home should be supportive and nurturing, and if it's not, it's probably not the best place for your loved one. Seniors need to be able to connect with the other residents, and with the nursing home staff, as these people will become like a second family to them. If your loved one hates the nursing home, even if it has everything you both want, you should consider other places. Finally, it's important to find a nursing home that encourages outings and social activities to keep your loved one lively. Since the weather can be troublesome for seniors, it's also important to know that the nursing home you choose can accommodate residents even in the worst conditions.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

Families should have a realistic idea of what a nursing home costs. The average annual cost is $50,000, and rising, depending on location and amenities. In Florida, the cost of living is much higher than other parts of the country, which affects the overall cost of nursing home care. For those families who don't prepare for nursing home care, $50,000 or more can be an overwhelming amount of money. Families with aging parents and grandparents should look into long-term care insurance, which often covers the cost of nursing homes. Paying out-of pocket, especially when you haven't planned on it, is a burden that could cause you to go through your savings in about six months. Such an event can cause a lot of problems for families, so it is better to plan ahead. Eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid varies by state, so that's another option families should look into, as well.

Assuming that the financial end of the arrangement is all worked out, finding the right nursing home can be a good thing for everyone involved. It gives aging seniors the care and stability they need, and provides family members with peace of mind about the comfort of their loved ones. Nursing homes are a great option for families who cannot assist their loved one's full-time. Besides, with the health care options available in Gainsville, your loved ones will be well taken care of, and you can rest easy knowing they are happy and getting the health benefits they need.