Nursing Homes near Hollywood, FL

Nursing Homes in Hollywood, Florida

Nursing home care is a topic that not everyone feels comfortable talking about, but it's one that should be discussed as early as possible. When families are on the same page before the need arises, it gives them time to seek out the home that suits their aging loved one best. When families wait until the need arises, it just means that everyone is reacting. When that happens, families don't have the luxury of researching their options, they simply have to find one with availability. Hollywood has plenty of nursing homes in the surrounding area, so it's convenient for families to visit them and make preparations for when the time comes.

Living in Hollywood

The city was founded by Joseph W. Young, a man who wanted to build a motion picture colony on the east coast. He named the town after Hollywood, California; however, after the 1926 Miami hurricane, the city was severely damaged, and it was difficult to get the concept off the ground. It is not the motion picture colony the founder first imagined, but Hollywood does offer its residents and visitors plenty to do and see. One of the oldest, most well-kept buildings in the city is Joseph W. Young's mansion. In addition, there are theaters, art galleries, and performing arts centers for those who enjoy the arts.

First Steps

When you realize you need help caring for your loved one, before you even begin searching for homes, write out what you and your loved one require in a nursing home. This might include a gated community, individual living spaces, whole foods specific to your loved one's diet, or even certain activities. Once you know what you want in a home, it's easier to weed out the ones you don't want. When you find a place where your loved one feels safe and welcomed, but still allows them their independence, then you will both have peace of mind that you made the right decision. Meet with the directors of the nursing home and get a sense of how things operate. Watch the residents as you look around. Do they seem happy and healthy? Also, take your loved one's feelings into consideration. If they absolutely hate a place, regardless of what you think, it might be better to seek another facility.

Making the Move

When it comes to the actual move, the easiest thing to do is hire movers. However, before that can happen, most seniors have to downgrade their belongings. It's often a difficult and emotional task for them, and families must be patient. Seniors moving from a house to a smaller apartment must decide what to take with them and what to give away or throw out, so it can take awhile as they go through the process. During this time, it is helpful for family members to show love and affection, and to reassure them that moving into a nursing home will be a good thing for them.

The Costs of Nursing Homes

The average cost of nursing home care in the United States is $50,000, depending on location and amenities. Unfortunately, Florida has a higher cost of living than the average in the U.S., so nursing home care in Hollywood may be more expensive. If you and your family plan ahead, you can purchase long-term care insurance to cover the cost of a nursing home so you don't have to worry about the financial piece of it. In some cases, it may be necessary to seek out Medicare or Medicaid, although Florida has its own rules about that so it's best to look into it early, as well. Statistically, most people burn through their savings within six months of placing a loved one in a nursing home, so experts don't recommend that families pay out of pocket, at least not all of it. It's better to have insurance cover the costs when possible.

Moving your loved ones to a nursing home is an emotional process, and choosing the right facility may be the easiest part. Sometimes finding a way to pay for a nursing home is the most stressful part for families, whereas the move is the most stressful part for seniors. To help families eliminate stress during an emotional time, industry experts recommend discussing care needs early so that everyone is on the same page. This gives families time to research their options and put actions in place to pay for nursing home care.