Nursing Homes near Saint Augustine, FL

St. Augustine was founded by Spanish admiral, Pedro Menendez de Aviles. He named the settlement "San Agustin" because the land was first spotted from the ships on the feast day of St. Augustine. The city served as the capital of Spanish Florida for over 200 years, and remained the capital when it switched hands to Britain until Tallahassee was made capital in 1824. The distinct historical character of the town has made it a major tourist destination. You can find classic hotels, intimate restaurants, and history. It is one of the oldest European settlements in the United States, and, it is home to the Fountain of Youth Archeological Park, which is believed to contain healing waters. There are also several fun attractions for both tourists and residents alike, including wild animal reserves, parasail tours, and thrilling helicopter rides.

Choosing the Right Facility

It's never easy to make the choice to put your loved one in a nursing home, even when you know it's the right thing to do. You should focus on finding the right facility for your loved one, and making sure you are comfortable with it, as well. First, make a list of your non-negotiables. This may include things such as a secured facility, a varied menu that offers high quality food, options for day trips to theaters and museums, medical care, and so on. Next, narrow down the possibilities based on your list. If a facility doesn't have your non-negotiable items, you can cross it off. Once you have a few places on your list, contact them for visits. Ask questions about the facility and the staff, and pay attention to the residents. You will get a vibe that lets you know whether you should stay or not. Don't be afraid to ask the hard questions. It's important to know what the nursing home's policies are, and whether you agree with them. Be sure to find out if the nursing home encourages and allows its residents the freedom to make certain decisions for themselves. One of the hardest parts of nursing home care for seniors is the fact that they lose their independence. It's hard to accept, so to help seniors feel more comfortable, more nursing homes are allowing seniors to make more decisions. It gives them an opportunity to feel they are still in control of their lives, which can go a long way to smooth out the transition.

The Move

When the time comes to move, it can be difficult to decide what should go with your loved one, and what they must get rid of. Unfortunately, many seniors go from a house they've spent a lifetime collecting memories into a smaller apartment where they have to start over. When that happens, some things have to be put in storage, given away, or thrown out. That can be a difficult process itself, so it's best to handle it with as much compassion as possible. Once you've handled your loved one's belongings, the process of moving will be much easier.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

With the average cost of nursing home care falling between $50,000 and $75,000 annually, paying for it can be a strain for many families. The best way to handle it is to prepare ahead of time. In fact, the best way to pay for nursing home care is with long-term care insurance. There are other options, including Medicare and Medicaid, as well as paying out-of-pocket. Of course, paying out of pocket is the most expensive way to go. Experts say that most families run out of money within six months, which results in loved ones being discharged from the nursing home. To avoid this, and having to pay out of pocket, look into the insurance and government programs before it's time to start thinking about nursing homes. This will help you effectively plan long-term.

Once the hard decisions are made and handled, it's easier for seniors to adjust to their new life. It's better to have friends and family visit whenever possible, and to choose a home that keeps them active. Once they adjust to their new situation, they may find they like it. St. Augustine offers residents plenty of activities around town, and nursing homes in the area have plenty of experience with retirees. It may just be one of the best experiences of your loved one's life.