Before you begin a search for an assisted living apartment or home in Delray Beach, Florida, get answers to your most important questions about assisted living costs, care, services, benefits, policies and licenses. We’ve compiled frequently asked questions about assisted living in Delray Beach for you.

How much does assisted living cost in Delray Beach?

Assisted living costs approximately $4,300 per month on average according to the 2020 Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey, but long-term care costs increased in South Florida in 2021. Our 2021 research indicates the average cost of renting an assisted living apartment in Delray Beach is approximately $4,700, which is higher than the state and national averages. Comparatively, the starting monthly rental cost of assisted living at Sonata Senior Living is $3,300, which is significantly less than the state average. Compare assisted living pricing in South Florida to determine which floor plan matches your budget and style.

How do you pay for assisted living in Delray Beach?

Many people use a combination of personal savings and proceeds from a home sale to pay for assisted living. Social security, long-term care insurance and life insurance may also be used to help pay for assisted living. According to the Sun Sentinel, many people pay annual premiums in exchange for a fixed amount of coverage. If you qualify, supplemental veteran pension benefits may also provide financial assistance for assisted living.

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living rent in Delray Beach?

Medicaid will not pay for assisted living rent in Delray Beach, but it does offer some financial assistance for assisted living care to people who qualify. To be eligible in Florida State, you must meet very specific health and financial requirements and assisted living communities must be specially licensed to accept Medicaid.

What is the purpose of assisted living?

The primary purpose of assisted living is to provide housing and support to seniors in a safe, residential setting. Licensed assisted living communities provide personal care and assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, eating and dressing as well as additional support with nonmedical tasks such as transportation.

What is the difference between assisted living facilities and nursing homes?

Unlike a skilled nursing community, which includes round-the-clock medical care, assisted living is designed for people who need some assistance with personal care, medication management, transportation, housekeeping, laundry, cooking and other forms of nonmedical support. Assisted living residents typically need less assistance and are more independent than nursing home residents. Skilled nursing, or “nursing homes,” provide 24-hour nursing and medical care that assisted living facilities are not licensed to provide. A Home Safety and Wellness Assessment can help you determine which form of long-term care is appropriate for you.

Who qualifies for assisted living care?

In order to qualify for assisted living, an individual must demonstrate that they need assistance with at least two activities of daily living (ADLs). In Florida, assisted living facilities are responsible for determining the appropriateness of admissions. Assisted living communities use the Resident Health Assessment for Assisted Living Facilities, also known as Form 1823, to establish eligibility for services. The Florida Administrative Code also states that an assisted living resident must have a face-to-face medical examination by a health care provider at least every three years to meet the continued residency criteria. There is a quiz that can help you determine if you or your loved one will qualify for assisted living.

What are the benefits of assisted living?

In addition to assistance with personal care and activities of daily living, assisted living communities offer a variety of physical and emotional benefits to older adults. Opportunities for socialization, physical fitness activities, life enrichment programming, continuing education, social events and entertainment are a few of the advantages offered by assisted living communities. Social engagement in assisted living is linked to healthy aging and longevity.

How does socialization help seniors in senior living communities?

Social isolation has been linked to chronic health conditions such as anxiety, depression and Alzheimer’s disease. Socialization opportunities and production engagement in assisted living communities have been proven to lower the risk of developing health conditions associated with social withdrawal and isolation. Research has shown that older adults who stay connected to their peers lead longer, healthier lives.

What senior living options are offered in Delray Beach?

Senior apartments of all sizes and types are offered in Delray Beach, Florida, including studios, one bedroom and large two-bedroom apartments. Older adults have a choice between 55+ active adult communities, independent living communities, assisted living communities, memory care communities and skilled nursing facilities or nursing homes in South Florida. Every senior living community is different and offers varying levels and types of health services and care, facility amenities and financial contracts. It is important to visit a variety of communities before deciding which community is best for you.

What is the difference between assisted living communities and continuing care retirement communities?

The monthly costs of living at an assisted living community are less than moving to a continuing care retirement community. With an assisted living rental contract, you know what your out-of-pocket expenses will be each month and pay only for the services you need whereas when you purchase an apartment at a continuing care retirement community, you are paying for the cost of future care.

What kind of services are provided in an assisted living community?

Services and amenities vary across long-term care and retirement communities; however, you can expect similar services to be offered in all assisted living facilities. In Florida, licensed assisted living facilities are required to provide certain services related to personal care and support as well as social and leisure activities. They are also required to have a plan for keeping residents safe in the event of a power outage or evacuation.

Is assisted living regulated in Delray Beach?

The Agency For Health Care Administration regulates assisted living communities in Delray Beach, Florida to ensure standard levels of care are met. Under Florida law, Delray Beach assisted living rules and regulations related to licensing, contracts, resident care, staff training and emergency management are regulated by the Florida Administrative Code. Rules and regulations are enforced through ongoing inspections of assisted living facilities and inspection ratings are made available to the public at Floridahealthfinder.gov.

What type of license is required to operate an assisted living facility in Delray Beach?

Assisted living communities must have one of the four types of assisted living licenses to provide personal care to seniors in Delray Beach, Florida. In addition to the standard license, The National Center of Assisted Living allows assisted living communities in Florida to apply for specialty licenses, including a Limited Nursing Services (LNS) license, an Extended Congregate Care (ECC) license and a Limited Mental Health (LMH) license. In order to maintain an assisted living license, assisted living facilities must pass inspections conducted by the Agency for Health Care Administration, Bureau of Long Term Care Services.

Are South Florida assisted living communities safe in a hurricane?

Assisted living communities in Florida are required by law to have a hurricane preparedness plan in place to protect residents in the event of a power outage. At Sonata Senior Living in Delray Beach, caregivers are highly skilled and trained to handle hurricane emergencies and maintain backup generators and supplies. In addition to 24-hour care and assistance during a hurricane, older adults in Delray Beach can move to an assisted living community for a short-term stay during and after a storm.

Are meals included in assisted living rent?

Many assisted living communities include meals in the monthly rent, but meal plans vary by community. Sonata Delray Beach by Sonata Senior Living includes meals in its monthly rent as well options for those with special dietary needs. Restaurant-style dining at Sonata features delicious and nutritious seasonal menu selections.

Are pets allowed in Delray Beach assisted living communities?

Pets are sometimes allowed to live in assisted living communities with their owners, but pet policies vary by community. Sonata Senior Living’s pet policy allows small dogs and cats in assisted living apartments provided prior approval was obtained and a pet registration form and agreement has been completed as part of the residential agreement.