Home Care in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Home Care in Fort Lauderdale, Florida: Common Terms, How to pay for Home Care, Licensing and Questions to ask

Fort Lauderdale, a vibrant city on Florida’s southeastern coast, is renowned for its stunning beaches and extensive boating canals; as a result, it has earned the nickname “Venice of America” due to its 165 miles of inland waterways. In addition, The Strip, a lively promenade running along oceanside highway A1A, is lined with upscale outdoor restaurants, bars, boutiques, and luxury hotels. Moreover, visitors can explore various attractions, such as the International Swimming Hall of Fame, which features pools and a museum of memorabilia, as well as Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, which offers beautiful trails and a serene lagoon. In the midst of this vibrant community, home care in Fort Lauderdale serves as a vital resource for seniors who may only require some basic assistance at home. Additionally, care plans can be customized for each individual to effectively address their unique needs.

Furthermore, home aides play a critical role by supporting activities of daily living (ADLs), including medication reminders, assistance with bathing, and help with eating. In addition, home care in Fort Lauderdale serves as an excellent option for family members who must leave town or simply need a break from caring for their loved ones.

Besides these benefits, home care aides provide a sense of personalization by offering companionship, socialization, and a vital sense of connection. Consequently, this ensures that seniors can enjoy their independence and quality of life in a place they love.

What are the different Home care options? 

The various care services and options

Personal Care Assistant 

• Companionship as well as assistance with activities of daily living, (non-medical personal care) toileting, dressing, grooming, and bathing.  
• They can help with grocery shopping and meal preparation. 
• A personal care assistant can help with family difficulties. If a family caregiver must leave town or be away from the home overnight the caretaker can stay with the individual and monitor and assist as needed. 
• If a spouse is too heavy, a personal assistant can be a great asset in helping the individual move without risk of injury. 
• These care assistants cannot perform any medical care. 

Companion Care 

• These companions spend time with older adults. Providing companionship is especially relevant for people who live alone, or do not leave the house due to cognitive impairments or frailty.  
• These companions are there to look after the person, keep a watchful eye, act as an extension of the person to help with mobility and general physic functions.  
• They may drive the person to appointments, prepare light meals and snacks. They may even play games or read and listen to music together. 
• Companion care is a great way to bring social interaction and assistance to a person who may otherwise spend long periods of time alone. 

About Home Care in Fort Lauderdale

Florida, in general, is a very popular destination for aging adults due to its ideal weather and laid-back lifestyle, which attract people from everywhere to enjoy their later years and retirement. Additionally, home care in Fort Lauderdale can be a great option if your loved one requires some assistance. Specifically, home care (or in-home care) is suited for seniors who only need basic support at home. Importantly, care plans can be customized for each individual to address their unique needs. Furthermore, home aides may support clients with activities of daily living (ADLs), which include essential tasks such as medication reminders, assistance with bathing, and help with eating.

Moreover, home care may serve as an excellent option for family members who must leave town or simply need a break from caring for their loved ones. Furthermore, home care aides bring a sense of personalization by providing companionship and socialization, fostering a vital connection. Additionally, Florida locals receive discounts on certain attractions in town, contributing to a diverse cultural landscape.

When it comes to senior care, the state of Florida regulates this industry through The Florida Division of Health Quality Assurance. Specifically, Florida requires agencies to adhere to policies and procedures that ensure compliance and guarantee your State Home Care License and Private Duty Accreditation. Providers apply through The Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) for licensing to operate in home care. Ultimately, the focus of home care in Florida is to keep people healthy and safe. Home care caregivers assist with activities of daily living (ADLs), while these in-home aides provide personal care and monitoring as one would receive in a long-term care community, all the while allowing seniors to remain in the comfort of their own homes.

Considerations When Looking for Care in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is a coastal city about 30 miles north of Miami. Fort Lauderdale is the second-largest city in the Miami metropolitan area and the largest city in Broward County. The warm climate and natural beauty attract year-round visitors and residents from a variety of cultures. These features and more have led to Fort Lauderdale becoming a preferred location for senior citizens to retire, so the need for senior care in Fort Lauderdale is significant.

Cities Near Fort Lauderdale

• Coconut Creek – 16 miles north 
• Davie – 11 miles west
• Deerfield Beach – 17 miles north
• Hallandale Beach – 12 miles south

How to pay for Home Care

Private Funds- YES:

• Many families pay for care with private funds. 
• Private pay can be a combination of retirement funds, personal savings, and pension payments. 
• Family members may contribute funds toward a loved one’s care. 

Medicare – NO:

• Medicare does NOT pay for Assisted Living.
• People 65 years and older and individuals with end stage renal disease are eligible for Medicare benefits, no matter their income.
• Coverage is meant for people in need of short-term care.

Medicaid- MAYBE

Medicaid MAY cover home care for seniors who are eligible. Each state has its own Medicaid programs in place. As a result, eligibility and services fluctuate state to state.  Funding may also be offered under the Home and Community Based Services Medicaid Waivers. 

In-home personal care services (dressing, bathing, eating, etc.) are not federally mandated, and some states do not even regulate these agencies.

Long-term care insurance- MAYBE:

• The purpose of long-term care insurance is to cover senior care, which includes home care. Though, be aware that coverage varies depending on the insurance provider, the specific policy, and other factors. 
• It is common that long-term care insurance will only start to cover care when the person with the policy requires assistance with two or more ADLs. 
• As a result of the above, individuals who only need companion care may not be covered by their long-term care insurance.  
• Typically, purchasing long-term care insurance is not an option if you are at the point where you already need care. 

Veteran Aid and Assistance – MAYBE:

This benefit is available to some military veterans and surviving spouses who live in an assisted living community and those who have in-home care.

• There are specific guidelines, but a veteran may qualify for as much as $2,050 each month.
• A veteran with a sick spouse may be eligible for $1,600 per month.
• If a veteran has passed, their surviving spouse can qualify for $1,300 per month.

Private Pay

• Many families pay for care with private funds.
• Family members may contribute funds toward the care of a loved one.
• Private pay may be a combination of personal savings, retirement funds, or pension payments.

Questions and inquiries about home care

Agency Information

• Is the agency RN operated?
• Is the agency a franchise or locally owned and operated?
• Is the agency licensed by WA State Department of Health?
• Is the agency licensed for both home care and home health?
• Does the agency have liability insurance?
• Can the agency respond to you 24/7?

Caregiver Information

• Are employees licensed, bonded & insured? Or are they independent contractors?
• Does the agency test skills, conduct behavioral interviews and verify caregiver credentials?
• Are caregivers required to have current certifications for First Aid, CPR, and TB?
• Are caregivers provided continuing education/training?
• Can authorized individuals monitor care and make requests online in real time?
• Does the agency offer caregiver replacement when the “fit” may not be right?

Documentation and Supervision

• Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager conduct a free home care assessment?
• Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager create a home care plan?
• Does an RN/MSW/Care Manager supervise the caregivers?
• Do caregivers receive client orientation before arriving at a client’s home?

Policies and Cost

• Can services be cancelled with a 4-hour notification?
• Does the agency offer flexible scheduling, custom care plans, and  a continuum of care?
• Does the agency have weekly or monthly minimums?
• What is the hourly minimum per shift?
• Does the agency offer home care discounts?
• What is the required deposit?
• Will the agency accept long-term care insurance?

Local Hospital and Healthcare Providers 

Kindred Hospital South Florida – Ft. Lauderdale

1516 E Las Olas Blvd, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

HCA East Florida Division

450 E Las Olas Blvd #1100, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301

Broward Health Imperial Point

6401 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Holy Cross Health General Hospital

4725 N Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308

Broward Health Medical Center

1600 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Resources and Links – Florida

Florida Department of Elder Affairs Administers human service and long term care programs for Florida’s elders age 60 and older and their caregivers. Services include Home Care Program, Nutrition Programs, Home Delivered Meals, Congregate Meals, Nutritional Counseling, Family Caregiver Support Program, Adult Family Care, Personal Care Management Program, Money Management Program Financial Assistance, Congregate and Supportive Housing, Nursing Home Ombudsman Program, transportation, home repairs and employment.

Department of Children and Families Florida Abuse Hotline The Florida Abuse Hotline serves as the central reporting center for allegations of abuse, neglect, and or exploitation for all children and vulnerable adults in Florida. Confidential reports.

American Indian Tribes and Tribal Organizations is a Care Giver Program, Case Management, Home Health Services, Adult Protective Services, Emergency Response Systems, Employment Services, Financial Services, Legal Assistance, Home Repair, Home Modification, Information and Referral/Assistance, Home Delivered Meals, Congregate Meals, Personal Care, Sr. Center Programs

Eldercare Locator This is a great resource to search for specific care in specific counties and cities. This database is a nationwide resource that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Connect with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver education or respite from caregiving responsibilities. The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.

Medicare provides a search feature to find & compare providers near you, most senior housing and care providers are included on CareAvailability.com. Find & compare plans in your area. Determine if you qualify for premium savings

Medicaid offers information on how to apply for Medicaid, eligibility criteria, links to local state offices, and additional resources.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Whether you are living with Alzheimer’s or caring for someone with the disease, information and resources are available.

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