Lakeland Senior AdvisorHow much notice must a Florida ALF give before a resident has to leave?
At least 45 days in writing, with the reasons and the ombudsman program's number, except in a physician-certified emergency or when the resident's conduct harms others.
The ombudsman program can be reached at 1-888-831-0404.
Where is suspected abuse of an older adult reported in Florida?
To the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873, which answers 24 hours a day; call 911 first if someone is in immediate danger.
No proof is needed to make a report.
How do we complain about a Polk County nursing home or ALF?
Call AHCA's complaint line at 1-888-419-3456 or use AHCA's online complaint form; complaints may be anonymous.
AHCA investigates through unannounced visits.
May an ALF limit visitors?
Florida residents have the right to private communication and to receive visitors at reasonable hours, and Florida's 2022 visitation law requires facilities to keep visitation policies that include essential caregiver visits.
Ask for the written visitation policy.
Can a resident handle his or her own money in an ALF?
Yes; s. 429.28 protects a resident's right to manage personal finances, and a facility that holds residents' money must follow strict trust and accounting rules.
Ask for monthly statements of any funds the facility keeps.
What does a long-term care ombudsman do?
Ombudsmen are trained volunteers who investigate and resolve residents' concerns in nursing homes, ALFs and adult family care homes, at no cost and in confidence.
They act on the resident's wishes.
Can a Florida ALF charge rent while a resident is in the hospital?
Yes, if the contract says so; many facilities keep charging to hold the room, so read the bed-hold terms and ask how long the room will be held.
Medicaid rules for nursing homes are different.
Can a resident be discharged for running out of money?
Nonpayment is a lawful reason for an ALF to end residency with 45 days' written notice, which is why Medicaid or OSS should be planned before savings run out.
Medicaid-certified nursing homes have added federal protections.
Who may see a resident's records?
The resident and his or her legal representative or health care surrogate may see the resident's records, and the facility must keep them confidential from others except as the law allows.
Request records in writing.
May an ALF restrain a resident?
Florida ALF residents have the right to be free of physical and chemical restraints except as the law narrowly allows, and facilities may not use restraints for discipline or staff convenience.
Report concerns to AHCA or the ombudsman.
