Recently, I visited a nursing facility in Daytona Beach called Horizon Healthcare Center. I love to volunteer here, and speak with the lonely residents. We usually go for walks in the garden or have a quick lunch and spend quality time together. I spoke with a few residents about their financing situation. A few residents were uptight about the topic, however many gave me the information I wanted to compare. I was asking each person (about ten) how they were able to afford their home at the skilled nursing facility. Many of the residents have Medicaid as their primary source of payment. Medicare was only 2 of the 10 residents. The results really threw me for a loop! I always thought Medicare was used most in nursing homes. Medicaid to me was for low-income families, and Medicare was for the elderly who lived in nursing homes as their primary housing.
I was asking what was included in the cost, my best answers included, room, board, nursing care, food, therapeutic activity, social services, physical therapy, and speech therapy. I was in complete shock when I heard all of the above was included. The rate for Medicaid is set by the state Medicaid agency.
Many of the tenants had a "roommate." This was the norm here, making it more comfortable for patients to socialize. However, if you have a private room it will cost you much more than the two bed-room.
If I were ever to put anyone in my family in a nursing home, I would completely choose this place. It was beautiful with friendly staff, great food, and a wonderful atmosphere for all. As soon as you walk in you smell the Otis cookies baking in the oven along with a friendly dog who greets you when walking in. I know nursing homes can be expensive, but it to me is totally worth the money. It really helps when you feel like you're at home. Especially when you are sick and cannot take care of yourself.
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