Sarasota Senior AdvisorHow much notice must a Florida ALF give before asking a resident to leave?
At least 45 days' written notice, with reasons and the ombudsman's number, except in physician-certified emergencies or when the resident's conduct harms others.
The ombudsman program is at 1-888-831-0404.
Where do I report suspected abuse of an older adult in Florida?
The Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-962-2873, 24 hours a day; call 911 first if someone is in immediate danger.
You do not need proof to report.
How do I file a complaint against a Florida nursing home or ALF?
Call AHCA's complaint line at 1-888-419-3456 or use AHCA's online complaint form; complaints can be anonymous.
AHCA investigates with unannounced visits.
Can an ALF restrict visitors?
Florida residents have the right to unrestricted private communication and to receive visitors at reasonable hours, and Florida's 2022 visitation law requires facilities to have visitation policies, including essential caregiver visits.
Ask for the written visitation policy.
Can a resident manage their own money in an ALF?
Yes; s. 429.28 protects a resident's right to manage his or her own financial affairs, and a facility that handles residents' funds must follow strict trust and accounting rules.
Ask for monthly statements of any funds the facility holds.
What does the long-term care ombudsman do?
Ombudsmen are trained volunteers who investigate and resolve residents' concerns in nursing homes, ALFs and adult family care homes, free and confidentially.
They act on the resident's wishes.
Can a Florida ALF charge for a room while a resident is in the hospital?
Yes, if the contract says so; many facilities continue charging rent to hold the room, so read the bed-hold terms and ask how long they will hold it.
Medicaid rules differ for nursing homes.
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 families should plan Medicaid or OSS before savings run out.
Nursing homes certified for Medicaid have additional federal protections.
Who can see a resident's records?
The resident and his or her legal representative or health care surrogate have access to the resident's records, and facilities must keep them confidential from others except as law allows.
Ask for records in writing.
Can an ALF use restraints on a resident?
Florida ALF residents have the right to be free from physical and chemical restraints except as the law narrowly allows, and facilities may not use them for staff convenience or discipline.
Report concerns to AHCA or the ombudsman.
