Daytona Beach Senior AdvisorHow much notice must an ALF give before a resident has to leave?
At least 45 days in writing with reasons, except for physician-certified emergency transfers or when the resident's behavior harms others (s. 429.28(1)(k)).
The notice must include the Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program's number.
Can an ALF raise its rates at any time?
Only as the contract allows and with advance written notice under s. 429.24; the contract must explain how and when rates can change.
Level-of-care increases after a reassessment are a common source of surprise, so read that section closely.
Can a resident manage their own money in an ALF?
Yes: the resident bill of rights in s. 429.28 guarantees the right to manage one's own finances, and a facility may hold resident funds only under strict rules.
Watch for unexplained charges and ask for itemized statements.
What happens to an ALF room during a hospital stay?
That depends on the contract: many facilities hold the room while rent continues, and some reassess the resident before readmission.
Ask before moving in what happens if your parent spends three weeks in rehab.
Can a facility restrict visitors?
Florida law protects residents' right to visitors, and Florida's visitation statute for long-term care facilities requires facilities to have visitation policies that allow in-person visits, including by an essential caregiver.
Ask to see the written visitation policy.
Are there cameras allowed in a resident's room?
Policies vary, and residents' privacy rights and roommates' consent both matter; ask the facility for its written policy before installing any monitoring device.
In a shared room, the roommate's consent is usually required.
What should we do if we suspect neglect?
Document what you see, raise it with the administrator, and report it to the Florida Abuse Hotline (1-800-962-2873) or AHCA (1-888-419-3456) depending on whether it is abuse or a licensing problem.
The ombudsman program can help a resident who wants an advocate.
How can we check whether an ALF has had serious violations?
Look at its inspection history and sanctions on FloridaHealthFinder or on its page in our directory, paying attention to class I and II citations and fines in the last two years.
Ask the administrator to explain any serious citation and show the plan of correction.
Who can make decisions if a resident can no longer decide?
A health care surrogate or agent under a durable power of attorney, if those documents were signed in time; otherwise a court may need to appoint a guardian.
Florida durable powers of attorney need two witnesses and a notary, so plan while your parent can still sign.
