Senior living communities in Florida are different than “assisted living facilities” or “nursing homes.” Independent Senior living communities are retirement communities, generally ages 55+, that are centralized in terms of geographic location and services being provided.
Traditionally, Florida retirement communities are comprised of various apartment or condominium buildings that share a common clubhouse or amenities, such as a theater or ballroom for the community’s enjoyment. Members may also belong to a condominium association to pay for lawn maintenance, pool services, and other general upkeep of the properties.
SENIOR LIVING EXAMPLES
Several examples of this are the following independent living communities:
King’s Point – located at 7000 W. Atlantic Ave. Delray Beach, Florida 33446
Brookdale North Boynton Beach – located at 4735 NW Seventh Court, Boynton Beach, Florida 33426
Brookdale Lake Worth – located at 3927 Hadjes Dr. Lake Worth, Florida 33467
These communities offer condominium living but also provides numerous amenities for its members. However, these communities are not providing assisted living services or 24/7 nursing care like a nursing home. These retirement communities are truly designed for those that are still living independently.
IMPORTANT LEGAL DIFFERENCES
From a legal standpoint, there are three considerable differences between an “independent living community” and an assisted living facility or nursing home.
- Independent living communities are not subject to the same regulations passed by the State of Florida. Florida has passed certain laws to ensure the safety and health of residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. These laws do not apply to retirement communities like King’s Point.
- Pursuing a legal case against an independent living community is different. When pursuing a case against a nursing home or assisted living facility in Florida, there are numerous Florida laws that must be followed in order to bring a valid claim. These stringent rules do not necessarily apply to retirement communities; however, they might depending on the type of claim being pursued and whether a caregiver was at fault for the injury.
- The type of cases we have dealt with at retirement communities are vastly different than at nursing homes and assisted living facilities. This is in large part due to the age and physical condition of those at retirement communities. Most retirees are much healthier and able to care for themselves without supervision or assistance. Therefore, bed sores, malnourishment, dehydration, and infections are much less likely to occur. Instead, most injuries occur from fall events due to dangerous conditions on the property, golf cart collisions, dangerous driving by community members, dog bites, or even food poisoning.