10 Best Nursing Homes in Tallahassee, FL

Planning and paying for long-term care can be a complex and overwhelming process. It’s important to understand the different payment options available to you, whether you’re looking for nursing home care, memory care, or assisted living in the Tallahassee area. Fortunately, there are several ways to pay for long-term care, including private payment methods, VA benefits, Medicaid, Medicare, and public assistance.

At A Place for Mom, we understand the importance of finding the right payment option for your long-term care needs. That’s why we offer resources and guidance to help you explore private pay, VA benefits, Medicare, and Medicaid resources for seniors in Tallahassee. Check out our tabs for more information on these payment options.

Florida has specific laws and regulations for nursing homes, assisted living, and memory care facilities, which are all licensed and regulated by the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration’s Bureau of Health Facility Regulation. The Bureau also performs regular inspections to ensure these facilities abide by federal and state standards. Nursing homes are also subject to federal laws.

During these inspections, a surveyor will visit the facility and investigate any complaints or violations. These inspections are unannounced and typically occur at least once a year, although facilities that have had prior complaints filed against them may be inspected more often than others with fewer complaints. If they violate any standards, the inspector would include the violations and failures in an inspection report called a statement of deficiency. The report is sent to the violating facility that is required to submit a plan of correction. The ratings are based on health inspections, staffing levels, and a variety of quality measures. The property owner or manager will be notified of the inspection results, and the residents can ask them for the property’s inspection information (the results or report). Seniors can request inspection reports from the Florida Agency for Health Care Administration.

Nursing home standards

Under Florida’s standards, each nursing home must have at least one physician, dietician, and nurse. These medical professionals must be in good standing and stay in compliance with ongoing education requirements, and all must undergo a criminal background check. Florida nursing home staffing requirements are mandated by law. The staffing ratios consist of three levels of care providers: Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs), Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs), and Registered Nurses (RNs). Together, LPNs and RNs are considered licensed nursing staff. There must be a minimum weekly average of certified nursing assistants and licensed nursing staffing combined with 3.6 hours of direct care per resident per day.

Assisted living and memory care standards

Assisted living facilities in Tallahassee have to be inspected prior to licensure, as well as at least once every two years. The types of services that assisted living facilities provide depend on their licensure type. Standard facilities provide personal care services and assistance with self-administration of medications. Facilities with a limited nursing services license can provide additional nursing services specified in regulations, while facilities with an extended congregate care license can provide more extensive assistance with activities of daily living, plus additional nursing services if required by the resident’s service plan.

State laws and regulations must be followed by all types of licensed assisted living facilities. The regulations cover rules around medication administration, meals, staffing, training, requirements for the physical facility, and the exact services each level is allowed to provide.

Florida Department of Health contact information

Florida Department of Health
4052 Bald Cypress Way
Tallahassee, FL 32399
Phone: 850-245-4444
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

COVID-19 regulations for Tallahassee nursing homes

There are no local mandates for COVID-19 regulations in Tallahassee nursing homes, assisted living or memory care facilities. However, facilities may have their own guidelines in place. It is recommended that long-term care facilities follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC)recommendations.

Tallahassee offers a mix of luxury and budget-friendly options for senior care. Seniors and their families can expect a variety of care options and amenities in Tallahassee’s assisted living facilities and memory care facilities. Personalized care and services are available for seniors with different levels of physical and mental health conditions, and a range of activities and amenities help seniors maintain a fulfilling lifestyle.

Choices are available for the level of care you need

In Tallahassee, A Place for Mom partners with 12 facilities that provide a variety of senior living options. In addition to two assisted living facilities and three memory care facilities, there are some combination facilities that provide different services on one campus. We partner with four facilities that offer both assisted living and memory care, two that combines independent living and assisted living, and one with all three options.

Assisted living facilities for every budget

A Place for Mom’s partner facilities in Tallahassee offer more than just essential services. Some more luxury options in Tallahassee offer upscale amenities, including waterfront views, spas, chef-prepared meals, and expansive common areas with recreational activities and entertainment options. For those seeking a simpler way of life in their golden years, budget-friendly options are also available, which still offer communal amenities such as enclosed courtyards, arts-and-crafts centers, and pet-friendly areas.

Memory care facilities

Memory care facilities provide specialized care and amenities to support the unique needs of residents with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of memory loss, such as easy-to-navigate floor plans, visual cues and reminders, and secured areas to prevent wandering. They also offer a range of amenities and services, such as arts and crafts centers, libraries, and visiting health care professionals.

Health care for seniors in Tallahassee

Tallahassee is home to cutting-edge health care facilities and an abundance of specialty physicians, which ensures seniors in Tallahassee are well cared for thanks to a wealth of great health care options.

Transportation for seniors in Tallahassee

Transportation can be a challenge for seniors in Tallahassee, as the city has limited options for public transport, biking, and getting around on foot. Thankfully, the vast majority (92%) of assisted living and memory care facilities in A Place for Mom’s network offer complimentary transportation services. Many also provide transportation at cost.

For seniors with dementia and other memory-related shortcomings, it is recommended that they only use public transit with a caregiver due to safety concerns related to vision problems, delayed reaction time, or confusion. One of Tallahassee’s public transportation options is the StarMetro bus system, which offers bus service access throughout town. The StarMetro has some accessibility features, such as wheelchair lifts and aisles that can fit mobility devices up to 48 inches long and 30 inches wide. Veterans can enjoy a free bus pass by applying through Leon County Veteran Services.

A private transportation option for those living in assisted living or memory care facilities is C & T Senior Transportation, which provides seniors with door-to-door transportation to doctor appointments, grocery shopping, banking, and medication pickups. This service accepts a variety of payment methods, including online payments, cash, or checks.

Senior activities in Tallahassee

Tallahassee offers a wide range of activities for seniors, including those with memory care and accessibility needs. Seniors and their families or chaperones can visit some fascinating museums in Tallahassee. Goodwood Museum and Gardens offers guided tours and educational programs where seniors can learn about Tallahassee’s history and enjoy the picturesque gardens and architecture of the historic home. The Tallahassee Automobile Museum features vintage cars and other automobiles. Beyond that, the Challenger Learning Center is an interactive science museum offering hands-on exhibits and planetarium shows.

Seniors can explore plenty of restaurants with friends and family. There’s Savour, where you can eat high-end steak, seafood, and delicious cocktails. Table 23 is your go-to for Southern-style fare in a warm and elegant atmosphere, while Bella Bella serves mouth-watering Italian cuisine.

Anglers can grab a reel and fish at Alfred B. Maclay Gardens State Park, Natural Bridge Battlefield Historic State Park, or Lake Talquin State Park. You can catch crappie, bream, Florida black bass, and catfish. Keep in mind that a fishing license may be required. For more information on this, look through the Florida Wildlife Commission’s website on Fishing in Florida.

For those looking for other types of outdoor excursions and picnics, visit Cascades Park,  Lafayette Heritage Trail Park, or Florida State Park. These parks in the Tallahassee area offer outdoor activities, including hiking and boating. These activities can be very beneficial for seniors with memory care needs, as they provide physical activity and exposure to nature.