Assisted Living for Seniors in Pensacola, FL

To make the best decision about assisted living in Pensacola, Florida, it’s important that you first understand what assisted living is and isn’t, and what that means for your loved one. There are quite a few residential and care options available for older adults in Pensacola, and understanding their similarities and differences can help you make the best assisted living and care decision for your senior loved one. 

Assisted living

The simplest definition of assisted living can be summed up as a residence for older adults and those with extra needs that provides various levels of nursing care, plus assistance with meals and housekeeping. Assisted living communities in Pensacola, Florida and beyond (including us here at Veranda of Pensacola of course!) also offer a range of socialization, activities, amenities, and even outings, providing a rich and full life for residents (and peace of mind for their loved ones). 

Independent living

Although there are various types of housing and care available for seniors who need extra help with medical or other areas, many families don’t fully understand senior living options for those older adults in Pensacola who are simply looking to lessen the burden of home ownership. Independent living (including here at Veranda of Pensacola) provides comfortable, modern housing without the stresses and bills of home ownership (forget about cutting the lawn or remembering to pay the electric bill). Independent living communities in Pensacola typically take care of things like maintenance, housekeeping, and landscaping, and even transportation and activities. They can provide a well-rounded, stress-free life for more active seniors. 

Long-term care/nursing homes

Nursing homes or long-term care facilities offer 24/7/365 care for seniors and others who have serious medical needs and can no longer live or care for themselves independently. Trained medical professionals provide ongoing care to meet the needs of nursing home residents, and specialized care is often provided to offer some safe activities to ensure the emotional and mental well-being of patients is met. 

In-home care

In-home care, also known as simply “home care” or “home health care” provides various levels of assistance to seniors and those with special needs here in Pensacola. A nurse, nursing assistant, or professional caregiver visits multiple seniors and homes per day, stopping for a time to help their clients. Services can range from personal care services, to some medical needs, and can also include specialized medical care. The specific options and opportunities available can vary widely from city to city or provider to provider. 

Live-in care

For those seniors in Pensacola who have more substantial needs, or who simply want the benefit of an always-there caregiver, live-in care provides essentially the same services in in-home care; however, the provider lives at your loved one’s home most of the time (or depending on your specific needs, 24/7/365). 

Specialized care

For those Pensacola residents with more advanced medical needs, specialized care is often available for illnesses like dementia/Alzheimer’s, diabetes, heart disease, and more. Hospice care could also fall into this category. These types of care are more appropriate for older adults with much sophisticated, hands-on needs. 

Who is a fit for assisted living? 

Since you are close to your loved one or family member, you likely have some considerable insight into their needs. If your loved one has been hiding his or her extra needs from you (or attempting to hide them); however, you’re not alone. Oftentimes, our loved ones try to spare us the “burden” of sharing their health troubles or increasing needs. Although you probably have picked up on these issues on your own anyway! Considering all of these scenarios, though, here are some of the situations and criteria we most often see in residents as a fit for assisted living here in Pensacola, Florida: 

They’re tired of maintaining or are no longer able to maintain a house

Home ownership is a lot of work – and hard work at that! The lawn seemingly always needs to be mowed, the sink gets clogged, light bulbs need to be changed...it is draining for anyone, but especially for older adults. 

And we can all agree that seniors in particular deserve a break! Our parents and loved ones cared for us for years or even decades. They worked hard, and frankly, they deserve to have someone take care of them now. They shouldn’t have to worry about the house anymore and with assisted living options in Pensacola, they don’t have to any longer.

They have some medical needs

While they don’t need round-the-clock or more intensive, specialized care that necessitates more hands-on living situations, assisted living residents in Pensacola do have some needs, and we are happy to assist them!  

Many of us have increased medical needs as we get older; it really is a fact of life. In fact, 85% of seniors have taken a prescription medication in the past five years. Our assisted living residents in Pensacola, Florida have varying levels of medical needs, from needing some help with medication management to grooming or incontinence assistance.

They want to let loose a little

Between taking care of the house, buying groceries, cooking meals, and heading to doctor’s appointments, your loved one is probably pretty busy (and pretty tired!). We hear from so many residents who just want to relax and enjoy their retirement years. They want to socialize more, play games, try new things, get pampered, and really live life.

Assisted living communities in Pensacola, Florida (yes, just like Veranda of Pensacola!) offer a range of activities and amenities that enhance life for residents. They remove the burdens of home ownership and provide ample opportunity to practice a favorite hobby, start a new one, meet new friends or spend time with old ones. There are so many opportunities! And when you are an assisted living resident at Veranda of Pensacola, your loved one will have the time and freedom to pursue them all. 

Types of assisted living 

We’ve outlined the types of care available to seniors, but to help better paint a picture of the assisted living options available to you and your loved ones in Pensacola, Florida, let’s take a closer look at the types of assisted living that are most commonly available.

Most assisted living communities, including here at Veranda of Pensacola, offer different levels of assistance based on you or your loved one’s specific needs. These levels of assisted living care will vary from community to community in Pensacola and beyond, so to help illuminate the levels of assisted living available to your loved one, we’re going to walk through what we offer here at Veranda of Pensacola. Together with our trained staff and your loved one’s doctor, we’ll give you the information you need to make the best assisted living decision for your family.  

Tier 1

Tier 1 is often a great fit for seniors who are active and independent, but need some help with medication management. 

Tier 2

If your loved one needs some gentle reminders to stay on top of grooming, bathing, dressing, and meals in addition to medication management, tier 2 assisted living may be a good fit. 

Tier 3

For those who may not just need reminders, but stand-by assistance with grooming, bathing, dressing and toileting, in addition to medication management, tier 3 assisted living is available. 

Tier 4

Sometimes our loved ones need extra help to stay on track. In these instances, tier 4 assisted living at Veranda of Pensacola provides medication management, plus physical assistance with grooming, bathing, dressing, and toileting, and a member of our team will personally escort your loved one to meals. 

What’s it like to be in assisted living? 

It can be difficult to picture life once your loved one is moved into assisted living in Pensacola, Florida. Of course, the easiest way to experience assisted living is to visit a community (we’d love to have you stop by for a tour of our Pensacola assisted living community!). But, we’d like to help give you more of an idea of what life is really like in an assisted living community. In fact, since we’ve already walked through much of what daily life in assisted living entails, let’s envision a “typical” day in assisted living for a resident here at Veranda of Pensacola. Your loved one’s goals, favorite activities, and needs are unique, so feel free to mentally swap in or out the unique activities that you or your loved one enjoys.

Up in the morning

Meals at Veranda of Pensacola are nutritionally balanced and delicious, but with our fine dining room, they are also a fun social opportunity!  After your loved one wakes up, they can either have a quick breakfast in their residence, or head down to enjoy breakfast with friends and neighbors. Perhaps they may want to go for a morning walk outside on one of our walking trails to get in some movement early. Or perhaps they want to head into our fitness center for a more formal workout. If you or your loved one require medications in the morning, there’s no need to worry - our assisted living options provide medication reminders so you don’t forget! 

Life isn’t on a schedule in assisted living (unless there is something like a medication that requires a bit of a schedule). Life is what you make of it, and while there are plenty of dining and activity options, you or your loved one can also relax and take the day as it comes. 

That’s the beauty of resort-style retirement living! 

Today, your loved one decides to see a late-morning movie after breakfast and a walk. Before lunch, they decide to join an art class to embrace their creativity and actually make some neat artwork that they share with you later.

Enjoy an easy afternoon

That busy morning means your loved one worked up an appetite.  Our lunch menu always includes at least two main courses, plus several side options and a bountiful salad bar. There are so many healthy and delicious options available every day. 

With such a busy morning, your loved one decides to relax a bit in the afternoon and visits the on-site salon. Then, they enjoy a quiet moment by the piano with a good book from our library and a cup of coffee. 

After chatting with a friend in an on-site lounge,  your loved one takes an afternoon nap before dinner. 

Soak up the evening

Refreshed after a cat nap, your loved one heads to our fine dining room for dinner with friends and neighbors. They talk about their day, make plans to watch their favorite show together later, and talk about tomorrow’s trip to the art museum. 

After their show and time with friends, they do a video call with you and your kids to catch up and talk about their day. Then, it’s off to bed and time for more fun and relaxation tomorrow! 

If we’re being honest, who wouldn’t sign up for a stress-free day like that, regardless of age?!  

How much does it cost for assisted living in Pensacola Florida? 

The cost of assisted living in Pensacola, Florida is a factor for many families, and can play a considerable role in the decision you and your loved one makes. Before we examine the costs of assisted living in Pensacola, it’s important to also examine the current costs for your loved one, and for your family, to ensure their current care and wellbeing. Oftentimes, the actual costs of staying at home are significantly higher than what we account for in, say, a monthly budget. 

Total costs of living at home can include:

• Mortgage/rent
• Homeowners/renter’s insurance
• Property taxes
• Utilities (electric, gas, water, etc)
• Home maintenance, appliances, repairs, etc
• Groceries
• Car payment/gas
• Car insurance
• Homeowner’s association fees
• Lawn service
• Cable/internet
• Costs for hobbies like golf, movies, etc

There are often more expenses here, but of course every family and situation is unique. We’ve found, though, that this list covers a vast majority of expenses for many of our residents here in Pensacola. Most importantly, though, many of our residents have found that they actually save money by moving into our assisted living community here in Pensacola, Florida! Even more residents nearly break even with costs, and that’s not counting the reduction in stress and saved time no longer needed to constantly call the landscapers, trudge to the grocery store, cook meals, and more. Assisted living apartments here at Veranda of Pensacola start at around $4,975 per month, although there are quite a few options available to suit your living preferences.

Choosing the right assisted living community in Pensacola, Florida isn’t something to take lightly. There are many elements to consider when making a decision, and we understand how overwhelming it can be! We hear from families every day who are or have struggled with knowing when it’s time to make the decision for assisted living. 

But, while many families struggled to know when the time was right, there is one constant -- nearly every family said they wished they had chosen to make the move into assisted living sooner. 

To help you make this important decision, and move forward in a plan for assisted living in Pensacola, FL, we’ve broken down the components of making an assisted living decision into three parts:

1. How to know the time is right for assisted living
2. Why assisted living is the best senior care option
3. Navigating family challenges when making the decision for assisted living

1. How to know the time is right for assisted living

While many families have individualized “signs” they knew that it was time for their loved one to make the move into a Pensacola assisted living community, there are some constants. Every senior and family is different; however, in our years of experience meeting with families and residents, we have recognized some specific constants that come up time and again.

One of these signs alone may not signal that it’s unequivocally time for assisted living; however, more than one sign, or perhaps a sign that is worsening, could help point you and your family toward assisted living: 

• Your loved one is afflicted with at least one chronic health condition

Most seniors have at least one chronic health issue, and those issues unfortunately tend to worsen as we get older. Depending on the specific condition, your loved one may require help with medications or even more serious treatment. Or maybe you prefer to provide oversight and assistance for your loved one before the condition worsens. 

• Your loved one seems more anxious or overwhelmed

Many family members share with us that their loved ones seem more stressed or anxious than normal. They may notice that loved ones’ homes are no longer tidy, their loved one looks like they aren’t keeping up with daily care like washing, brushing hair, or putting on makeup, or other signs that the daily tasks of life have simply become too much. 

• Your loved one isn’t eating very well

It takes a lot of time and effort to cook healthy meals three times a day, every day. It’s no wonder that many seniors tend to change their eating habits – who wants to spend all day shopping, prepping, and cooking?

Whether it’s eating out a lot or simply eating less, drastic dietary changes can have a very negative impact on your loved one’s health. Removing the burden of meal preparation can often make a significant impact on your loved one’s quality of life and overall health.

• You’ve noticed that your loved one has more physical difficulties

Extra bruises or trips to the doctor (and especially the ER) are not a normal part of aging, and are often a major sign that your loved one needs extra help. If you suspect your loved one is falling or bumping into things at home at an increased rate, assisted living may definitely be a strong fit.

2. Why assisted living is the best choice

Earlier in this guide, we outlined the different types of senior care that are available in Pensacola, FL. While each shares some similarities with assisted living, our residents feel strongly that assisted living is the best choice for them and their families. 

In particular, here are some of the most common and popular benefits of moving into an assisted living community in Pensacola, Florida:

• A safe living environment 

We just touched upon some of the injury risks seniors face when staying at home. Unfortunately, many seemingly “simple” injuries that can occur are often magnified and very serious when they happen to seniors. Assisted living spaces are designed for safety and care. Bathrooms have handlebars that are easy to grab, spaces are well lit, and most importantly, medical assistance is available if Mom or Dad stumbles or has an issue. . 

• Peace of mind no matter what time of day

Here in our Pensacola assisted living community, our certified nursing assistants (CNA) provide ongoing care for your loved ones, and are always on staff. You won’t have to worry about what’s happening to your loved one between in-home visits or doctor’s appointments. 

You may be helping your loved one right now with some at-home tasks like cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping and more. You may even be helping with personal care tasks like bathing and toileting. This can be difficult for families to juggle, while also changing the dynamic of your relationship (from son or daughter into “caregiver”). While you always want to help, when your loved one moves into assisted living, you can go back to being family again, without the stress of being a caregiver as well. 

• Enjoy life more

Loneliness is a common issue among seniors, and it can lead to serious health problems (including death). It’s common to hear about seniors who sit looking out the window or watching television all day. While other forms of senior care offer visitation, that’s most often for a short period of time. The rest of the day is often very empty. 

Here at Veranda of Pensacola, our assisted living residents participate in a range of activities with other residents, staff, and volunteers. They go on fun trips to museums, concerts, and more. They have a range of amenities and activities right outside their door. It is in many ways like living in a resort, full-time. The impact on your loved one’s emotional and physical health can be incredibly profound. 

3. Dealing with family challenges while making a decision about assisted living

Family dynamics can always be tricky, and making an important decision about where your loved one will live can be stressful for anyone! Sometimes, though, making a challenging decision can illuminate family stresses and make decisions even more difficult. 

These tips can help you avoid unnecessary drama and focus on making the best assisted living decision for your loved one: 

• Do your homework

This guide alone provides you with a great deal of information that many families are unfortunately lacking when the time comes to make assisted living decisions. Oftentimes, families wait until their loved one’s health takes a sudden turn, or when an accident occurs and they suddenly realize that their loved one needs more help and is a fit for assisted living. 

By being ahead and doing your research into assisted living in Pensacola, Florida, you’re avoiding the heightened stress and emotions that can accompany the process when a loved one is afflicted by a sudden and urgent medical need. 

• Make sure everyone’s voices are heard

It’s important that all stakeholders in this decision are part of the process. That means avoiding “side conversations” without updating other stakeholders (namely and most frequently, siblings).

It can be difficult to keep everyone in the loop when some siblings live in other cities, and you, for example, live in the same town as your loved one. Using Zoom, FaceTime, or even a group texting thread on your cell phone,, though, can help ensure everyone is involved in important conversations.

• Remember who is the number one priority

While you and your family are likely looking closely at finances and circumstances that are necessitating a move into assisted living here in Pensacola, it’s important to remember that your loved one should be the primary decision maker, or at least extremely involved in the process. 

Involve your older loved one in every possible conversation (although you may need to have some more sensitive conversations without your loved one present, try to keep those to a minimum). Ensure that your loved one is a part of the process along the way. Having health difficulties or troubles keeping up with everyday tasks takes a toll on our mental health as well. Your loved one has likely been stressed about their changing situation; it’s only natural. Involving them in the decision making process as much as possible can provide Mom or Dad with a feeling of control over a situation that feels overwhelming and out of their hands.

You have learned about assisted living to determine whether an assisted living community in Pensacola, Florida is the right decision for you or your loved one. You’ve determined that it’s the right time to make a move. Now it’s “go time” - time to choose the right Pensacola assisted living community. 

There are several important elements to consider when choosing the right assisted living community in Pensacola, Florida. We’ll offer insight and advice in this section around these key areas:

• How to find assisted living communities in Pensacola, FL 
• Identifying the most important factors in an assisted living community for you or your loved one(s)
• What to look for when calling or touring prospective Pensacola assisted living communities

How to find assisted living communities in Pensacola, FL

Whether you’re located in or near Pensacola, Florida or elsewhere, the key steps to take and resources to leverage when choosing an assisted living community are the same. 

Ask for referrals

One of the easiest ways to learn about assisted living communities in Pensacola (or near you) is to ask! Whether it’s during conversations, at the office, or on your social media platforms, asking whether people you know have firsthand experience with assisted living communities in Pensacola can help you narrow down or even start a list of assisted living communities to research. 

Do some online research

After referrals, conducting a Google search is probably the most common way of finding assisted living communities in Pensacola, FL (it may even be how you found this guide). To start, you’ll want to keep the search parameters simple -- try searching for the obvious “assisted living in Pensacola, FL.” From there, you can start visiting websites, reading reviews, and more. 

If you’re very online savvy and want to get more specific, you could even search for “assisted living in Pensacola, FL” and adding on amenities or other features you’d like in an ideal assisted living community. Something like “assisted living with a movie theater in Pensacola” may give you an even more refined list of prospective communities.

Talk to a doctor

Your loved one’s primary care physician can offer tremendous insights into the best situation and assisted living community to support the needs of you or your loved one. Most doctors are happy to offer this type of consultation outside of the traditional parameters of a medical appointment. 

Depending on your or your loved one’s specific needs, you may want to talk to a doctor to see if he or she has any specific recommendations for assisted living communities in Pensacola that are a fit (we are also happy to talk to and work with your doctor to customize your level of care). 

Leverage senior resources 

Senior centers and nonprofits often offer recommendations and support for seniors who are seeking assisted living in Pensacola and elsewhere. Don’t be afraid to reach out to and ask about every possible resource.

Identifying the most important factors in an assisted living community for you or your loved one(s)

Now you’ve learned about assisted living communities, have decided to find an assisted living community in Pensacola, and you’ve begun building a list of potential assisted living solutions for you or your loved one. Now is a good time to start building a list of “needs” and “wants” for a potential Pensacola assisted living community. 

It’s worth repeating that every senior and family is different; however, in our conversations with families that chose Veranda of Pensacola, several factors have emerged as the most common. It can be helpful to start with this list, then add or subtract as needed to build the ideal list for your situation. 

Location

The location of a potential assisted living community in Pensacola and elsewhere is always going to be a major factor in your decision. To narrow down potential locations, you may want to get very specific with your list and prioritize the location factors that are most important to you and your loved one. 

Cost

We provided a helpful breakdown and exercise to help you determine how assisted living in Pensacola, Florida can actually save you or your loved one money each month. But, it’s worth mentioning again to have that number in mind. Otherwise, you or your loved one could fall in love with an assisted living community in Pensacola, only to later realize it’s not within your budget.

Staff

It’s important for you and/or your loved ones to have a good rapport with the staff at a potential assisted living community. This begins with your first phone call, and will last throughout your time in a community. Look for opportunities to meet with as many members of the staff at a prospective assisted living community to get a feeling for how you’ll be treated as a resident. 

Dining options

Here at Veranda of Pensacola, we serve healthy and delicious meals, but mealtimes are also social events! Dining really is an event here, and we encourage you to really push for information about dining options for any prospective assisted living community. After all, food is meant to be healthy, but also to be enjoyed!

Amenities

Your future assisted living community in Pensacola should offer a diverse range of activities and amenities that add to your life and help you explore new hobbies and interests, while simultaneously nurturing the interests and activities you currently enjoy. 

For example, here at Veranda of Pensacola, our library is stacked with books both beloved and new, waiting for you to explore them, our fitness center is filled with cutting-edge equipment, and our movie theater plays favorites old and new. And that’s just to name a few!

What to look for when calling or touring prospective assisted living communities

Once you’ve got a list of possible assisted living communities in Pensacola, FL, it’s time to start calling and scheduling tours. You’re so close to making the big decision! Here’s a great “starter” list of questions to ask, plus things to look for when visiting and touring assisted living communities in Pensacola: 

Is there staff on site 24 hours a day?

Depending on your specific needs, it can offer peace of mind to know that there is always on-site staff in case of an emergency.

Tell me about your amenities, plus indoor and outdoor activities.

We touched upon this earlier, but be sure to get as much details as possible about amenities, activities, and opportunities to get outdoors so that you have an accurate idea of what life is like in any potential Pensacola assisted living community. 

Can I meet some of your residents? 

Meeting and talking with assisted living community residents and/or their families to understand what life is really like in a prospective community can be extremely helpful. 

Do you allow pets? 

If you or your loved one has a pet, it’s important to ask this question as early in the process as possible. 

How do you handle medical emergencies? 

While never expected, it’s good to know how a Pensacola assisted living community will handle any emergency situations.

How do you support the social needs of residents? 

Encouraging residents to mingle and make new friends can be especially important if you are looking to make new friends, or if you’re worried that a loved one is suffering from loneliness. It can be difficult for adults to make new friends sometimes, so understanding how an assisted living community supports socialization is important. 

These questions can serve as a starting point for you or your loved one. We recommend printing these out and adding any additional questions that are relevant to you. Then, bring a print out to you when visiting prospective assisted living communities in Pensacola, FL. Take notes, and ask any additional questions that come to mind. 

Here at Veranda of Pensacola, we are always happy to answer questions - we are answering questions all day long for our residents and prospective residents. If a particular community shows apprehension or avoids answering your questions, that could actually be a red flag that perhaps that community isn’t a fit. 

Choosing assisted living in Pensacola, Florida is a major life decision. Whether you’re making the decision for yourself or are making this decision together with an older loved one, this guide gives you a comprehensive overview to help you get started with this emotional and important decision. 

Now that you’re armed with the information you need to get started, it’s time to take that first step! Here at Veranda of Pensacola, our team is here to answer all your questions, and to help you make the best possible decision for you or your loved one. We’re confident that the move to our assisted living community in Pensacola will provide a robust, rewarding and vacation-like luxury retirement experience for you or your loved one. To learn more, ask questions, or schedule a tour, contact us today.