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New Online Tool Eases Search for Assisted Living Facilities

Vinoth Chander via Flickr

The Florida Agency for Healthcare Administration has launched a new online tool to help people compare the more than 3,000 assisted living facilities in the state.  The tool is intended to help elders and their families choose a quality facility that meets their needs.

The tool is part of assisted living reform legislation passed by state lawmakers this year.  It allows users to look at information including a facility’s inspection data, any penalties imposed, availability of nursing staff and occupancy rates.

Executive Director of the non-profit Families for Better Care, Brian Lee said the tool increases facility operators’ accountability says so far it’s the most tangible product of that reform effort.

“The transparency with the data is really going to expose those problem providers and it’s going to motivate them to perform at a better level, provide a higher level of service within their communities,” said Lee.

AHCA’s Deputy Secretary for Health Quality Assurance Molly McKinstry agrees.  “Transparency is also important in terms of raising the bar with quality and standards in any industry,” said McKinstry.  “It’s helpful because not only can consumers have access and more ready access to information available, but there’s a bit of competition involved in marketing of assisted living facilities in the state so it increases the visibility of any sanctions that have been in place.”

The tool also includes information about special services a facility may offer such as memory care.  Information in the online tool will be updated at a minimum of every two years when facilities must renew their licenses.

The new tool is available online at FloridaHealthFinder.gov.