Adult Floridians Concerned About Ability to Care for Aging Parents, New Survey Shows

A clear majority of Florida adults are deeply concerned about their ability to help aging parents face the increasing challenges of age-related decline, according to a newly released statewide poll. Leaders of Florida’s long term care profession said the findings underscore the need for Florida’s next governor to ensure that a range of service options is in place to help the state’s large and growing aging population.

The survey by Mason-Dixon Polling & Research was commissioned by the Florida Health Care Association (FHCA) in conjunction with the organization’s 60th anniversary. FHCA also launched a new online resource – www.ElderCareFlorida.com – to assist adults and their aging parents as they explore long term care options. At the same time, the Association released a 60 Years of Caring report highlighting improvements in long term care in Florida over the past six decades.

“As Florida begins to feel the impact of aging Baby Boomers, it’s important we identify the needs and concerns of those who will be responsible for their care,” said Joe Mitchell, president of FHCA. “Many adult Floridians will soon be taking on greater responsibilities for their parents’ care. Fortunately, Florida is a national leader in providing quality care for the elderly, with a wide range of care options that are among the best anywhere.”

Almost one in three Florida skilled nursing facilities were included in U.S. News & World Report’s recent “Best in Nursing Homes” list. In other surveys, 91 percent of Florida skilled nursing facility residents describe their overall satisfaction level as “excellent” or “good,” and the same percentage say they would recommend their long term care facility to others.

The Mason-Dixon poll shows clearly that as they consider the potential challenges of aging parents and an aging population, most Floridians are nervous about their ability to help meet parents’ needs, apprehensive about the strain those needs might place on their own lives and families, and anxious for Florida to provide enough options as their parents advance in age.

According to the poll: 

• Almost three out of five adults (58 percent) say they are concerned about their ability to care for the physical health of an aging parent.
• More than two-thirds (67 percent) are concerned about their ability to care for the diminishing mental capabilities of an aging parent.
• Almost half (48 percent) are concerned that the needs of a parent will place a financial strain in their own lives.
 • More than two-thirds (67 percent) are concerned that their parents’ needs will create an emotional strain in their own lives.
• Only about one-third are very confident of their ability to personally meet the needs of an aging parent, whether that parent remained in his or her own home (33 percent) or moved into the adult child’s home (35 percent).

“These survey results provide our first detailed look at the thinking of Floridians who will soon be faced with the challenge of caring for aging parents,” said Tom Groesbeck, a member of the FHCA Board of Directors. “By understanding their concerns, we can help shape care options that best meet the needs of aging Floridians for years to come.”

To assist Floridians as they consider long term care options, FHCA today launched a new “Elder Care in Florida” website. The site offers details of various care options available to aging Floridians, as well as information for dealing with such issues of aging as memory loss, depression and falls. The site also provides a forum for Floridians to share their experiences with others who may be contemplating the same choices.

The poll offers insights into the attitudes of the so-called “sandwich” generation, working-age adults who have children of their own but also must help with the care of their own parents. The survey found that more than one in three adult Floridians (36 percent) who have family members in assisted living also have children under the age of 18, creating added stress to deal with two generations that require additional time and care to meet their needs.

The survey results also indicate that an overwhelming majority of Floridians (93 percent) consider it important for Florida to have a strong system of assisted living facilities and skilled nursing facilities (also referred to as nursing homes) to meet the state’s growing long term care demands. Additionally, 71 percent said they would be very supportive if a parent who needs daily medical and living care makes the decision to live in a skilled nursing or assisted living community.

Florida has the highest median age in the nation, with more than one in five Floridians over the age of 65. This large senior population creates numerous important challenges for Florida, particularly when coupled with such concerns as a shortage of geriatric specialists; increasing rates of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias; limited transportation options for aging Floridians; and the rise of two-career families leaving no one home to care for needy loved ones.

“Those of us in the long term care profession are grateful for the support provided for Florida’s elders over the years by governors and legislators,” said Emmett Read, FHCA executive director. “As seniors grow to be one-fourth of our state’s population, it will be especially important for our next leaders to recognize the challenges and meet the needs of this large and important group of individuals.”

FHCA Chief Lobbyist Receives Association's 2014 Government Services Award

Bob Asztalos (left) with 2013 Art Harris
winner Michael Bradley.

On July 10 during FHCA’s 2014 Annual Conference in Orlando, FHCA Chief Lobbyist Bob Asztalos was named the 2014 Arthur H. Harris Government Services Award recipient.

Bob Asztalos is a tireless advocate for seniors and people with disabilities. Along with a willingness to serve others, he brings an air of confidence, diplomacy and commitment to the job like no other. Those who work closely with him know he believes there is always time to work one more issue or speak with one more legislator before the day is done. Asztalos is known for his listening skills and his keen perspective on the political landscape. He understands how to approach things in a way that helps to shape an issue so it is understandable, fair and takes a big picture approach to what is best for the profession, now and into the future. He not only brings those attributes to his experience at the state level, he also has an excellent understanding of federal issues and how to navigate the political system on Capitol Hill. During the 2014 legislative session, his political savvy, strong negotiation skills and tremendous dedication helped FHCA pass one of its most successful legislative agendas.

A military background in the U.S. Navy, Azstalos served in the Middle East during the Iraqi war in 2005 and is currently a member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxilary.

Peggy Rigsby and Tony Marshall of FHCA Take Home 2014 Circle of Excellence Award

Tony Marshall, left center, and Peggy Rigsby, right center,
with past Circle of Excellence Award recipients.

On July 10 during FHCA’s 2014 Annual Conference in Orlando, Peggy Rigsby, FHCA Director of Government Affairs, and Tony Marshall, FHCA Senior Director of Reimbursement, were each presented with the 2014 Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award, FHCA’s highest honor.
The Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award is given annually to a member of FHCA who has made significant contributions in the past year and has worked for the growth and development of the Association through the years.  

Peggy Rigsby, FHCA Director of Government Affairs

Peggy Rigsby has dedicated nearly a quarter of a century to Florida Health Care Association. This individual began in long term care back when the agency was known as HRS. Traveling throughout the state, she deepened her knowledge of nursing home and community programs, especially the associated rules and regulations. Nearly 25 years later, she has become the go-to expert when it comes to nursing home regulatory and legislative issues. She is highly regarded by lawmakers, lobbyists and members alike, not only for her vast experience and her incredible knowledge of the issues, but for her determination and drive to get the job done. Peggy has always been a tremendous champion for providers and ensures the voices of long term care residents, staff and providers are heard. She is also an incredible cheerleader for the Florida Health Care PAC and has embraced that role with creativity and enthusiasm.

Tony Marshall, FHCA Senior Director of Reimbursement

Tony Marshall has spent decades advocating for stable funding for our profession. His tremendous knowledge and expertise has been a valuable asset to FHCA. Once referred to as the “top bean counter” at the Capitol, he is always the go-to source when it comes to educating staff at the Agency for Health Care Administration, and legislators and their staff, about the importance of our work and stable funding. He is often known for pulling a rabbit out of a hat and developing creative solutions that have helped providers avoid potential rate cuts. His efforts over the years on issues ranging from rate pass-throughs and interim rate provisions to the quality assessment fee and Medicaid managed care have resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars for Florida’s long term care providers. 

Florida Health Care Association’s highest honor, the Walter M. Johnson, Jr. Circle of Excellence Award was initiated in 1972 in honor of a man who was one of the significant forces in the establishment of the Association. Walter M. Johnson served as president of FHCA from 1969-71 and, under his leadership, membership in the Association grew rapidly, and he was instrumental in establishing an effective committee system for legislative, reimbursement and regulatory issues.

Senator Joe Negron Receives Prestigious “Champion for the Elderly” Award

FHCA has awarded Senator Joe Negron the organization’s Champion for the Elderly Award. The award was presented at FHCA’s annual conference in Orlando in recognition of the legislator’s dedication in the 2014 legislative session to policy issues regarding long-term care providers and the elderly.

As Senate Appropriations Chair, Senator Negron displayed strong leadership and oversaw budget issues that will help shape the future of elder care in Florida. For the first time in 25 years, legislators adopted a budget that made Florida’s long term care residents a priority by preserving Medicaid funding for nursing home care. Senator Negron also made it a priority to successfully increase long term care residents’ personal needs allowance. Senator Negron’s political leadership made him a true champion of budget issues regarding elder care.

“Our champions advocate for people who truly need it, those who rely on such thoughtful leaders to speak on their behalf,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director. “We are proud to recognize these legislators for the passion they showed during the 2014 session. Their dedication to quality elder care and contributions to continuous improvement are truly outstanding.”

Each year, the Champion for the Elderly Award recognizes those legislators who have championed long-term care issues or used their leadership in the Legislature to stand up for these needy Floridians; who support adequate funding for both nursing home resident quality care and valuable caregiver jobs; who displayed courage on tough issues; and who championed legislation that ensures a fair and balanced regulatory system for long term care.

Sen. Eleanor Sobel, Rep. Larry Ahern Receive Prestigious “Champion for the Elderly” Awards

Florida Health Care Association has awarded Senator Eleanor Sobel and Representative Larry Ahern the organization’s Champion for the Elderly Awards. The awards were presented at FHCA’s Annual Conference in Orlando in recognition of the legislators’ dedication in the 2014 legislative session to policy issues regarding long-term care providers and the elderly.

Senator Sobel and Representative Ahern sponsored Assisted Living Facility (ALF) legislation designed to promote ALF accountability while preserving quality care and a level of independence that residents expect from their ALF home. FHCA thanks the legislators for their efforts advocating for the legislation and helping to raise the public’s awareness of this important issue. The ALF proposal will be revisited in the 2015 legislative session.

“Our champions advocate for people who truly need it, those who rely on such thoughtful leaders to speak on their behalf,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director. “We are proud to recognize these legislators for the passion they showed during the 2014 session. Their dedication to quality elder care and contributions to continuous improvement are truly outstanding.”

Each year, the Champion for the Elderly Award recognizes those legislators who have championed long-term care issues or used their leadership in the Legislature to stand up for these needy Floridians; who support adequate funding for both nursing home resident quality care and valuable caregiver jobs; who displayed courage on tough issues; and who championed legislation that ensures a fair and balanced regulatory system for long term care.

Sen. John Thrasher, Rep. Matt Gaetz Receive Prestigious “Champion for the Elderly” Awards

Florida Health Care Association has awarded Senator John Thrasher and Representative Matt Gaetz the organization’s Champion for the Elderly Awards. The awards were presented at FHCA’s Annual Conference in Orlando in recognition of the legislators’ dedication in the 2014 legislative session to policy issues regarding long-term care providers and the elderly.

Sen. Thrasher and Rep. Gaetz sponsored nursing home litigation reform legislation that resulted in a historic agreement reached by nursing homes, trial attorneys and AARP. The legislation will protect the quality of care at nursing homes without sacrificing accountability. The measure safeguards the interests of nursing home residents while allowing Florida’s many outstanding long term care facilities to continue to provide a high level of care without fear of excessive litigation.

“Our champions advocate for people who truly need it, those who rely on such thoughtful leaders to speak on their behalf,” said Emmett Reed, FHCA Executive Director. “We are proud to recognize these legislators for the passion they showed during the 2014 session. Their dedication to quality elder care and contributions to continuous improvement are truly outstanding.”

Each year, the Champion for the Elderly Award recognizes those legislators who have championed long-term care issues or used their leadership in the Legislature to stand up for these needy Floridians; who support adequate funding for both nursing home resident quality care and valuable caregiver jobs; who displayed courage on tough issues; and who championed legislation that ensures a fair and balanced regulatory system for long term care.