As we age, there inevitably comes a time when performing everyday tasks and activities begins to feel more challenging than they once did. While many older adults want to continue doing the things on their own terms, they may eventually need a little extra support.
Assisted living is designed to do just that: It offers a combination of support and independent living tailored to each individual’s needs.
[READ: Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: What’s the Difference?]
What Is Assisted Living?
An assisted living community is a type of residential care facility that provides support and assistance to those who require help with certain aspects of day-to-day living but do not need the intensive medical care provided in nursing homes.
“Assisted living promotes independence, purpose and dignity for the more than 1.4 million American seniors who live in one of the more than 31,000 assisted living communities across the country,” says Paul Williams, vice president of government relations for Argentum, an assisted living trade organization in Washington, D.C. These facilities provide services, such as:
— Assistance with personal hygiene, such as bathing or dressing
— Continuous 24-hour on-site staffing to handle any emergencies
— Life management, such as scheduling appointments
— Meal service
— Medication management
— Transportation to and from activities and tasks, such as doctor appointments or shopping
Beyond caring for physical needs, another benefit of assisted living communities is that it addresses social and intellectual needs by cultivating an atmosphere that promotes overall wellness. Residents typically have their own private or semi-private living spaces, such as apartments or suites, while also having access to communal areas for socialization and recreational activities or hobbies.
[READ: When Is It Time to Move From Independent to Assisted Living?]
How Do You Qualify for Assisted Living? Eligibility Requirements
As individuals age, it’s natural for them and their loved ones to wonder whether assisted living is the right decision. Qualifying for assisted living involves meeting certain eligibility criteria, which can vary based on individual needs, state regulations and the facility’s requirements.
“Eligibility for assisted living care is a collaborative approach between the resident or their family, the assisted living community care team and the resident’s health care provider,” Williams says.
Common criteria for qualifying for assisted living may include:
— Ability to safely live independently, but with assistance
— Can walk or use a wheelchair alone or occasionally with assistance from another person
— May have certain medical conditions but is considered medically stable
— Needs only minor, not full-time, nursing assistance or other care
Some assisted living facilities may offer enhanced services designed for individuals who want to “age in place” but need further help with various tasks, such as:
— Assistance with movement, such as walking, using stairs or sitting and standing
— Assistance with medical equipment, such as diabetes equipment, blood pressure monitors or continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines
— Assistance needed to manage chronic urinary or bowel incontinence
There are also some communities that provide specialty care, called memory care, designed for those with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia.
“Depending on what the facility offers, there is usually a basic level of care that addresses assistance with day-to-day activities, but there may also be plans that include higher levels of care that provide additional assistance with the more complex activities of daily living,” Williams says.
[READ What Are the Levels of Senior Living?]
Who Doesn’t Qualify for Assisted Living?
While the majority of people usually qualify to join an assisted living community, it essentially comes down to whether or not an individual is able to live safely and function well within the community’s environment.
Common reasons someone may not qualify are because they:
— Need around-the-clock supervision to ensure their safety, like those at risk of falling out of bed or those who wander
— Are chronically bedridden
— Require full-time medical care that the assisted living community cannot provide
— Have a medical condition that requires continuous monitoring
— Refuse or are unable to comply with their care program, such as medication maintenance, which can result in harm to themselves or others
For those that do not qualify, a nursing home or memory care are options to explore.
How Do Assisted Living Facilities Assess Qualification?
After an initial assessment, assisted living facilities typically determine an individual’s qualification for residency based on several factors to ensure that they can provide the appropriate care and support.
“Assisted living is regulated at the regional level, so each state has its own set of admission standards,” says Lisa Newcomb, executive director of the Empire State Association of Assisted Living in Clifton Park, New York.
While specific criteria vary depending on state and local regulations, common factors evaluated during the assessment process include:
— Activities of daily living (ADLs): ADLs include tasks such as bathing, dressing, eating, toileting and mobility. Facilities assess an individual’s ability to perform these activities independently or with assistance to gauge their level of necessary care.
— Cognitive functioning: Assessing cognitive abilities — including memory, judgment and problem-solving skills — helps determine whether the individual requires specialized memory care services or other support for conditions like dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
— Financial considerations: Assisted living communities may also evaluate a prospective resident’s financial situation to ensure that they can afford the cost of care. This may include reviewing income, assets, insurance coverage and exploring various financial assistance options.
— Medical history and medication management: A review of the resident’s medical history, current medications and any ongoing medical needs is typically conducted to ensure that the facility can provide appropriate medical supervision and assistance with medication management.
— Physical health assessment: Facilities may evaluate an individual’s current physical health, including mobility, chronic conditions and overall functional abilities. This assessment helps determine the level of care needed and whether the facility can adequately meet the individual’s needs.
— Psychosocial evaluation: Facilities may assess an individual’s emotional well-being, social support network and preferences for activities and social engagement to ensure that the resident’s social and emotional needs are addressed.
The goal of the assessment is to determine if the facility is able to provide the level of care and support needed to ensure the individual’s safety.
What Happens After You Qualify for Assisted Living?
After you qualify and choose an assisted living facility, it is a matter of getting the appropriate paperwork in place and sitting down to develop a personalized care plan, also known as an individual service plan.
It is important to work with your health care providers, any family you include and representatives from the facility to develop the best care plan for you.
“These plans outline the specific services and support that a resident will receive based on their health needs and personal preferences,” Williams says. “Your likes and dislikes will also be taken into account. This allows the assisted living care team to ensure the care plan meets your unique needs.”
The facility’s staff will also review the available amenities, discuss the associated fees and explain the policies for moving in and out. Some facilities may require a deposit, depending on their fee structure. They will need information about insurance, health care professionals that the person uses and any advance directives a person may have.
After moving into the facility, the staff will regularly evaluate your care plan to make sure it continues to meet your needs. Additionally, residents are continuously monitored, and your doctor and any family members involved are notified if there are any significant changes in your condition.
Ultimately, whether someone qualifies for a facility or not, the most important step in finding an assisted living facility is conducting thorough research based on individual needs, preferences and financial situation.
How to Find the Best Assisted Living Facilities Near You
With more than 31,000 assisted living communities in the U.S., it can be overwhelming to find the best assisted living facility for you or your loved one.
It is always helpful to ask others in your community — such as your health care providers, friends, neighbors, clergy or others — for recommendations based on personal experience.
Once you have found a few potential matches, it’s important to visit, observe and ask questions to get a feel for how the facility is run, how satisfied and happy residents and staff seem and if you can see yourself in the environment.
Explore Top-Rated Assisted Living Facilities with U.S. News
Assisted living facilities aim to promote independence, dignity and a healthy quality of life for their residents while also ensuring they provide the necessary support to maintain people’s well-being and safety.
A comprehensive tool to aid you in your search to find yours is the U.S. News rankings of the 2024 top-rated assisted living communities. Nearly 400,000 survey responses from residents and their family members evaluating over 3,500 senior living communities highlight communities that have excelled in delivering high-quality services and ensuring residents feel safe and well cared for.
The process of finding the right assisted living community may be challenging and time consuming, but the reward is a safe environment where you can live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
More from U.S. News
How to Choose the Right Senior Living Facility: A Checklist
Independent Living vs. Assisted Living: What’s the Difference?
Assisted Living vs. Nursing Home: What’s the Difference
Who Qualifies for Assisted Living: Eligibility Requirements originally appeared on usnews.com
Update 11/07/24: This story was published at an earlier date and has been updated with new information.
