Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?
When you’re seeking care for your loved one, you may look into assisted living to see if it is the right level of care for them. To join an assisted living community, your loved one will likely have to qualify.
Once you know who qualifies for assisted living and what factors determine if a senior would do well in assisted living, you can make an informed decision on whether or not this would benefit your loved one.
Qualifications for Assisted Living
There are a number of qualifications your loved one needs to meet to be eligible for assisted living, including:
Needing Assistance With Functional Abilities
If your loved one needs assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing, bathing, grooming and mobility, they may qualify for assisted living. The community will determine the level of assistance they may require in the new living environment.
Having a Stable Health Condition
Your loved one will need to have a stable health condition to live in assisted living. While your loved one may have a chronic illness, if they have a plan to control it and do not need around-the-clock care, then they are more likely to qualify for assisted living.
Identifying Financial Resources Needed
Determining if your loved one has the financial resources needed to cover the cost of assisted living is necessary to progress to the next step. Reaching out to a financial planning specialist or an elder law attorney can help your loved one know what assets are available to them.
Being Compatible With Community Services
The services offered by assisted living communities vary, and it’s important that your loved one’s needs align with what the community can provide.
This qualification involves matching your loved one’s requirements for assistance, medical care, and lifestyle preferences with the services offered by the community to ensure a suitable fit.
Who Doesn’t Qualify for Assisted Living?
Eligibility for assisted living varies, and certain situations may disqualify individuals. General considerations include:
Acute Medical Needs
Communities may not provide extensive medical care; those requiring continuous skilled nursing care may not qualify.
Behavioral Challenges
Severe aggression or disruptive behaviors compromising safety may render individuals unsuitable for assisted living.
Advanced Dementia
Advanced stages of dementia may necessitate specialized care beyond what assisted living offers. However, the community may also provide memory care, which could provide your loved one with the care they need.
24/7 Supervision
Designed for independence, constant supervision needs may lead to alternative settings like memory care or nursing homes.
Financial Ineligibility
Failure to meet financial criteria may affect admission, considering the varying costs of assisted living.
Unwillingness To Participate
Preference for isolation or unwillingness to engage in communal living may be incompatible with assisted living.
Non-Compliance
Those unwilling or unable to follow community rules may not be considered suitable candidates.
Age Requirement
Typically designed for seniors, age requirements may be in place, redirecting younger individuals to alternative housing options.
Thorough discussions with communities are crucial to ensure alignment with individual needs, as each community has unique admission policies and assessment processes.
Requirements To Meet After Qualifying
After your loved one qualifies for assisted living, they will likely need to complete the following before moving to the community.
1. Physical Assessments
Your loved one may undergo assessments to help the community curate a personalized care plan, considering factors like mobility and daily needs.
2. Medical History Evaluation
The community will need to evaluate your loved one’s medical history to provide them with the best care.
3. Active Care Plan Participation
Your loved one can actively contribute to developing their care plan so it aligns with their preferences.
4. Open Communication With Providers
You can help your loved one maintain open communication with health care providers for timely support.
5. Family Involvement for Holistic Support
Family input remains crucial in discussions about care plans and adjustments.
These streamlined requirements prioritize individual needs, fostering a person-centered approach to assisted living.
Understanding community-specific requirements fosters a positive relationship between residents and staff, enhancing the environment.
Assisted Living at Artisan at Hudson
If your loved one qualifies for assisted living, we’re here to help. Artisan at Hudson has partnered with Senior Living Financial Specialist to offer complimentary,* personalized assistance from an experienced senior living financial guide offering financial advice about your living options.
Call us at (978) 254-7483 to schedule a tour of our campus; see the studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom apartments available in assisted living; learn more about our lifestyle; and/or connect with an expert from Senior Living Financial Specialist.
*This complimentary service from Senior Living Financial Specialist is available free of charge to all prospective Artisan at Hudson residents. Additional financial planning services have assigned fees and are the responsibility of the prospective resident.