Many seniors, caregivers, and the families of seniors may wonder: What are the requirements for assisted living? Assisted living is one of the main care options available to adults as they age, and millions of Americans currently reside in assisted living facilities.
Although living in an assisted living facility is the best choice for many seniors, it won't be the right option for everyone. Here, we'll cover what an assisted living facility is, what the assisted living requirements are, and what living in an assisted living facility means for your day-to-day lifestyle. From this information, you can make an educated decision about whether an assisted living will work for you as you age into the golden years.
Assisted living is a type of long-term care that provides limited day-to-day attention for seniors seeking independence. For example, the resident may only receive help with medication administration or infrequent skilled nursing care.
Assisted living can create a safe living environment for seniors without them feeling like their privacy, independence, or regular lifestyle has been compromised. Loved ones will have peace of mind in knowing that seniors have 24-hour access to help if needed, and they're supervised in the case of an emergency. The senior's quality of life will be enhanced without infringing on their ability to feel competent and self-supporting.
Assisted living services may take many forms, providing flexibility for seniors seeking as much independence as possible. While older adults may choose to live in facilities that solely provide assisted living, these services may also be provided in skilled nursing homes, hospitals, independent living complexes, and retirement communities.
Many seniors opt for assisted living for the following reasons:
Different facilities may vary in the assisted living services that they offer. Typically, the goal of these services is to keep the senior healthy, supported, and comfortable while encouraging independence.
Assisted living services include:
Seniors in assisted living facilities may have access to most or all of these services. They generally have the freedom to choose which services they receive. This helps seniors feel in control of their lifestyle and build a day-to-day routine that they enjoy.
Assisted living is a top care choice among many seniors, namely:
Most seniors who move into an assisted living facility do so because they need help completing activities of daily living, or "ADLs". These activities include personal care, hygiene, cooking or preparing meals, medication administration, mobility, etc. The ability to complete ADLs unassisted can wane with age, and assisted living is one of the early steps in getting seniors the help that they need on a daily basis.
The care and supervision provided by assisted living services are reduced when compared to other types of long-term care. As such, assisted living isn't a fitting choice for seniors in certain stages of the aging process. Older adults in the following circumstances likely need a different care option than assisted living to stay healthy:
The requirements for admission into an assisted living facility is much the same as they are for nursing homes, hospitals, and other long-term care facilities. Seniors will be asked to submit the following materials:
Assisted living is a viable long-term care option for many seniors. Assisted living requirements are very similar to that of other care services; the process of applying for admission into assisted living facilities is manageable for seniors and their families. With its increased flexibility and focus on promoting independence, older adults may enjoy living with a heightened quality of life under assisted living services.
"The Basics Of Assisted Living." National Caregivers Library, FamilyCare America, Inc., www.caregiverslibrary.org/caregivers-resources/grp-care-facilities/hsgrp-assisted-living-facilities/the-basics-of-assisted-living-article.aspx.
"Elder Care Criteria & Senior Living Admissions." SeniorLiving.org, SeniorLiving.org, 12 Sept. 2018, www.seniorliving.org/care/admissions-criteria/
Gilley, Rachel. "Admissions Process." Taking Care of Mom and Dad Main, Baltimore County Department of Aging, 7 Dec. 2015, takingcareofmomanddad.net/assistedliving/admissioneligibility/admissionprocess.html.
"What Is Assisted Living?" National Center for Assisted Living, National Center for Assisted Living, www.ahcancal.org/ncal/about/assistedliving/Pages/What-is-Assisted-Living.aspx.