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Can a Quadriplegic Live in Assisted Living?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Rachel Lustbader is a writer and editor with a background in healthcare and technology. Her work has been published on websites including HealthCare.com, BiteSizeBio.com, BetterHelp.com, Caring.com, and PayingforSeniorCare.com. She studied health science and public health at Boston University.
Both of Rachel’s grandmothers had very positive experiences in senior living communities, and Rachel saw firsthand the impact that kind, committed caregivers and community managers can have on seniors’ and their family members’ lives. With her work at Caring, Rachel hopes to help other families find communities, caregivers, and at-home products that benefit elderly loved ones and make life less stressful for family caregivers
You can live in an assisted living community as a quadriplegic as long as you meet the facility’s admission requirements. Under the Americans With Disabilities Act, businesses can’t discriminate against you if you have a disability such as paralysis. The community must make reasonable accommodations to meet your needs. Most assisted living facilities accept adults who need help with at least one activity of daily living.
Assisted living may not be the best care setting for everyone who has quadriplegia. These communities provide help with activities of daily living along with some nursing care. However, they don’t provide intensive skilled nursing support or around-the-clock care. Some people with quadriplegia need a ventilator for breathing support, which may not be an option offered by assisted living.
What type of care do you need for quadriplegia?
If you have an illness or spinal cord injury that causes quadriplegia, your health care team will recommend a treatment plan to maximize function and quality of life. Physical rehabilitation can help you develop motor skills and strengthen your muscles. Occupational therapy focuses on learning skills to live independently. You may use medical technology and devices to make it easier to live independently and do your regular activities.
Your physician may also prescribe medication for some quadriplegia-related symptoms. Examples include drugs to control pain, improve bladder and bowel function, and reduce muscle spasms. Assisted living communities help manage your medications if needed.