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Does Assisted Living Accept Individuals With Mental Illness?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Tiffany Amber Stockton, an award-winning author and speaker, excels in crafting narratives on senior healthcare, with an expertise in memory care after helping her grandfather live with dementia. With twenty-six published books to her credit, she uniquely blends literary prowess with a compassionate understanding of the challenges faced by older adults. Follow her on LinkedIn for updates on her distinguished writing career in the realm of professional copywriting and copyediting.
Reviewed by:
Molli (Grossman) Rothseid, PhD, MSW, is an accomplished gerontologist and social worker. She has enriched the academic community with several peer-reviewed papers and shared her insights on caregiving, aging, and dementia through various blog posts. With hands-on experience supporting family caregivers and individuals with memory impairments, she now applies her expertise as a psychotherapist, specializing in aging and chronic illness.
Yes, assisted living accepts individuals with mental illness, but facilities vary in their admission criteria and policies. Some communities lack the support staff necessary to address the special care required, so they limit the amount of residents with mental illness to avoid compromising the original model of care. Ask about the admission criteria at the assisted living facilities you’re considering whether they can accommodate individuals with mental health challenges.
Admission criteria for residents with mental illness
When it comes to individuals with mental illness, admission policies often involve thorough medical assessments by health care professionals. The assessments evaluate the mental health status and care needs of potential residents. Facilities then create individualized care plans to address the unique challenges presented by mental illness, tailoring services accordingly.
Assisted living communities need flexible admission policies to cater to the varying degrees of mental health challenges among residents. This includes a periodic reevaluation of a senior’s needs and potential adjustments to care plans. Legal and ethical considerations also play a role in balancing a resident’s rights and autonomy with the need for a safe and supportive living environment.
Working with support services for individuals with mental illness
Certain facilities designate themselves as specialty care centers with specifically trained staff equipped to care for seniors with mental illness. They often have wings set aside for specialized care or an entirely separate building within their community. Placing individuals with mental illness in designated communities involves a collaborative effort among support services.
Health care professionals, such as doctors and psychiatrists, assess the mental health needs of individuals seeking assisted living accommodations. Social workers go beyond medical needs and understand social dynamics. Case managers coordinate the placement process and ensure seamless communication among residents, their families and assisted living facilities. Support services also advocate for the rights of seniors with mental illness, ensuring they receive appropriate care and have a voice in their living arrangements.