How Do Disabled People Get Into Assisted Living?

Disabled people get into assisted living by applying for their preferred facility, meeting entry requirements and undergoing admission assessments. While policies differ between assisted living facilities, such communities usually accept people with diverse disabilities. Before moving in, facilities evaluate whether they can provide adequate care and support services to meet an individual’s needs. Depending on a facility’s occupancy, applicants may be wait-listed for admission.

Although each disability is different, assisted living communities provide practical support services that enable individuals to live comfortably and safely with dignity and quality of life. Caregivers help residents with daily activities, and fees include maintenance, domestic chores and meals. Furthermore, the communal lifestyle provides peace of mind for individuals with disabilities, easing feelings of vulnerability and reducing social stigma.

Residents can also join wellness and social programs tailored to their functional and intellectual abilities, alleviating the loneliness commonly felt by people with disabilities. Many communities also have shared amenities where seniors can relax and mingle, supporting socialization and inclusion. Features such as level flooring, accessible bathrooms, widened hallways and grab rails are valuable for individuals with physical disabilities or limited vision. Many assisted communities have various assistive devices to support individuals with wide-ranging disabilities. Some may have staff members fluent in American Sign Language to cater to ASL users with hearing loss.

Because assisted living communities don’t provide extensive medical care, individuals who need 24/7 monitoring, skilled nursing services or therapeutic interventions may be better candidates for nursing home care. Similarly, those who require intermittent nursing care or rehabilitation therapies may consider home health care. Relevant disabilities may include significant mobility issues, chronic or complex illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, and advanced kidney and heart diseases. While assisted living may be suitable for seniors with mild cognitive decline, those with more advanced dementia should consider a specialized memory care setting. Memory care communities operate as separate units in assisted living homes, nursing facilities or stand-alone neighborhoods. Likewise, assisted living communities may not be licensed or able to provide appropriate care for seniors with severe intellectual, developmental or mental health disabilities.