How Do I Apply for Assisted Living?

You apply for assisted living by doing research, reviewing the qualifications and disqualifications and filling out paperwork. While assisted living communities vary widely in scope, all are dedicated to supporting seniors with the activities of daily living (ADLs). Before you apply, it’s important to understand your options as well as what the qualifications and disqualifications are. Once you learn what’s needed, you can move forward and start filling out the paperwork.

Before you can move into an assisted living community, you’ll need to do research. First, explore communities in the area to discover what their offerings are. Communities have different amenities and fees. Some assisted living communities may also have application fees. Get a sense of what you’ll be paying monthly, as well as your payment options for each community. Do they accept Medicaid? Are you paying out of pocket?

Before you apply for assisted living, it’s vital to keep the qualifications in mind. Each community varies regarding age requirements, but you generally need to be at least between 55 and 65 years of age. In addition, your care needs should focus on the activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, toileting and taking medications.

Generally, assisted living communities require that you need help with at least two of these activities throughout the day. Rehabilitative services are also available at many assisted living communities, so it’s okay if you need physical therapy, speech therapy or occupational therapy.

Assisted living residents must be predictable and stable, which means they must not require continuous supervision or extensive medical care. Residents with Alzheimer’s and related dementias who have behavioral issues or are prone to wandering, for instance, may not be suitable for assisted living. If you require more extensive care or require around-the-clock support and supervision, then assisted living is not the right fit.

These communities do not have the resources to help each resident 24 hours a day. Since they don’t have a full medical team on-site, assisted living communities cannot provide proper support for seniors with tracheostomies, feeding tubes, serious infections and gastronomy care.

After you’ve decided on a community, you’ll meet with an admissions coordinator who will tell you more about the facility, give you an in-person tour and go over the paperwork with you. Paperwork generally includes:

• Community policies
• Admissions application
• Consent to release medical information
• Cost information
• Insurance forms
• Care information
• Legal information
• Patient consent to care forms

Once you’ve completed it and turned it in, you can start planning your move into assisted living.