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How Old Do You Have to Be for 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
The age you have to be for assisted living depends on the community. Each has its own admission rules, which might include age restrictions. For example, many assisted living centers require residents to be at least 55 years old. Other programs accept people of all ages as long as they need help with daily activities. You can also find assisted living communities specifically for young adults who have disabilities.
To search for a setting that works for you or a loved one, you might start by finding your local Aging and Disability Resource Center.
How old are most assisted living residents?
About half of assisted living residents are 85 or older, according to the American Health Care Association and the National Center for Assisted Living. People ages 75 to 84 make up 31% of residents. Another 13% fall between the ages of 65 and 74. Finally, about 6% of assisted living residents are younger than 65.
What are the requirements for assisted living?
Every assisted living community has specific admission guidelines. In general, residents need help with daily activities. About two-thirds of residents require bathing assistance, half need help with walking and 49% need help with dressing. Many residents also need short-term physical rehab or low-level skilled nursing care. Assisted living isn’t appropriate for people who need around-the-clock supervision or regular skilled nursing care.