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What Is the Process to Get Someone Into Assisted Living?
Date Updated: July 26, 2024
Written by:
Ashlee Shefer is a freelance copywriter, content writer, and digital marketer who specializes in senior care, mental health, health care, and other wellness-related topics. She has one year of experience writing both short- and long-form content related to senior resources, assisted living, nursing homes, and home care, including blog posts, research-based articles, resource guides, product reviews, facility blurbs, finances, and care costs.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Brindusa Vanta is a health care professional, researcher, and an experienced medical writer (2000+ articles published online and several medical ebooks). She received her MD degree from “Iuliu Hatieganu” University of Medicine, Romania, and her HD diploma from OCHM – Toronto, Canada.
The process to get someone into assisted living varies depending on the specific community and local or state regulations but typically begins with a thorough assessment of your loved one’s needs. Many communities require residents to need assistance with daily living activities, including dressing or bathing, and have stable health conditions that don’t require around-the-clock monitoring.
Additionally, communities have their own admissions applications or contracts to complete and sign. They may request additional documentation, including insurance information or financial assistance forms, to review before making final decisions.
What happens after an assisted living community approves admission?
After an assisted living community approves your loved one for admission, it’ll likely communicate move-in details. Every community has a unique process, but many offer transition planning, which may include setting a move-in date, arranging transportation and discussing personal items your loved one plans to bring. You also may need to pay a deposit to secure an apartment and complete move-in paperwork, which typically resembles a standard rental agreement.
On move-in day, the community may assign staff to locate your apartment and unload personal belongings. Some communities conduct orientation to familiarize residents with their new surroundings and make the transition easier. At some point, your loved one will receive a care needs assessment, determining what level of assistance and services they require.
How to prepare a loved one for assisted living
You can prepare a loved one for assisted living by providing emotional and physical support throughout the decision-making and moving processes. Help your loved one research, contact and tour potential communities. This may help them feel more confident about moving and alleviate the stress of making decisions alone.
Once you’ve settled on a community and secured a move-in date, offer to help coordinate moving services and pack your loved one’s belongings. Ensure your family member has packed important documents and treasured items, and consider donating or hosting a yard sale for nonessential items.
Throughout the process, ask your loved one about their thoughts, feelings or concerns. Packing up their home to enter a new life phase can evoke strong emotions, and they may need a safe, compassionate space to vent or reminisce.