.png&w=256&q=75){kind=small}
What Medical Info is Needed to Move Into 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
You need to provide detailed medical info when moving into assisted living, including your overall health condition, full medical history and current medications.You must have a functional assessment to identify your care and support requirements, although exact information and processes vary between facilities.
Assisted living facilities use your medical information to craft personalized service plans, give medication reminders, coordinate with health care providers and promote safety. Moreover, with knowledge of medical and support needs, staff members create ability-appropriate wellness and enrichment schedules to boost individuals’ health and life enjoyment.
Current and past health information
Before starting your journey at an assisted living facility, it’s essential to communicate your medical history and specific needs to the staff. This ensures that your care plan is tailored to your unique requirements. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help you provide the necessary information:
- Medical History: Include details about surgeries, hospitalizations, chronic illnesses, mental health conditions and supplements.
- Specific Conditions: Mention conditions such as asthma, arthritis, diabetes, and heart disease. Don’t forget to inform them about recent illnesses and allergies.
- Pain Management: Describe any pain-related issues, their severity, and the methods you use to manage them.
- Medication Information: Share information about both prescribed and over-the-counter medications, including their frequency. Mention whether you need assistance with medication management, such as topical applications or injections.
- Medical Equipment: Inform the caregivers about any essential medical equipment you require.
Assisted living facilities conduct functional evaluations, so also be prepared to share:
- Daily Living Activities: Specify your abilities in activities like bathing, ambulating, and toileting.
- Cognitive Abilities and Behavioral Challenges: Communicate any cognitive abilities and behavioral challenges you may have.
- Mobility: Describe your overall mobility, including the use of aids.
- Nutritional and Dietary Requirements: Share any specific dietary needs.
- Health Records: Provide vaccination records and details about vision, dental, and hearing issues.
Other important health-related information
Staff will collect contact details for your primary care physician and any other health professionals, such as social workers, case workers, dentists, podiatrists, therapists and optometrists. Also provide emergency contact, such as a close relative.You must notify assisted living staff of any legal matters related to your care, such as guardianship orders. Caregivers also have to know if you have medical powers of attorney or advance directives in place and who your medical proxy is in case you can’t make decisions in the future.