When Is Assisted Living Not Appropriate?

Assisted living is not appropriate for adults who have complex medical needs. Services at assisted living centers typically include social programs, transportation and help with activities of daily living as needed. Your loved one might require more care than an assisted living center can provide.

For example, many older adults need constant medical supervision for multiple acute or chronic health conditions. They may need help with all their daily activities, including bathing, feeding, grooming and taking medication. In this case, a skilled nursing facility can provide the necessary management and treatment.

Your loved one may need skilled nursing care or memory care if they have a progressive neurological or neurodegenerative disorder. Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia can cause cognitive decline, memory loss and difficulties with daily activities. Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) also lead to progressive neurological impairments that require specialized care.

In addition, assisted living care may not be appropriate for people who have one or more of these serious health conditions:

• Heart disease or heart failure
• Cancer
• History of stroke
• Lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
• Diabetes with advanced complications
• Chronic kidney disease or renal failure

Seniors often experience a combination of chronic conditions, requiring comprehensive and coordinated medical care to address their complex health needs. Depending on your family member’s specific health status, assisted living centers may not have the services they need to thrive.

If assisted living care is not appropriate for your loved one, you may want to explore a residential home that offers skilled nursing. Nursing homes provide long-term, specialized care for people who have complicated medical needs or limited function. A team of healthcare professionals, including registered nurses and support staff, manage your loved one’s care. They offer supervision and assistance 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Memory care could be an option if your loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia. Residential memory care programs provide a secure, supportive environment for people experiencing memory loss. Trained staff help individuals cope with the cognitive and emotional impact of these conditions and provide structured routines designed to optimize independence and well-being. Memory care focuses on preserving dignity and quality of life with planned social interactions and personalized treatment plans.