When Should You Move a Loved One Out of Assisted Living?

You should move a loved one out of assisted living if they present substantial safety concerns that staff can no longer address effectively through redirection, or when their care requirements exceed what the community can offer.

Assisted living communities are designed for self-sufficient seniors who need some support with the activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting and managing medications. Once your loved one’s needs progress past this, they’ll no longer be able to get the care they need in assisted living. Learn which conditions warrant a move out of this level of care.

Assisted living communities lack the capacity to offer 24/7 support for individuals with chronic medical conditions like arthritis, heart disease, severe infections, cancer, or those requiring specialized care such as a tracheostomy, feeding tube, or gastrostomy care. Such conditions demand a higher level of continuous medical attention, which is typically unavailable in assisted living settings.

According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 95% of adults over 60 have at least one chronic medical condition, and 80% have two or more. If your loved one has recently been diagnosed with a chronic condition, skilled nursing care is a viable next step.

Seniors in assisted living need to maintain a level of independence with some assistance for daily activities. They should not be bedridden or unable to rise on their own. While assisted living staff can aid in transferring seniors from bed to a chair, they cannot assist those who are non-weight bearing or require two or more staff members for help. If your loved one’s mobility has significantly decreased, a nursing home may be a more suitable option compared to assisted living.

Seniors with dementia are typically accepted in assisted living, but when their dementia reaches a severe stage that hinders their ability to manage daily activities, they may require more intensive care. If they experience challenges with eating, exhibit extreme agitation or irritability or engage in wandering behaviors, it could be a sign to consider memory care for their safety. Assisted living lacks the trained staff, security measures and specialized programs that memory care facilities offer.