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Who Qualifies 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
To qualify for assisted living, you must be a senior who needs assistance with activities of daily living but requires minimal skilled nursing services.
The minimum age requirement is generally 60, but it varies between communities. Assisted living is a private pay-only long-term care option, so finances also factor into the decision to choose this care type.
Assistance with the activities of daily living
You must need support with at least two activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, ambulation and medication management, to qualify for assisted living. Other support needs may include cooking, cleaning, continence care and transfers.
Assisted living communities have experienced caregivers on hand to help with these activities 24/7. Facilities sometimes offer on-site rehabilitation services, including physical, speech and occupational therapies.
Determining suitability
To typically qualify, candidates must meet certain age criteria and require a degree of assistance. It’s essential that applicants are stable and maintain a level of autonomy. While facilities offer 24-hour caregiver support, residents are expected to manage their daily routines with minimal help. This balance ensures a harmonious environment where independence is valued alongside available support.
Who isn’t eligible for care
For those experiencing significant memory loss impairing their ability to care for themselves, such as in cases of Alzheimer’s and related dementias, assisted living communities may not be adequate. These individuals typically require a higher level of care found in memory care facilities.
Additionally, assisted living is not typically equipped to handle bedridden individuals, those with serious infections or those who require feeding tubes or specialized gastronomy care. Nursing homes are better suited for these individuals’ care needs.