What Are the Requirements to Move to Assisted Living?
One of the most frequently asked questions about any senior living community is, “What levels of care do you offer?” The very next question usually is, ”What are the requirements to live in assisted living?” Seniors and their families want to know upfront that they’ll be taken care of if the time comes when they need extra day-to-day help – and what kind of care they’ll receive. And rightfully so. Determining how, when, and where to move to assisted living is an important decision. And making that decision at the right time can make all the difference. It’s best to know all the facts.
What is Assisted Living?
Essentially, assisted living is residential care for people who need or choose to receive personal care and assistance in their daily lives. Many people still think of assisted living as an institutional nursing home environment where they have very little independence. Today, that’s markedly untrue. In most senior living communities, assisted living simply means having access to around-the-clock assistance and care services that will help you live as independently as possible for as long as possible. For those who are still able to live independently but need, or would benefit from, some extra help with activities of daily living (ADLs), assisted living is the perfect environment.
What Assisted Living Offers
Many senior assisted living communities provide private apartments or other types of residences with the availability of 24/7 care and assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs) such as bathing, dressing, personal care, meal preparation and medication management. Typically, a certified care professional works with you to understand your personal care preferences and daily routine, so you can optimize your sense of independence while still getting the help you need to live fully. One of the key aspects of assisted living is 24/7 emergency response systems, ensuring you get immediate care if you need it. Not only will you receive immediate attention if your health worsens or an injury occurs, but you’ll constantly have peace of mind that if an accident happens, the care you need is right by your side.
Depending on a given community’s offerings, a variety of health services and care plans are available for assisted living residents. Most include therapy services, along with wellness programs that can include health education, nutrition guidance and fitness plans. Other assisted living services can include:
- Chef-prepared, restaurant-style dining
- Scheduled chauffeured transportation
- Concierge services
- Full-service beauty salon and barbershop
- Medication assistance
- Access to therapy services
- Full-time lifestyle director
- Living room and library
- Activities and group outings
- Weekly housekeeping and laundry
- Licensed care available
- Short-term and long-term care, including respite accommodations
- Monthly wellness clinic
Requirements to Live in Assisted Living
At most senior living communities offering a full continuum of care, there aren’t specific requirements to live in assisted living. Generally, it’s up to the senior and their loved ones to choose when to move to assisted living. Choosing the right time to acknowledge and ask for help could have a substantial impact on how well you age. In general, the sooner those who need daily assistance move into assisted living, the longer they’re able to keep the level of independence they currently enjoy. If you or your loved one has difficulty preparing meals, managing medication, dressing, bathing, or any other ADLs, it may be time to consider a move to assisted living.
There are, however, financial requirements to consider. Payment requirements differ from community to community. The cost of assisted living care varies widely based on the number of ADLs the person may need help with, what insurance policies they have, and what veterans benefits they may qualify for. Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B generally do not cover assisted living care for most seniors. Still, a senior may be eligible for reimbursement depending on their insurance policy or Life Care contract. While policies vary, an individual’s health insurance program or long-term care insurance policy may reimburse some costs. Life insurance conversion benefits and veterans benefits are also good options for those who qualify.
Edgemere’s Support
At Edgemere, our assisted living services are ideal for people who are eager to continue living independently but need extra assistance with daily tasks. Every detail is designed to provide an individualized level of support in the comfort and privacy of the resident’s apartment, while offering abundant opportunities to maintain an active lifestyle filled with friends, neighbors and family. If you’d like to learn more about assisted living at Edgemere, please don’t hesitate to contact us by filling out the form at the bottom of this page or call us anytime at 214.265.9100.