What Are the Criteria for Needing Assisted Living?

As we age, many of us slowly lose the ability to care for ourselves. While many seniors are able to continue living at home and adjust to the changes that come with age, others are not and may need to change their living situations. Some seniors qualify for in-home nursing care or may opt to move in with family members, but for those who need or prefer more daily assistance with the day-to-day tasks such as bathing or food preparation, assisted living may be the answer.

Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?

For a potential resident to be admitted into an assisted living community, there is no maximum age limit, but they must be above 18 years old. The rest of the criteria revolve around the type of care needed for the individual, the medical conditions that are to be taken into consideration, and being able to pay for a spot at the chosen residence.

Assisted living is ideal for someone who is able to complete some of their daily routines but might need some extra help to bathe thoroughly or get a balanced, nutritious meal put together. Maybe they need assistance with daily chores or grooming. Or they might just want to know that someone is there should they need help in some facet of their daily life. If a candidate is in a wheelchair, this does not preclude them from being able to live in an assisted living community. If they meet a handful of other requirements and conditions, they should be able to qualify.

If you or a loved one has more of a need for rehabilitation care or medication management, this falls within the eligibility criteria for assisted living too. There are multitudinous options available for those who need assistance in their day-to-day activities and care. A common option—one that is generally suited for longer-term care—is choosing an assisted living community or campus. Sometimes, such communities will house assisted living in conjunction with memory care.

What If More Care Is Required?

In assisted living, the staff are trained to help with the average, everyday things but are not available for intensive care, such as people who need constant monitoring, extensive medical attention, or memory care.

For instance, if an individual is unable to support themselves consistently while walking, has episodes that require supervision, or is bedridden, an alternative to assisted living is more suitable. When the number of medical conditions outweighs the staff’s training or ability to properly and safely care for an individual, it’s best if they find a more comprehensive residence for their particular health and medical needs.

In addition, if an individual has advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s and is in need of more specialized support and care, they would not meet the criteria for assisted living. The care required in this situation falls under the category of memory care.

At the Mission at Agua Fria Senior Living, we offer a caring and supportive environment for all of our assisted living residents. Our staff is trained and certified to be there for you—but only when you need the assistance. We are happy to schedule a tour of the community and look forward to welcoming you to our campus.