Finding the right care community for a loved one goes beyond meeting their medical and health needs; it’s about verifying their emotional, social, and physical well-being are valued and looked after as well. 

Assisted living aims to promote independence while offering support, making it an ideal community for older adults who are relatively self-sufficient but require extra support with daily tasks. 

Prospective residents who meet assisted living’s age, health, and support requirements will thrive, offering the right balance a person may need to flourish. 

The goal of assisted living is to create a space where older adults can thrive while receiving the personalized care they need. 

What Are Residents in Assisted Living Like?

Residents in assisted living care have one commonality (among others); they benefit from a care environment that balances support while encouraging independence. 

Assisted living is a long-term community for relatively independent older adults who benefit from additional support with activities of daily living (ADLs). This might include help with personal grooming, medication management, maintaining a clean space, or preparing meals.

Residents are relatively mobile and self-sufficient, and although they benefit from daily support, they don’t require intensive medical care. 

Therefore, assisted living bridges the gap between independent living and full-on intensive care, making it an attractive long-term care option for potential residents and their families. 

With the proper tools and supportive resources, residents live active, fulfilling lives and participate in community activities such as exercise classes, book clubs, group outings, or even gardening sessions. 

Determining Eligibility for Assisted Living

The environment fostered in assisted living may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some factors that help determine whether this care option is the right fit for your loved one. 

Age Requirements 

Although designed for older adults, assisted living doesn’t generally have a strict age cut-off.

Most residents are 65 years or older, but those with specific health needs who are younger may also qualify. The key factor is whether our assisted living environment can meet their unique needs.

Our NorBella Senior Living community happily welcomes those who are ready to embrace a supportive environment that also helps preserve independence. 

Health Status

A person’s overall physical and mental health plays a huge role in determining their assisted living eligibility. 

Assisted living is ideal for older adults who are mostly independent but benefit from support with non-medical daily tasks like personal hygiene, meal preparation, mobility, and household chores. 

The living space itself can accommodate varying mobility levels, including those who require additional support with wheelchairs or walkers. However, older adults who are unable to leave their beds will benefit from greater comprehensive care and support.  

That’s not to say that people experiencing chronic health conditions like diabetes or arthritis aren’t eligible. 

We can support those who require minor chronic health management, such as medication management or transport to doctor’s appointments, as long as these health needs don’t require intensive medical care, such as ongoing IV therapy or continuous medical attention. 

People who require greater medical support may find skilled nursing care to be a better fit for their health needs.  

At the same time, assisted living can support people experiencing cognitive decline’s early stages. However, as the symptoms worsen and the condition progresses, residents will likely need to transition to memory care to verify their ongoing care requirements are properly managed and met. 

Support Needs 

The level of support your loved one requires is another key consideration. 

Assisted living caters to people who need a helping hand but still want to maintain their independence. Common support needs include:

• Daily living activities like bathing, dressing, or grooming.
• Medication management to confirm timely and accurate dosages.
• Managing mobility challenges, including the use of walkers or wheelchairs. 

If your loved one can no longer live safely at home but doesn’t require full-time medical care, assisted living could provide the ideal balance. 

Qualifying for Assisted Living

Once you’ve determined whether a loved one meets the basic requirements, the next step is undergoing evaluations and preparing for a smooth transition into assisted living. 

Physical Health Assessments 

Most assisted living communities require a physical health assessment to evaluate a potential resident’s current health status. This confirms that the level of care available is appropriate for their needs.

This assessment may include checking vital signs, mobility levels, and any chronic conditions that require monitoring. 

Having a clear picture of the resident’s health verifies our care team can build a personalized plan to enhance their day-to-day experience. Even current residents have ongoing health check-ins, so we can verify residents’ health needs are continuously met.  

Health Review 

To confirm that assisted living is the right fit, communities often review a prospective resident’s medical history. This includes prior diagnoses, procedures, and medications. 

A full review of a person’s health background and ongoing care needs helps create a safe and supportive environment. This documentation is vital for confirming specific care needs, such as dietary restrictions or monitoring for certain health conditions, are properly met within the community. 

Financial Considerations

There’s no set cost for assisted living, and these numbers can vary widely between communities. Before finalizing a move to assisted living, have a family discussion concerning the overall cost.

Most communities offer transparent pricing structures that outline service packages. Many of our residents use personal savings, insurance, and veterans’ benefits to cover the costs. Families may also wish to explore Medicaid support or federal assistance programs to help offset costs. 

Our NorBella Senior Living community is happy to guide you through these financial discussions to confirm you’re fully informed and help make the transition to our community as seamless as we can. 

Supporting the Transition to Assisted Living 

Exploring prospective assisted living communities is an important part of transitioning a loved one to assisted living that we can’t emphasize enough. 

Our NorBella Senior Living team can help support you during this journey. Connect with our team to schedule a tour of our assisted living community.