Assessing whether your loved one is a right candidate for assisted living can be an overwhelming process. If you’re unsure about where or how to begin, know that you’re not alone.

A recent EVR Advertising study found that over 90 percent of older adults who move into senior living have assistance from family members or caregivers, with adult children involved about 73 percent of the time.

Put simply, the decision to transition to assisted living is rarely made alone.

Seniors count on their loved ones to research the best communities, sift through the paperwork, and conduct the necessary evaluations for their care plans. As a result, family members often bear the critical responsibility of finding the right new home to suit a variety of “aging” needs.

Knollwood, a life plan community in Northwest DC, has created this comprehensive guide—offering information and advice to assist you through the “right-fit” process for assisted living.

Define the senior’s health status

Assisted living is for those who require help with dining, medication management, dressing, grooming, and/or bathing by licensed registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and certified nursing assistants.

Admission eligibility for assisted living applicants varies by state and facility, and those who don’t meet the requirements set by each can be denied. Eligibility doesn’t ensure immediate housing — many assisted living communities like Knollwood have a waiting list for families. Generally, seniors who opt for assisted living need daily assistance, have predictable needs, and don’t have severe memory impairments or extensive medical requirements.

It can be difficult to identify the level of care your parent or loved one needs. At Knollwood, we use a 42-point scoring system to determine a placement for four distinct levels of assisted living care. For example, “Limited Assistance” or “Level I” of assisted living care is best suited for those who wish to maintain their independence, but with added security of a nearby caregiver and structured lifestyle. Residents who need most activities of daily living — like medication management, bathing, etc., — primarily completed by staff, and who require full 24-hour nursing and caregiving may be better suited for Moderate (Level II) or Maximum (Level 3) Assistance.

Taking in these prerequisites, consider the following questions on behalf of your senior living candidate:

  • Are there signs of him/her struggling with daily tasks?
  • Is his/her current living situation sustainable and safe?
  • Would he/she benefit from 24/7 nursing care if it’s available?

The answer to these questions can help guide future conversations with your loved one and assisted living representatives.

Evaluate their lifestyle preferences

Think about what makes a fulfilling life for your loved one. Do they value independence, social interaction, recreational activities, or all of the above?

Apart from any medical assistance, assisted living can also provide a supportive and community-building environment for residents who want to connect with like-minded seniors and staff.

Here are some factors to consider:

  • Does he/she like to build connections and new friendships?
  • Does he/she enjoy social events and classes?
  • Do you think he/she would benefit from spending more time with people that are the same age, and going through similar experiences?
  • Would these experiences improve his/her overall quality of life? Would it improve yours?

Ultimately, a sense of belonging within assisted living communities is essential for resident well-being. Seniors who are fulfilled and engaged are less likely to experience feelings of loneliness and depression. Knowing your loved one is happy with his/her living arrangement will also give you greater peace of mind.

Complete a financial assessment

The cost of assisted living varies by the community, and so does the level of care required. However, families under a budget should not rule out assisted living without considering all the financial aid that is available to them. In fact, 46 states plus Washington D.C. offer some level of financial aid for people in assisted living.

We recommend that you host a finance meeting to figure out how much can be budgeted for assisted living. Upon considering the financial situation, contact your insurance company or Medicare about available benefits. Ask each assisted living community about their pricing, and whether they have financial flexibility in their plans.

Conclusion

By understanding your loved one’s health needs, lifestyle preferences, and financial position, you can make an informed decision about whether assisted living is the right choice for them.

At Knollwood, we understand the importance of making the right choice — especially for the people you hold dear. We invite you to schedule a tour or call us at 202.541.0149 with any questions.