Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?

Assisted living communities provide a helping hand for older adults who need extra support in their daily lives, whether they need help with cooking and meal preparation, transportation or medication management. As a result, these services and support allow assisted living residents to maintain their independence.

If you’re considering assisted living for yourself or someone you love, you might start to wonder who qualifies for assisted living and what the expectations and requirements are once a person has transitioned into a community. 

The Woodlands at Canterfield is a luxury West Dundee senior living community, and our team understands the that process of navigating senior living can raise questions and curiosity. We’re sharing who qualifies for assisted living to help you determine whether or not this level of care is right for you or your family.

Qualifications for Assisted Senior Living

There are typically three main factors that assisted living communities take into consideration when they evaluate potential residents – age, health and support needs. 

Age

Age is a significant factor when considering who qualifies for assisted living communities and services. While some communities have guidelines and rules for age requirements, the typical qualifying age for a senior living community is 55. 

Of course, age is not the deciding factor that determines whether or not a person qualifies for an assisted living community; it is based on an individual’s healthy and care needs.

Health Conditions

While many are under the misconception that assisted living communities are the same as nursing homes, this is not the case. Nursing homes are specifically designed to support those who need 24/7 medical care or those who require consistent monitoring by a licensed healthcare provider due to an advanced medical condition.

That being said, a person should be in relatively stable health to qualify for assisted living. For example, if you or someone you love has a chronic illness or condition, it should be well-managed and under control. If your medical issues or illnesses are extensive and require more constant care, you might benefit from skilled nursing or other forms of long-term care rather than assisted living. 

We invite you to read our blog Assisted Living vs. Nursing Homes: What’s the Difference? to learn more.

In addition, if someone you love is living with cognitive impairment, such as dementia, assisted living communities are not equipped to manage the symptoms and behaviors associated with memory loss. While many people can live independently during the early stages of dementia, over time, they will require more care and attention. As a result, memory care communities are a more appropriate option since they provide the same support and assistance as assisted living but also have safety features and trained associates who know how to manage the nuances of dementia.

Support Needs

As the name itself suggests, assisted living communities provide assistance with different daily activities and tasks, including:

• Medication Management
• Bathing
• Dressing
• Grooming
• Cooking
• Mobility
• Transportation

When a person is unable to complete Activities of Daily Living (ADLs) or other necessary tasks that allow them to live independently, receiving a helping hand can ensure they can manage their autonomy, live safely and prioritize their health and wellness. 

Assisted Living in West Dundee, Illinois

From the minute you step through the door at The Woodlands at Canterfield, you’ll be welcomed by our warm and elegant setting – not to mention our supportive, compassionate team, who will be waiting to assist you and make you feel at home! Our West Dundee senior living community provides highly attentive care and support to ensure residents receive the helping hand they need to thrive and reach their personal goals. We work with you and your family to create your profile to ensure you have a senior living experience™ that is tailored to you.

With a landscaped organic garden, a host of cultural and wellness programs, and access to luxurious on-site amenities, residents can unspool a beautiful thread that keeps them connected to health and wellness. We invite you to contact our team today to learn more about our assisted living community in West Dundee, Illinois!