Who Qualifies for Assisted Living?
If you are considering assisted living for yourself or for a loved one, you might have some questions about who qualifies for assisted living, does Medicare pay for assisted living, how much does Medicaid pay for assisted living, and more. Here are some answers to help you as you explore all the possibilities.
Who qualifies for assisted living?
In general, the answer to who qualifies for assisted living is anyone who is in relatively good health but could use an occasional helping hand and wants to benefit from a supportive and engaging lifestyle. Assisted living can be an excellent alternative to living at home because it offers the reassurance of professional care, along with the advantages of a community atmosphere.
Assisted living is right for a person who:
- Is in relatively good health, with any chronic conditions under control
- Does not require 24-hour medication management or attention
- Is not bedridden
- Does require some assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, getting to meals, etc.
Part of the qualifications for assisted living is to undergo a physical assessment and to be evaluated for medication management needs.
Assisted living is truly the best of both worlds
You are able to leave the responsibilities of home maintenance behind and instead embrace the freedom to enjoy each day as you choose. Make new friends. Learn a new hobby. Relax with a new novel or chat over a delicious dinner with your neighbor. Work on improving your balance. Join the group for an outing to a museum or park.
In assisted living, you have the freedom and the opportunity to enhance every day. All with the reassurance of knowing that someone is available 24/7 if you need a hand.
Related: How Assisted Living Enhances Daily Life and Well-Being
Assisted living provides:
- Housekeeping and linen service
- Comfortable residence
- Nutritious and delicious dining
- Scheduled transportation to physician appointments
- Calendar of activities, events, outings and more
- Exercise and wellness programs
Assisted living ensures a personalized plan for each resident
Today’s modern assisted living communities understand that each person is unique. In assisted living, the caring and professional staff takes the time to get to know each resident and understand their level of need.
Some might need more assistance. For example, one person might need extra help dressing each morning. Another can use more support getting to and from meals. Others are simply ready to enjoy maintenance-free living without being tied to a to-do list and want to live where they know help is available if needed.
So, when asking who qualifies for assisted living, it really comes down to this: an older adult who could use an occasional hand with everyday living, who does not require 24-hour care, and appreciates being able to enjoy a fulfilling, engaging lifestyle with no worries of home maintenance.
Related: Is Assisted Living Right for You?
Funding assisted living
Qualifications for assisted living are one thing. When it comes to understanding how to pay for assisted living, it’s important to be clear on where you can go for assistance.
• VA Aid & Attendance: Wartime veterans or a surviving spouse with limited income may be eligible for receive a non-service-connected pension (above the basic pension) to assist in paying for assisted living, home health care, adult day, care or skilled nursing.
• Life Insurance Settlement. Anyone with an in-force life insurance policy can transform it into a pre-funded financial account that disburses a monthly benefit to help pay for long-term care needs such as home care, assisted living, skilled nursing, and hospice.
• Reverse Mortgage. This is a loan that borrows against the value of your home, allowing you to receive a line of credit to help with the cost of senior living. In addition, bridge loans are used to “bridge” the time gap created when selling your existing home. Specialty providers offer bridge loans to help cover rent and moving expenses specifically for senior living.
• Long-Term Care Insurance. Long-term care insurance is purchased through a private insurance company to cover the costs of elder care, including assisted living. Like health insurance policies, the price of the premium varies greatly depending on factors like the insured’s health status, age and amount of coverage. Some policies have a specific designated benefit for nursing home care, based on a mental or physical diagnosis, which can be used in paying for assisted living.
• How much does Medicare pay for assisted living? Medicare does not cover long-term care services, including the cost of a room and board or personal care in assisted living.
• How much does Medicaid pay for assisted living? The amount that Medicaid will pay for long-term care services and support in assisted living depends on a variety of factors. This includes the state in which one resides, the Medicaid program and one’s level of care need. Learn more what is covered in the state of Ohio.
Related: Tips for funding Senior Living Expenses
Assisted living can be an exceptional choice
Assisted living provides 24-hour access to personal care, as well as nutrition and wellness services designed specifically for older adults. Seniors can enjoy social contact, security and support while still maintaining their independence.
Who qualifies for assisted living? Assisted living is a great intermediate step for seniors who need more help than the family can provide at home, but who don’t need the round-the-clock medical care of a nursing facility. For sure, assisted living is not a place to go to give up your independence, it’s actually where you’ll find the support and the opportunities to gain it back.
Senior living, the Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio way
At LSS Senior Living, our goal is to offer seniors quality care and comfort in a friendly and warm environment that feels like home. We offer a continuum of services to lend a helping hand when you need them. Find out more about our communities:
Speak to an advisor today, we’re here to help. Learn more about assisted living, download a brochure.
