Moving to assisted living can be an excellent choice for your loved one. It’s an environment where they can get the care they need to maintain their quality of life. However, there is an application process, and it can take a bit of time before getting into the community. So how long does it take to get into assisted living?
It depends on the community itself. Some can rush applications and move your loved one in sooner rather than later, while others can often take up to 1 year before approving applicants. It’s essential to contact potential communities near you to discuss the application process; they can narrow down the timeline and help you make a plan to get your loved one the care they deserve.
The Basics of Assisted Living
As we get older, our capabilities and needs can change. Sometimes, living independently may become a challenge—tasks that were once much simpler can be a hassle. So when a senior needs a hand here and there but doesn’t need round-the-clock advanced care, what can they do?
If that sounds familiar, it’s time to think about assisted living. This is a residential community designed for older adults who want to prioritize their independence while getting help with the tasks that cause them trouble.
Whether it’s bathing, dressing, managing medication, housekeeping, or any other daily activity, assisted living can help. These communities offer a warm and supportive environment designed to meet the needs of every resident through customized care plans, so they can remain independent with some tasks, and receive the needed assistance with others.
A wide range of programs, activities, and amenities, means that assisted living is an excellent way to get your loved one the care they need—all while improving their overall quality of life. This can be a life-changing decision for those who may need a little extra support but still want an active and fulfilling life.
Who Qualifies For Assisted Living?
When applying for assisted living, it’s essential to consider your loved one’s abilities. Assisted living isn’t like a nursing home; while there is sometimes a certain level of healthcare available, these communities aren’t designed to support someone with advanced medical needs in the long term.
Typically, the following is considered when applying for assisted living:
- Whether or not your loved one is cognitively and medically stable
- The level of assistance required
- Your loved one’s mobility and physical capabilities
- Financial abilities
Usually, an assessment will be conducted by the community to better understand your loved one’s needs. Once this assessment is complete, you’ll be able to begin the application process!
How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community
If assisted living sounds like the ideal choice for your loved one, it’s important to know how to choose the right community. Just like when moving to your first apartment, no 2 communities are alike; each has a unique layout, personality, and surroundings.
There are a few questions to ask, such as:
- What are the costs and what is included? Understand the financial commitment and what services are covered in the fees.
- What is the staffing model? Learn about the ratio of staff to residents and the level of training the staff has.
- What activities are offered? Social interaction and engaging activities are crucial for mental and physical well-being.
- How is medical care handled? Know how emergencies are dealt with and the overall approach to medical care.
- What is the atmosphere like? Trust your instincts during the tour. Is it a place where your loved one can thrive?
Try to tour potential communities before leaning one way or another. This gives you an in-person perspective on what life would be like for your loved one in the community and gives the context needed to make an informed decision.
What to Know When Applying For Assisted Living
Think of this application just like the last time you applied for an apartment or rental, but maybe with a few added layers. You can expect to have to provide:
- Personal information
- Medical records
- Financial details
The community will also likely request a medical evaluation to ensure they can provide the right level of care. If not, they may refer you to another community nearby that can meet your loved one’s needs.
Once this process has started, it can take some time. Usually, you’ll hear back within 1-3 months, though this timeframe depends heavily on the community’s availability; some communities have waiting lists while others may have an immediate opening.
It also depends on how prepared you are for the application. Completing the paperwork, gathering necessary documents, and preparing for the emotional aspect of the move can take time.
When you’re working through the application process, it helps to keep an open line of communication with the community itself. This can help you manage your expectations and keep the process steadily moving forward.
Find Your Loved One’s Future Home
If you’re thinking about assisted living for your loved one, reach out to our team at Peregrine Senior Living Delmar Place. We can work together to find the right community for your loved one. Our team is here to help you and your family make the right choice, so schedule a tour with us today!
