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January 2007

What to expect: Admission Procedures for Assisted Living

As we age, it’s only natural to want to maintain a sense of independence in our lives. This is very true of today’s active senior population. But the reality is, at some point, a little assistance is needed.

For many seniors, assisted living residences present an ideal solution. As the name implies, ALs provide the opportunity to enjoy a high quality of life and, as needed, personal care and supportive services by trained caregivers. Today, there are an estimated 36,000 ALs in the United States.

AL residents  are encouraged to do as much for themselves as possible, but when the need arises, around-the-clock access to assistance is provided with daily activities, such as bathing, dressing, grooming, even medication reminders.

For prospective residents and their families wanting to take advantage of the benefits assisted living residences provide, the admissions process establishes the best protocols for developing a care program that is appropriate for the individual.

After a financial qualification assessment, the first step in the admissions process is to determine the prospective resident’s level of care needed. Some seniors are high functioning, so their programs may include more self-sufficient activities with only minimal assistance. Other seniors require more assistance, so the caregivers and staff provide help with daily activities such as bathing or medication management.

While these classifications differ based on individual state regulations and provider protocols, an individual care program generally includes factors
such as:

  • A physicians report to determine medical history, diagnoses and medication inventory
  • An assessment by the facility conducted by a trained individual, usually a nurse or assisted living director
  • Input from the family; providing additional medical and personal history, as well as insight into the senior’s needs and desires.

A representative from the facility’s marketing or admissions department would then sit down with the prospective resident and the family to walk them through the individual care plan.

A financial package accompanies the program, which is signed by both parties in a residency agreement. Finally, move in date is set!

The admissions process tends to give family members peace of mind that an assisted living arrangement is the best option for a loved one. For the residents, the move experience and welcome reception can greatly ease the transition.

A resident-focused facility has a definite schedule of events planned around a new resident’s arrival. On the move- in date, nurses, caregivers and staff introduce themselves to new residents and their families. Often times, caregivers will introduce new residents in the dining room for their first few meals at the facility to make them feel welcome and encourage socialization.

Assisted living is an ideal option for a growing number of aging Americans. Developing an admissions process that takes a holistic view into a prospective resident’s environment is the best way to create a nurturing and rewarding lifestyle.

Roberta McMenamin
Regional Operations Manager, Life Care Services LLC

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