Are you thinking about assisted living care for yourself or a senior loved one? It’s a big decision, and it’s normal to have questions about the transition. Does assisted living care provide the right level of support, or would another type of senior living be a better fit? What should you look for when exploring your options? Our expert team is here to guide you through the process and help you make a confident, informed choice.

Who’s a Good Fit for Assisted Living?

If you’re not sure if assisted living care is right for you or your senior loved one, you’re not alone. Many families have the same question when it comes to decision time. We want to make it easier for you to decide if assisted living should be your next step – typically, assisted living care is right for seniors who:

  • You need assistance with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): If you or your senior loved one need help with bathing, dressing, grooming, toileting, medication management, or other activities of daily living, you’re likely a good candidate for assisted living.
  • You don’t require around-the-clock medical care: If you or your senior loved one need continuous, 24/7 medical care, assisted living isn’t a fit for you. Skilled nursing communities are probably a better fit for your needs.
  • You’re mobile: In order to thrive in an assisted living community, you should be able to move independently or with the aid of a cane or walker.
  • You’re medically stable: If you or your loved one is medically stable – you have chronic conditions, but they’re managed without intensive medical intervention – then you’re likely a fit for assisted living care.

Further, this type of senior living offers vibrant social engagement to help residents feel more connected. If your senior loved one is isolated at home, assisted living could be a great solution.

Texas-Specific Requirements for Assisted Living Care

If you live in Texas, it’s wise to understand the different license types a community has to determine what care services can be offered. Here’s what you should know:

  • In Texas, assisted living communities are regulated by the Health and Human Services Commission. The state classifies assisted living communities into two types:
    • Type A: These communities are for residents who can evacuate independently in an emergency and don’t require routine assistance during their sleeping hours.
    • Type B: These communities may care for residents who may need little support to those who may need assistance evacuating in an emergency, who require staff assistance during sleeping hours, or who have cognitive impairments.

Assisted living communities in Texas will complete an assessment of future residents to ensure their needs can be properly met by the community and the services it offers.

What is the Assessment Process for Assisted Living?

As noted, many assisted living care programs will conduct a comprehensive assessment of residents before they move in. They evaluate things like:

  • Physical and cognitive status: The community will assess if residents need help with activities of daily living, and if they have any cognitive impairments.
  • Medical history: The community will review the residents’ medical history to ensure that proper care can be provided.
  • Behavioral considerations: The assisted living care program will also assess any resident behaviors that might affect community living.

Why? These assessments help the assisted living care program determine if they can offer the appropriate level of care to the resident, and if the resident will benefit from the services offered there.

Who Doesn’t Qualify for Assisted Living?

This type of senior living may not be a fit for seniors who:

  • Need around-the-clock medical care. Seniors with complex medical conditions or conditions that need continuous monitoring may not be a fit for this type of community and instead may fit better in a skilled nursing facility.
  • Exhibit disruptive behaviors. If seniors display behaviors that can endanger themselves or others, they may not be suited for an assisted living community.

How Can You Pay for Assisted Living in Texas?

How can you pay for assisted living in Texas? It may seem daunting, but there are multiple options when it comes to funding long-term care. Plus, our expert team is here to walk you through all of your choices and help you find the one that suits your loved one and your family best. Here are some of the funding sources you can explore when you start to plan for long-term care.

  • Benefits. Your loved one may be eligible for life insurance conversion or long-term care insurance benefits.
  • A home. Property is an excellent asset in this scenario. You can sell, rent, or get a reverse mortgage on a home to help offset the costs of long-term care for your loved one.
  • Savings and investment accounts. Consider using your loved one’s savings accounts, stocks, bonds, annuities, and other investments to pay for care.
  • Income. Does your senior loved one have social security benefits or pension payments coming in monthly? These can help fund long-term care.

We Can Help You Decide if Assisted Living Is Right for You

Still unsure if assisted living care is the right choice for you or your senior loved one? Let us help. Our skilled advisors at Sundale Senior Living of Huntsville and Sundale Senior Living of the Woodlands can walk you through community requirements, take you on a tour, and answer any and all questions you may have. We’re waiting to welcome you home – schedule a chat with an advisor today!