Qualifications for Assisted Living Facilities

Older woman in assisted living

At Acts Retirement-Life Communities, we are committed to helping older adults live fulfilling lives with just the right level of support. For those considering a move to assisted living, understanding the eligibility criteria can help guide the decision-making process. This page outlines the qualifications for assisted living facilities specific to Acts, and provides answers to common questions about the application and evaluation process.

What is Assisted Living?

Assisted living is a type of long-term care designed for individuals who need help with daily tasks such as bathing, dressing, or medication management, but who do not require the round-the-clock medical care of what many often think of as a nursing home. At Acts, our assisted living services are designed to preserve independence while offering compassionate, professional care. All on a beloved and active retirement community campus.

Adult daughter with her aging mother

What are the Qualifications for Assisted Living?

To ensure we provide the right level of care for each resident, Acts uses a comprehensive evaluation process. The assisted living qualifications include:

1. Health and Functional Assessment

Each prospective resident undergoes a clinical assessment conducted by our health services team. This evaluation determines the individual’s ability to perform Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), such as:

  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Eating
  • Mobility
  • Toileting
  • Medication management

If a resident requires regular assistance with one or more of these activities but does not need intensive medical care, they may qualify for assisted living.

2. Cognitive Health

Cognitive function is also evaluated. While many assisted living residents experience mild memory loss or early-stage dementia, those with advanced cognitive impairment may be better suited for memory care services, which Acts also offers in some locations.

3. Medical Stability

Applicants must be in stable medical condition. Acts’ assisted living neighborhoods are not equipped for acute or emergency care, so residents must not require constant medical supervision or specialized equipment beyond what can be reasonably accommodated in an assisted living setting.

4. Financial Eligibility

Assisted living services are typically included as part of the Acts Life Care® contract, which offers lifetime housing and access to a full continuum of care. In this scenario, an older adult moves to campus for independent living, and is able to transition into assisted living or skilled nursing care as needed, if needed. Direct admittance to assisted living is also available. During the application process, financial eligibility is reviewed to ensure long-term affordability of care under this model. For more information, please visit our Life Care page.

Nurse taking care of an older woman in assisted living

How to Begin the Process

If you or your loved one may benefit from assisted living, the next step is to talk to an expert at one of our Acts communities. Our care team will conduct the necessary evaluations and help determine the most appropriate level of support.

Required Documentation May Include:

Medical history and physical exam results List of medications Physician’s orders or recommendations Health insurance and financial documentation (for Life Care contract review)

Why Choose Assisted Living at Acts?

Acts offers a nationally respected approach to senior care. Our assisted living services are: Provided by compassionate, licensed caregivers Tailored to individual needs Located within beautiful, resort-style campuses Integrated into a continuum of care model, ensuring a smooth transition if more support is ever needed Our commitment to dignity, independence, and quality of life is at the heart of everything we do.

Learn More

To learn more about what the qualifications for assisted living are at Acts or to speak with a care coordinator, please contact us. We’re here to help you make the best decision for your future. 

Backed By the Strength of Acts 

As the nation’s largest not-for-profit owner, operator, and developer of continuing care retirement communities, Acts has a 50-year legacy of success. Our mission-driven approach, guided by Christian values, prioritizes the well-being of those we serve. As an industry leader with 27 senior care facilities across nine states, we are financially strong and stable, with the resources to deliver excellence and lead the way in innovation. As you plan for your future, Acts is an organization you can depend on and trust.