How to Qualify For Assisted Living

Choosing an assisted living facility for your loved one is a significant decision. Knowing how to qualify for assisted living in Los Angeles helps ensure that you select the best care option for your family member. At Solheim Senior Community, we understand the challenges families face during this decision-making process, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Our goal is to make the transition into assisted living as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Comprehensive Information About Qualifying for Assisted Living in Los Angeles

How to qualify for assisted living in Los Angeles is a common question for many families. The qualification process is multifaceted, addressing both the personal needs of your loved one and the logistics of their care. The primary factors that affect eligibility include medical needs, personal health, financial situation, and the specific services provided by the facility. Let’s break down the key components that determine whether someone qualifies for assisted living in Los Angeles.

First, an individual’s health and functional status are crucial in determining if they qualify for assisted living. Assisted living is designed for seniors who require help with activities of daily living (ADLs) like bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, or medication management, but who do not need the intensive medical care provided in a nursing home. Generally, those seeking assisted living need help with at least two or more of these activities, but can still maintain some level of independence. For instance, they may be able to perform other functions, such as walking, eating, and using the restroom, with minimal assistance.

Second, eligibility is based on a medical assessment. Healthcare professionals usually evaluate individuals to determine whether the person’s condition requires the level of care offered at an assisted living facility. For those with chronic illnesses, cognitive impairments like Alzheimer's or dementia, or a recovery need after surgery, more intensive care might be needed, which could require a skilled nursing facility rather than an assisted living facility.

Financial qualification is another key factor. How to qualify for assisted living in Los Angeles also depends on whether an individual can afford the facility’s costs. Assisted living can be expensive, and many families rely on private savings, long-term care insurance, or government assistance, such as Medi-Cal. In Los Angeles, Medi-Cal provides financial aid for low-income seniors who meet eligibility requirements. It’s essential to understand your loved one’s financial situation and determine what funding options are available to cover the costs of care.

The next step is finding a facility that meets your loved one’s needs. Many facilities, like Solheim Senior Community, offer a range of services that cater to different needs, from basic assistance to specialized memory care programs. Understanding the different options available to you and your loved one is key to making an informed decision.

We work closely with families to ensure that all these aspects are thoroughly evaluated so that your loved one receives the best care tailored to their specific needs.

Shedule a Tour Today!

Essential Steps to Qualifying for Assisted Living in Los Angeles

When determining whether your loved one qualifies for assisted living in Los Angeles, it’s important to follow a series of key steps. Here’s a detailed breakdown to help you through the process:

  • Evaluate the Level of Care Needed: The first step is to assess your loved one’s level of dependence. Do they need help with basic daily tasks like eating, bathing, dressing, or medication management? Understanding their care needs will help determine if assisted living is appropriate.

  • Consult with Medical Professionals: Schedule an evaluation with a healthcare professional to get a medical assessment. This will ensure that your loved one’s medical needs align with the services offered by an assisted living facility. For those with chronic health conditions or cognitive impairments like dementia, specialized care might be required.

  • Understand Financial Requirements: Assisted living can be costly, so it’s important to determine your loved one’s financial eligibility. Review their income, savings, long-term care insurance, and eligibility for government assistance programs like Medi-Cal. If your loved one qualifies for Medi-Cal, it may cover some of the cost of assisted living services.

  • Visit Facilities and Ask Questions: Once you've determined the financial and medical needs, visit various assisted living facilities to see which one feels like the best fit. Take time to ask questions about the services they offer, their admission criteria, and how they handle care for residents with memory impairments.

  • Prepare the Necessary Documentation: You’ll need to gather medical records, financial information, personal identification, and other documents required by the assisted living facility to proceed with the application.

  • Consider a Senior Care Advisor: If you’re unsure about the qualifications or need help with the paperwork, consider consulting a senior care advisor. They can help navigate the process and ensure that all steps are followed correctly.

  • Submit the Application: Once you’ve visited the facilities and gathered the necessary documentation, submit your application. You may be required to meet with staff for an interview or assessment before your loved one can move in.

By following these steps, you can make a well-informed decision about whether assisted living is the right choice for your loved one and how to qualify for the services they need.

How Solheim Senior Community Can Help With the Qualification Process for Assisted Living

We understand that the process of qualifying for assisted living in Los Angeles can feel overwhelming. We’re here to make this transition easier for you and your loved one. From assessing care needs to understanding financial requirements, we offer comprehensive support to ensure that your loved one receives the best care available.

Our team is available to help you assess your loved one’s needs and match them with the appropriate services offered in our community. We also provide detailed information on financial assistance options, including Medi-Cal, to make sure your loved one has access to the resources they need. Our dedicated staff works closely with families to evaluate all aspects of eligibility, from medical assessments to financial evaluations.

We pride ourselves on providing compassionate care in a comfortable, safe, and supportive environment. Whether your loved one needs assistance with daily activities or specialized memory care, we have the services and expertise to meet their needs. Our team is always here to provide guidance and answer questions throughout the qualification process, ensuring that your loved one is well taken care of at every step.

Contact us today to learn more about how to qualify for assisted living in Los Angeles and discover the Solheim difference—where your loved one’s care is our top priority.

Contact Us Today

Frequently Asked Questions

  • With a storied local history that extends back over 100 years, Solheim is certainly the right choice if you’re looking for a small, close-knit ”Life Plan” community that boasts tremendous experience and expertise in the field of senior living.  Our beautiful and quiet Eagle Rock location makes it easy to stay close and connected to the larger Los Angeles community, while simultaneously enjoying a safe and “manageable” lifestyle. 

  • Solheim offers short term stays in its Residential Living program—so it’s easy to try us out and get a feeling for our wonderful community!  Respite stays are also available through both our Assisted Living and Memory Care programs, in order to provide greater support to both family members and caregivers.

    • All utilities (except private telephone)

    • Housekeeping and laundry (including personal laundry)

    • Three daily meals, plus snacks

    • Cable TV

    • Diverse daily activity programs

    • Common areas for all to enjoy

    • Space to reserve for private parties

    • Garden and building maintenance

    • Emergency response services

    • Clinic services

  • As in any urban neighborhood, resident safety ultimately depends on maintaining a degree of basic self-awareness.  Eagle Rock has a “good” WalkScore of 82, and many of our residents walk to take care of errands and enjoy nearby amenities.  Local transit is also readily available in close proximity to our campus, and the overall crime rate here in beautiful Eagle Rock is lower than the national average (despite the fact that we are located just a few miles outside of downtown Los Angeles).

  • Solheim is a “Life Plan” community, also known as a continuing care retirement community, or “CCRC”.  This means that residents can relax in the knowledge that they have made a wise choice that will serve them well into the future—even if their needs change over time.  Solheim offers Residential Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, and Skilled Nursing programs on campus, and residents can move to a different level of care for either a short or a long period, as needed and appropriate.

  • Yes, pets are welcome at Solheim (subject to certain reasonable restrictions).

 

Have a Question? Want to Schedule a Tour?

Tours are regularly available Monday-Friday


Our Location
​2236 Merton Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90041

Our Hours
Monday – Friday: 9am to 5pm
Saturday: 10am to 4pm

Phone
323.257.7518