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Assisted living facilities are primarily designed to help older adults with activities of daily living. In most states, the minimum age restriction to enter an assisted living is 55 years. But what if you are a younger person who requires the same level of care and assistance? Can you get yourself into an assisted living? Luckily, the answer is yes. There are some facilities that admit younger people depending on their care requirements, disabilities, diagnosis, and similar factors.
Having said that, it may not be as easy to find an assisted living facility for young adults as it is for older people. But don’t worry! In this blog, we will address these concerns along with exploring some assistive housing options for young adults, the services they offer, and their pros and cons. So, read on to learn more about how high-quality assisted living homes can empower young adults with disabilities or other health complications.
Can young adults live in assisted living?
The answer to this question is a little complicated because generally, assisted living facilities admit people aged 55 or above. However, some assisted living may offer services for younger adults depending on their individual needs. For example, assisted living facilities may allow younger people live in their community under the following (but not limited to) circumstances:
- Require 24/7 care and assistance
- Have a physical, developmental, or mental disability
- Recovering from a severe injury or traumatic experience
- Have early on-site dementia or Alzheimer’s disease
- Dealing with drug or substance abuse
- Diagnosed with a chronic health condition
- Have any other form of impairment
Ultimately, each assisted living facility will have different requirements for admission depending on the facility itself and the state regulations. So, it is best to check with individual facilities to determine their specific admission criteria and available services.
What does assisted living facilities for young adults offer?
Assisted living facilities for young adults offer a range of services and amenities. Though the support and care services may vary depending on the individual’s age, needs, facility resources, and regulations, some of the basic services offered by assisted living to their younger residents are below.
1. Round-the-clock supervision
Just like traditional assisted living facilities, assisted living for younger adults offers 24/7 monitoring and supervision. In addition, their staff and management work together to ensure a safe and secure living environment for the residents.
2. Personal care services
Personal care services such as bathing, eating, hygiene maintenance, dressing, etc., are offered to young adults with disabilities or cognitive impairment. They may also help with getting in and out of bed, walking, and transferring from a wheelchair.
3. Access to medical care
Assisted living for young people will provide on-site medical care and support if needed. That includes medication management, regular health assessment, dental care, respiratory care, and similar services.
4. Housekeeping and meal services
Assisted living facilities offer housekeeping services, so residents do not need to worry about cleaning up after themselves. Besides, many assisted living facilities for young adults provide nutritious meals with special dietary needs being accommodated.
5. Social and recreational opportunities
Assisted living facilities for young adults typically provide a wide range of recreational and social activities customized to the needs and interests of their residents. These include group discussions, volunteering opportunities, arts and crafts projects, outdoor recreation time, fitness classes, or even pet therapy sessions.
6. Rehabilitation services
Assisted living facilities offer various structured therapy and rehabilitation programs such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy to help their residents maintain their independence. It is especially beneficial for assisted living facilities for young adults with mental illness or disabilities.
7. Transportation facilities
Assisted living facilities often provide transportation services so residents can easily get around town without waiting for public transportation. These services may include wheelchair-accessible vans, taxi rides, and shuttles to nearby locations, such as getting to doctor’s appointments, shopping centers, and other errands.
8. Educational programs
Last but not least, several assisted living facilities for younger adults offer various educational and training programs for their residents. For example, vocational training to assist with job readiness, workshops for life and social skills, basic computer literacy classes, or recreational classes like music and art lessons.
What are the pros and cons of assisted living facilities for young adults?
While assisted living has its advantages, it also comes with some shortcomings. The chart below will highlight some of the pros and cons of assisted living facilities for young adults.
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Pros |
Cons |
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Assisted living is more cost-effective than traditional residential homes or nursing homes. |
In spite of being cheaper than nursing homes, assisted living is still expensive and may not be covered by insurance or government programs. |
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It offers a safe and secure environment where young people can enjoy a quality life. |
Not all assisted living accommodates younger adults so the options are limited and eligibility criteria are strict. |
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Young adults benefit from the added independence and autonomy. |
May lack privacy and residents often don’t have control over their living arrangements. |
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Assisted living for young people provides them a sense of community and support network. |
Living in an assisted living may cause separation anxiety from family and friends and even lead to depression. |
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Offer various programs for personal growth, recreation, and skill development. |
Many assisted living facilities may lack activities specifically geared toward young adults. |
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Younger adults enjoy flexible care plans and medical support. |
The quality of staff and availability of services can vary greatly between assisted living facilities. |
Best assistive housing options for young adults
For people who don’t qualify for assisted living, can access some other care facilities for young adults. That includes:
1. Group homes
Group homes provide a supervised residential environment for young adults who may require 24-hour support due to physical or cognitive limitations. They typically offer structured activities that promote independence and life skills development, such as meal preparation, laundry services, money management, transportation assistance, and socialization opportunities.
2. Supportive housing
Also known as “host homes” or “shared living arrangements,” these are typically family-style settings where a young adult lives with a trained host family in their home. The host family provides support with daily tasks such as shopping errands, meal planning and preparation, taking medications on time, attending appointments and doctor visits if needed.
3. Adult foster homes
Adult foster care is another assistive housing option for young adults that provides 24-hour supervision and care in a residential setting. Foster care can be a beneficial solution for those who need extra support but don’t qualify for or cannot access other long-term care services. In addition, it can be a good substitute for assisted living facilities for young adults with disabilities.
4. Transitional housing
Transitional housing programs are designed to provide a supportive and safe environment for young adults, transitioning from their parents’ home, foster care, or another living situation to independent living. Programs vary depending on the organization, but they typically offer educational services, job preparation help, counseling services, and more.
Final thoughts
Assisted living facilities for young adults can be a valuable option for those who need additional support with daily activities, health care, or personal care. These facilities can provide a safe and secure environment, access to medical care, and opportunities for socialization and personal growth. However, it’s also important to consider the potential limitations, such as cost, lack of privacy, and limited independence.
Ultimately, the decision to choose assisted living facilities for young adults should be based on careful consideration of the individual’s needs, preferences, and financial situation. If you or someone you know is considering an assisted living facility, we hope this article has been helpful in making your decision.
FAQs
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- What is the youngest age for assisted living?
The minimum age requirement for assisted living varies by location. In general, the minimum age requirement is 55 years or above. However, many younger individuals with health issues, or physical and mental disabilities may also be eligible for assisted living.
