Rolling Into Assisted Living: Mobility, Access, and Finding the Right Community

Do you have a loved one who uses a wheelchair? Are you worried that it may disqualify them from becoming residents of an assisted living facility?

If you have concerns about wheelchair accessibility at assisted living facilities or whether your loved one will still have any independence while there, you’re in luck.

Keep reading to discover whether an assisted living community is right for you or your loved one.
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Table of Contents

• The Basics of Assisted Living: What Families Should Know
• Can a Person in a Wheelchair Live in Assisted Living?
• How Assisted Living Supports Everyday Life for Wheelchair Users
• When Assisted Living Makes More Sense Than Staying Home
• What To Look for in an Assisted Living Community for a Wheelchair User
• How Wheelchair Users Can Help Pay for Assisted Living
• Country Home: Offering Wheelchair-Accessible Assisted Living Accommodations and More
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Assisted living communities are residential settings that bridge independent living and skilled nursing care, helping residents maintain as much independence as they can while still offering support with meals, housekeeping, personal care, and more.

They’re designed for older adults who need help with daily tasks but don’t require round-the-clock care that a nursing home provides. Residents can enjoy social activities, community events, and shared meals, helping them stay engaged and connected with their family, friends, and fellow residents.

Trained staff are always available around the clock to respond to emergencies, provide assistance, and give peace of mind to families and residents alike.

Now is the best time to begin exploring housing options so you have a plan in place before an urgent need arises. If you’re looking for a wheelchair accessible assisted living community in Morris Plains, NJ, contact the admissions team at Country Home Memory Care today.

Yes! Many wheelchair users live in assisted living communities. Being in a wheelchair likely won’t disqualify you from living in an assisted living facility. However, regulations vary by state, and not all facilities are appropriate for every level of care.

Simply being in a wheelchair typically won’t prevent you from enjoying an assisted living experience. In fact, many of these communities were built with wheelchair accessibility in mind to make daily life easier for their wheelchair residents.

While ADA protections are federally regulated and facilities are supposed to offer reasonable accommodations, it’s important to understand that state regulations can vary widely. Not every facility has adequately trained staff to provide transfer assistance to wheelchair users. Those who require two or more people to transfer ot who are bedridden should consider a skilled nursing facility rather than assisted living.

Matching the level of needed care to the right community should be the main focus. When the family asks the right questions and gets the right information, it can make the decision much easier for everyone involved.
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What Makes an Assisted Living Facility Wheelchair-Friendly

A wheelchair-friendly assisted living facility should have many accessibility features that improve the daily lives and independence of its wheelchair-using residents. These should include:

• Reachable emergency call systems
• Roll-in showers
• Accessible dining rooms
• Wide hallways and doorways
• Elevators and ramps

How the Law Protects Wheelchair Users in Assisted Living

US federal law, specifically the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), requires assisted living facilities to provide reasonable accommodations for wheelchair users. It protects these individuals' rights to access housing, services, and common areas.

A person cannot be denied access to a facility solely because they use a wheelchair. All assisted living facilities either built or renovated after 1990 must meet all ADA accessibility standards.

When a Facility May Not Be the Right Fit

Assisted living communities aren’t always the right fit for wheelchair users. Some communities are not suited for residents who require extensive transfer assistance.

Residents who need two-person transfers may need a higher level of care than what is available at some assisted living communities, and those who are bedridden may require skilled nursing care.

Finding the right level of care is about ensuring the resident's safety, not about excluding the resident from independence.
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Wheelchair residents enjoy the freedom of easy navigation around the facility. Whether they’re joining their friends in a game of bingo or enjoying a leisurely dinner with their grandkids in the dining room, there will always be an easy-to-reach spot waiting for them.

Outings are encouraged and made possible by wheelchair-accessible transportation. Enjoying life in an assisted living community allows residents to maintain their dignity and routine, but with the assurance that staff are always available.
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Deciding on a living situation for a family member who uses a wheelchair is never an easy choice to make. Many families must compare their options, such as assisted living, home modifications, or in-home care.

If the family is not in a financial position to make the necessary home renovations, such as installing ramps and stair lifts or renovating bathrooms, an assisted living community might be a beneficial solution. Your family member could benefit from having all their accessibility needs met from the time they move in.

Having to coordinate caregivers and their schedules can put undue stress on everyone's lives, increasing the likelihood of feeling isolated and lacking social support, as well as raising general safety concerns. In cases like this, assisted living may be the better option.
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When exploring your assisted living community options, it’s essential that you look for a variety of key things.

• Is it adequately staffed with employees who have transfer training?
• Does it have accessibility features (wide doorways and halls, roll-in showers and grab bars, ramps, and emergency call systems)?
• Is there wheelchair accessible transportation for social outings and medical care?
• Is the facility’s layout elevator-dependent?

Questions Worth Asking on a Tour

Here are some important questions to ask when you’re touring an assisted living facility.

• “How many staff are on duty per resident during evenings and weekends?”
• “Has your staff been specifically trained to assist wheelchair users?”
• “Can my loved one access activities and dining without needing an elevator?”
• “What types of transportation does your facility offer wheelchair users?”
• “What happens if my loved one's care needs change?”
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Be sure to explore all available funding options when you or your loved one is considering moving into an assisted living community.

• Medicaid waivers may be available to help cover some long-term care services.
• Medicare Part B may help cover the cost of mobility equipment, including wheelchairs.
• VA benefits or Aid and Attendance assistance may be available for veterans who qualify.

However, coverage varies widely by state, program, and individual eligibility. It’s important that families explore all their loved ones' available funding options early, before a crisis.
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Many wheelchair users thrive in assisted living communities that offer accessibility features and daily support, while still allowing their residents independence. However, it’s important to find the right fit for your loved one.

At County Home Memory Care, we welcome wheelchair users by ensuring our facility exceeds ADA accessibility standards. We offer a variety of activities and services to our assisted living residents, such as:

• Social activities (book clubs, daily coffee & news groups, chair volleyball)
• Medication and wellness support
• 24/7 licensed care staff
• Pet therapy
• Spiritual services
• In-house salon

To book a tour of our facility or to ask any questions, connect with our friendly staff today.

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The content in this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.