How to Find Assisted Living for Mental Health Needs
When he reached his late eighties, William Cohn — the father of Candy Cohn — accidentally stopped taking medication prescribed for a long-standing bipolar disorder. That lapse led to a serious mental health crisis requiring hospitalization and intensive treatment. After that episode, Candy understood she needed to find a senior living community that could provide steady medication management, continuity of care, and a better overall quality of life for her parents. The question was: where to begin?
Many families face this same challenge. Older adults with significant mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia often encounter barriers when searching for appropriate assisted living or senior living options. While common issues like depression and anxiety are expected and frequently managed in assisted living settings — one in three residents takes medication for a mental health condition — communities tend to be less prepared to support people living with serious mental illness (SMI). SMI includes diagnoses such as bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders. With roughly 8.6 million people age 65 and older living with SMI and the older adult population growing, it’s increasingly important for families and senior living providers to recognize and address the unique needs of this population.
5 recommendations for finding assisted living for a loved one with mental illness
1. Stabilize the mental health condition
Serious mental illnesses are often chronic but can frequently be stabilized with the right combination of medication, therapy, and support. Sometimes this requires short-term psychiatric hospitalization; other times, coordinated outpatient care with psychiatrists and therapists is sufficient. Before beginning the search for a senior living community, work with the treatment team to achieve as much stability as possible. A stable clinical picture makes it easier for communities to assess needs and determine whether they can provide an appropriate level of care.
2. Maintain consistent follow-up care
Once stability is achieved, ongoing care is essential. Encourage regular appointments with mental health providers to monitor symptoms, adjust medications if necessary, and address emerging concerns early. A consistent care plan helps preserve gains made during stabilization and provides documentation that can be shared with prospective senior living providers to demonstrate the person’s current needs and supports.
3. Be transparent with the senior living community
When considering communities, share relevant medical and mental health information with the Director of Nursing or Executive Director. Full disclosure allows a community to determine whether it has the staffing, policies, and environment needed to support your loved one. Some communities will be able to meet those needs, while others may not — and knowing that upfront prevents repeated moves and the stress of “trial and error.” Clear communication helps everyone set realistic expectations and design the right supports.
4. Develop a crisis plan
Serious mental health conditions can be episodic: long stretches of stability can be interrupted by periods of symptom escalation. Create a written crisis plan that describes early warning signs, preferred interventions, and practical steps to take if symptoms worsen. Components might include which hospital the family prefers, who will be notified, relevant legal documents such as psychiatric advance directives, and any treatment preferences. Establishing a collaborative relationship between the older adult, family members, and community staff at move-in helps ensure that everyone understands the plan and can act quickly if a crisis occurs.
5. Keep consistent communication with the community
Designate a single family member as the primary point of contact who will check in regularly — for example, weekly — with both the older adult and a representative from the community, such as the Director of Nursing. Regular updates create a feedback loop that highlights what is working well and flags emerging concerns early. Timely identification and intervention for escalating symptoms can prevent full-blown crises and reduce disruption and distress for the older adult and their family.
Candy used many of these practices when she helped her parents find the right senior living situation. She later shared her experience on a podcast and has since focused much of her career on helping others who are caring for aging parents or older adults with mental health conditions to find senior living options that truly meet their needs.
References:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5176104/
