Assisted Living for Mentally Disabled Adults

When thinking of age-related health issues, physical illnesses probably spring to most people's minds. However, seniors are also prone to mental health disorders. Retirement is another process that comes with aging, which many people anticipate with enthusiasm but might trigger or exacerbate mental health issues.

Although there are insufficient studies into seniors' mental health, Caring.com's 2025 senior mental health study indicates depression and anxiety are widespread. Beyond Caring's data, approximately one-third of seniors in the United States are believed to be socially isolated, and approximately two-thirds don't get the mental health treatment they need.

Fortunately, there are several types of facilities that can assist older adults with mental health challenges, including assisted living for mentally disabled adults.

This guide provides an overview of the mental health conditions that seniors typically face and how mental health assisted living can help.

 

Assisted living is a type of senior living, and there are multiple other varieties of senior living that tend to the mental health of older adults. Below, we delve into the pros and cons of various types of assisted living for people with a mental disability, including those with mental health challenges. 

Nursing homes provide short-term care to older adults recovering from illness or surgery and long-term care to those with serious conditions. However, in most cases, nursing homes provide a more intimate setting than the often sterile environment of hospitals. In nursing homes, seniors can live in their own rooms or with roommates and receive provided meals each day. 

Approximately 65%-91% of older adults in nursing homes experience significant mental health challenges. Often, nursing home residents can receive appropriate therapy and medication management. 

Pros

• Mental health professionals may be on site or visit regularly
• Staff trained in medication management
• 24/7 access to medical care

 

Cons

• Being away from home may exacerbate mental health issues like depression
• Facility may not have staff on site 24/7 with experience in a specific condition
• Seniors may experience less social interaction

In most cases, there aren't specific assisted living options for older adults with mental health challenges. Since a majority of older adults in nursing homes already experience mental health disorders, most assisted living facilities already provide some sort of mental health support. Assisted living generally provides your senior loved one with community, memory care, security, and other services. However, the level of support varies by facility.

Pros

• Memory care units are often available on site, many with trained staff
• Sharing a home with residents lessens feelings of isolation
• Increased safety/security with CCTV, emergency response systems, and staff on-site 24/7
• Staff will call medical professionals in a medical emergency

 

Cons

• Staff may not be trained to handle specific conditions, such as psychosis
• Not all states have regulations for assisted living facilities caring for seniors with mental health problems
• There may be less medical support on-site than needed for some seniors

In-home care is nonmedical care that helps your loved one continue to live in their private home. This type of care might include assistance with activities of daily living and basic housekeeping. An in-home care worker may be able to help seniors with mental health conditions by providing companionship and being present to contact support in case of emergency.

Pros

• Seniors live in familiar surroundings
• Agency may have staff to help with common conditions, such as dementia
• Seniors can still access mental health support outside of their homes

 

Cons

• Caregivers may not be immediately available in an emergency
• Agency may not have staff trained in some conditions, such as PTSD
• Senior may struggle to bond with caregivers amid staff changes

 

There are a few things to look for and ask about when choosing an assisted living facility. These features and sticking points can make the difference between an excellent stay and a mediocre experience. Make sure to inquire about the following:

• Medication Management: Medication management might be the most crucial service in mental health assisted living. Assuring that there are systems in place to ensure your senior loved one gets the medications they need should be top of mind when touring an assisted living facility. 
• Available Therapies: Does the facility provide skilled nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy? Is there mental health counseling available? What types of therapeutic recreational activities does the facility offer?
• Accommodations: Will your senior loved one live in a private room or apartment? Will they have their own bathroom and kitchen? Is furniture provided? 
• Facilities: How many residents live in the facility, and how is it maintained? Can residents come and go as they wish? Is the facility located close to your home or your senior loved one's health care providers?

When your senior loved one begins to struggle with activities of daily living, their loss of independence may result in mental health struggles. At this point, you may want to consider senior living. 

In addition to professional mental health services and medication management, behavioral assisted living can provide socialization, community, structure, and physical activity, all of which can promote wellness and mental health. 

Make sure you scout out medication management, available therapies, accommodations, and facilities to choose the right living option for yourself or your loved one.

Many housing options are available to your senior loved one, including memory care facilities, nursing homes, independent living, and assisted living. If, like one-third of older adults nationwide, your senior loved one struggles with feelings of isolation and other challenges, mental health assisted living might be a good option. 

While figuring out how to pay for assisted living can be challenging, it's a great option for certain seniors. Assisted living facilities often provide access to services like medication management, mental health counseling, and recreational therapeutic activities. Living in communities also provides your senior loved one with community, structure, and physical activity, which can help ameliorate feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety.

• Albanese, Anita, et al. (2020). Associations between activities of daily living independence and mental health status among Medicare managed patients. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
• Gavin, Kara. (2024). 1 in 3 older adults still experience loneliness and isolation. Michigan Medicine
• Grabowski, David, et al. (2010). Quality of mental health care for nursing home residents: a literature review. Medical Care Research and Review
• Grossman, Molli. (2022). Assisted living for people with mental health disorders. Assistedliving.org
• Help end stigma and prioritize mental health for older adults. (n.d.). Makeitokay.org
• Mental health of older adults. (2023). World Health Organization
• Shaffstall, Danielle. (2022). Who qualifies for assisted living? Generations Senior Living