Can you be in assisted living with a catheter? Here's what to know

Oct 19, 2025 4 min read •

senior care assisted living

Millions of older adults live with urinary incontinence, and for many, a catheter is a necessary medical device. Yes, you can be in assisted living with a catheter, but the level of support varies significantly by facility and state regulations.

Quick Summary

Accommodating residents with catheters is possible in assisted living facilities, though it depends on the resident's independence and specific state regulations. Some facilities and state licenses require additional nursing services or coordination with outside agencies for more complex care.

Key Points

Eligibility Varies: Assisted living eligibility for a person with a catheter depends on the facility's licensing, the resident's independence, and state regulations.
Levels of Care: Some facilities offer basic assistance, while complex procedures like insertion often require a third-party home health agency.
Care Needs Assessment: A facility must assess the resident's specific needs to ensure they can provide adequate care and determine the level of assistance required.
Cost Considerations: Care for a catheter may incur significant additional fees, especially if outside nursing services are needed, which can add thousands to the monthly cost.
Skilled Nursing vs. Assisted Living: For complex, round-the-clock medical care, a skilled nursing facility may be more appropriate than assisted living.
Resident Dignity: Proper catheter care in assisted living includes respecting the resident's privacy and dignity while promoting independence.

Can Assisted Living Facilities Provide Catheter Care?

Yes, many assisted living facilities (ALFs) are equipped to support residents who use catheters, but the specifics depend on several factors. State regulations govern the scope of care that assisted living communities can legally provide. Unlike skilled nursing facilities, which are equipped for around-the-clock medical care, ALFs primarily offer support with daily living activities. For catheter users, this often means the facility can assist with less complex tasks like emptying drainage bags and general hygiene, but more involved procedures like insertion or sterile irrigation may need external professional nursing services.

The Importance of a Care Needs Assessment

Before a resident with a catheter can be admitted, the facility will conduct a thorough assessment of their medical needs. This evaluation helps determine if the resident's needs align with the care services the facility is licensed to provide. The assessment will consider:

Type of catheter: Different types, such as indwelling (Foley), intermittent, or external (condom) catheters, require varying levels of care.
Resident's independence: The resident's ability to self-manage their catheter is a major factor. Some may need minimal help, while others may require significant assistance.
Risk of complications: A history of urinary tract infections (UTIs) or other catheter-related issues may indicate a higher level of care is needed.
State licensing: The facility's specific license and state regulations will dictate which services can be offered in-house and which require third-party providers.

Understanding the Different Types of Catheter Care in Assisted Living

The type of catheter care needed directly influences whether an assisted living facility can accommodate a resident. It also affects the cost and logistics of care delivery.

Self-Managed Catheter Care

For many residents, particularly those using intermittent catheters who are cognitively and physically able, self-care is a viable option. In these cases, the assisted living staff can provide reminders and support, but the resident performs the procedure themselves. This approach preserves independence and can lower overall care costs.

Assisted Catheter Care

Some ALFs have staff, often with a limited nursing services license, who can provide hands-on help with catheter maintenance. This typically includes assistance with hygiene, emptying drainage bags, and monitoring for signs of infection. The extent of this assistance is strictly defined by state law and the facility's specific license.

Third-Party Catheter Care

When a resident needs more advanced or sterile procedures, such as catheter insertion or complex maintenance, the facility often cannot provide this care directly. Instead, they will coordinate with a third-party home health or nursing agency. A licensed nurse from the outside agency will visit the resident to perform the necessary tasks. This arrangement comes with an added cost, and it's essential to understand the facility's policies and potential fees upfront.

Assisted Living vs. Skilled Nursing for Catheter Care

For families exploring their options, it is crucial to understand the difference between an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) and a Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF), especially regarding catheter care.


Feature	Assisted Living Facility (ALF)	Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF)
Level of Care	Primarily personal care, social activities; some limited medical services.	Provides 24/7 medical supervision and complex nursing care.
Catheter Care	Support with hygiene and drainage bag emptying; often requires outside nursing for insertion/replacement.	Can provide all aspects of catheter care, including complex and sterile procedures, in-house.
Environment	More residential, apartment-style setting; promotes independence.	More clinical, hospital-like setting; for those needing intensive medical oversight.
Cost	Varies by state and care needed; advanced catheter care often adds significant fees.	Typically higher cost due to 24/7 medical staff; may be covered more by insurance for skilled services.
Best For...	Individuals who are mostly independent but need help with certain daily activities.	Individuals with complex or unstable medical conditions requiring continuous medical attention.

Important Considerations When Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

If you or a loved one needs catheter care, finding the right ALF requires careful research. Ask specific questions during facility tours and interviews to ensure they can meet your needs.

Ask about staff training: Inquire if staff receive specific training on catheter care, hygiene protocols, and monitoring for infection.
Understand the costs: Clarify if there are extra fees for catheter-related assistance and if they require third-party services, which would be an additional expense.
Review facility policies: Ask for a copy of their policies regarding resident medical needs and catheter management. Ensure they can legally and competently provide the necessary care.
Talk to current residents or families: Seek feedback from others who have experience with the facility's care for residents with similar medical devices.

Maintaining Dignity and Quality of Life

Living with a catheter in an assisted living setting should not mean sacrificing dignity or a high quality of life. Facilities with compassionate and well-trained staff will emphasize person-centered care. This includes respecting privacy during hygiene routines and supporting residents emotionally. Activities and social engagement should remain a priority, with staff ensuring proper positioning of drainage bags and providing discreet assistance when needed. Staying hydrated, maintaining a healthy diet, and regular monitoring for signs of complications are all part of maintaining overall well-being. Open communication between the resident, family, and care team is the cornerstone of ensuring comfort and effective management.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an individual can be in assisted living with a catheter, provided the facility's licensing and care capabilities align with their specific medical needs. While many facilities can offer basic support, complex care often requires coordination with an external home health agency. Families must conduct thorough research, ask the right questions, and understand the associated costs and regulations. With the right facility and a collaborative approach, a catheter user can thrive, maintaining their independence and dignity within an assisted living community. For more information on understanding senior care, consider consulting resources like the National Institute on Aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Assisted living staff can typically provide support with daily hygiene, emptying drainage bags, and monitoring for signs of infection. Complex medical tasks like catheter insertion or irrigation generally require a licensed nurse from an outside agency, depending on state regulations.

Not necessarily. While some facilities may not be equipped to handle complex catheter care, many can accommodate residents, particularly if the individual is able to manage the catheter independently or if supplemental nursing services can be arranged.

When touring facilities, you should ask directly about their policies on catheter care, staff training, and the use of third-party nursing services. Inquiring about state licensing requirements and checking for any added fees is also crucial.

Catheter care in an assisted living facility often incurs extra charges, which can add significantly to the monthly bill, especially if outside nursing is needed. In a skilled nursing facility, the higher base cost typically covers extensive medical care, including catheter management.

An indwelling (Foley) catheter remains in place continuously, requiring management of a drainage bag. Intermittent catheterization involves inserting and removing a catheter periodically. The resident's ability to self-manage these different types greatly influences the level of care needed from staff.

To ensure dignified care, families should look for facilities that emphasize person-centered care and respect for privacy. Regular communication with staff, being involved in the care plan, and providing emotional support to the resident are all key steps.

Families and staff should monitor for signs of infection or complications, such as fever, cloudy or foul-smelling urine, bladder spasms, or redness and swelling around the insertion site. Any issues should be reported to a healthcare provider promptly.

References

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.