Top Myths of Senior Assisted Living

Senior assisted living communities are designed to empower individuals to maintain the independence they have come to enjoy, while allowing for convenient access to assistance, activities and companionship. Communities work hard to ensure that seniors feel right at home.

Despite the great advantages of community living, making the decision to move is a difficult one for many seniors and their families. Listed below are some common myths about senior assisted living that may help you understand the benefits of this living option.

1. COMMUNITY LIVING MEANS LOSING PRIVACY & INDEPENDENCE

Truth: You’ll have your own space without the hassles. Privacy and independence should be maintained when living in a senior assisted living community. Most communities provide you with a choice of spacious apartments with different floor plans and separate entrances. You are free to furnish your apartment with your own furniture and personal items. The doors to your apartment lock and are controlled by you. You should also feel at home and absolutely secure in your environment.

2. MOVING AWAY FROM FAMILY MEANS NO ONE WILL BE AROUND TO HELP

Truth: Communities have built in safety and security measures along with 24-hour staff. Senior assisted living communities are designed to reduce the worry that often comes from living alone. Features are in place to respond quickly and immediately to you in the event that you need someone to help you.

3. MOVING TO A COMMUNITY MEANS SAYING GOODBYE TO HOBBIES SUCH AS GARDENING

Truth: Community life usually means that seniors are more active than they were living alone. Many facilities have gardening programs for residents in addition to fitness programs, bingo, cards, and book clubs.Studies have shown that people who are active and engaged are healthier and happier. Extensive activity programs give all residents options and choices tailored to their specific needs, desires, and even lifestyle. These programs reduce the isolation felt when living alone.

As we get older, our lives change-often in unexpected ways. You don’t have to be alone in facing these changes. Senior assisted living is a viable option and can enhance your quality of life empowering you to live that life the way you want to.

4. Paying for Senior Living Is More Expensive Than Living at Home.

Truth: Some families looking into senior living are often surprised by the “sticker shock” of monthly rates. While cost varies depending on apartment size or levels of care, the average cost of senior living is often comparable or even less than receiving the same services and support at home. Even for those who have paid off their mortgage, homeownership is still costly. Consider insurance, taxes, upkeep and repairs, utilities, emergency expenses, etc. At a senior living community, everything is included in one convenient rate – not to mention the convenience of having entertainment, social events, housekeeping services and care support if every needed right at your fingertips.

5. I Won’t Be Able to Personalize My Space.

Truth: While it’s true that a community probably won’t allow you to paint the walls or refinish the bathroom tiles to match your towels, most communities encourage residents to decorate their suites with personal items and pictures and bring along their own pieces of furniture if they wish. Downsizing to a smaller home can be a difficult task, but most senior living communities won’t make you sacrifice your style and taste in the process.