Although it is almost always a good decision, moving to assisted living can be a big change. One of the biggest sources of stress regarding the move is the uncertainty and fear of not knowing what to expect.
Assisted living communities have come a long way since the old “nursing home” communities of the past. Read on to learn about the common myths about assisted living.
Myth 1: All Assisted Living Communities Are the Same
Assisted living communities come in all shapes and sizes. Some emphasize an active lifestyle with activities and busy schedules, while others create a more relaxing environment for a slower pace of life.
No matter how you are looking to enjoy your retirement, you can find an assisted living community that meets your specific wants and needs.
Myth 2: Assisted Living Means Loss of Independence
Some seniors think that moving to assisted living means losing their independence while living at home. Nothing could be further from the truth. You are still in charge of your schedule in an assisted living community.
The benefit is that assistance is there when you want it. Assisted living gives you the flexibility to be as independent as you want to be.
Myth 3: Assisted Living Is Very Expensive
A common myth about assisted living is that it is too expensive and thus out of reach for many seniors. However, when you think of all that is required to keep up with homeownership, the costs start to add up.
In addition, several programs and options through private insurance can make the cost more affordable.
Myth 4: There Is No Privacy
It is understandable to be concerned about privacy in an assisted living community, especially compared to the privacy you enjoy at home. However, assisted living communities prioritize privacy and offer very private living quarters for residents.
The space is yours, and you’ll never have an unwanted visitor without your prior consent and knowledge.
Myth 5: Assisted Living Is Boring
Assisted living is the opposite of boring. Communities are full of neighbors with whom you probably have much in common.
Additionally, there are a variety of activities, clubs, and life enrichment programs that can keep you entertained and busy year-round. In assisted living, you may find yourself more active and more fulfilled than you ever were living alone.
Myth 6: Assisted Living Is Only for the Very Old and Disabled
You may be surprised to know that the residents transitioning to assisted living are trending younger and younger. Residents as young as their 50s are transitioning due to the convenience and amenities assisted living offers.
Assisted living communities are not just for the very elderly and disabled. They accommodate all types of seniors, including healthy seniors looking to stay active.
Myth 7: Assisted Living Requires Adherence to a Strict Schedule
One of the benefits of living at home is managing your own schedule. Some seniors think they will lose this benefit when they transition to assisted living, but that is not true. In assisted living, you have full control over your own schedule.
You can pick and choose which activities and events you want to attend, go off campus when you want, and continue to manage your daily schedule as you please.
Myth 8: Assisted Living = Institutionalization
Today, assisted living communities are comfortable and feel more like home than an institution. Communities are designed for convenience and privacy and often include high-end amenities, including:
- Elegant dining rooms
- Bright hallways
- Zen-like outdoor patios
- Gardening spaces
- Laundry facilities
- Libraries
- Pool tables
You’ll feel right at home and quickly settle into your new environment in assisted living.
Myth 9: Seniors in Assisted Living Lose Contact with Friends and Family
Many seniors worry about being lonely in assisted living, and for a good reason. Feelings of loneliness can have real negative physical effects on seniors. However, moving to assisted living does not mean that anything has to change regarding your relationships with friends and family.
Not only can you travel off-site whenever you please, but assisted living communities are extremely visitor-friendly and offer both common and private areas for hosting.
Myth 10: The Food Is Bad
One of the most overlooked benefits of senior living is the convenience of having nutritious meals provided each day, as well as snacks and beverages when you want them.
Senior living communities not only produce delicious food, but they do so in a way that is convenient for residents. From dining halls to grab-and-go options, you’ll spend less time grocery shopping and meal prepping, and more time on the things you like to do.
The Truth About Assisted Living
The truth about assisted living is that it’s almost always a positive experience for the residents who choose to make the switch. Assisted living offers a sense of community that is otherwise hard to find, and residents often find themselves more fulfilled, less lonely, and happier.
