Whether or not to move from home to a senior living community is undoubtedly one of the biggest decisions a person can make. With all the emotions over leaving home, the range of options to consider, and navigating the circumstances prompting you to make the decision; the last thing you need on your plate is a misunderstanding about what senior living offers. Unfortunately, myths abound when it comes to senior living, often creating hesitancy about a lifestyle that’s actually filled with benefits to help you make the most of life. We won’t let you miss out. Check out what’s fact versus fiction in senior living today.
Fiction: The environment in a senior living community feels more like a hospital than home.
Fact: While in the past senior living had more of a clinical focus, as perceptions of aging have evolved so have these communities. We know firsthand how active, fun, and purpose-filled life can continue to be regardless of age so that focus has expanded across the industry. Senior living communities today feel more like resorts with beautiful grounds, maintenance-free living, plentiful amenities and a lifestyle that focuses on all aspects of wellness, not just the physical.
Fiction: You’ll give up your independence if you move to senior living.
Fact: The reality is that you may actually have more independence than you would at home. How? Oftentimes, when seniors need help at home, they have to call friends, family and neighbors. Eventually, that can leave them feeling like a burden. In senior living, that’s not an issue because everything is right outside your door and support is always at hand should you need it - which we find helps our residents to feel more empowered and comfortable than they have in a long time. The environment also fosters independence by providing choices in everything from accommodations to support services to how you spend your time each day.
Fiction: In senior living, you’ll be lonely with nothing to do.
Fact: Nothing could be further from the truth. In fact, the social aspect of senior living is often one of the biggest draws. Not only are friends, neighbors and care staff always nearby, but we also provide a range of activities to help you stay active, connected and engaged with life. For example, our monthly calendar includes social events, exercise programs, classes, clubs, live music and entertainment, game nights, group outings, religious services, volunteer opportunities, and more!
Fiction: You can forget about privacy in senior living.
Fact: In the past, senior living may have offered mostly shared accommodations, but that’s far from the case today. For example, our communities feature spacious private residences in studio, 1- and 2-bedroom floor plans. But you also have plenty of space to get away from it all in any number of lovely indoor and outdoor spaces around campus.
Fiction: You should only consider senior living if you’re sick and unable to care for yourself.
Fact: You’d be surprised how many people who move to senior living today while perfectly healthy! As we indicated above, communities now support all aspects of wellness including physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual through a lifestyle filled with opportunities to stay active, connected and engaged. Plus, maintenance-free living means the burdens of home and yard upkeep, cooking and housekeeping are now removed from your shoulders, you have more time to enjoy life. Here you’ll have all the resources to support healthy aging and peace of mind that increasing levels of support are available should your health needs evolve.
Fiction: Senior living isn’t affordable for most people.
Fact: Not only is senior living more affordable than you may think, but it can also actually be less expensive than staying at home. First of all, when most people compare the cost of senior living to home, they are comparing the community’s monthly rent with their own mortgage or rent. But that actually leaves out quite a bit from the equation when your total monthly cost of living at home also includes food, utilities, home maintenance, property taxes, insurance, and entertainment as well. Not to mention the cost of at-home care if you’re using that. Why does that matter? These costs ARE typically included in the monthly cost of senior living! When you compare apples to apples so to speak, you may pay less in senior living. What’s more, there are also a number of options which may be able to help you pay for senior living.
For more information, download our Stay or Go Guide to help you decide between care at home or in senior living or contact us today to schedule a tour.
