There are a lot of myths and misconceptions surrounding senior living and assisted senior facilities. We’ve come a long way since senior living facilities were first introduced in the US in the late 1970s, and many of these myths and misconceptions are no longer true. Still not convinced? Keep reading to find out more!
1. Senior living is expensive
The current cost of senior living facilities is surprisingly affordable. And when you consider the facilities that are provided as well as the level of personal and medical care that residents receive it’s easy to see that it is well worth it.
2. Seniors give up their independence
Senior care facilities offer residents a variety of indoor and outdoor activities to participate. Residents can choose to participate in any planned activity that they want or they can choose to spend their time anyway they want. They are free to make their own choices as long as they make safe choices.
3. No one comes to visit
Many senior living facilities and assisted living facilities encourage family to visit their loved ones. They often hold special events around holidays and these are open for residents to invite family, friends, and loved ones to come and celebrate and visit.
4. No healthy person really needs a senior living facility or community
This is a major misconception. Those who choose to move to a senior living community often do so because they would rather not have to worry about home maintenance, shopping, and other daily chores. Many seniors opt to move to specialty seniors-only communities for the sense of community, independence, and, when the time comes for specialized care, they may move to the on-site facility if they ever need to.
5. No pets allowed
Many senior living communities encourage residents to keep their pets if they have them, and most pets are welcomed to the facility and seen as just another member of the community.
6. It’s so institutional
Senior living communities are more like gated communities – residents often have small cottages or apartments that they feel right at home in. Some have even opted to bring furniture from their homes and to decorate the independent senior living facility’s cottage or town house so they feel at home.
7. You can’t work
If you are able to work and would prefer to live in a senior living community, there are no prohibitions to this. Some people choose to work after retirement, while others prefer not to work to enjoy retirement to the fullest.
8. No special events are planned
Quite the contrary. Special events are planned for most cultural and religious festivals. Residents can even assist with the planning of these events if they want to.
9. I’m retired, but I’m too young to live there or move in there
Even those who have opted for early retirement and would prefer to move in are certainly permitted to move to a senior living facility. Senior communities have separate housing for their healthy and more active residents, and when the time comes to move to the facility, the move is so much easier.
10. I’m perfectly healthy and don’t need to move
Many senior living communities house “younger” seniors who have few or no health issues. Moreover, it’s not always health issues that trigger the move to senior living. It’s all the other benefits that often act as the motivating factor.
Senior living isn’t what it used to be so your fears may be unfounded. It’s worth making an appointment and checking out a few facilities to dispel the old myths and learn the facts about senior living.
