#1. People are living longer than ever before
With huge advancements in the healthcare fields over the past decade or so, people are not just living longer but they are healthier and more active even in their later years.
#2. Seniors cherish their independence
Most seniors are fiercely independent. They want to be able to do their own chores and manage all aspects of their lives as independently as they can for as long as they can. They do not like the idea of being dependent. What they do look forward to is the company of friends and family.
#3. Assisted Living is not a nursing home
Assisted living is a new concept that gives seniors the independence and company they crave for while still providing the assistance that is often necessary as you get older. In an assisted living facility, seniors get the level of help they need while still getting the freedom to do whatever they can on their own. This is a brilliant way to handle the many challenges that aging inevitably brings.
#4. Assisted Living is not just about senior healthcare
Assisted living does not just address the healthcare needs of seniors. It also addresses their social, mental and emotional needs. At an assisted living facility, seniors get to socialize with others who are around the same age as them. They participate in activities and go on outings that are planned keeping in mind their age and capabilities.
#5. Assisted living is stress-free
The biggest obstacle for seniors living on their own is how to get their daily tasks done. When they live on their own, they have to attend to cleaning, grocery shopping, cooking, dishwashing and endless other chores. In assisted living, all of these are taken care of. Seniors can cook if they want to but nothing is forced. Having a choice takes away the stress.
#6. Choosing senior living is often the more practical option
While the first preference may be to live with their kids, it is not often practical. Everyone has their own job and family commitments that make it impossible to give their aging parents the care and company that they need. Assisted living acts as a practical path where kids know that their parents are being well looked after and they can still make time to visit often.
#7. Staying active can stall premature aging
Seniors may not have the energy levels of a twenty-year-old but getting some physical exercise on a regular basis can do much to stay healthy and independent longer.
#8. Even financially, assisted living beats living alone at home
It may sound expensive when you consider how much you have to pay monthly to avail of assisted living. However, when you consider that it takes care of everything, it more than pays for itself. You don’t have to pay for utilities, home repairs, lawn maintenance or appliance replacements.
#9. Homecare can be expensive
Many seniors choose to live at home and receive home care. This can be expensive and stressful as you still have to do all of your chores yourself and if you need emergency care, those costs can skyrocket.
#10. Most people do not factor in how much long-term care is going to cost them
Nobody knows when they may need long-term care. An accident or illness can strike any time at any age and the risk increases with age. Unfortunately, statistics show that most people do not make any arrangements for long term care. Making plans for these contingencies is important so that the necessary care is not out of reach.
