There are a lot of myths and misinformation about senior living communities. Questions like when should you move to senior living? What are senior communities like? or even how much does senior living cost? These questions can feel more confusing given all the myths and false impressions swirling around out there.
Many people are surprised to learn the most senior living communities are not at all what they imagined. We have compiled a list of the most common myths and questions about senior living to help you get all the facts, and break the stigmas that surround senior living and retirement communities.
We know the myth - that everyone in senior communities sits around twiddling their thumbs or staring at the walls all day. But that could not be further from the truth. A good senior living home will offer a wide range of activities and events for residents to participate in at their leisure.
Communities will have daily activities that cater to a variety of interests and needs, like exercise classes, arts and crafts, or sport related events. Clubs, groups, and weekly activities are also common. Examples include games nights, playing bingo with friends, spiritual gatherings, or happy hours.
Most communities also host special events - these may be ongoing monthly events, or one-offs for holidays and special occasions. Popular events include luaus, holiday parties, summer barbecues, carnivals, candle-lit dinners, and everything in between.
A good community will have an active social and activity calendar so residents can pick and choose how they want to get involved. It is a great way for seniors to find community and enjoy the social aspects of senior living.
Unfortunately, many people are under the wrong impression that senior living homes are designed only for those who can no longer live alone, need round-the-clock personal care, or require full time nursing.
Senior living communities and retirement living homes are varied, and offer a wide range of services and senior care options.
Independent Living communities are much like regular housing communities but offer services like housekeeping, laundry, and dining options. They also have the added draw of community living which is a great way for older adults to stay social.
Assisted Living facilities can include a range of services from daily or weekly needs, to occasional assistance. Medication management, mobility assistance, and housekeeping are just some of the options available.
Care ranges significantly depending on the need. In some communities assistance can also include in house caregivers, skilled nursing services, or any number of optional therapeutic and health care services.
Many communities allow you to pick and choose the level of care that work best for you, and transition from one care level to the next as needed.
Learn more about different Senior Living Care Levels here
Many people incorrectly think that moving into a senior living community means giving up their independence. Senior housing communities actually allow a great deal of independence and choice.
These communities encourage residents to practice their independence from going on outings, to choosing their own meals, joining in groups, activities or events as they like, and making friends with fellow residents.
Having staff on site allows residents to exercise even more autonomy within their new home, giving loved ones peace of mind that the residents’ well-being and independence are top priorities.
Isolation and loneliness is one of the biggest concerns that older adults face, but senior living communities are actually a great way to combat this. By nature, senior homes are communities designed to bring seniors together.
Their variety of activities, programs, classes, excursions and events encourage residents to engage with one another, try new things, and make meaningful bonds. These connections with others can enhance their quality of life.
The best part is all these activities are optional, so residents can join in at their comfort level, and find others that like the same interests they do. Being part of a senior living community is often a lot less lonely for seniors than living in their own homes.
You can read more about ways to combat loneliness here.
While there is a stigma - much like ‘hospital food’ - that meals in senior living communities are not very good, this is no longer true. Meals can be some of the most meaningful parts in a senior’s day, and they are often something that residents look forward to.
Friends will meet over breakfast, or come together at dinner time to share their day with one another. Meals have come a long way in senior living establishments, and they are now wonderfully prepared chef creations.
Many communities focus on health, nutrition and wellness, using fresh ingredients and made-by-hand recipes to ensure their residents get only the best meals.
While initial fees can make it seem like senior homes are more expensive, at first, it is important to think of the costs of senior living as a whole. There are a lot of costs a homeowner pays in a year that can be easily missed when comparing monthly pricing.
In a senior living community, utilities are often included, as are home maintenance charges and nursing care options. Residents don’t have to worry about property taxes, home upkeep, or things like at home care.
When added together, senior living communities often save residents money in the long term.
Learn more about the costs of senior living here.
Whether you are considering senior living options for yourself or a loved one, a senior home can be a great option.
From providing excellent care, to being a place to socialize, exert independence, and enjoy quality food, senior living communities have come a long way from the early ideas of nursing homes or retirement facilities.
Senior living is a maintenance-free lifestyle that is all about the community, offering a true sense of family and home to residents.
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