Senior assisted living communities provide a major value to the communities they serve. They empower seniors to live as independently as possible, while still getting a level of senior care that makes sense based on their personal needs. The vast majority of high-quality senior living communities work hard to ensure seniors feel at home and supported throughout retirement.
But, senior care communities often get a bad reputation. One poorly managed facility creates skepticism industry-wide. And, it’s common for news stories and gossip to feed into the frenzy. By understanding some of the common myths surrounding senior care and assisted living, you can feel more confident and informed when making decisions for your future or the future of your loved one.
Top 5 Myths About Assisted Living Services
1. Assisted Living is Only for Terminally Ill or Disabled Seniors
One of the biggest misconceptions about assisted living communities is the care they provide. Quality assisted living communities are designed to offer varying degrees of support based on an individual resident’s needs. The goal is to provide residents with assistance in tasks associated with daily living, while also providing them the independence they need to find fulfillment in their retirement years. In most cases, when a resident is terminally ill or disabled, they move into a nursing care community.
2. Assisted Living Leads to a Loss of Independence
This is a common concern among seniors, but it is not necessarily accurate. While it’s true that the amount of support they receive with daily living increases, the goal is to allow seniors to find independence through socialization, outings, and by exploring new hobbies in a safe and supportive environment. Plus, by preventing injuries and treating health concerns, assisted living communities help seniors live more fulfilling lives.
3. Living in a Community Means a Loss of Privacy
In reality, the best assisted living communities are thoughtfully designed to allow residents to maintain their privacy, while also providing an assortment of common areas to encourage socialization. Senior living apartments are always private, spacious and have separate entrances. They typically also offer additional space for family and friends to visit.
4. You Get What You Pay For
Relying solely on price to determine the quality of an assisted living community can be deceiving. The cost of living at a senior living community can vary greatly based on amenities, room sizes and other details. Quality senior care can be found at a variety of price points, so be sure to do your research and visit the assisted living facility to tour the grounds and understand exactly where your money is going.
5. Seniors in Assisted Living Feel Abandoned by Family Members
This is often a common concern of caregivers. This is entirely not true. High quality assisted living communities offer a variety of social activities for seniors to engage in alongside other residents. They also offer common areas that encourage socialization and in many cases, staff members become an extension of family over time. Family members can rest assured that their loved one is gaining independence and finding fulfillment.
The best thing you can do when it comes to assisted living communities is to do your research. Schedule tours at different times throughout the day, investigate reviews and get a full understanding of what they provide to the seniors who reside there.
Enriching the Lives of Seniors at Peregrine Senior Living
Don’t believe the myths about senior living. Peregrine Senior Living is revolutionizing the aging process through unsurpassed care. It is our goal to enrich the lives of seniors through mind, body and spirit. Learn more about our approach and tour our community in person. Contact us today.
