When you were young and played the “Telephone” game, it was amusing to see how a message became more and more distorted as it was passed on. Unfortunately, facts can get turned around about almost anything, and when the subject is something as important as a senior living option, you need to be sure you have all the facts.
Understanding assisted living and its benefits is vital when you are trying to decide between staying home, or making a move.
Debunking assisted living myths
Myth: Assisted living is another word for nursing home.
Fact: Absolutely untrue!
A nursing home provides the highest level of care. Nursing homes may also be referred to as a skilled nursing facility, long-term care facilities, care homes, rest homes, convalescent homes or convalescent care. Assisted living is a vibrant environment that promotes independence and offers the reassurance of assistance when needed with tasks of daily living. Residents are free to go about their day as they please. The focus is on a healthy social environment with a full calendar of activities as well as amenities that allow each person to pursue their interests, make friends, and stay connected.
Myth: Assisted living is only for the disabled.
Fact: Assisted living is for people who require some daily assistance, but still enjoy a level of independence.
People who wait for a sudden life change, such as a stroke or a fall, will likely not be admitted into assisted living. Skilled nursing is designed for that. Assisted living communities do offer different levels of supportive care that can be tailored to individual needs. In some cases, it might be an occasional helping hand. In others, daily assistance with bathing, dressing, medication reminders and more might be needed.
Myth: Assisted living takes away your freedom.
Fact: Assisted living frees you to enjoy each day fully.
This is one of the assisted living myths that really needs clarification. Living in a home, there’s always something to repair or worry about. Move to assisted living and that goes away. You’re free to explore new possibilities, travel, see friends, learn something new, and simply relax without worrying about repairing a roof or scheduling lawn maintenance. You also keep your personal freedom, coming and going as you choose, with a key for your residence.
Myth: Assisted living is more expensive than living at home.
Truth: Once you factor in the true costs of owning a home, assisted living can be more cost efficient.
At first glance, it might seem like staying home is more economical. But when you consider utilities, insurance, repairs, taxes, and general upkeep, you begin to see that even a home without a mortgage can be costly. Plus, you might have to retrofit it to accommodate any changes in your health needs, such as adding grab bars, handrails, a ramp or other safety features.
Myth: Assisted living is boring.
Truth: Assisted living gives you lots of ways to have fun.
Talk about misperceptions! Assisted living is anything but boring. From cooking demos, sightseeing tours and movies, to concerts, painting classes and happy hours, the activities calendar is always full. You might just find yourself busier than ever!
Don’t let assisted living myths stop you from enjoying this supportive lifestyle.
Assisted living provides 24-hour access to personal care, as well as nutrition and wellness services designed specifically for older adults. Seniors can enjoy social contact, security and support while still maintaining their independence. Assisted living is a great intermediate step for seniors who need more help than the family can provide at home, but who don’t need the round-the-clock medical care of a nursing facility. There’s lots to do—and lots of reasons why it might be the right solution for you and your family.
A fulfilling new approach to assisted living awaits you at Peregrine Senior Living
Moving yourself, or a loved one, to an assisted living community can be a positive experience for everyone involved. Learn more about what it means to do assisted living The Peregrine Way™. Download our free guide Home Care vs. Senior Living: Should you stay or should you go? We are here for you.
