There are many misconceptions about Assisted Living. Some people believe they will lose their independence if they move into a retirement community. There are also privacy concerns and whether residents will be bored. And here’s the most popular misconception: Some people believe they have to be sick or disabled before moving into an Assisted Living community.
Assisted Living communities are not what most people think they are. Although there are many myths about this senior living option, you may find that it’s the perfect choice for you or your loved one once you understand what Assisted Living is all about.
Misconception 1: You will be stuck in the Assisted Living community.
Many people think that once you move into Assisted Living, you will be stuck and won’t be able to head out of the community. They have the idea that the retirement community is a place where people go to live out their remaining years with minimal freedom. However, this could not be further from the truth!
Although residents in Assisted Living often need some form of assistance with activities of daily living, most Assisted Living communities offer residents the freedom to remain or head out of the community as they please. This senior living option benefits residents who want to maintain their independence and live active lifestyles.
Assisted Living communities often enforce some measures to ensure the safety of their residents. For example, many communities require residents to sign in and out when they leave and return. However, this measure should not be viewed as a restriction as it is put in place to protect the residents and not to keep them locked away. As such, this should not be misconstrued as not allowing residents to leave the community.
Misconception 2: There’s no privacy in the Assisted Living community.
There’s a common misconception that you won’t have your own private space in Assisted Living communities. Again, this couldn’t be further from the truth. Assisted Living communities offer various senior living floor plans for residents, from one- or two-bedroom apartments to private rooms in shared suites.
In Assisted Living communities, team members are available to help residents with whatever they need. However, they also respect the residents’ wishes to remain independent and will only enter their apartments with the residents’ knowledge and consent.
Misconception 3: You will be lonely and bored in the Assisted Living community.
Assisted Living communities typically have a variety of senior living amenities that residents can enjoy, including swimming pools, fitness centers, games rooms and gardens. In addition, many communities organize activities and events such as movie nights, game nights, or outings to local museums or other areas of interest. And if you’re not interested in participating in any of the planned activities, you can always pursue your interests.
Misconception 4: Assisted Living is for disabled and sick older adults.
In an Assisted Living community, residents who need assistance with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and eating are given the help and support they need from team members in the community. However, this does not mean that they are disabled or sick! Residents in Assisted Living are independent individuals who remain active and will take part in different community activities and events. They are also provided with many opportunities to mingle and socialize with others. At the same time, they enjoy peace of mind knowing that someone is always nearby in case they need help.
Many older people choose to move into retirement communities because of the hassle-free lifestyle and vibrant senior living environment. If you or a loved one is thinking about moving to an Assisted Living community, we encourage you to visit a few communities to get a feel for what they are like. Choosing the right Assisted Living community can make a world of difference! Get to know the team members and have a chat with some of the residents. You may be surprised by how much you or your loved one will enjoy Assisted Living.
