The decision to move your loved one to a senior living community is not one to be taken lightly. There are a lot of elements that contribute to this decision, such as the level of care your senior loved one needs, the lifestyle he or she wishes to keep up, and his or her current living situation. A significant part of this choice is finding a senior living community that fits all of you and your loved one’s needs.
Senior living communities carry with them a reputation that makes this transition unappealing. There are myths about these communities that are simply not true and tend to keep caregivers from considering them as a viable option for their parent or loved one.
Brickmont Assisted Living wants to shed light on these myths and debunk them once and for all, helping you to make an informed decision.
Myth #1:
Residents Have Nothing to Do and Just Sit Around
A major misconception and myth about senior living communities is that seniors have nothing to do but sit around day in and day out. This myth is just that, a myth! Senior living communities fill each day of the week with a wide range of activities that cater to multiple interests and are sure to keep your loved one busy and having fun.
View an example activities calendar from one of Brickmont Assisted Living communities in Georgia!
Myth #2:
Seniors Are Lonely and Have No Social Life
The culture of senior living communities is built around the idea of providing seniors with numerous opportunities to meet new people, form friendships, and promote socialization.
If you are worried that your loved one residing in a senior living community will keep you or other family members or friends from seeing him or her, fear not. Many communities welcome and even encourage family and friends to not only visit but also participate in events and activities.
Rest assured that your loved one will be far from lonely if he or she lives in a senior living community!
Myth #3:
Seniors Experience a Loss of Their Independence
Many senior living communities offer varying levels of provided care ranging from independent living to assisted living to more in-depth caregiving. Seniors residing in a senior living community can determine how much or how little care he or she wants and needs.
Independence is not lost. In fact, seniors may even feel more independent. With everyday chores such as cooking being taken care of for them, the senior has more free time to spend doing something that he or she enjoys and would not typically be able to do if he or she lived alone.
The level of care and assistance received is up to the senior and their family. Finding a community that meets your care needs is the first step. Brickmont Assisted Living offers a variety of care levels. Click here to learn more about what we have to offer your parent or loved one.
Myth #4:
The Food is Terrible
When you think of the food served in a senior living community, what do you think of? Perhaps the image that came to mind was a dimly lit cafeteria with trays sliding down rails, getting served indistinguishable food plopped. You are not alone. This is the common misconception and myth surrounding the food served in senior living communities.
However, this image could not be less true. More and more communities are opting to hire professional chefs that create and cook menus, with choices that please even the pickiest of eaters!
Myth #5:
Senior Living Communities are Expensive
The sticker price of a senior apartment in a community can seem steep at first glance, but it’s important to consider all the services and amenities that price includes. Depending on the community, rent, meals, utilities, maintenance, and care can all be included in one price. The rate will vary, of course, depending on the size of the room or senior apartment, the level of care provided, and the pricing system of the community.
When factoring in the costs of maintaining a traditional home (repairs, upkeep, etc.), the cost of senior living is not much different. Not to mention, there is far less stress!
Making the transition to assisted living can be daunting, but if you do your research, you will find the community that fits you and your loved one’s needs and makes both of you feel safe and at home.
If there are other myths about senior living that we did not cover, we encourage you to contact one of our Brickmont Assisted Living communities throughout Georgia. We would love to highlight all the wonderful benefits senior living can offer!
.png){kind=logo}