Myths About Senior Living

If you’re beginning to look at options for future care and living, take some time to really dig in and find answers to your questions. When you first visit the idea of moving to a senior community, you might be overwhelmed with false ideas and senior living stereotypes. Below we’ve addressed some myths about senior living that will help clear up some concerns you have about this transition... 

Myth 1: Senior Communities Take Away Independence

Myth 2: I’ll have to Leave My Hobbies Behind

Living in a senior community usually means just the opposite. Residents are encouraged to bring important and enjoyable activities with them, and share them with fellow residents and staff. Communities also foster a more active life than living alone can. Studies have shown that people who live a more engaged and active lifestyle have an improved health and outlook on life. Because your happiness is a priority, senior living communities can work with you to find activities you enjoy and give several options to meet your needs and desires. Many communities offer fitness programs, gardening, cards and board games, crafts, devotion groups, meals, and planned outings.

Myth 3: “Senior Communities” and “Assisted Living” are nice ways to say “Nursing Home”

According to SeniorHomes.com, senior “living facilities are a relatively new concept designed to serve the needs of a changing society, in which seniors live longer than ever…and prefer to live as independently as possible.” Because of this, healthcare professionals and established senior communities have recognized and addressed the importance of promoting an active lifestyle in a way that allows older adults to live in a comfortable, engaging environment. Thus, “senior communities” and “assisted living,” are really nothing like nursing homes – here older adults no longer feel as though they are a burden to family or friends, feel safe, get as much or as little medical assistance as they desire, and have the opportunity to participate in an active and healthy day-to-day life.

Myth 4: My Family is Around – So I Can Stay at Home

While it’s great to have helpful, reliable friends and family members that can assist you when needed, home care can often take a toll on those who assist you individually, and on your relationship with them. Feeling as though they are responsible for your care can make it difficult for them to continue with their day-to-day life as well as their jobs. Depending on what level of care and assistance you need or want, considering transitioning to a senior community can be one of the best things you can do not only for those around you – but for yourself. Senior communities can provide personalized care programs that are tailored to your needs; medical, mental, or physical.

Myth 5: All Living Communities are the Same

The best part about senior communities is that they come in all shapes, styles, and sizes – you’re sure to find something that will fit in with your lifestyle as well as meet your needs. From smaller apartments, to multi-bedroom apartments, to homes, there are a variety of options. Not only are the size and style of senior communities different, they offer different services and amenities. Services can vary from basic housekeeping, to assistance with daily living and personal care activities, to memory care, and so much more. Senior communities can be located in a variety of settings and vary in staff-to-resident ratio. When you’re looking at different communities, think about what is more important to you, and what type of care or services you’d like available and compare what is offered.

If you’re ready to begin comparing communities and looking at what options you have, discover which Walker Methodist Community is perfect for you.