In a previous article, we looked at 8 common senior living myths and misconceptions. And we looked at the realities behind them all.
But that was just the tip of the iceberg! There are many more out there. And it’s important to know about all of them so you can make an informed decision about whether or not senior living is the right choice for you. Below, we look at 7 more common myths and misconceptions about senior living communities. As you’ll see, they are just that… myths and misconceptions.
So, without further ado, look at them and, more importantly, look at the truth behind each…
Myth #1: Senior living communities don’t have privacy.
The residents at senior living communities have the choice of how much or how little privacy they want each day. For the most part, staff members and other residents will respect the privacy of the seniors there. So if there are times you’d like some alone time, you should have no issue finding a private area you can be on your own.
Myth #2: Seniors can’t personalize their own living space.
Most communities allow – and even encourage – seniors to decorate their own suites with personal items. This includes your own furniture, family photos, memorabilia and more. There may be certain restrictions such as painting the walls and refinishing the bathroom tiles, but seniors are still allowed to make certain “personalizations” as they please.
Myth #3: Senior living communities are just for seniors who need help taking care of themselves.
Nope. Not true. You don’t have to wait that long. Senior living communities can be a great option for seniors who are still perfectly capable of taking care of themselves. The potential costs savings and other benefits just make senior living an excellent choice for them. The convenience and relatively care free lifestyle is also what attracts many to senior living communities.
Myth #4: Seniors will be lonely.
Seniors in retirement homes and communities are often surrounded by caring people. Even in an independent senior living community where seniors have their own apartment or other housing, they are still surrounded by staff and other residents in the community.
Myth #5: Residents at senior living communities are dissatisfied with senior living.
There’s research that shows otherwise. According to a survey conducted by the Assisted Living Federation of America or ALFA, 94 percent of the respondents from senior living said they were satisfied with the overall quality of life there.
Around 93 percent were satisfied with the level of independence they gain from a senior living community. And90 percent say they are satisfied with the quality of care they received.
Myth #6: Senior living communities are only temporary housing.
Around 35 percent of residents stay in their communities for over a year. 16 percent stay for 3 years or more. And around 15 percent stay longer than five years. So, as you can see, a senior living community can be more than just temporary housing.
Myth #6: Senior living is the same as a nursing home.
Senior living is not the same as a nursing home at all. There are many different types of senior living communities that offer a variety of senior services. As previously mentioned, most senior living communities are designed to be more like a resort or spa for the retired.
Senior Living Myths Debunked!
There you have it! The most common myths and misconceptions about senior living debunked! We hope these two articles helped shed some light on what senior living really is, and how convenient it is for seniors.