Assisted living communities can seem intimidating, and many myths and misconceptions surrounding these facilities make them even more intimidating for many people. The truth is that these facilities provide a safe, caring environment for seniors who need help with some daily activities but still want to remain as independent and active as possible. Below are some of the most common misconceptions about assisted living, so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you or your loved ones.
What is Assisted Living?
An assisted living community is a residence that helps with day-to-day activities such as dressing, bathing, medication management, meals, and transportation (among other things). It’s an ideal solution for older adults who may need some help with daily tasks but still want to maintain their independence.
Assisted living communities design their environments to be friendly and familiar, providing residents with a safe space for social activities and connecting with others. Plus, they typically have plenty of amenities, like on-site physical therapy, fitness centers, hair salons, and gardens. Assisted living is a perfect option for those seeking extra support while living an independent lifestyle.
Common Myths about Assisted Living
1. You’ll Lose Your Independence
Moving into an assisted living facility will not take away your independence. In fact, the communities are specifically designed to help older individuals live as independently as possible for as long as possible.
To make daily life more manageable (and enjoyable) for residents, assisted living provides services and support when needed. As mentioned above, these services may include tasks like cooking, cleaning, and transportation. The goal is to help seniors stay safe and comfortable while maintaining their independence — not taking it away.
2. Assisted Living Facilities are like Nursing Homes
Though they are often mistakenly referred to as nursing homes, the assisted living model is much different than traditional nursing home care. Assisted living provides a high level of autonomy while enhancing the quality of life through activities and personal support services that help with daily needs such as dressing, meal preparation, and medication reminders. These facilities also have an array of amenities and social opportunities that encourage companionship and community involvement.
3. They are Only for the Elderly.
Many people perceive assisted living facilities as something just for the elderly, but they can be beneficial to younger seniors too! Residing in an assisted living community can help relieve anxiety related to aging by providing a supportive environment where seniors can socialize and get the care they need. These communities also offer security for those who no longer feel comfortable living alone or who require help with everyday tasks like cleaning and laundry.
4. Assisted Living is Too Expensive
Contrary to what some people may think, assisted living can be more cost-efficient than family support or independence. Residing in an assisted living setting means you have access to a range of services tailored to meet your current needs, which can help reduce costs for activities such as grocery shopping and meal prep, laundry service, or property maintenance. And if you need to hire in-home care to assist with daily activities at home, those expenses can add up quickly.
5. It’s Better to Have a Family Caregiver
Deciding if it is better to have a family caregiver or go to an assisted living largely depends on the person receiving care, their needs, and the availability of loved ones. If you’re considering having a family caregiver, you should be mindful of caregiver burnout, though. Caring for a loved one can be emotionally exhausting, physically demanding, and time-consuming. All of these demands can add up, leading to overwhelming stress. So while having family involved in care can be beneficial in many ways, it’s vital to assess the situation regularly and ensure neither the person receiving nor providing the care becomes overwhelmed.
Visit Lighthouse Today
Assisted living facilities are equipped to meet the needs of every resident, and we urge you to come and visit Lighthouse Senior Living to get a better view of what they’re like.
Our staff will help you better understand how assisted living could offer the comfortable lifestyle that you or your loved ones deserve. Contact us today to set up a tour.