Assisted living communities offer older adults a place to find their ideal balance of independence and support while enjoying the benefits and amenities of community life. Have you or a loved one ever considered a move to assisted living?
As with any senior living service or lifestyle, misconceptions about assisted living abound. Consider whether you’ve heard or believed any of these myths, then take a moment to learn some important assisted living facts — many of which stand in stark contrast to the misconceptions. You may be surprised by the vibrant and personalized lifestyle this level of living can help you achieve!
If you associate assisted living, or community living services in general, with negative stereotypes around aging, it’s time to rethink these preconceptions. For example, many younger people assume they will become less happy as they age. In reality, a study by National Geographic and AARP found that about two-thirds of adults 80 or older say they’re living their “best possible life” (or close to it). In comparison, just one-fifth of younger adults share that perspective.
Aging can be a positive experience, even if it involves some health challenges. Although middle-aged and older adults are more likely to experience serious or chronic health conditions, 78-83 percent consider their health to be good, very good, or excellent. And many older adults embrace healthy practices, serving as a model for younger people.
For many people 55 and older, a little assistance is all that’s needed to enjoy a fulfilling and active lifestyle. Assisted living (which, in contrast to long-term care, does not include skilled nursing care) is an ideal fit for those who prefer or need some assistance but are generally in good health and looking to enhance their lifestyle.
Another major misconception suggests that moving to assisted living means giving up independence. On the contrary, assisted living can support a person’s ability to remain independent for as long as possible.
Assisted living allows you to access help when and how you need it while enjoying a high level of autonomy. In addition to tailored assistance, you can benefit from all the perks of community life, such as maintenance-free living and abundant social opportunities, while also enjoying the peace and privacy of your own apartment or house.
What’s more, research shows that an active lifestyle can be key to helping older adults remain physically independent. Assisted living communities that offer wellness amenities such as fitness centers, exercise classes, and walking paths empower older adults to enhance their physical fitness and maximize their independence as they age.
Perhaps you’ve never seriously considered assisted living because you assumed it was outside your budget. Assisted living costs vary, but this lifestyle may be more affordable than you think.
That’s because the cost of assisted living can replace many of your current expenses, encompassing your housing, amenities, and other living costs. This all-inclusive nature also simplifies your budgeting. For example, if you currently pay for all or some of the following, you can replace those expenses with one monthly cost:
Note that different communities may use different pricing structures. Some assisted living communities offer a single rate, whereas others use pricing tiers based on the level of support that best fits your needs and desires.
Assisted living communities are excellent places to develop and maintain deep relationships, but that doesn’t mean all your time will be spent with other community members. Your existing relationships with friends and family will always matter, and you can continue to foster those relationships after you move to an assisted living community.
Assisted living residents can travel to visit friends and family members whenever they desire. In fact, the maintenance-free lifestyle that assisted living offers can make it easier to travel without worrying about tasks like yard maintenance while you’re away.
Community members also can welcome visitors into their homes. If hosting friends and relatives from out of town is important to you, consider choosing a floor plan with an extra bedroom or space for your visitors. You can also take advantage of common spaces and campus grounds to enjoy social time with your guests.
If you envision something specific when you picture an assisted living community, you may believe that every community will generally align with this image. However, assisted living communities vary widely when it comes to a variety of factors, including:
Although you can compare many aspects of communities on paper, some intangible factors are still worth considering. Tour communities and ask yourself how they make you feel. Can you envision a new chapter of your life in that community? You will want your new home to feel like an ideal fit for you.
Assisted living offers valuable benefits to older adults who want to maintain their independence with the perfect level of support.
Dispelling myths is a great place to start, but learning assisted living facts only goes so far. If you want to see for yourself what this level of living can look like, visit a WesleyLife assisted living community and speak with team members and residents. Many residents express that they wish they made the move even sooner.
Want to learn more? Read The Complete Guide to Assisted Living!