With an increasing number of states issuing stay-at-home orders to residents, some families are finding themselves with increased time and capacity to stay in and care for their elderly parents and relatives. However, once the worst of the COVID pandemic is over, people will resume their normal routines and potentially be faced with a decision about who’s going to continue that level of care.
If you or your loved one are considering a move to an assisted living facility later this year, you may be concerned about some persistent misconceptions about these communities. But the senior living industry has evolved considerably in recent years. Assisted living residents now have access to comfortable, well-maintained living quarters, world-class amenities, and the medical and personal care they need to live their daily lives.
Here are six myths about assisted living you shouldn’t buy into.
1. Assisted living is only for sick people.
You don’t need to be ill or need special care to move to an assisted living community. Some seniors choose to move simply because they are lonely and are tired of maintaining a home by themselves. Moving into an assisted living facility can provide you with essential amenities and more importantly, a sense of community.
Assisted living communities typically offer socially-stimulating activities and entertainment for their residents. They have educational lectures, exercise programs tailored to improving cognition and balance, cultural events, art classes, and more. This helps keep you or your loved one busy and occupied.
If personal care is needed, it is also available to residents. This can range from medication management to help with bathing and dressing, restaurant-style dining, bathroom assistance and room checks, and other activities of daily living.
2. It’s cheaper to live at home.
Some people feel that assisted living communities will cost them or their families too much, and assume it’s more affordable to stay in their home. However, your home comes with costs like utilities, property taxes, maintenance expenses, and insurance payments. After totaling up your current expenses, you might be pleasantly surprised to find that it’s just as cost-effective to move into an assisted living facility, if not more so.
While assisted living fees might seem high (the median cost for assisted living residency in Florida is $3,500 per month, according to Genworth Financial), remember that they also include services like physical therapy and medical care. The monthly median cost for home health aide, by comparison, is $4,195 per month, on top of your regular living expenses.
3. Downsizing and moving in will be difficult.
The thought of cleaning out the house and moving to assisted living might seem overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. There are services that specialize in downsizing and can help you organize and arrange for items to be thrown away, sent to storage or sold.
4. You’ll lack independence.
Assisted living communities want their residents to make their own decisions and stay as independent as they can. Even if the facility provides personal care services, they still encourage residents to continue caring for themselves if they are physically able to and it is safe for them to do so. They also don’t force anyone into a strict schedule or to join specific activities if they aren’t interested.
5. Assisted living residents will feel institutionalized.
When people think about assisted living facilities, they often picture fluorescent lighting and stark, white tile flooring. However, these communities are often just as well-kept and comfortable as your average standard home. In fact, many assisted living facilities today are designed to resemble resort-style living and are located in popular areas with plenty of activities and amenities nearby.
6. It’s impossible to narrow down your options to find the ideal fit.
Looking for the right assisted living facility for yourself or your loved one can be overwhelming. However, trusted senior placement services like Welcome Home Senior Services & Placement Co. are here to help.
We focus on providing hands-on, concierge-level support to our clients who are seeking free assisted living placement services. We’ll provide customized recommendations based on your circumstances, care needs, and budget so you can rest assured that the community you choose is the right one for you and your family in the long run.
We proudly serve Miami-Dade, Broward, The Palm Beaches, the Florida Keys, as well as Lee and Collier Counties on Florida’s West coast. Our mission is to help you embark on this new beginning with excitement for what's ahead! Contact us today to get started.