Fear is the reason many seniors hesitate to move into an assisted living community. However, many of the fears about assisted living are simply a result of misinformation. If you have some concerns about moving to assisted living, we’re here to help! Let’s address five common fears about assisted living and the misconceptions that come with them.
Fear of Losing Independence
Assisted living aims to empower residents so they can regain their independence. Residents in our assisted living community will be offered help according to their wishes or needs. If you are healthy but simply require assistance with daily activities such as medication management, home maintenance, or personal grooming, our team can provide you with personalized care and services.
When you no longer have to worry about household chores, you will have more time and freedom to focus on the things you enjoy. Meeting your family or friends in town? Our professional chauffeurs will drive you to your destination and pick you up when you’re done. Interested in volunteering or picking up new hobbies? Check out the exciting lineup of activities and events organized by our Celebrations Director!
Fear of Becoming Sick and Old
Contrary to becoming old and sick, residents in assisted living are less stressed and suffer less serious health problems compared to the stay-at-home senior population. Additionally, because residents have more free time to socialize with others and enjoy themselves, they are more unlikely to experience loneliness and develop depression.
On the other hand, older adults who live alone may experience social isolation, and also face the pressure that comes with maintaining a home. With the increased risks of falls and injuries due to their age, living at home may actually be more dangerous.
Fear of Being Neglected by Family and Friends
When they don’t need to stress about having to maintain a home, doing grocery shopping, cooking, paying bills, and more, most residents in assisted living find it easier to connect with their friends and family. In fact, most assisted living communities welcome visits by the residents’ loved ones.
In an assisted living community, there are also more opportunities to socialize and make new friends. Residents in assisted living are not only presented with a spectrum of enrichment activities and entertainment opportunities but they are also surrounded by like-minded individuals with similar interests.
Fear of High Cost of Assisted Living
Residents can pay for assisted living in several ways. For example, they can tap on the Veteran Administration benefits if they have served the country, or use their long-term care insurance policy to help defray the cost of assisted living. Their financial planner may also suggest other methods, such as liquidating assets or borrowing from a whole life insurance policy.
When you compare the cost of assisted living with the bills for car maintenance, utilities, professional caregivers, owning or renting a home, groceries, fitness, and entertainment, you might discover that assisted living actually costs lesser than residing at home.
Fear of Being Forced to Participate in Activities
Some individuals are against assisted living because they believe they will be forced to join the activities organized by the community and will not be able to do the activities they enjoy. While assisted living communities do offer a wide range of social and recreational activities that include wellness and educational programs, residents can choose to join only the activities they’re interested in, or not participate altogether.
Many residents have also created unique interest groups of their own that meet frequently, and most are surprised to discover they can still enjoy the activities they love doing at home, like gardening and walking. To find out more about assisted living in Lake Forth, FL, contact us today!