Senior Living Communities in the Modern Age
Most of us have our own ideas about what senior living communities are like. Many believe that “senior living community” is interchangeable with the term “nursing home”, but they are two very different options for older adults. While many leading senior living communities provide higher level healthcare services, they offer older adults more than age-related care and support. Myths in senior living are often founded in the stigma around nursing homes. However, senior living communities can be the exact opposite.
Senior living communities today focus greatly on the ideal senior lifestyle. To debunk myths of senior living, it often takes family visiting a community and experiencing the lifestyle firsthand. Most often, families are thrilled to see senior living communities that exceed their expectations.
Unveiling the Truth: Common Myths in Senior Living
You may have experienced a less-than-ideal situation within a senior living community. It’s important to take the time to look at different communities and find the one that is the best fit for you or your loved one. During the touring process, you might be surprised to find some pre-conceived notions about senior living communities aren’t what you thought.
Let’s take a look at some common myths in senior living communities!
Myth #1 – Senior Living Communities Feel Institutionalized
Reality – When some picture a senior living community, images of long, white hallways and bright fluorescent lighting emerge, giving way to associations with hospitals. In reality, senior living communities are often homelike, comfortable and more closely resemble a resort than a hospital.
Myth #2 – I’m Not Old Enough to Move to a Senior Living Community
Reality – Most senior living communities are open to anyone over the age of 55! They are designed for active older adults who have a passion for living life to the fullest. Residents enjoy daily recreational, leisure, and educational activities to keep themselves rejuvenated and engaged. It’s never too early to start looking to explore your options.
Myth #3 – I’ll Lose My Independence at a Senior Living Community
Reality – Many confuse living independently with living on their own. While you may no longer own your own home, life at a senior living community can be as independent as you want it to be. Residents aren’t limited to where they can go or what they can do. In fact, many older adults find that letting go of the responsibilities of homeownership allow them the freedom to finally live the way they’ve always wanted to. Most communities are filled with amenities and activities that give you countless opportunities for fun and relaxation.
Myth #4 – I’ll Have to Give Up My Favorite Hobbies
Reality – Without the time-consuming tasks of home-upkeep, you’ll have nothing but time to spend on the things you love to do. Do you enjoy carrying a camera around? Find residents who share the same passion and plan to take photos together. You’ll have the chance to try new things and discover new hobbies.
Myth #5 – Paying for Senior Living Is More Expensive Than Living at Home
Reality – Some families looking into senior living are often surprised by the sticker shock of monthly rates. While cost varies depending on apartment size or levels of care, the average cost of senior living can be comparable or even less than receiving the same services and support at home.
For those who have paid off their mortgage, homeownership is still costly. Consider insurance, taxes, upkeep, repairs, utilities, and emergency expenses. At a senior living community, everything is included in one convenient rate. Not to mention, the convenience of having entertainment, social events, housekeeping services, an on-site gym, and medical support if ever needed right in your community.
Myth #6 – I Won’t Be Able to See My Friends as Frequently
Reality – Senior living communities like The Ohio Masonic Communities are quite visitor-friendly. Both common areas and private residences accommodate guests, family get-togethers, and even parties. Visitors are always welcome to join in activities or stop by for lunch.
Just because your residence changes doesn’t mean your social life has to. Many choose to move to a senior living community because they desire to have a more active social life. Making new friends is one of the best parts of moving to a community!
Myth #7 – Meals Are Plain and Unappetizing
Reality – An overlooked benefits of senior living is the consistency of multiple nutritious meals provided daily. The food is anything but boring! Dining selections vary every day, created with nutritious and fresh ingredients. That’s less time spent preparing meals and more time spent doing the things you love.
Myth #8 – I Won’t Have Any Privacy at a Community
Reality – Residents have the choice of how much or how little time alone they want each day. Private villas and apartments are comfortable and accommodating – you can choose to spend the whole day reading in your favorite armchair if you wish.
Privacy is respected, and when you do feel like socializing, all you have to do is step outside. You have the best of both worlds when it comes to spending time how and with whom you want.
Myth #9 – I Won’t Be Able to Personalize My Space
Reality – It’s true that a community may not want you to paint the walls or refinish the bathroom tiles. However, most communities encourage residents to decorate their homes with personal items, pictures, and their own pieces of furniture. Downsizing to a smaller home can be a difficult task, but most senior living communities won’t make you give up your style in the process.
Myth #10 – I Shouldn’t Move Until I Need Help Taking Care of Myself
Reality – Many older adults are making the choice to spend their healthy retirement years at a senior living community. Not only does community living come with convenience and a carefree lifestyle, but moving while you are still healthy allows you to stay in control of your choices.
Waiting until an illness or health crisis occurs may rush the moving process. Many independent living communities have higher levels of care available, including assisted living and memory care services, so that residents can take advantage of without the worry of moving again.
Communities That Foster Connection and Independence
The senior living industry has changed extensively over the past few decades as the needs of baby boomers present. Meaningful connection has been proven to decrease the feelings of loneliness that often accompany living alone at home. One of the wonderful things of living in a senior living community is the sense of social wellness and community it provides. Spaces throughout communities are built to encourage socialization. Common areas are abound in most senior living communities and are the perfect places to meet new neighbors and friends. The dining room is a great place to spend time with peers as well as enjoy a good meal.
If you need personal support or care, you’ll find that at a senior living community like The Ohio Masonic Communities. Many older adults move to independent living because they want daily opportunities for recreation and social interaction, like a full activities calendar, learning an exciting new hobby, and much more.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs) offer different levels of care in one community, such as independent living, assisted living, skilled nursing, and memory care. Skilled nursing offers a higher level of specialized care that helps older adults who have serious health conditions or are recovering from a major health event. However, most older adults join these communities as independent living residents so they can enjoy all the community life has to offer.
Ready to debunk the myths in senior living first hand?
If you or a loved one is interested in a continuing care retirement community, consider taking a tour of one of The Ohio Masonic Communities campuses. With two senior living communities across the state of Ohio – Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, Ohio, Springfield Masonic Community in Springfield, Ohio, and Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, Ohio – each offers premier living options with exceptional experiences so residents can live their best lives. If you are interested in learning more about one of our communities, give us a call at 1-877-881-1623. We will be happy to answer all your questions and be a trusted resource in the search for the right community for you!