According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), there are more than 32,000 residential care communities, also known as assisted living communities, across the nation. But in spite of the abundance of communities and the hundreds of thousands of happy residents living in them, myths about assisted living still abound.
These erroneous ideas could make seniors reluctant to transition into assisted living. They may have concerns about their quality of life if they decide to move.
In this article, we'll debunk myths about assisted living that may be holding you back. We'll also explore amazing assisted living benefits you may not have realized existed, helping you make an informed choice about your next move.
Right off the bat, let's clear up the difference between nursing homes and assisted living communities.
Nursing homes are for seniors with significant medical needs. They provide intensive medical care, along with caretaker support. Nurses are on hand 24/7, and doctors make regular visits to check on patients and prescribe medications.
Assisted living is completely different. They are communities for independent seniors who need help with one or more activities of daily living (ADLs). WedMD defines ADLs as:
Assisted living communities have caretakers on hand at all times of the day and night. They can assist residents with medication management but do not provide other medical services. However, management will arrange for residents to attend appointments with medical professionals.
If an elderly person needs help to do any of these things or several of them, an assisted living community could be the right choice. Of course, it is good to consult with those who know the person best to make the right decision. This should include the individual's doctor, family members, and friends.
It's understandable that many seniors may fear that when they move to an assisted living community, they will lose their independence as help is on hand at all times. However, assisted living focuses on improving senior living - and that means helping elderly people hold on to their independence for as long as possible.
For example, a senior may decide it is time to move to assisted living because they are struggling with showering and dressing due to arthritis in their joints. However, they can manage the other ADLs independently. At an assisted living community, you will get help with your needs while doing everything else independently.
Your private accommodations usually include a kitchen area, allowing you to prepare your own meals. Invite friends over to your apartment and entertain in private, just like you did in your own home. You get to enjoy an independent life on your terms, just with a little extra support to make life easier.
Moving to an assisted living community may mean leaving the area you have lived for a long time. This can be daunting, and you may worry that you'll be lonely in your new home. However, most assisted living residents find the opposite to be true.
A research paper published by the National Library of Medicine highlighted several benefits of assisted living communities for socialization, including:
The same paper found that, on average, assisted living residents reported having 10 acquaintances and 4 companions within the community. In addition, you can enjoy visiting with your old friends and family members, either in the assisted living community or by traveling to their homes.
With a packed activity calendar that brings people together daily, there is no need to be isolated. Activities help to break the ice, and you'll soon find yourself making great friends you can visit with each day.
No matter our age, food is a very important part of life. If you've been used to cooking all your own meals to your taste for years, the thought of moving to a community where food is prepared for you each day could be daunting.
However, let's clear up two myths here. First, there is no need to take all your meals in the communal dining room. Your home will have its own kitchenette where you can prepare the meals you know and love.
But when you don't feel like cooking, rest assured that you will get a tasty meal from the on-site restaurant. There is no need to fear being served mass-produced food that has no flavor.
As the Cleveland Clinic reports, our taste buds change as we age. To account for this, chefs at assisted living communities are passionate about the food they serve and go to great lengths to make it nutritious and delicious for senior palates.
Most communities focus on providing a mix of local favorites and international classics. You can expect plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, tasty proteins, and tempting desserts that mean you'll never lose your appetite.
Assisted living communities that focus on elderly well-being ensure that life is never boring! This is accomplished through a packed activity calendar. Activities vary from community to community but may include:
You can get involved as much or as little as you like, but there is always something to do to keep your mind agile and your body fit.
Now that we've debunked the most common myths about assisted living, we hope your mind is at ease, and you're ready to weigh your options. When looking for the right assisted living community, be sure to choose one that prioritizes elderly well-being with outstanding amenities, engaging activities, and experienced caretaker support.
In fact, you need look no further than Whittier Place. Our assisted living community in Whittier, CA, takes senior care quality to another level. We offer personalized support services, chef-prepared meals, and comfortable accommodations you can make your own.
Seeing is believing! Schedule a tour today to see how Whittier Place can take your quality of life to the next level.