In life, there are plenty of misconceptions people have about almost everything. Assisted living happens to be one of those things. It may very well be the optimal elder care available to aging seniors who need support and assistance, but if the senior and/or his or her family fall for one of these misconceptions, they may never consider it.
Misconception #1: It’s no different than other facility-type care.
Sure, there are plenty of types of elder care out there, but most Americans know very little about any of them, including assisted living. In fact, they often confuse assisted living with other types of facility care, especially those of a more medical-oriented nature.
Assisted living is much different because it encourages aging seniors to live as independently as possible. There are staff members available to assist should they need help, but residents at assisted living are encouraged to live life to the fullest possible level.
Misconception #2: Seniors surrender all their rights.
It’s easy to assume that when a person is older and needs constant support and assistance throughout the day, they basically give up all their other inherent rights. That is patently false.
Seniors deserve dignity. They also deserve to hold onto the rights they always had, including the right to decide where they live and what they do. Just because an elderly person moves into assisted living doesn’t mean they no longer get to decide what they do or don’t do during the day, what they eat, and so forth.
At a quality assisted living community, seniors are encouraged to be active, to participate in activities, to get exercise when appropriate, and so forth, but if a person doesn’t wish to do any of that, they aren’t going to be forced to.
Misconception #3: It’s too expensive.
How many times have you heard people talk about assisted living and its “expense”? When you calculate the cost of having other types of assistance or elder care, you begin to realize it is not all that expensive.
In fact, for what an aging senior gets, assisted living is quite affordable. It may be more than what somebody spends on rent, utilities, and food for their own house or apartment, but instead of living alone, feeling lonely and isolated, and waiting for others to help with whatever they need assistance, they will be surrounded by people their own age and staff ready to support them when they need it.
Misconception #4: The senior won’t know anyone.
It may be true that an aging person moving into assisted living may not know a single person there, but they will quickly meet staff and other residents. They may even reconnect with friends or people they knew years ago.
They won’t be lonely for long. Most assisted living communities are open and welcoming and that is one of the primary draws of this type of elder care.
Misconception #5: It’s only a permanent, long-term option.
Respite care at assisted living changes that. Respite care could include a senior being dropped off in the evening, spending the night there, and being picked up in the morning. Some seniors spend a week or two at a local assisted living community. Some might spend a month or slightly longer.
It doesn’t have to be a permanent, long-term solution when you understand that more assisted living communities are providing respite care options.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Assisted Living in Granite City, IL, or surrounding areas, please contact the caring staff at Knollwood Retirement Community today at (618) 226-5755
Offering seniors age 65 and older a wealth of amenities to retain as much independence as they are able, with support, in a home-like environment in our supportive living community.
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- Five of the Most Common Misconceptions About Assisted Living - October 2, 2024
