Rod Anderson-Executive Director, Bridges Senior Lifestyle Living
To many Seniors, the thought of leaving their home and moving to an Independent Living Community is a frightening prospect. Years ago making the move to Senior Living meant giving up your freedom and moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility only to be forgotten about by your friends and family. Today there is a vast array of choices including Independent Senior Living where you can maintain your freedom while getting help with some of the daily tasks that get a little more difficult as you age. The best part is you are in control, you decide how much or how little you need and you don’t pay for services you don’t need or want. Nothing to be afraid of there, in fact most people’s only regret about moving to Independent Living is that they didn’t do it sooner! If you or a loved one is worried about making the move to Independent Senior Living continue reading for seven of the most common fears and misconceptions surrounding senior living.
- “I’ll be bored.”
With all the activities and amenities offered by senior living communities these days, there is no excuse for being bored. Entertainment, outings, fitness classes, swimming pools, the list goes on and on. Some communities even have a monthly meeting to get your input on the kinds of activities and events you want to participate in. It’s not just shuffleboard and bingo anymore although these activities are still available if that’s what you like to do.
- “It’s too expensive, I can’t afford it.”
Yes, paying for senior living can seem like a daunting task but if you look past the sticker shock and add up all the things that most communities include in their typically all-inclusive rent it really is reasonable. If you start to consider the expenses of maintaining an aging home that may need upgrades to help you live safely as you age like grab bars and ramps moving to an Independent Living Community may actually save you money in the long run.
- “What if I need more care?”
Independent Living Communities help you with independent activities of daily living like meal preparation, housekeeping and laundry, transportation, activities and events while providing a protected environment for you to live by offering secure buildings and emergency response pendants. If you need more medical care you can use a Home Health Agency to provide the cares you need on your terms and only pay for the services you actually use. Many Independent Living Communities will have a preferred Home Healthcare provider they recommend that will offer special arrangements to residents of the community not available to the general public.
- “I will get old and sick faster.”
Whether you are old or young, it’s being alone or isolated that leads to anxiety and depression, while the social contact a senior community provides is key to better health. The social interactions with your peer group available at an Independent Senior Living Community add a new dimension to your quality of life that you won’t be able to maintain if you are isolated in your home.
- “I will lose my independence.”
While some seniors fear that moving to senior living equates to a loss of independence, the truth is in fact the opposite. If you choose an Independent Living Community you will have help with cleaning, cooking and other chores that only become more difficult over time. What senior living offers is greater freedom so you can spend your time doing the things you like to do instead of the things you have to do. Add in all of the social opportunities on-site and transportation to wherever you need to go in the area and you can happily lead an active independent lifestyle.
- “I won’t be in control of my life anymore.”
Independent living is all about choices, you are in complete control, you choose how much or how little you want to participate in. A good Independent Living Community will offer a wide array of options, some even offer restaurant style dining allowing you to choose from a large menu and eat at a time that fits into your schedule.
- “People will forget about me.”
It’s natural to worry about being alone but Independent Living offers the opportunity to develop new relationships as well as making it easier to maintain old ones. A lot of activities and events are open to your family and friends, so they can come join you in the fun. There are often private dining rooms or community kitchens available where loved ones can join you for a private meal or special occasion.
Don’t let your fears keep you from making a change that could lead to a happier healthier life. Do yourself a favor and schedule a tour and see for yourself what life could be like in Senior Independent Living.