Considering a move to retirement living can be an emotional time for seniors and their families, due to outdated and unfounded fears about what senior living is really like. But these fears about senior living are easily dispelled with a look at the facts and realities of modern retirement living.
Fear #1: Loss of independence
One significant fear about senior living is the loss of independence. But in truth today’s senior living communities work hard to create an environment that encourages and supports independence across all levels of care. Residents of senior living communities are able to do what they want when they want with choices ranging from taking fitness classes to attending events to spending time in the privacy of their own apartment. In fact, retirement living makes it so easy to stay independent, many seniors have more time than ever to enjoy a carefree and fun lifestyle without all the responsibilities that come with living at home. Learn more in our blog, “7 Reasons Why a Retirement Community Beats Living at Home.”
Fear #2: Boredom
Many older adults who live at home have a regular routine of things to do and may feel that life will become boring in a senior living community. Such fears about senior living are unfounded because today’s senior living communities are thriving, vibrant places to retire with daily activities like events, classes, travel, exercise, games, and more. There are almost not enough hours in the day to enjoy all the offerings but there’s always someone there to enjoy them with. Every aspect of life in senior living is designed to cater to residents’ desires and there really is never a dull moment unless that’s what you prefer. To better assess whether retirement or senior living is a good choice, check out our blog, “Is an Independent Living Community Right for You?”
Fear #3: Loss of personal belongings
It is true that in decades past, older adults in senior living (a.k.a. nursing homes) had to leave many of their possessions behind to move into small, impersonal rooms that were often shared. This is no longer the case. This fear is easy is easy to dispel simply by taking a look at what senior living apartments are now like. For example, at Sonrisa Senior Living our luxury apartments offer three different floorplans and are beautifully appointed with modern kitchens, tall ceiling, open spaces, and all the privacy of living at home. Residents are able to bring their own furniture and other belongings and decorate as they like to make it their own. To help put such fears about senior living to rest, review our blog, “Moving to a Retirement Community? Advice on What to Bring.”
Fear #4: Being forgotten
Another common fear about senior living is that an older adult will simply be forgotten. The out-of-sight-out-of-mind idea that once they move no one will be visiting anymore, cannot be further from the truth. Today’s senior living communities welcome family and friends to join residents in their own apartments, around the grounds, and may even provide catering services for family dinners and celebrations in the dining room. Moreover, both residents and their families can strengthen their relationships by just relaxing and enjoying quality time together without having to make home repairs or help out with housekeeping. In fact, staying close and connected to family and friends is an essential part of successful aging that we work hard to enable, as described in our blog, “Healthy Aging Advice from Blue Zones Residents and Other Centenarians.”
Fear #5: Too expensive
A conversation about moving to senior living often triggers another of the fears about senior living — that it costs more than living at home. Many older adults who live at home may have already paid off their mortgage which brings with it a sense of financial security that many do not want to lose. When an honest comparison is made of the costs of living at home versus the costs of senior living, many seniors and their families are surprised to see that senior living is not only similar in cost, but may cost less than life at home. And when they factor in all the amenities, the friendships and connections, the amazing chef-prepared meals, the luxurious maintenance-free environment, and the safety and security of senior living, the scales often tip in favor of making the move sooner than later. For a deeper look, our blog, “Comparing the Costs of Staying in Your Home vs. Moving to an Independent Living Community,” considers both options.
Older adults often have many fears about senior living that can be easily dispelled with a tour of a community like Sonrisa Senior Living. Contact us today to learn more about our beautiful housing options and outstanding amenities and to schedule a tour.
Learn more about how seniors are living longer and healthier lives – download our free Guide to Aging Well.
