The Facts About Common Senior Living Myths
Senior living communities offer a variety of benefits for older adults who want to live their best lives in a place that’s welcoming, friendly, and free from the hassles that homeownership can bring. Many people often have ideas of what they think life is like in a senior community and are surprised when they discover how much excitement, enrichment, and activity is involved. From independent living to assisted living to memory care, residents in today’s senior living communities are thriving like never before. Keep reading as we explore the facts about common senior living myths and misconceptions.
General Myths About Senior Living Communities
Before we break down the common misconceptions associated with the different lifestyle options, let’s first look at some myths about senior living communities as a whole.
Myth: Senior communities are for people who are “old,” sick, or feeble.
Fact: Our Southview Senior Communities are designed for active adults who want to downsize or maintain independence while enjoying a stress-free lifestyle. Because our staff takes care of day-to-day chores and upkeep, residents can focus on their friends, their hobbies, and living their best lives.
Within our various living options, residents range in age from their mid-fifties through nineties and older and live active lifestyles with a full calendar of daily activities for all abilities.
Myth: Senior living residents have to give up their hobbies.
Fact: In a senior community, things like maintenance, repairs, and lawn care are taken care of. So, seniors no longer need to dedicate their time to such tasks. Instead, they can focus on enjoying their hobbies, relaxing, spending time with friends and family, and so much more. And with a seemingly endless variety of events and activities, there’s plenty of opportunities to explore new hobbies, too!
Myth: There’s no privacy in a senior community.
Fact: Senior living residents have their own comfortable living spaces to accommodate their needs as well as their need for privacy. Beyond the door of their private homes is a thriving community that encourages as much—or as little—social interaction as residents would like. Our Southview properties include community rooms, a large open dining area, on-site bistros for happy hour socials, a welcoming lobby, and so much more.
Myth: Senior living is expensive.
Fact: With a variety of senior living options available, costs will vary. And many seniors will qualify for assistance programs to help offset expenses.
Myths About Independent Senior Living
The independent living lifestyle at Southview Senior Communities allows active older adults to live in their own homes with all the conveniences and engagement of community life but without personalized care from our staff.
Myth: Residents lose their independence.
Fact: Our community is designed to enhance the lifestyle and self-reliance of those in independent living. Residents maintain their routines and living spaces without the time commitment or financial burden of homeownership responsibilities, allowing them more independence and more time for the things they love.
Myth: Independent living and assisted living are the same.
Fact: Residents in independent living fully maintain their own lifestyle and habits without direct help from our Southview staff. Assisted living residents also live independent lifestyles but require some personalized assistance with daily tasks, which we’re happy to provide.
Myths About Assisted Senior Living
When residents want to live independently but still need some help with daily activities such as bathing or dressing, we recommend our assisted living option. The caring Southview staff is here to provide support when and how it’s needed.
Myth: Only seniors who are very sick need assisted living.
Fact: Actually, the opposite is true. Assisted living residents live mostly independent lifestyles but often need help with daily tasks. From medication management and light housekeeping to bathing, grooming, and more, we provide personalized care to assisted living residents who need a helping hand.
Myth: Assisted living residents have to give up their independence.
Fact: The assisted living option is focused on fully supporting residents’ abilities and independence. With their input, we create personalized plans to help them with some daily tasks while they maintain control of their lifestyles, routines, and decisions.
Myths About Memory Care Senior Living
Senior living residents with Alzheimer’s or other forms of memory loss require a more structured environment. The memory care option within our Southview communities offers specially trained staff and activities designed to support brain function and cognition.
Myth: At home is the best place to care for someone with dementia.
Fact: Caring for a loved one with any form of dementia can be challenging and exhausting, which may lead to burnout and fatigue at every level. Our trusted, trained staff provides comprehensive and specialized support that benefits memory care residents as well as their families.
Myth: Only those in the last stages of dementia need memory care.
Fact: The specific and direct support that our memory care staff provides is beneficial to those in every stage of dementia. We focus on resident safety and happiness to improve overall wellness and help ensure the very best quality of life.
Live Your Best Life at Southview
We hope that pointing out the facts about common senior living myths will help you and others understand more about senior communities and the vast opportunities and services they provide. Whether you or a loved one need independent living, assisted living, or memory care, our Southview Senior Communities offer the support and enrichment for every resident to live his or her best life. Learn more about the Southview community nearest you by scheduling a tour today.
