Are you looking for the best care options for aging parents? If so, you’re trying to balance emotional, financial, and needs-based considerations. Few things in life are harder than helping a parent make a transition for the sake of their health and wellbeing.
What makes matters harder is that it’s hard to decipher fact from truth. Over 800,000 elderly Americans are living in assisted living homes today, yet there are many assisted living myths that still persist.
If assisted living seems like the best option for your parents, you’re in the right place. We’re here to ease your mind by debunking these troubling myths.
Read on to learn the truth about assisted living.
Contents
Myth 1: Assisted Living Is Too Expensive
One thing you’ll often hear from both senior citizens and their family members is that assisted living is too expensive. It is true that costs such as room and board aren’t covered by Medicare. However, residents can receive Medicare coverage for many medical services such as memory care.
More importantly, allowing a senior citizen to continue to live at home to save money is not a long-term solution. In fact, this can lead to high costs down the line, especially if seniors injure themselves or have home-related accidents. The cost of assisted living is worth it when you take into consideration the potential cost (both literal and figurative) of a senior citizen living alone at home.
Myth 2: Senior Citizens Lose Privacy and Independence in Assisted Living Homes
People often confuse assisted living homes with nursing homes. In a nursing home, senior citizens may only have the privacy of a single bedroom and bathroom. In assisted living homes, however, they’ll find far more privacy in their own apartment or bungalow.
Moving into an assisted living home also does not entail the loss of independence. While seniors have access to round-the-clock care as needed, they still have control over their own schedules and activities.
Myth 3: Assisted Living Homes are Isolating
Assisted living homes are far from isolating. In fact, many assisted living residents develop a much more active and stimulating social life in an assisted living environment than they had at home.
Many assisted living homes schedule regular activities that residents can choose to participate in. This allows residents the time to get to know their neighbors and form friendships. Plus, caregivers and medical staff spend quality time with residents as needed or desired, adding to the many opportunities to connect with others.
Don’t Let Assisted Living Myths Deter You
When you’re thinking about the health and wellbeing of aging parents, it’s not always easy to decide what to do next. Don’t let these assisted living myths deter you from a suitable elderly care option. Modern assisted living homes are high-end, attractive, and even fun.
Looking for more ways to bring health and wellbeing into the conversation? Take a look around for tips, tricks, and information that will help you improve your own health and help loved ones on their path to a healthier life.
