Assisted living communities have grown with the addition of different services and amenities. However, this growth comes with a few misconceptions, discouraging many aging adults from trusting these communities with their retirement. These are some of the common misconceptions about assisted living communities in Blairsville, GA, and the truth behind them:
Residents are Restricted
This is a common misconception; many have viewed these communities as a place where they will be fully dependent. However, assisted living communities are established to help aging adults maximize their freedom and help them become a part of a community.
There are no restrictions in the community, as you can leave whenever you want and visit places you love to go. These communities offer transportation services for social outings, events, appointments, and shopping to make mobility easier.
Aging Adults Feel Lonely In the Community
This has to be the biggest misconception in a community filled with different residents and team members. Many believe residents live boring lives, but these communities are filled with aging adults who still want to explore and enjoy new hobbies. Assisted living communities understand this; therefore, they create an environment to help residents achieve their goals.
There are different amenities and other opportunities to help residents make friends and build meaningful connections. These communities offer residents access to clubs, volunteer groups, activities, and events. They also allow friends and family members to visit; therefore, residents can never be bored. In addition, some communities allow residents to come with their pets.
Assisted Living is the Same As Nursing Homes
Assisted living communities offer help with tasks that are basic to the daily living of aging adults. Some of these tasks include bathing, dressing, walking, and grooming. Other services include meal preparation, medication management, housekeeping, and transportation. Aging adults find it difficult to do these things as they grow older.
Even though these communities offer these services, they are different from a nursing homes. Nursing homes focus on helping aging adults with chronic health complications requiring closer attention and 24/7 medical care.
No Independence
Moving into an assisted living community does not equal sacrificing independence. In reality, assisted living communities are created to help aging adults have enough time for themselves. Aging adults can still engage in activities they like, visit friends and family, and even decorate their suites. Residents in these communities can travel anytime while the community looks after their properties.
Assisted Living Communities Have Hospital-Like Settings
Many people view the assisted living community as having the same structure and environment as a hospital. However, these communities have a home-like setting where residents can access their suites. In addition to private suites, there are common areas and other amenities like a swimming pool. These communities offer amenities that aging adults cannot access while living alone.
These communities focus on helping residents have a quality life by providing all the support they need.
Assisted Living Communities are For Sick People
Assisted living communities offer a new opportunity to explore activities and engage with things you have always loved. There are group discussions, fitness classes, book clubs, special outings, and other activities to help residents live vibrantly. Therefore, the communities are filled with healthy aging adults who want more in life, and these communities offer social engagements to help them achieve this.
Many aging adults choose these communities to develop a proactive lifestyle and get enough time to pursue their ambitions.