Dispelling the Most Common Fears Our Seniors Have About Senior Living
Few choices…missing out on favorite activities…no longer seeing friends or family…
These are all unfounded concerns that may be expressed when first considering a move to senior living. But once it’s discovered what communities actually have to offer, it’s apparent what will be absent – boredom, loss of independence and loneliness.
Fears about senior living
If you or a loved one is searching for options and are anxious about the unknowns of this future, the following information can help identify and address the most common fears often experienced.
Fear #1: Loss of independence
Self-reliance and making your own decisions have likely been cornerstones and a top priority in creating a fulfilling and enriched life. If you aren’t familiar with today’s senior living communities, you may mistakenly believe you will relinquish this control. However, what you’ll discover instead is how independence is supported.
What senior living offers: Residents enjoy the freedom of an accessible and age-friendly home. They’re reassured with the added safety and security features and the comfort of knowing someone is there if help is needed. While there are lots of options available, they are all for the resident to choose. Senior living promotes self-sufficiency.
Fear #2: The unknown
Most of us don’t like the unknown. As creatures of habit, we’re more comfortable with the familiar, even if it’s more difficult to reside there. This can be true when considering senior living. Common worries may include being hesitant to leave home, living in a smaller place or being cared for by others.
What senior living offers: Communities make their residents feel welcome. You or a loved one will live in an accessible residence that you’ll be encouraged to personalize and make your own. You’ll have help from a compassionate and well-trained staff. And if you were beginning to feel isolated from others, you’ll appreciate all the opportunities to socialize.
<LP: https://info.milestoneretirement.com/family-decision-toolkit-guide >
Fear #3: Not having a choice in how to spend the day
No longer being able to make their own choices is a top fear of many when considering a move to senior living. Adults want to direct their time as they wish – and not be required to participate in community activities. What will you soon discover? You’ll have the same options on how to spend your day as you do now.
What senior living offers: Communities provide several opportunities for activities and social events, making it easy to meet and make new friends. You’ll find a monthly calendar to choose from, but the option of participation is always yours. Whether joining in a game or cozying up with a good book – it’s all up to you.
Fear #4: Losing time with friends and family
Some seniors worry they will no longer see their friends or even their family as much once they move into a community. They may fear they’ll become lonely once it’s apparent they no longer need assistance and are being well cared for. Once again, the opposite is more likely to occur.
What senior living offers: The community will now handle the care and personal assistance you or a loved one needs. But this allows friends and family to participate in fun or meaningful activities with you instead of time used for caregiving or home maintenance tasks – greatly increasing the quality of time spent together.
Fear #5: Senior living will cause you to decline
It’s a common, although mistaken belief for older adults to assume that they will begin to age faster once they make a senior living community their home. Some worry a move signifies they are giving up. Or that having others do everything for them will eventually make them unable to care for themselves.
What senior living offers: With all the opportunities to remain physically and emotionally fit and to interact with others, residents feel stronger and more in control of their health and wellness. A helping hand is available when assistance is needed but an accessible home, healthy and delicious dining, activities and social events all combine to support your independence – and may also contribute to your longevity.
Life at a Milestone Community
If you’re looking at options for retirement living, we invite your family to visit one of our Milestone communities – designed to support your loved ones to live their highest quality of life.
We offer studio and one-bedroom private apartments for our assisted living residents as well as private or shared memory care suites for those living with Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Our memory care residents are cared for by our compassionate and specially trained team – who meet them wherever they are in their journey with patience and kindness. The residents also have access to customized activities, programs and an elevated secured courtyard.
Our amenities and services encourage our residents in assisted living to engage with others, remain as independent as possible and be reassured that help is available whenever needed.
In addition to our personalized services, we offer:
· Chef-prepared meals
· Full-service dining room and bistro/bar
· Clubroom with large screen and theater style seating
· Family gathering room
· Rooftop courtyard including outdoor kitchen and firepit
· Resident accessible chef’s kitchen garden
· Senior-inspired fitness center
· Hair and nail salon
· Resident-shared laundry rooms
· Elegantly designed common areas
· 24-hour on-duty care staff
· Scheduled transportation
· Secured community
· Direct access to adjoining walking paths and parks
If your family is considering retirement living, we hope you will visit one of our communities. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions. Please contact us with any questions you may have or to arrange a personal tour.
We also invite you to download our complimentary Family Decision Toolkit.