IN 2022, THERE ARE more options for senior care than ever, from independent living to assisted living to home care. Most of these options have developed in response to the needs of modern active and engaged seniors. However, sometimes having all these options to choose from can be a little overwhelming.
What doesn’t help seniors and their families choose the best options is that there are many myths and misunderstandings about what assisted living communities are like. Let’s address some of the myths we hear most often.
Myth #1: Moving into an assisted living community removes privacy and independence.
Reality: Adult children of parents who need the level of care an assisted living community provides often fail to realize how much this myth can hold their senior loved ones back from considering making the move to assisted living. Residents enjoy private suites with the support of caregivers who are nearby to provide help if or when they are needed. They only provide the level of assistance each resident wants and needs to help them maintain their independence.
Myth #2: Assisted living is too expensive for anyone but wealthy retirees.
Reality: This one might seem believable, but it’s important to look at the big picture. Add up all the expenses of care services and living costs for your older loved one and compare that to the monthly fee of an assisted living community. Consider the amenities the assisted living community such as Spring Gardens Senior Living in St. George offers that your loved one can’t get at home and how much more comfort and independence they can achieve.
For many people, assisted living can be a value-based solution for seniors, even those who have paid off their mortgage, as they can still incur many expenses to maintain a home that they are less and less able to enjoy. These include utilities, homeowner’s insurance, property task, maintenance costs for the home and any appliances, lawn care, transportation or car maintenance expenses, and groceries.
All of these costs add up quickly, even without adding the cost of an expensive in-home care provider, which was around $24/hour on average in 2020.
Myth #3: Residents are required to participate in community activities like bingo.
Reality: It’s true that residents are encouraged to socialize and avoid becoming sedentary, but they are never forced to attend activities that don’t interest them. Events like bingo are simply popular at many communities, but they aren’t the only option available. Seniors can choose from a wide array of activities and workshops to participate in, whether they are social, educational, creative, fitness-related, or even religious in nature.
Residents are often able to pursue hobbies and interests that they didn’t have time for or access to living at home! The move to assisted living makes it easy for seniors to be as active and engaged as they want to be.
Myth #4: Assisted living communities are depressing places to live.
Reality: Modern assisted living communities are vibrant and attractive places for seniors to call home. Far from looking like a cold medical facility or institution, Spring Gardens Senior Living in St. George is designed to look warm and inviting — a place where residents can discover new friends and hobbies without having to worry about the stress of home maintenance. There are common areas to gather and socialize in, dining rooms, craft rooms, fitness centers, a library, and more.
Myth #5 The food served is bland and unhealthy.
Reality: This may have been true for nursing homes of days past, but it couldn’t be farther from the truth in a modern community like Spring Gardens, which employs a skilled chef and dining services team who prepare delicious and varied menus each week in a restaurant-style setting. Prospective residents are welcome to enjoy a complimentary meal when visiting the community to taste it for themselves!
Discover Assisted Living in St. George
If you want to learn more about assisted living at Spring Gardens Senior Living in St. George, Utah and if it’s the right choice for your older loved one, you can learn more about us on our business page. You can also schedule a tour of our community, so make sure to check the map for directions before you head our way.