4 Myths About Assisted Living Communities

Facts and Myths About Assisted Senior Living Communities

As it relates to assisted living and assisted senior living communities, there can be a lot of fear and misconception. Assisted living facilities are designed with residents in mind, and allow you to remain independent while receiving the necessary support to carry out daily tasks. Communities are welcoming, supportive, and dedicated to the personal growth of each individual.

A common notion is that assisted living is only for the disabled or terminally ill, however, this is far from the truth. Read on to discover the truth about assisted living, debunk the myths, and determine if moving into an assisted senior living community is the right choice for you.

Unsure if independent or senior living is the right move for you?

Read our blog, The Difference Between Independent and Assisted Living, to discover the best senior living options that fit your journey.

Benefits of Assisted Living

One of the most prevalent misconceptions surrounding assisted living is that there are no other options outside of family care. While many familial homes provide care to aging loved ones, assisted living has the advantage of providing extended assistance. Assuming this responsibility for your family members can be exhausting, which is why burnout is an important consideration.

Community assisted living provides you with the support you need in order to ensure that you do not exhaust yourself caring for your loved ones, while at the same time providing the highest quality of care. Life Plan communities such as Seafields provide 24/7 medical assistance to their assisted and independent living residents, as well as a high staff-to-resident ratio. Our licensed nurses and nursing assistants are there to support and assist your loved one in completing daily tasks in a way that may not be possible with family care at home.

1. Assisted living is only for those who are sick or disabled.

Although some communities require residents to meet certain requirements, you do not need to be physically disabled or terminally ill to become a member. An assisted living environment assists its residents with daily activities such as dressing, bathing, preparing medication, and housekeeping. Residents in these types of communities consist of a wide range of abilities and skills, from high to low functioning, and depending on the state, people with critical illnesses may not be eligible for assisted living services.

Chronic illnesses may be difficult to maintain in an assisted living environment given the level of care required. On the other hand, if you are having difficulty preparing your medications or doing your laundry, assisted living may be the best option for you. The community’s staff will assist residents in maintaining their independence and handling the ins and outs of everyday living.

2. It will take away some of your independence.

Through assisted senior living communities, you not only maintain your independence but also gain more autonomy when it comes to socializing and daily activities. Seafields at Kiawah Island, for example, offers its residents a variety of social events and concierge services. You can plan your day accordingly and visit the places in the neighborhood that are most enjoyable to you. This fosters community and allows you the freedom and security of leaving on your own with the knowledge that support will be available if you require it.

Many places include recreational areas and multipurpose rooms so that you can indulge in hobbies and enjoy a life of leisure. These amenities provide you with the opportunity to gather with friends and make new connections while participating in group activities such as yoga sessions, community gardening, and crafts.

3. The facility is just like a nursing home.

Nursing homes and assisted living are often used synonymously, however, there are significant differences between the two settings. As mentioned previously, assisted living communities are designed to promote self-reliance while assisting. As nursing homes take a more clinical approach, they may be appropriate for individuals not recommended for more free-standing living environments.

Assisted senior living communities provide a wide range of recreational activities in comparison with nursing homes which is a great feature for socializing after retirement. Nursing homes provide round-the-clock care and monitoring due to the complexity of residents’ health conditions, something that does not need to be the top priority in communities that value independence.

Among the two options, living amenities differ as well. When concerning housing in general, nursing homes only provide private accommodations. There are no common areas such as living rooms and kitchens, as in assisted living facilities. Communities such as Seafields offer various floor plans that adhere to the motto, “less house, more home.” The residents will not only benefit from modest, yet spacious housing but also have the opportunity to socialize with their neighbors and enjoy a leisurely lifestyle.

When selecting an assisted living or independent living community, there are a number of amenities worth considering. Seafields offers its residents breathtaking views of Kiawah Island as well as opulent accommodations. Learn more about choosing a senior living community by reading our blog.

4. There will be no one to talk to.

After retirement, it is imperative that you maintain an active social life in order to maintain mental health and to have a smooth transition into your new life of leisure. Therefore, we must dispel the myth of loneliness and boredom. Assisted senior living communities offer a variety of recreational activities that range from low-impact sports to more creative activities, such as weaving and pottery.

You will never be short of things to do. In fact, communities like Seafields offer many organized events and also provide facilities such as multipurpose rooms for gatherings with family, friends, and other members of the community.

All of the activities are not primarily focused on socialization, as some residents prefer to get in touch with their higher selves. Practicing mindfulness after retirement reduces stress, blood pressure, and anxiety. Taking part in activities such as yoga is a great way to relax and take time to clear your mind, and many communities provide state-of-the-art yoga studios in addition to parks and paths for outdoor yoga. Some communities even offer instructor-led classes to improve mobility and flexibility leading to a more independent lifestyle.

Discover Our Life Plan Community at Seafields

Assisted senior living communities offer many benefits to retirees and can help them enjoy their newly found independence and free time. In spite of the myths associated with assisted living, it is important to recognize the facts and apply them to your post-retirement planning. At Seafields at Kiawah Island, we provide residents with an array of luxurious amenities to ensure optimal wellness, socialization, and overall well-being.

Having a total of 106 residences, we foster community and encourage our professionally trained and highly qualified staff to act as a resource for our residents. With our 24-hour access to licensed nurses and certified nursing assistants, you will always receive the highest quality care whether you need to speak to a healthcare provider or have an emergency. Seafields provides concierge services that will enable you to explore the neighborhood and make the most of your home. Contact us if you feel that you would make a great addition to our community by clicking the button below. We look forward to hearing from you!