When you’re a little kid, nothing seems as awesome as growing up. You get to buy whatever you want, you don’t have to share a room with your siblings, and most important of all, your parents won’t be able to tell you what to do anymore.
And you do grow up. Without any effort, time propels you forward, and before you know it, you have a room that’s entirely yours, filled with all the cool stuff you bought just because your parents didn’t like them.
What kids don’t know, though, is that growing old isn’t always a fairytale. It has its ups and downs. Sometimes you coast through beautiful highs, and sometimes the lows beat you down. But still, it’s an inevitable part of life.
Sadly, time wears down the body, sometimes the mind too. Often, families find themselves between a rock and a hard place, having to care for a senior individual but unable to provide the proper care. Sometimes you really want to help, but you just can’t.
That’s where long term care facilities come in. They provide skilled nursing services and facilities to senior citizens who require long term care. About 70% of Americans turning 65 will need long term care at some point, and these facilities are the best option for them.
Still, there are a ton of myths surrounding assisted living. Most of them come from a place of ignorance, but just one misguided belief might rob someone of a better quality of life. So, here are a few myths about assisted living you need to watch out for;
Assisted Living Takes Away Your Independence
For a lot of people, assisted living facilities are a little like boarding school. You check in your independence at the gate, and all that’s left are rules to follow. That’s the furthest thing from the truth.
Yes, you may no longer live in the house you own, but there are no limitations to what you can do. You can live your life how you see fit, doing whatever you want as long as you stay safe. These long term care facilities offer several living space options, and your apartment is entirely yours.
Who knows, maybe without the stresses and responsibilities of owning a home you might feel more unburdened, less restrained.
All Long Term Care Facilities Are the Same
Assisted care usually conjures up images of long, depressing hallways and bright fluorescent lighting. They probably made a movie about it. But these facilities are actually quite different in a variety of ways.
If you were to make a comparison, you’d find them to mirror resorts more closely. Only instead of strangers each week, it is people who’ve lived together and care for each other. The feeling is more of home, and after you stay there for a month or two, it’ll definitely feel like home.
Assisted Living Rehab Facilities Is For ‘Old People
Technically, most residents are ‘old’ people, ranging from fifty-five to their nineties, but not the comically, cartoonish old that this myth perpetuates. Senior communities encourage a zesty, active lifestyle. People who stay at these facilities don’t go there to fade away, they sign up for a chance at life again.
Daily recreational and leisure activities have been designed to keep you young and active. Even individuals who require assistance are encouraged to stay active.
I’ll be cut off from My Friends and Family
This is probably the most damaging myth about assisted living. Senior communities are open, friendly places, and they allow visitors. There are even facilities designed to cater to visits.
You get private suites for small parties and such, and the common areas are great for a picnic. Living in a long term care facility will in no way affect your social life; you’ll be given the freedom to be the social butterfly you’ve always been.
Here’s a fact;
Staying at home might seem like the right option, but living in long term care facilities is the best way to go. You will not only receive professional care, but you’ll be given a chance to enjoy life in a way you never could at home. Daily recreational, leisure, and education activities will keep you young and active for a long time.
