Debunking the Most Common Myths About Assisted Living

For those who have loved ones who are beginning to have a hard time taking care of themselves and living on their own, it may be time to consider talking about assisted living Villanova area. After all, there are many assisted living facilities that can provide the care and housing a loved one needs. Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths floating around about assisted living that may be keeping one from having the talk with their loved one.

Myth 1: Staying at Home Makes More Financial Sense

A lot of families think that staying at home makes more financial sense than moving into an assisted living facility. After all, it's always possible to hire at-home care, right? This is true, but the fact remains that hiring at-home care typically costs several times more than assisted living would. This, on top of other expenses (such as paying for yard care) can make at-home care a lot more expensive than most realize.

Myth 2: Assisted Living Means a Loss of Independence

Another common misconception about assisted living is that it means a loved one will automatically lose their sense of independence once they move away from home. In reality, this couldn't be further from the truth. These days, assisted living facilities offer various levels of care based on a loved one's needs. Those who are still capable can live extremely independently, whereas those who need a little more help can receive that assistance. It doesn't have to mean losing independence.

Myth 3: Assisted Living Communities Are Boring

When some people think of assisted living communities, they think of them as boring facilities where there isn't much for residents to do. However, this is simply not true. Today, more than ever, assisted living communities encourage their residents to get out and be active. Many offer fitness classes, recreational activities, game nights, and excursions that residents can partake in. Who knows? A loved one could even discover a new hobby!

Myth 4: Assisted Living is Out of Budget

Last but not least, it's important to realize that assisted living doesn't have to be out of one's budget, no matter how small it may be. Many assisted living facilities offer income-based options, and insurance can also help to reduce costs. In this sense, assisted living can generally be affordable on any budget.

Preparing for a Move Into Assisted Living

As people age and grow into what’s known as their golden years, there are many living adjustments that need to be considered. It’s not always easy to keep up with the household chores. For those who live outside of the city outskirts, transportation can be a problem. If they are far away from friends and family members, life can be very lonely. When there are health problems as well, a move to assisted living Villanova is a good way to improve an elderly person’s standard of living. However, to get the most out of an assisted living environment, making the decision to move is best done at an age when all of the amenities available can be enjoyed.

Choosing an Assisted Living Facility

With the help of friends, family and word of mouth, people can research and locate the assisted living facility best suited for their needs. Besides the rooms available and activities offered, one of the important considerations is location. With growing older, an assisted living environment close to family members is ideal to make frequent visits easier with less travel time.

Downsizing in Preparation

By the time people get to the age of moving into assisted living in Villanova, they have probably accumulated a lot of things. If their home is larger than the assisted living quarters, their next step would be sorting through and prioritizing items they want to take with them. Fortunately, this can be done slowly and gradually. By making a list of what they will need in their new living arrangement, they should begin to go through all of their belongings. It’s a perfect time to distribute family heirlooms, unused furniture and even kitchenware to family members or people who need these items. Once this is finished, a big moving sale is great for selling off the extra items. Items leftover from the sale can be donated to a distribution center.

Moving Day

The actual moving day can be intensely emotional, but also exciting. It is closing the door on an old and known lifestyle while opening the doors to something brand new. It can also be physically challenging, with all the unpacking and organizing to do. Finding friends or family members to help with this part of the move will save energy for enjoying the new space at assisted living in Villanova.