Many people have preconceived notions about assisted living. However, in reality, assisted living is usually very different from what people expect.
Seniors can receive care and help with daily activities in assisted living, but there is much more to it than meets the eye. These communities provide a balance between independence and support in a comfortable, home-like environment. They also provide seniors with opportunities and resources that they might not otherwise have if they were aging in place at home.
In this article, we explore seven surprising facts about assisted living that might change how people consider this option for themselves or a loved one.
7 Surprising Facts About Assisted Living
Here are some facts about assisted living that you may not know. Be sure to share these facts with a loved one who may be on the fence about the idea of moving to a senior living community to clear up some misconceptions they may have.
1. You can move to assisted living even if you do not need much care.
Some people think a senior’s care needs must be very significant in order to “qualify” for assisted living. The truth is that a senior can be primarily independent and still move to an assisted living community.
Seniors move to assisted living for many reasons. Assistance with activities of daily living, like dressing or bathing, is a common reason. However, some seniors move to assisted living when they need help with tasks unrelated to care, like cooking, managing medications, or preventing isolation.
Even seniors who are completely independent can move to an assisted living community that offers independent living, like a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC). In a CCRC model, the senior can start in independent living and move on to higher levels of care if they need it, without having to move to a different community.
2. Assisted living can be more affordable than aging at home.
While the cost of assisted living communities varies between different cities and types of care and amenities offered, they are oftentimes more affordable than aging at home.
That is because owning and maintaining a home can be a major expense (and a lot of physical work, too). Paying for a mortgage, utilities, repairs, groceries, household supplies, lawn care, and more can add up.
Plus, factoring in the cost of home health care if it is needed makes the cost of aging in place much higher. In fact, home care in Florida can range from around $23-$30 per hour. For example, 6 hours a day of in-home care at the lower-end rate of $23 per hour comes out to over $4,000 a month.
On the other hand, at an assisted living community, your rent, all your meals, cleaning services, maintenance, and utilities – as well as social programming and events – are all included in one monthly fee, which is about $4,800 in Florida on average.
Plus, seniors can pay for assisted living with a variety of means, including long-term care insurance, retirement savings, Florida Veterans Benefits, and more.
Senior Consulting Advisors can work with you to determine if assisted living could be the right choice for you based on your financial situation.
3. Assisted living can drastically improve your social life.
Loneliness and isolation are extremely detrimental for seniors, contributing to high blood pressure, heart disease, weakened immune system, anxiety, depression, and cognitive decline.
On the other hand, socialization is widely considered one of the most important factors in our health as we age. Research on socialization for seniors shows that social interaction can boost mood and self-esteem, improve physical and mental health, prevent cognitive decline, reduce stress, enhance overall quality of life, and even promote longevity.
It can be hard for seniors living at home to socialize sufficiently to support their well-being. Many seniors do not have access to regular social events or do not have friends or family living nearby. For others, driving may no longer be an option, or they may not know how to access technology that allows them to connect with others.
For these reasons, assisted living becomes a great option for seniors who need consistent, accessible opportunities to interact with others.
Almost every senior living community offers a calendar of social events and activities happening every day. Seniors do not have to find their own transportation to a gathering or try to research events happening near them – they can simply walk down the hall and participate in an engaging activity with their neighbors and friends (which is already included in their monthly fee).
Examples of common social events and activities offered at senior living communities include:
- Arts and crafts
- Pickleball
- Fitness classes
- Board games
- Book clubs
- Concerts
- Putting greens
- Gardening groups
- Plays and performances
- Dance classes
- Educational lectures
- Holiday parties
- Seasonal activities
- Religious services
- Group outings
- Movie nights and more!
These are just some examples of the many opportunities seniors have at assisted living to interact with others, keep their brain sharp, stay fit, and boost their mood, and enhance their overall well-being.
4. You can bring your pet to assisted living.
One reason many seniors can be hesitant to move to an assisted living community is the worry that they will have to say goodbye to their loving pet. However, did you know that most senior living communities are pet-friendly?
Yes, almost all independent living communities and most assisted living communities allow pets to come along! Some communities even have dog parks for residents’ furry friends.
Pets have immense benefits for seniors in assisted living. Seniors can stay active by taking their pets on walks or playing fetch. Pets also provide emotional support for seniors, improving their mood, reducing stress, and preventing anxiety and depression. Studies have shown that pets can even contribute to lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels, as well as improve cognitive function for seniors. Having a pet in assisted living is a great way for seniors to connect with their neighbors who are fellow animal lovers, as well.
And for seniors who love pets but do not have one of their own, many senior living communities offer pet therapy on a regular basis to bring joy and laughter to residents.
5. You can live in your own private room or apartment.
Some seniors think that if they move to an assisted living community, they will have to share a room and bathroom with another person. For seniors who value privacy, this is understandably a valid concern. However, they will be happy to learn that most senior living communities have private rooms, apartments, and bathrooms available for residents.
Not only are most assisted living apartments comfortable and spacious, but they also offer a private oasis for seniors who want their living space to feel like home.
Many senior living apartments even have a kitchen or kitchenette, and some have their own washing machines for people who want that option.
Senior Consulting Advisors can help you tour assisted living communities to find the room or apartment setup for you. Call (800) 969-7176 to schedule.
6. You won’t have to worry about cooking, cleaning, or home maintenance.
At most assisted living communities, amenities and services are included in the monthly fee. These services are often considered “resort-like,” where all meals, cleaning, chores, and maintenance are taken care of by the community rather than the seniors themselves.
Seniors can enjoy their retirement without having to worry about mowing the lawn, going to the grocery store, or cleaning the house. Instead, they can focus on relaxing, meeting new people, staying active, participating in events, and enjoying their maintenance-free lifestyle.
7. You may extend your life!
Senior living communities have many benefits, but one of the most significant is that they can extend seniors’ lives. According to The National Investment Center for Seniors Housing & Care (NIC), individuals who live in senior living communities tend to live longer, receive more healthcare services, and benefit from additional rehabilitative and preventive care than those who do not.
At home, seniors may not receive the care they need to thrive, especially if they have progressive conditions like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease. Additionally, regular homes are often not equipped to accommodate seniors with mobility issues or who are at risk of falling. All of these factors could contribute to worsened illnesses that could have been treated by trained medical professionals, or accidents that could have been preventable in a safer environment.
On the other hand, assisted living communities are built with seniors in mind. Hallways can accommodate mobility devices like wheelchairs and scooters, ample lighting is installed to prevent falls, and trained staff are always available in case of an emergency. Plus, seniors can receive the care they need to promote their well-being.
With these precautions in place, seniors can feel more confident about their health, safety, well-being, and increased longevity.
Assisted Living Guidance
There are hundreds of senior living communities in Florida. Click here to look through our directory of communities and see which ones catch your eye.
Need help determining if assisted living is right for you? Not sure where to start? Contact the experts at Florida Senior Consulting Advisors.
Our local experts can answer all your questions, accompany you on tours, and help you make the best senior living decision for your future – all at no cost to you.
Our team members have years of experience in the senior care field, and have helped thousands of families in Florida find their perfect community.
Call (800) 969-7176 or visit SeniorConsultingAdvisor.com to get started on your journey to healthy and happy aging!
