Debunking Myths about Senior Living

Making the decision to move into a senior living community is bittersweet and challenging. It can be difficult to say goodbye to the home you’ve lived in for most of your life and leave behind decades of cherished memories. Especially when the alternative is to move into one of “those places.” You may fear that your freedom will be restricted, and you’ll feel isolated and bored. Fortunately, nothing could be further from the truth. Modern senior communities offer private apartments and villas for residents (some even include garages for residents’ vehicles), special interest groups (book clubs, walking, gardening), fitness centers, outings (dining out, shopping, day trips), meals in a community dining room (or cook in your apartment), and other activities. You can participate as often or as little as you like. You will maintain complete autonomy.

Here, we will debunk some common myths about senior living communities:

You Lose Your Independence

Flip the script. At a senior living community, you’ll no longer need to deal with the daily responsibilities of home maintenance, yard care, trash and snow removal, and in some cases, even housekeeping and cooking. You will be gaining independence to spend your days as you please.

Senior Living Communities Are for Feeble Elderly People

Again, not true. Many senior living communities accept residents as young as 55, so you will be surrounded by people of all ages and ability levels. Many senior living communities are known as CCRCs (continuing care retirement communities), which means that different tiers of care are available to residents. For example, if, after a few years, you feel you may need more assistance with activities of daily living (ADLs), you can “step up” to assisted living. Or, if you are hospitalized and need rehab, you can transfer to skilled nursing until you have recovered sufficiently to return to your apartment. In many senior living communities, all of these services are offered on the same campus, so you don’t need to relocate.

You’ll Be Bored and Lonely in Senior Living

Only if you choose to. Senior living communities offer many opportunities to socialize and pursue your favorite activities and hobbies. You’ll find wellness-focused activities such as group fitness programs, a well-appointed fitness center, and interactive programs designed to keep you moving. Join a crafts or hobby group or create your own. Participate in a volunteer activity. Join your neighbors for a drink at the in-house pub or watch a movie in the theatre. The possibilities are endless. Many communities also offer planned outings to restaurants, wineries, outlet malls, and local attractions. You’ll meet plenty of new people to interact with, and your family and friends can visit you as often as you’d like. Or … if you prefer, retire to the solitude of your apartment with a good book or Netflix binge. It’s up to you.

Senior Living Costs Too Much

At first glance, it may appear that way. But think about it. By relocating to a senior living community, you will no longer need to cover expenses related to home ownership like fees, taxes, and maintenance expenses like plumbers and electricians. You won’t have to mow the lawn or shovel snow in the winter. The monthly rent at most senior communities typically includes two or three full meals a day, plus snacks, and you may also have a room service option where you can order from a limited menu for most hours of the day and evening. If you no longer need your vehicle, you’ll save on auto insurance and upkeep. When you weigh the cost-benefits, you’ll soon realize that you’re breaking even or possibly saving money.

We Design Our Communities With You in Mind

At Kingsbury, we pride ourselves on the level of service we provide to our residents, and we follow the Golden Rule. Ohioans built our senior communities for Ohioans, and we have properties throughout the Buckeye State. Three levels of service are available — independent and assisted living, memory care, and villas. When you’re ready to move into the next exciting chapter in your life, where you can relax, enjoy retirement, and make new memories, schedule a tour of one of Kingsbury’s Ohio locations!