Whether or not to move from home to senior living is undoubtedly one of the most significant decisions a person can make. With all the emotions over leaving home, the range of options to consider, and navigating the circumstances prompting you to make the decision, the last thing you need on your plate is a misunderstanding about what senior living offers. Unfortunately, myths about senior living abound, often creating hesitancy about a lifestyle that’s actually filled with benefits to help you make the most of life. But we won’t let you miss out.
Myths about senior living: fact versus fiction
Myth #1: The environment in senior living feels more like a hospital than a home.
Fact: In the past, this was not so much a myth about senior living; it did have more of a clinical focus. As perceptions of aging have evolved though, so have these communities. We know firsthand how active, fun, and purpose-filled life can continue to be regardless of age, so that focus has expanded across the industry. Today, senior living in Somerset County features communities that feel more like resorts with beautiful grounds, maintenance-free living, plentiful amenities, and a lifestyle that focuses on all aspects of wellness, not just the physical.
Myth #2: You’ll give up your independence if you move to senior living.
Fact: The reality of this myth about senior living is that you may actually have more independence than you would at home. How? Often, when seniors need help at home, they have to call friends, family, and neighbors. Eventually, that can leave them feeling like a burden. In senior living, that’s not an issue because everything is right outside your door, and support is always at hand should you need it, which we find helps our residents to feel more empowered and comfortable than they have in a long time. The environment also fosters independence by providing choices in everything from accommodations to support services to how you spend your time each day.
Myth #3: In senior living, you’ll be lonely with nothing to do.
Fact: This is one of the biggest myths about senior living. The reality is that the social aspect of senior living in Somerset County is often one of the biggest draws. Not only are friends, neighbors, and care staff always nearby, but we also provide a range of activities to help you stay active, connected, and engaged with life. For example, our monthly calendar includes social events, exercise programs, classes, clubs, live music and entertainment, game nights, group outings, religious services, volunteer opportunities, and more!
For more information on senior living in Hillsborough Township, download our Stay or Go Guide.
Myth #4: You can forget about privacy in senior living.
Fact: In the past, communities may have offered mostly shared accommodations, but that’s far from the case today. We can easily debunk this myth about senior living then. For example, our communities feature spacious private residences in studio, 1- and 2-bedroom floorplans. But you also have plenty of space to get away from it all in any number of lovely indoor and outdoor spaces around campus.
Myth #5: You should only consider senior living if you’re sick and unable to care for yourself.
Fact: This is another myth about senior living that we happily debunk! In fact, you’d be surprised how many people move to senior living today while perfectly healthy! As we indicated above, communities now support all aspects of wellness, including physical, emotional, social, intellectual, and spiritual, through a lifestyle filled with opportunities to stay active, connected, and engaged. Plus, with maintenance-free living, which means the burdens of home and yard upkeep, cooking and housekeeping are now removed from your shoulders, you have more time to enjoy life. Here you’ll have all the resources to support healthy aging and peace of mind that increasing levels of support are available should your health needs evolve.
Myth #6: Senior living isn’t affordable for most people.
Fact: Not only is it more affordable than the myths about senior living would have you believe, but it might also actually be less expensive than staying at home. First, when most people compare the cost of senior living to home, they compare the community’s monthly rent with their own mortgage or rent. But that actually leaves out quite a bit from the equation when your total monthly cost of living at home also includes food, utilities, home maintenance, property taxes, insurance, and entertainment as well. Not to mention the cost of at-home care if you’re using that. Why does that matter? These costs ARE typically included in the monthly cost of senior living! So when you compare apples to apples, so to speak, you may pay less for senior living. What’s more, there are also a number of options that may help you pay for senior living in Somerset County.
For more debunked myths about senior living, download our Stay or Go Guide or contact us today to schedule a tour.
