Three Myths About Assisted Living To Write Off
Many elderly people, as well as their children who are trying to decide on the best living arrangements for their elderly parents, can be turned off to the idea of assisted living because of the many myths that are associated with it. This is why you should consider looking into the true facts about assisted living and write off the following myths that make the facts a little less clear.
No More Independence:
One fear for both the elderly and children of elderly parents is that independence will be completely lost when living in an assisted living facility. Of course, the elderly don't want to have to lose their sense of independence, and their children don't want to see their parents completely lose their ability to maintain the same type of lifestyle they were living at home. However, it is important to keep in mind that assisted living facilities do not have the intention of taking away independence from their residents. In fact, these facilities actually encourage physical strength and independence by providing activities to the elderly, such as physical therapy to help them continue to be healthy enough to do things on their own.
Assisted Living Is Too Expensive:
Many elderly people believe that moving into an assisted living facility will be too expensive for themselves and for their family. The belief is that it would be less expensive to just continue to live at home. However, this usually isn't the case since, even though the mortgage may be paid off, the elderly person living in the home will still have to pay homeowners insurance, as well as for costs to keep the home well maintained. Obviously, as a person ages, the less likely they will be able to make their own home repairs, which leads to higher costs in having to hire professionals. When they move into assisted living, they will be able to avoid these costs. Plus, the costs of living in assisted living facilities include entertainment, medical care, and more, which often makes it the more affordable option in the long run.
Assisted Living is Only for the Sick:
Many people believe that their elderly parent will not be able to live in an assisted living facility, because these places are only for the sick. This is not the case, though since assisted living facilities want to encourage their residents to be as independent as possible and continue to live a high quality life. The only qualifications is that their residents are over a certain age. They don't have to be sick.
By writing off these myths, you can have a better understanding of how assisted living facilities work, which will help you to determine whether or not it is the right option for your elderly parent.