Dispelling Your Most Common Fears About Senior Living

• Losing independence. No one likes the idea of someone else controlling their life, and for an older adult, it can be daunting to think their independence will go away. But actually once a person chooses the maintenance-free lifestyle of senior living, they find they have more freedom about their days than ever. No more worrying about repairs, housekeeping, upkeep or daily details. Instead, they are free to join in a group activity, enjoy visits with family, make new friends and savor some quiet time if they prefer. 

At Assured Senior Living, we see this every day:  residents who feel safe, cared for, and confident in their surroundings enjoy a sense of independence and achievement. 

• Experiencing a fading memory. It’s troubling for an older person to realize they are forgetting the names of loved ones, misplacing items, or even worse, wandering from home and not able to get back on their own. Sometimes an older loved one will try to hide these issues out of fear they will have to live elsewhere. This can be one of the most frightening fears about senior living, yet just the opposite is true:  in the right memory care environment, residents benefit from round-the-clock, cutting-edge care and companionship that can help them cope with the progression of dementia. 

In addition, life-enhancing programs such as pet therapy, aromatherapy, music therapy and activities customized to individual interests can make a huge impact as well. Older adults dealing with Alzheimer’s disease, another form of dementia, or traumatic brain injury can greatly benefit from being around others who share their care needs. 

• Giving up a home. Moving anywhere is a big step, especially for a person who has lived at home for many years. Leaving a familiar home or neighborhood can bring up anxiety that things will never be the same again. However, the truth is that for many, things are about to be better than ever!  A comfortable, relaxing residence with their cherished mementos, delicious and nutritious dining prepared for them, good friends all around to make each day brighter, housekeeping and scheduled transportation provided, and 24/7 care and support for peace of mind. 

Even better, residents moving into Assured Senior Living have the extra advantage of residential senior living. That means your loved one can be part of a family of residents living in a suburban neighborhood, in a home setting that feels familiar. A family-style dining area is right down the hall. There’s a living room and outdoor patio. It’s easy to get around. Residents can enjoy neighborhood walks and a sunny front porch. Very quickly, in this type of setting, your loved one will feel right at home. 

• Being lonely and isolated. Another of the fears about senior living is that it will be hard to find a friend; to fit in and be part of a group. In reality, senior living can open up a world of healthy socializing, so vital for mental and physical health. Art classes, sing-a-longs, special events, walks and outings, good company for meals, new experiences, lifelong learning…the list goes on. Boredom is not on it! 

At Assured Senior Living, we’ve created a community design that is distinctly different from the existing memory care model—sterile and dreary institutions with locked doors, cheerless surroundings, and one-size-fits-all care. Instead, you’ll find a way for your loved one to receive the compassionate, personalized, holistic care they deserve, in a home-like setting. Here, you and your loved one can turn the page and begin an exciting new chapter!