Change is tough for everyone, and the more set in our ways we become as we age – the more difficult change feels. Everyone embraces their comfort zone, whether a child challenged to try something new or a senior citizen facing the need to seek a new residence. Often, when adult children try to engage their parents in conversations regarding their safety and wellness, they are met with resistance and even anger. Let’s face it: no one wants to admit that they are growing older and losing some of their independence. Here are some of the more common objections we’ve heard from seniors making the difficult decision to move to an adult residence – and some reasons we believe that change – at least in this case – is nothing to fear.
- “I don’t want to live in a nursing home- I’ve heard horrible things about them.” Assisted living has changed dramatically over the years, and today’s residences are nothing like some of the old stereotypes. The best way to overcome this objection is to schedule a tour of a few facilities in your area. When touring the community, you can ask any questions of the staff that you would like answered, and you can usually also speak with a few current residents as well. When you are able to walk around the facility, have a meal in the dining room, or sit in on a group class or concert – you can get a firsthand look at what life at an assisted living community is really like.
- “I don’t want to lose my autonomy and freedom.” This may be one of the biggest misconceptions surrounding assisted living. Most older adults who still live in their own homes have actually already given up much of their independence and freedom by default – maybe they don’t travel anymore, visit their friends, or drive themselves to do errands. You may not have the time or energy to pursue your interests once you take care of your home and yard. This makes these types of objections a bit misdirected. Assisted living is designed to ensure that residents retain their freedom – they enjoy comfortable, maintenance-free homes, have access to delicious and nutritious meals someone else prepares; and participate in intellectual, physical, and emotional enrichment programs that are all available onsite. Not only that but friends and neighbors are just down the hall. Life can become much more fulfilling in assisted living, not the opposite.
- “I like my day-to-day routine.” As we said before, we love our comfort zones. We are mostly creatures of habit and like familiar routines. One of the primary objections of senior citizens regarding assisted living is born out of anxiety of losing things that are special and important to them. They don’t want to lose family relationships or their church community, or they may think they won’t ever see their neighbors again. A move to assisted living doesn’t have to change all that, though. Seniors who stay local can continue their normal activities, either with their own car or through the provided transportation. While some experiences may, in fact, fall away, most seniors learn that the new experiences awaiting them are fulfilling and exciting and help them to maintain overall health and wellness.
- “Assisted living is too expensive!” While the price of assisted living may at first cause sticker shock, take a deep breath. Realize that your fee structure will take the place of rent or mortgage, utility bills, any home or yard maintenance, housekeeping, and all meals. Depending on the facility, you may also have access to movie theaters, fitness centers, libraries, gardens, social events, hairdressers – the list goes on! Assisted living is a lifestyle that pays for everything you need in one payment and allows you to relax and enjoy life. If you are still concerned or have objections about the cost, sit down with the administrative staff to discuss the financial options you may have.
A Banyan Residence has assisted living and memory care centers in both Venice and The Villages. We look forward to showing you our community.
