5 Reasons Seniors Resist Moving to a Senior Living Community but Really Should
Myths About Moving to a Senior Living Community
Some older adults balk at the idea of moving into a senior living community. They believe that it is something other people do, not them. A considerable amount of these seniors’ hesitation comes from inaccurate perceptions that they have about senior living communities. In their minds, they picture “old people” in wheelchairs, who have little to do and have to endure bland food.
In addition to the senior’s resistance, many families never consider a senior living community for their loved one until the critical time when they can no longer live safely at home or develop a health condition.
However, senior living experts believe that older adults who move into a community before they need to can benefit in a variety of ways.
Let’s take a look at 5 reasons why some seniors resist the idea of residing in a senior living community, but also why it can be an extremely positive, life-enhancing experience.
Loss of Independence
After living so many years on their own, many older people fear that they will lose their sense of independence by moving into a senior living community.
Of course, nothing could be further from the truth. Today’s senior living communities offer residents a great amount of flexibility with their schedules, meals, and activities. Residents spend their days as they wish to, without being restricted in any way.
Some senior living communities even focus on encouraging residents’ independence. Frontier Senior Living communities, for example, offer an award-winning Spark™ program which inspires residents to take on active social roles and tasks throughout their community. Read about how Spark™ positively impacts our residents’ lives.
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Only Old People Live in Senior Communities
Many seniors cannot picture themselves residing in a senior living community because they feel they are not “old enough.” This belief is particularly prevalent in the Baby Boom generation (those born from 1946-1964) because many of them continue to lead healthy, active lives.
In actuality, moving to a community at a younger age offers residents a wide range of care services, amenities and activities that they would not have access to personally. Their retirement years can be more enjoyable, as they have plenty of time to pursue their own interests.
Wanting to be in Their Own Home
This objection is very common, as many seniors say they want to “age in place.” This feeling is only natural, as everyone wants to live in an environment that is comfortable and familiar.
Often the issue with the age in place idea is that as seniors get older, their homes are not equipped to accommodate their changing needs. Making renovations to address this can not only be costly, but also disruptive to a senior’s daily life. Here’s how to know when an elderly parent can no longer live alone.
Senior living communities are designed to meet the needs of older people and can adapt as those needs change. Once a senior moves into a community, it will feel like home, so the desire to age in place can still be accomplished.
Moving Would Be Too Difficult
Some seniors have spent years, even decades in their homes and the thought of moving all of their possessions somewhere else can be overwhelming. They find it much easier to postpone a move instead of thinking about what to do with all of their stuff.
However, the process of moving while you are younger is a lot less stressful. It is also a great time to declutter. Most people have things that they really don’t need or haven’t used in years. There are family members who would gladly find a place in their homes for sentimental heirlooms and most towns have thrift shops that would benefit from a donation. Many families have benefited by using a formal timeline to move a parent to a senior living community.
If you are faced with having to sell a parent’s home, consider 5 Tips on How to Sell Your Parent’s Home.
Finances
Some seniors have worked hard all of their lives to be able to live in a home that is finally paid off. Finances are often a concern for many older people, and the thought of paying a monthly fee to reside somewhere else doesn’t seem to make a lot of sense.
When comparing the costs of living at home versus residing in a community, many seniors find that the latter is actually less expensive. This is based on the fact that senior living communities usually charge a single, inclusive fee for everything. Housing, utilities, food, activities, and all other aspects of community life are paid for as one monthly cost. Learn how to effectively manage finances when preparing to move into a senior living community.
Frontier Senior Living is Here to Help
The knowledgeable and experienced staff at Frontier has helped many families find the appropriate senior living community for their loved one. We have found that even though some seniors are initially resistant to moving, many later say that they wish they had done it earlier.
If you would like more information about the services we offer, we cordially invite you to visit one of our beautiful communities, take a tour, and speak with our friendly and compassionate staff.
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Our Communities
Clearwater Springs Assisted Living
201 Northwest 78th Street Vancouver, Washington 98665 (360) 803-4546 Levels of Care:Assisted Living
Monterey Court Memory Care
8915 Southeast Monterey Avenue Happy Valley, Oregon 97086 (503) 773-6670 Levels of Care:Assisted Living, Memory Care
Princeton Village Assisted Living
14370 Southeast Oregon Trail Drive Clackamas, Oregon 97015 (971) 233-4006 Levels of Care:Assisted Living
