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3 Common Myths About Senior Living

Many people have misconceptions about senior living. Great senior living communities are vibrant, full of life and are home to residents of all ages. Why, then, do some people have a misunderstanding of what life in a senior living community is really all about? Here are three of the most common myths about senior living communities and why they couldn’t be further from the truth.

#1: It’s only for a specific age group.

Many people believe only adults of a very advanced age live in senior living communities. While there are certainly older residents in many communities, others have members as young as 55 years of age. People choose to join a senior living community for a variety of reasons besides advanced age and health status.

This idea, along with many other myths about senior living, starts with the idea that senior living is automatically the same thing as assisted living. In reality, some senior living communities include a broad range of living options. While some residents are in assisted living or require nursing care, others are living independently in single-family homes or apartments. These communities are a mix of older and younger, more independent and less independent, residents.

#2: It’s always more expensive than at-home care.

Another one of the common myths about senior living has to do with the costs involved. Many people believe that it’s always more affordable for a loved one to live at home versus in a senior living community. The reality is that the cost varies from place to place. To determine the actual comparison, you have to think of living expenses as a whole.

When considering the cost of living at home, you have to factor in costs such as insurance, housekeeping, transportation and meal preparation. There is a lot that goes into providing at-home care for a senior adult, particularly one with specific health needs. One of the many benefits of senior living communities is that they sometimes offer options to only pay for what you need. Some offer a model of care that can be adapted as additional care is needed.

#3: Moving to a senior living community is a last resort.

One of the most unfortunate myths about senior living is that adults move to these communities when they no longer have other options. For many communities, this couldn’t be further from the truth. People choose senior living for a variety of reasons. People move there for reasons including, but not at all limited to, the need for assistance or medical care.

Senior living communities are about just that – community. Many people choose to make the transition for the lifestyle, convenience and sense of community. An individual or couple living independently might still choose senior living for the convenience of on-campus resources and facilities. These communities are also a great way to connect to other people who are in a similar season of life.

With all these myths about senior living floating around, it’s important for you to be informed about the community you choose for your retirement. You’ll learn that no two communities are the same. Advent Christian Village is here to help you enjoy life to the fullest by offering the appropriate amount of personalized senior care that fits your needs with no entrance fees. We’ll help you determine the senior care services you need – and you’ll only pay for the ones you use.

Advent Christian Village is a unique faith-based community that gives you freedom of choice, from comfortable assisted living to memory support and skilled nursing. We invite you to come see everything our senior living community has to offer. Give us a call today at 1-800-647-3353 or click here to schedule an appointment.

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