7 Tips to Easily Adjust into Senior Living

10 Common Fears about Moving to Senior Living

Change, like the unknown, is frightening irrespective of age. While your parent’s move to a senior living community is a major issue, it also brings up a lot of feelings in you. Many seniors value the advantages of senior living. Yet not everyone is aware of the services provided by these communities. Like any significant life decision, moving to a retirement home comes with its own set of concerns. Let’s take a look at the most typical.

1. Fear of losing independence

Many people assume that moving into a senior living home is equal to trading out their independence. This isn’t true, fortunately.

Independent living allows seniors to enjoy their own apartment without the need for assistance unless they require it later. Senior living is all about assisting elders at different phases of their lives. As a result, the services provided range from basic cleaning to extensive restoration. Seniors in senior housing will never be given assistance that they do not require, and they will never be coddled or infantilized.

2. Fear of becoming old faster

Many people believe that relocating to a senior living home will make them “aged,” yet this is generally not the case. It is entirely feasible to look and feel younger than ever while simultaneously enjoying the greater ease, social activity, and free time that a senior living community provides, thanks to the activities available at these facilities and the individualized care inherent in the structure of these facilities.

Senior living communities aren’t a death trap for the elderly; instead, they’re a tool to improve a senior’s overall quality of life.

3. Concern of becoming inactive

One of the most common concerns among older people who are considering independent or assisted living is losing their freedom. But that is not true at all. Most senior living communities will give you more opportunities to stay active and self-sufficient.

Your parent can do what he or she enjoys and socialize with others by participating in various everyday activities. He’ll be able to keep driving if he still wants to. If not, your parent(s) will be able to remain independent by using the new community’s transportation.

4. Fear of running out of money

It’s not cheap to live in a beautiful senior community, especially if you require nursing home level care. First, take a realistic look at your assets. Add up your pensions, Social Security payments, the expected profit from the sale of your property, and your present retirement assets and bank accounts.

If money is an issue, you should look into all of your senior home possibilities. Finally, you’ll have a variety of options to choose from, each with its own price range. You can also discover that the expense of living in a community is comparable to staying at home.

5. Fear of being forgotten

Most seniors in assisted living actually find it simpler to interact with and keep in touch with friends and family once they are free of the restrictions of maintaining a home, cooking, grocery shopping, paying bills, and other responsibilities. Friends and family are encouraged to visit, and most assisted living places make it simple for them to do so.

6. Concern about insufficient care

Understanding the various possibilities will help you ensure that your parent receives the best possible care. First, consult your loved one’s doctor for advice on his or her health and the assistance that may be required. Then, begin looking for communities that suit those needs from there.

This AARP guide may be helpful if you’re unclear about what each level of care entails. Bring a list of questions with you when you’re looking at neighborhoods. You’ll then be able to compare how they handle prescriptions, safety, activity, and nutrition.

7. Fear of missing the old place and life

If you’re concerned about your parent’s move to senior housing, seek advice from their neighborhood. They might have ideas that have worked for other locals. While the transition may be difficult, most seniors will quickly make new friends and participate in new activities.

Furthermore, in his or her new house, dad or mom is more likely to feel safe and less lonely. Staying in the family home might lead to isolation, which can be avoided by senior housing.

8. Fear of feeling lonely and bored

Loneliness is the most irrational of all worries. As you become older, your circle of friends and acquaintances tends to get smaller. Many elderly people who are still living at home feel lonely; however, living in a senior community expands your social circle. While many seniors are concerned about being bored in a senior care facility, speaking with residents demonstrates that this isn’t a genuine concern. Senior living communities value their inhabitants’ enjoyment, so they provide so many activities.

9. Fear of family and friends not visiting anymore

While many seniors fear that their friends and family will forget about them once they move into a senior care facility, the contrary is frequently true. The truth is that seniors in assisted living facilities generally have more free time and spend it with their friends and family. Furthermore, many senior living communities host special family days to encourage children, siblings, and other family members to visit and join in exciting activities.

10. Fear of giving up the old life and preferences

Many seniors are concerned that residing in a senior living facility will require them to give up their capacity to decorate or manage their houses. While assistance is offered to those who require it, the goal of a senior living facility is not to take away a senior’s personality or flair. Instead, seniors are encouraged to personalize their living spaces and keep doing the things they enjoy.