Is your parent beginning to struggle with some of the tasks of daily living? Could they use help with bathing safely, dressing, grooming or preparing healthy meals? There are many benefits of senior living that can not only assist in remaining independent longer – but also achieve a higher quality of life.
Yet many families may find their parents hesitant when it comes time to discuss the option of senior living. It’s crucial to discover what is behind their uncertainty.
Fears about senior living
Having an open and honest conversation is the best approach. Try to encourage your loved ones to discuss any reservations they may have about moving into senior living. The following are a few of the more common concerns and how senior living can dispel those fears:
- Fear of lost independence
One of the primary fears is that a move to senior living will mean the end of an independent life.
Fear about senior living dispelled: Your parents will discover that it’s easier to stay independent longer once they move into a community. Having the help and support they need also allows them to remain active and engaged.
- Fear of leaving their home
Leaving home and their life there is never easy. But you should also consider that your parents may have had concerns about living at home alone that they didn’t share.
Fear about senior living dispelled: Your parents will have their own residence but it will be one that is designed to make life and growing older easier. With floor plan choices and personalization, they’ll soon feel right at home.
- Fear of losing contact with friends and family
Some older parents are afraid they’ll be forgotten or won’t see their friends and family as often once they move into a senior living community.
Fear about senior living dispelled: Help your parents understand their connection with others won’t change but they’ll also have the chance to build new friendships after they move. They’ll discover how many have so much in common with their own life story.
- Fear that they’ll be bored
Due to misperceptions, some seniors fear that there will be nothing for them to do but grow older if they move into a community. But the truth is exactly the opposite.
Fear about senior living dispelled: Boredom won’t be an option when they make senior living their home. There are so many planned activities, social events and amenities to share that the biggest challenge may be finding the time to participate in everything they’d like.
- Fear of having strangers care for them
If your parents need assistance with a few of the daily tasks such as bathing, dressing or grooming, they may resist having strangers help them.
Fear about senior living dispelled: Let your parents know that those who work in senior living communities are professionals who have received training and education. The staff are compassionate and many seniors actually form strong relationships with their caregivers.
- Fear they won’t fit in
Most of us don’t look forward to change and the idea of altering where we live and who we interact with daily can cause us to be anxious.
Fear about senior living dispelled: Reassure your parents that the community is designed to help the residents age and live well. There are many different types of residents but with a little effort, they’ll soon discover those who will become lifelong friends.
- Fear they won’t control their daily life
Your parents may be afraid they will lose control of their day-to-day decisions, such as when and what to eat, how to spend their day or when to go to bed.
Fear about senior living dispelled: Today’s senior living promotes independence for its residents and has been designed to allow the freedom of choices. Your parents will live similar to how they do now – except it will be much easier.
- Fear that they can’t afford senior living
Many older adults assume they won’t be able to afford senior living, even without having the facts to back that up.
Fear about senior living dispelled: Your parents and family may be surprised at how many options there are that can make senior living more affordable. Along with the choice of services and types of communities, there are also funding sources that can help reduce the monthly costs.
The Charleston Senior Community
Locally owned and operated, we offer personalized care by our dedicated team members. Setting a new standard in Assisted Living and Memory Care, we don’t define our residents by their limitations or illness but instead believe in focusing on the positive and the possibility.
The Charleston Senior Community includes private apartments for assisted living residents and for those living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
Your loved ones will benefit from our attention to detail, routine health assessments, delicious dining and daily activity programs as we support them to live their best life.
Consider a few of our amenities:
- Chef-led dining program
- Community movie theater
- Salon
- Ballroom
- Live entertainment
- Outdoor patio
- Social lounges
- Housekeeping
If you or your family is thinking about assisted living or memory care, we hope you will consider The Charleston Senior Community. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions. We also invite you to download our complimentary information, A Family Guide to Funding Senior Care & Housing.
