The Top 3 Myths about Assisted Living
Searching for the right senior living community for yourself or a loved one? It’s easy to feel confused by assisted living myths that spread online or in the media.
Learning the truth behind the myths can help you choose the right East Dallas senior living community for yourself or a loved one. Read on as we debunk the three most common myths about assisted living.
Looking to join an assisted living community like Autumn Leaves? Explore three common misconceptions people have about assisted living.
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Myth #1. Assisted Living is a Type of Nursing Home.
Truth: Confusion with nursing homes is one of the biggest assisted living myths out there! Although both provide long-term care, the services and living arrangements differ dramatically.
In the continuum of senior living communities, assisted living falls between independent living and nursing home or skilled nursing facilities.
Assisted living communities like Autumn Leaves provide more personal care than available at home or in an independent living community, but not the round-the-clock medical care and supervision of a nursing home.
Residents enjoy the independence and privacy of their own specious studio or one-bedroom assisted senior living apartment with the 24-hour support of our caring staff.
Senior living apartments include spacious kitchenettes for meal preparation. Large balconies or terraces connect East Dallas residents to the picturesque setting of White Rock Lake. Residents personalize their senior living apartments with furniture and cherished keepsakes, so they feel right at home.
Caring staff provides help with daily living activities, including:
- Bathing, dressing and other aspects of personal grooming and hygiene.
- Medication management or help with self-medication.
- Housekeeping and laundry services.
- Three nutritious meals each day.
- Transportation arrangements.
Besides daily living support, we help residents remain healthy and engaged with others and the world around them. A spacious dining room provides nutritious meals. On-site lounges, game rooms, library, and a chapel provide lots of space for social life.
In contrast to assisted living, nursing homes cater to people who require 24-hour supervision and ongoing custodial care. The clinical ambiance and standards of medical care in most nursing homes is closer to a hospital than a community.
Some nursing homes also provide Skilled Nursing care for senior rehabilitation of patients who do not require long-term care services. Other communities separate nursing home and skilled nursing care into separate facilities.
Nursing homes care for those with greater needs and deliver comprehensive medical care. As a result, they typically are more expensive than assisted living facilities.
Myth #2. Moving to Assisted Living Means Giving Up Your Independence.
Truth: Loss of independence is the second-biggest myth about assisted living. In fact, the primary goal of assisted living is to maintain and enhance residents’ sense of autonomy.
Living in a maintenance-free assisted living apartment releases residents from the burden of home upkeep, lawn care, meal preparation and other everyday chores. Help with bathing and dressing saves time and prevents falls.
With more free time, seniors fill their lives with what they enjoy most. At Autumn Leaves, our East Dallas residents choose from a wide variety of life-enriching programs, including:
- Daily social activities.
- Arts and crafts classes.
- Exercise and wellness programs.
- Games and recreational activities.
- Spiritual services.
- Excursions into the community.
Residents live life to the fullest, with peace of mind from knowing that they don’t have to go it alone. Caring help is always there if they need it.
Myth #3. I (or my Mom or Dad) Won’t Like Moving to Assisted Living.
Truth: The concern that you or a loved one won’t enjoy assisted living is as much fear of the unknown as assisted living myth.
After a life of working and caring for others, many seniors enjoy relaxing and receiving care. Assisted living offers a comforting balance of safety, independence and opportunities to pursue friendships and interests.
Living in single family residences, many seniors feel isolated and bored as they age. Assisted living facilities offer the chance to socialize and have fun with like-minded adults. A variety of scheduled programs such as exercise, games, and crafts keep senior living residents active.
Everyone needs some help with daily living as they age. But proud, independent seniors may feel embarrassed to ask family members, friends or neighbors for help. In assisted living, staff are available around the clock to provide care when needed.
Find out for yourself if you or your parent will love life at Autumn Leaves Assisted Living. Call 214-328-4161 or click here schedule a tour.
