Since 2010, an average of 10,000 baby boomers have turned 65 each day. As this second largest demographic group hits retirement age, industries across the board are adjusting to meet their changing needs and make them comfortable and happy. The senior living industry is no exception, and there are many assisted living options that offer luxury and independence.
However, many new retirees still picture dreary “nursing homes” when they think of assisted living. There are many myths out there contributing to this stereotype — but you can’t believe everything you hear! Let’s debunk some of those pervasive myths so you can learn the truth about what assisted living has to offer.
Myth: Assisted Living Is Boring
Many senior adults who are considering a move to assisted living worry about having to leave behind the activities and hobbies they love. However, in most cases, those fears are unfounded. High-quality senior living communities such as Arbor Terrace of Asheville are committed to providing their residents with a fresh approach to senior living, which includes plenty of ways to spend free time and explore interests new and old. Assisted living staff members work hard to come up with fun activities to keep residents engaged.
Myth: Residents Surrender Control in Assisted Living
No one wants to give up their favorite photos, collectibles, or other meaningful items. This myth comes from the fear that assisted living accommodations are one-size-fits-all, with few options for the personalization they need to make it feel like home. On the contrary, a move to senior living presents a perfect opportunity to decorate a new space! Schedule community tours, and try to picture yourself living there when you visit. Where might you hang a favorite family portrait? What kind of plant have you never gotten around to bringing into your home that might look nice in that corner? The best assisted living communities will be happy to help you brainstorm ideas for how to make your new home truly yours.
Myth: Assisted Living Is Depressing and Residents Are Lonely
Many adult children of senior parents resist the idea of assisted living because they don’t want to “abandon” their parents, and many seniors fear that their loved ones will forget them and never visit. At Arbor Terrace, nothing could be further from the truth! We encourage our residents to maintain close relationships with their loved ones. We are always happy to facilitate family get-togethers or provide suggestions for things to do in the Asheville area. Between visits, our residents never have to be on their own! Arbor Terrace strives to be a true community, and there are plenty of opportunities to make new friends and stay connected, from mealtimes to book clubs to community outings.
Myth: Assisted Living Is Too Expensive
Some seniors and their loved ones experience sticker shock when they start looking into the cost of assisted living. However, after taking some time to break down what those costs cover and compare them to the costs of staying at home, many are surprised by how affordable their options are. A move to assisted living means saying goodbye to property taxes, separate utility bills, and any necessary home health services. And our residents at Arbor Terrace of Asheville agree that the comfort they find at our community and the reassurance of having access to friendly, highly trained staff at all times are priceless. Check out our Senior Living Cost Calculator to see how affordable high-quality assisted living might be for you.
Myth: The Food Is Terrible
High school cafeterias have nothing on the senior living dining options that live in many people’s imaginations! If you’re picturing mystery meat and the same lumpy, bland potatoes day after day, think again. Senior living communities offer three distinct meals each day for residents, and the food is prepared by professional chefs who take pride in their work and often experiment with new flavors. There’s also no need to worry that specific dietary concerns will be ignored in assisted living — staff can always work to accommodate a special diet plan.
Myth: Residents Will Be Isolated from the Greater Community
If you’re an Asheville resident considering a move to assisted living, you might be worried about missing the mountain views or the activities and culture the city has to offer. After all, Asheville is one of the best cities to retire to in the United States, and you live here for a reason. Good news: We love it here, too! At Arbor Terrace, we offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy our beautiful home, from community outings to scheduled transportation for when you want to attend a specific event. You may be moving, but you won’t feel far from home.
The Arbor Terrace Difference
If you or a senior loved one are considering moving to assisted living, we hope these busted myths have helped put your mind at ease. Our mission at Arbor Terrace of Asheville is to make this transition as smooth as possible and provide our residents with the highest possible quality of life. To learn more about The Arbor Way, contact us today.
