February 8, 2023
Debunking Myths about Assisted Living
Introduction
AHEPA Senior Living’s Hellenic Senior Living affordable assisted living lifestyle communities are attractive options for income-qualified older adults, 62 and older, who are seeking assistance with daily activities yet desiring to maintain their independence. Our communities provide the support and assistance necessary for residents to age with dignity among their friends and peers.
Unfortunately, there are misperceptions out there about assisted living. Often, someone’s negative experience is retold and embellished, over and over. And while it’s important to do your due diligence when researching living options for you or your loved one, it’s also important to be able to distinguish between truth and myths.
Over the years, we’ve heard several persistent myths circulating about the living conditions inside an assisted living community. Today, we’re here to debunk some of the more popular ones. Just have a look at a series of activities conducted by Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka that easily dispel them.
Myth: Residents aren’t allowed to leave
Fact: Residents are allowed to leave the facility whenever they want, and many choose to participate in community-sponsored events!
Residents of our communities are free to come and go as they please. Our community members frequently go to church functions or other social events with family and friends in the area, visit a museum or a movie, or enjoy group outing to a local eatery. For example, HSL of Mishawaka residents toured the National Studebaker Museum in South Bend. We even provide transportation services to local area events a few times a month on average.
Myth: Residents have no autonomy
Fact: Residents are free to be themselves and pursue their passions
In addition to residents being able to be active and out and about in the community, an assisted living setting allows a resident to be one’s own self and pursue passions or interests, including charitable or philanthropic. Twelve HSL of Mishawaka residents attended a luncheon fundraiser in support of the Alzheimer’s Association at the Local Hacienda. REAL Services and AseraCare Hospice Care were the two main contributing hosts organizations for the event. Both companies actively are involved with the Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka community, providing various services.
“We went in support and the residents enjoyed a wonderful lunch,” HSL of Mishawaka Executive Director Leslie Dezarn.
Separately, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a resident showcased her memorabilia in celebration of Dr. King and his legacy.
Myth: Residents are lonely and bored
Fact: Residents typically find a sense of community
Senior isolation and loneliness are serious concerns, even gaining the attention of the U.S. Senate’s Special Committee on Aging. 33% of older adults suffer from loneliness.
Assisted living communities are designed to help individuals get the assistance they need without inhibiting the sense of exploration and learning that all of us enjoy. They provide a safe environment so residents can go out on day trips or join activities with their friends and families.
Further, many community activities are hosted, from arts and crafts, classes to learn new things such as cooking or another language, and games with other residents.
You’ll find even the simplest of things will make a difference — for example a Valentine’s Tree at Hellenic Senior Living of Mishawaka that showcases “Community Love.”
Myth: The food is horrible
Fact: Assisted living communities offer a broad range of dining options!
Variety is the key to a healthy diet, and our dining room helps provide a wide range of options. At Hellenic Senior Living, we offer a “light lunch affair” alternative to a heavy meal at noon, and it’s turned into a resident favorite! Additionally, there are plenty of opportunities to get off-site and enjoy a meal!
We have an open invite for interested individuals to schedule a lunch and tour anytime.
Don’t believe everything you hear about assisted living.
AHEPA Senior Living’s Hellenic Senior Living assisted living lifestyle communities are designed to be a place where older adults seeking assistance with daily activities can live affordably and maintain their independence!
Conclusion
The most common misconceptions about assisted living communities are that residents are stuck in their rooms all day and unable to leave. However, this isn’t true for everyone—and if it is for you, you should talk with your loved one about options such as a shared living space or even an apartment of their own. And don’t forget that there are plenty of ways to make friends at your new home!