Too many people have misperceptions about senior living communities. They picture old stereotypes of “nursing homes” and sedentary “old folks.” Then they meet one of the residents at The Heritage of Green Hills, and they’re shocked at how healthy, vibrant and spirited they are.
We hear certain retirement community myths all the time, and we know they stem from outdated knowledge. To help, we’ve compiled seven of the most common senior living myths and the truths that debunk them.
7 Senior Living Myths
1. Retirement communities are for old and sickly seniors.
One of the most pervasive retirement community myths is that the residents are infirm and slow-moving. Nothing could be further from the truth. Residents often select a community because the services, amenities, even the care services help them become more active and able to seize each day. At The Heritage, seniors enjoy our woodworking shop, creative arts studio, dog park, etc.
2. I’ll lose my independence.
The goal of great senior living communities is to help you maintain your independence as long as possible. Fitness opportunities, social events, quality food, and support services are all uniquely designed to help seniors stay fit, healthy and happy. Seniors can spend their days however they’d like to, and transportation provided in a community helps them take on new challenges outside the campus as well.
3. I’ll have to give up parts of my life.
The everyday services — housekeeping, dining, maintenance — are provided to offer you more time to pursue interests and passions. If you love to volunteer or spend time with your grandchildren, go do it. Team members in the community will take care of the daily chores.
4. The food will be bland and repetitive.
This retirement community myth is actually pretty funny. The meals at senior living communities are as varied as the residents. Great communities, like The Heritage of Green Hills, offer several dining venues with rotating menus. Talented chefs bring their expertise and innovation to the meals every day. Many residents have quipped that they eat better since they moved in.
5. A retirement community won’t feel like home.
Moving to a new place always arouses a level of uncertainty, and if a senior is moving from a house, community living may seem foreign. But the variety of residence options allow residents to pick a floor plan they like and then customize it with their own beloved furnishings and personal taste. While neighbors are close by, residents still enjoy their privacy and personal space, until they decide they want to meet friends for happy hour or head out to their favorite yoga class. Before they know it, they feel at home in their residence and around their new campus.
6. I should wait to move until I need help.
Some people feel like they should perform yardwork and home maintenance simply because they can, without considering how they would rather spend that time and energy. Why not have someone else handle the chores while you write your novel, travel, volunteer, or do whatever you love?
Additionally, at The Heritage of Green Hills, our independent living residents have priority access to higher levels of senior health care if they ever need them, including personal care (also sometimes called assisted living) and memory care. With one move, you ensure that you’ll never have to go far to get the care you need.
7. I won’t see my friends.
As we mentioned, residents in senior living communities maintain their independence. If you want to travel with friends, meet them for meals or outings, or invite them to your place, you absolutely can. Plus, you’ll have a campus full of new neighbors, some of whom will inevitably become close friends, so you get the best of all worlds.If you’d like to know more about the creativity, passion, wellness and affection that make up the lifestyle at The Heritage of Green Hills, reach out to us. We would be happy to answer your questions.
