3 Assisted Living Facts vs. Fiction
The population is aging at a rapid rate. According to the World Health Organization, the number of adults over the age of 60 is projected to double by the year 2050! With this increase in the senior population comes the increased need for senior housing and care services.
Unfortunately, there are still misconceptions about senior living communities that impact how people view them. Due to outdated stereotypes and ageist ideas, many tend to have a negative view of what it means to move to an assisted living facility.
If you or someone you love is considering a Seattle assisted living community, it’s important to separate fact from fiction so you and your family can discover all the benefits and joys of assisted living. To help you navigate the senior living journey, we highlight three assisted living facts.
FACT: Assisted Living Communities Are Not Nursing Homes.
Throughout the years, many have used the term “nursing home” synonymously with a senior living community, but the truth is that nursing homes and assisted living communities are different.
Assisted living communities provide support for older adults regarding activities of daily living (ADLs) or medication management. These individuals don’t require constant medical care but may need or want support throughout the day. A primary goal of assisted living communities is to foster independence. By providing the extra assistance that individuals need, assisted living residents are able to lead safer, healthier, and more confidently.
Aside from help with ADLs, other services you can expect from a Seattle assisted living community include life enrichment programs to promote social, mental, and physical wellness, housekeeping and/or laundry services, community amenities, and dining options.
On the other hand, a nursing home (also referred to as a skilled nursing facility or SNF) is a residential setting that focuses “on medical care more than most assisted living facilities. These services typically include nursing care, 24-hour supervision, three meals a day, and assistance with everyday activities. Rehabilitation services, such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy, are also available (National Institute on Aging).”
FACT: Assisted Living is More Cost-Effective Than You May Think.
Another reason many may shy away from the idea of a Seattle assisted living community is the price. However, if you think about the costs associated with hiring in-home care services, like a professional caregiver or nurse, many assisted living communities, on average, cost less. In fact, according to Genworth’s 2021 Cost of Care Survey, the price of an in-home health aide averaged $5,148 per month, while the average monthly cost for an assisted living community was $4,500.
While these costs may cause sticker shock, it’s important to note that this doesn’t just include housing and three meals a day. Assisted living communities offer supportive services and assistance with daily tasks, activities and excursions, housekeeping, transportation services, on-site amenities, and more.
Before you rule out a Seattle assisted living community due to cost, research communities and speak with their teams directly to get a realistic price point.
FACT: Assisted Living Enhances a Resident’s Independence and Creates New Opportunities.
Many people associate moving to a senior living community as a person losing their independence and being forced to lead a boring lifestyle. On the contrary! As the baby boomer generation gets older, assisted living communities have adapted to keep up with their wants and needs. Because of this, these communities offer educational classes, networking events, arts, music, engagement, and more, to encourage older adults to never stop learning, growing, and trying new things.
When it comes to dining, many assisted living communities hire chefs and registered dieticians to provide nutritious, chef-prepared meals offered in restaurant-style settings. This promotes connection and socialization and elevates the everyday experience of eating daily meals.
The Bottom Line?
If you or someone you love have reservations about assisted living communities, it’s perfectly natural. It can be challenging for a person to admit it’s time to downsize or that they need assistance in their daily life.
However, don’t let negative stigmas surrounding Seattle assisted living communities prevent you or your family from reaping the benefits. These communities promote an environment of active, healthy living so that residents can continue living safely.
Village Green Senior Living offers top options for assisted living in West Seattle and Federal Way, Washington. You will feel the difference in a quality facility the moment you step inside. Reach out today to schedule a tour of Village Green!
