Among the options available to seniors and their families, assisted living is considered to be the most difficult decision to make. The move to assisted living brings a whole range of difficult feelings, and it is absolutely normal that during this period, a very different set of fears and worries comes up.
Most of these fears are related to not knowing what is going to happen next, as well as the strong desire to have control over one’s life. One would be wrong to regard these fears simply as “jitters”. The modern assisted living facilities today are purposely built to meet these major concerns head-on.
We will explore the principal concerns that are often expressed by older adults and the respective modern communities which have been thoughtfully built to handle these problems.
#1 Concern: “I Don’t Want to Lose My Independence”:
This is the most significant and prevalent fear. The term “assisted” might be understood by the elderly as “dependent.” The anxiety of the aged revolves around the withdrawal of options at the end of life and the negation of the right to live the way one prefers.
The New Way Forward: “Autonomy Through Support”
In recent years, the philosophy of leading community transitions from the medical model of care, to the social model of care. The new goal is not to take over a senior’s life but to provide a supervised network that provides a framework that allows for greater independence.
How It Works: To illustrate, a senior person who has problems keeping his house, buying food, and cooking meals, is reduced in his ability to be independent because he does not have the needed time or energy to take care of those chores. One of the ways the community supports its members is by handling their basic activities like buying groceries, cooking etc so that the members of the community can have more time and energy for their preferred activities, such as, for example, indulging in their hobbies, socializing with friends or simply resting. The resident has control over his/her time, decides on his/her meal times and will participate in any activity that he/she likes. They do, however, have the final say, even if help is provided.
Concern #2: “It Won’t Feel Like Home.”
One of the most genuine fears that many older adults living in such communities have is that the residence they will be forced to live in will not at all feel like home. Moving into a place that has the appearance of a conventional institutional building or is characterized by clinical or hospital-like features will be a very hard transition indeed, as it means putting behind a home where years of memories, bonds, and love existed.
A Solution is Here: Intentional Hominess.
Architectural and Interior Design have shifted towards creating a residential-like environment as opposed to a hospital-type of environment. In addition to each independent living apartment being individualised based on colour, furniture, etc.
Concern #3 – “I Will Be Alone and Cut Off From Everything”:
The majority of the older adults have been already living alone, thus, they might be experiencing social isolation related health issues and fear that relocation will eliminate their present social connections. Besides, they are not sure if they can find new friends at such a late stage in life.
Modern Solutions – Support Systems.
The greatest and most unexpected advantage of assisted living has to do with this aspect of an assisted living’s business model. Instead of social isolation, residents will find a network of friends within the same community, because the community provides a structured way for residents to interact.
How It Works: Along with overcrowding, elderly people have to deal with separation from family and friends; therefore, a large portion of the elderly population suffers from mental health issues due to this separation. Since we have structured our communities to enable effortless social connections, residents will be able to meet new people and build their support system much faster than if they were living at home alone.
Effortless Socialization: Because of the built-in features of assisted living, residents can simply walk down the hall to visit their friends.
Interest-Based Activities Types: The wide range of activities like wine tastings, book clubs, and woodworking classes among others, the whole idea of programming is to bring people together who have the same interests.
Participation of Family: The community’s mission is to create opportunities for families to be involved in each other’s lives, thus families will feel more at ease when visiting and becoming part of their loved one’s community.
Concern #4: The “Prohibitive Cost” Potentially Concerning
There is certainly a valid concern to be worried about when you are older. Many older adults are concerned that they may outlive their savings and leave nothing behind for their children.
How Will This Change In A Good Way: The Modern Way To Financial Clarity And Value through Financial Transparency And Value.
The Idea Is To Provide:
1. All-Inclusive Value: While the community may seem to be higher priced, a community that offers an all-inclusive fee helps families to realize that when you add up the price of a mortgage/rent, property taxes, homeowners insurance/utility bills, grocery bills for groceries and home maintenance transportation, this fee can seem very competitive (in addition to being paid monthly) compared to other types of living arrangements.
2. Support From Your Community: Most reputable communities offer their residents access to financial professionals, such as Finance Advisors or Financial Counsellors, to assist with understanding the cost of the service provided and exploring funding opportunities, such as Veterans Benefits & Long-Term Care Insurance, or other innovative ways of funding.
3. No Surprises: A well-written contract will extensively list all products and services that are provided for the base price and what will NOT be included.
Concern #5: “I Will Lose My Space:”
Having staff enter and exit their personal space can lead to feelings of loss of privacy for seniors who value their privacy.
The New Solution: Professionally Respectful and Discreet Care.
The relationship between staff and the resident should be based on respect.
The Way It Is Done:
Your Own Personal Space is Your Home: Staff are made to understand that they need to treat the resident’s apartment as a private residence. They will knock upon entry and await an invitation to enter.
Person-Centered Care: A Care Plan tailored to the individual’s likes and daily routines will be created. Our goal is to assist the residents in a natural and unobtrusive way which will allow them to enjoy their independence and privacy all the time.
Concern #6: “The Food Will be Bad.”
Food is the greatest contributor to daily quality-of-life satisfaction and thus one of the most enjoyable parts of life. For the majority of people, the idea of having boring, tasteless institutional-style menu options is a huge drawback that can completely ruin their mood.
Modern-Day Resolution: A Culinary Experience Like a Restaurant.
Dine with your community and socialize through fellowship.
How Does It Work?
Variety and Flexibility: Every community typically has several different entrée options for every meal; they will also have at least one or two additional items that are available at all times. Meals are not offered at fixed times; each COMMUNITY member chooses the time that suits their individual schedule.
Quality of Food and Dining Environment: Chefs prepare the meals and serve them to the members
Community members have no time restrictions for their meals but rather select the time according to their individual preferences.
Food and dining place: The chefs are the ones who make the meals and deliver them to the members.
Conclusion
The most significant aspect in assisted living has been a transformation in the background. It is no longer solely about handling the decline; it has turned into giving a lifestyle—one that is focused on wellness, socialization, and choices.
To really grasp the situation, the best alternative is to visit the community yourself. During your visit, do not only check the facilities but also have a conversation with the residents. Ask them about their lives. Get the ambiance of the place. You are very likely to find out that the reality of modern assisted living is nothing like the old anxieties; on the contrary, it is a wise solution that can give the elderly the opportunity to live more satisfying, secure, and dynamic lives.
