5 Common Myths & Misconceptions About Senior Living
When you hear the phrase “senior living community,” what comes to your mind? An “old folks home?” While the senior living industry is full of vibrant neighborhoods and communities, many people still have assumptions about what senior living is, and most of them are not accurate.
Uplands Village is an active and purposeful retirement living community nestled in the Southern Appalachian Mountains in Pleasant Hill, Tennessee. To help older adults find a retirement community that enhances their lifestyle, we’re separating fact from fiction when it comes to assumptions about senior living.
Myth #1: Senior living communities are medical and institutionalized.
Truth: Senior living communities are diverse and welcoming settings that offer a variety of services and care.
Many people associate senior living communities with a hospital-like environment, with long white hallways, a cafeteria, and maybe a small courtyard. In reality, senior living communities are more of a home-like setting, often resembling an apartment complex or resort. They will usually have private apartments or homes, several common areas, and amenities like a fitness center or swimming pool.
While many retirement living communities offer some degree of medical care or skilled nursing service, most just focus on enhancing the quality of life for their residents through engagement, wellness, and support when needed.
At Uplands Village, our community is spread out across 500-acres of tree-lined streets, serene lakes, and walking trails, creating a charming home-like environment reminiscent of a quaint small town.
Myth #2: I’ll lose my independence.
Truth: You will enhance your independence.
At independent and assisted living communities, your life will be whatever you choose it to be! While these communities host various programs and activities, you are welcome to participate in as much or as little as you want. You aren’t limited to where you can go and what you can do. You can still drive to visit your same friends and go to your same church; however, at a senior living community, you have new opportunities to explore as well.
Senior living communities, including Uplands Village, can also manage the burdens and responsibilities of homeownership and maintenance, so you’ll have more time than ever before to focus on the things that you love.
Myth #3: I’ll have to give up my hobbies and passions.
Truth: You’ll have the opportunity to explore old and new passions.
Many people are concerned that moving to a senior living community will mean that they have to give up their current hobbies and passions, but just the opposite is true. These communities offer diverse activities and clubs that focus on mental, physical, and spiritual wellness. And if you don’t see something that interests you, you can start your own!
Uplands Village is dedicated to helping our resident members pursue their passions. We encourage everyone to live with purpose and the intention of enhancing themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Myth #4: I should wait to move until I need full-time support and care.
Truth: The sooner, the better!
Unfortunately, it’s all too common for people to wait until a health crisis to consider senior living. Yes, these communities can be valuable after this kind of event and can provide support and assistance to those who need it, but wouldn’t you want to live somewhere where you can fully take advantage of everything offered? The earlier you consider senior living (even earlier than you probably think), the more you’re able to live fully and enjoy all the features, amenities, and activities.
Uplands Village is proud to be a life plan community where residents can easily and comfortably transition from one level of care to the next, as needed.
Myth #5: Senior living is not safe due to COVID-19 and other wide-scale health concerns.
Truth: Senior living communities may be safer than other places during these events.
While it’s understandable to think retirement living communities are unsafe during the COVID-19 crisis, they’re arguably one of the safest places for older adults to be.
Social isolation and loneliness have been a major concern for adults during the pandemic, but living in a community allows for socialization in a safe and responsible manner. Residents and staff of senior living neighborhoods were among the first vaccinated, and communities have increased both sanitation and screening practices to ensure health and safety.
Debunk the Myths with Uplands Village
These are just some of the misconceptions people have about senior living. In addition to care and support, retirement and assisted living communities offer opportunities for socialization, improved health, and maintenance-free living. There are endless options to pursue activities, passions, independence, and wellness. These are not facilities; they are homes.
At Uplands Village, we offer a full spectrum of care options, from independent living and memory care to short-term rehab. We are a nontraditional community nestled in the serene rolling hills of Tennessee, encouraging our resident members to live with purpose. If this sounds like an ideal life to you, we invite you to visit our website to learn more!