Whether you are looking at communities for yourself or an aging loved one, deciding to transition into a long-term care facility is one of the most important decisions you will ever make about how and where to spend your future. Unfortunately, outdated myths about senior living may scare away the older adults who need it most. Being well-informed is vital to making important decisions about your loved one’s future.

To simplify your process, we’ll dispel four common misconceptions when it comes to senior living.

Myth #1 – Senior living communities are for “old” and “sick” adults.

Reality –A common misconception about senior living is that all residents are frail and suffering from multiple health issues. And while many assisted or memory care facilities do cater to older adults with health needs, that’s not your only qualification for a long-term senior living community. Today’s communities are designed for active, healthy older adults who desire a care-free lifestyle. Residents gain access to services that prioritize mental and physical wellness, so they can stay independent and healthy as long as possible. If you wait until a health crisis occurs, you or your family may be forced to select a community based on what is available, not what they desire. Plus, you’ll miss out on enjoying all the features, amenities and activities that come with today’s modern senior living homes!

Myth #2 – Senior living is more expensive than living at home.

Reality –So many factors play into the cost of senior living. The truth is, the average cost of senior living is often comparable or even less than receiving the same services and support at home. At a senior living community—all fees are usually included in a single, convenient rate—not to mention the convenience of having housekeeping, home repair services, meals, social events, and healthcare support right at your fingertips! Residents can say goodbye to unexpected housing costs and property taxes, freeing your budget to focus on the things you enjoy.

Myth #3: I will lose my independence if I move to a senior living community.

Reality—Many seniors are concerned that moving to a long-term care community will mean that they must give up their favorite hobbies and passions. Fortunately, today’s senior living communities are designed to maximize independence, not take it away. Residents enjoy their own, private living spaces and maintenance-free living which gives them more free time to pursue their interests. Many communities feature restaurant-style dining, resort-style amenities, a variety of social activities, and the peace of mind of knowing that, if health needs change, higher levels of care are available.

Myth #4- Transitioning into a senior living is too difficult.

Reality—The process for choosing a senior living community and moving your loved one into their new home can be an incredibly time-consuming and stressful experience. With so many decisions to make and details to handle, family members have a lot to think about when the time comes to move mom or dad out of their family home.

If you live in the Chicagoland area, there are local advisors available to help you every step of the way. At Senior Living Experts, we offer free services to families looking for the right long-term care community for their loved one. Our process includes:

• Discovery
  We gather information necessary for proper placement, including your needs, location, and budget.
• Recommendations
  We get to know your needs and preferences before using our deep knowledge of senior communities and industry connections to narrow down your options.
• Tours
  Your advisor will accompany you on tours so your search can be as thorough as possible.
• Follow-ups
  Following your loved one’s move, we will continuously check in to make sure everything is going well.

Connect with an advisor today to learn more about our services.