Common Myths About Assisted Living & the Truth Behind Them

Unfortunately, there is still a stigma around assisted living communities. Some people picture senior living communities as hospital-like settings, where residents sit around all day. However, this could not be farther from the truth of what life is like in today’s assisted living communities.

Assisted living communities provide exceptional care services and engaging activities to help older adults find passion, purpose, and success in their everyday lives. Lakeshore Senior Living, a brand-new assisted living and memory care community in Guntersville, Alabama, offers a welcoming environment that allows individuals to feel comfortable, safe, and at home.

We want to set the record straight once and for all by sharing the truth behind some of the common myths about assisted living.

Myth #1: Assisted Living Communities Are Boring

As recently as the mid-1970s, nursing homes, or skilled nursing facilities, were the only option for older adults who needed additional support in their daily lives. Because of this, individuals who didn’t need this level of intensive care but could no longer live on their own had no other choice but to move into an environment meant for those needing 24/7 nursing care. Unfortunately, this set the expectation that all senior care communities are like this – a one-size-fits-all option. 

Fortunately, seeing the greater need for supportive services, assisted living communities have since evolved. Nowadays, assisted living communities are thoughtfully designed to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere while assisting residents with the activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing, grooming, or mobility. 

At Lakeshore Senior Living, our assisted living community in Guntersville, Alabama, provides residents and their families a sense of security and peace of mind knowing that a helping hand is always available if needed. 

Myth #2: Assisted Living is Too Expensive

Another common belief about senior living is that it is too expensive and aging in place in a private residence is cheaper. However, this is not always the case. The truth is that transitioning into an assisted living community could be more cost-effective than living in a private residence.

In your current home, you have various bills (electric, water, internet, etc.) that can fluctuate from month to month. You are also responsible for all the upkeep and home maintenance costs associated with owning a home, such as repairing the roof or replacing broken appliances. In addition, as you age in place, home modifications may be needed to accommodate a person’s changing needs, such as adding a wheelchair ramp and/or widening doorways. These costs can add up quickly and make it difficult to plan a steady monthly budget. 

When you live in an assisted living community, your monthly rate covers more than just a place to stay. At most communities, your monthly rate includes the care services you receive, some (if not all) of your utilities, home maintenance and upkeep, dining services, housekeeping services, and community amenities.

Myth #3: Assisted Living Means a Loss of Independence

Contrary to popular belief, assisted living services enable individuals to maintain and enhance their independence. By providing support with the activities of daily living in the areas that they need, individuals feel empowered and have more free time to pursue their interests and hobbies.

Instead of worrying about performing household chores, home maintenance tasks, and personal grooming activities, residents in assisted living communities can spend their days how they choose.

Discover Assisted Living in Guntersville, Alabama

At Lakeshore Senior Living, our goal is to provide individuals with the right level of care and support to create daily opportunities for them to find passion and success. We do this through a variety of activities, events, and offerings.

Our assisted living services include:

• 24/7 care and support
• Medication management services
• Assistance with the activities of daily living
• Housekeeping services
• Restaurant-style dining
• Fitness and exercise rooms
• Engaging planned activities and events
• On-site convenience store, salon, and barber shop
• Common areas with billiards and poker tables
• And more!

Assisted living has come a long way, and the myths and misconceptions about it are a thing of the past! To learn more about our locally owned and operated community in Guntersville, Alabama, we invite you to contact a member of the Lakeshore Senior Living team.