It can be frustrating when your older loved one is looking for simplicity and an easier life – and understands the advantages that a senior living community can offer – yet still hesitates to make the decision.
For those needing a helping hand with the tasks of daily living, a senior living community offers compassionate personal assistance. They also provide much more:
- Private and accessible residences
- Planned activities
- Social events and opportunities to make friends
- Healthy dining
- Fitness and exercise classes
- Scheduled transportation
- Safety and security features
While families are often unsure why their loved one is delaying a move to senior living, there is a frequent explanation for what is standing in the way: fear.
It’s not uncommon for older adults to become anxious when considering senior living. We can help your family identify, discuss and dispel these fears.
Fears About Senior Living
Unless your loved one is in crisis and a decision must be made quickly, it’s more effective to discuss the advantages – and the more common fears about senior living – without rushing to make a decision. Allow time for thoughtful consideration and offer to return with answers to any questions.
Consider the following apprehensions and possible suggestions for addressing them:
1. They’ll lose their independence
When older adults express their concerns regarding a move to senior living, this is often at the top of the list as they are afraid of losing their voice.
This fear is easy to understand. Imagine living according to someone else’s schedule – when and what to eat, being required to participate in activities not enjoyed or having a regulated bedtime.
This isn’t true in senior living, however. Make sure your loved one understands that today’s communities support residents to make their own decisions and enjoy the lives they create.
Download our complimentary information, Family Decision Toolkit: How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community.
2. They’ll miss their home
This is another common fear, especially for those who have lived in their home for a long time, raised a family there or will just miss the familiarity of the neighborhood.
It’s important to acknowledge that change can be hard. Honor the feelings of your loved one. Although missing home will likely occur, there is also much to look forward to.
Talk about how easy and convenient a community can be. Discuss ways to personalize the new home. Compare the challenges of today’s home life with what is available in senior living.
3. They’ll be bored
The fear of boredom might arise from long ago images of senior living and believing there will be nothing to do but sit – and grow older.
It’s essential to dispel this fear about senior living and provide proof at how vibrant communities are today.
Conduct virtual visits and then schedule an in-person tour to showcase first-hand how energetic daily life can be at senior living. Arrange for your loved one to share in an activity or have lunch with other residents. Point out how amenities and events match a wide variety of interests.
4. They’ll be lonely
Another common – and understandable – fear is that they believe once they leave their old neighborhood and friends, they will be left alone in a community where they know no one.
However, senior living encourages making new friends and makes it easy with all the social opportunities and activities to meet the other residents.
Your loved one may also worry that family will no longer visit, or as often, especially since daily care, assistance or help with home projects will no longer be needed. Explain that now the family can spend quality time together enjoying outings or activities.
5. They will grow older more quickly
This fear may surface from a mistaken view that people age quickly once they move into a senior living community.
Time moves at the same speed for everyone. Discuss how a community helps their residents live their best lives and supports both those who prefer active or quieter days. The lifestyle choice is up to the resident but the staff is there to assist in making it achievable.
An engaged life contributes greatly to well-being. The opportunities to participate and interact are much easier if the senior living community becomes their home. Residents enjoy the advantages for both physical and cognitive health.
Growing older is a natural occurrence of life. But the key is to do it well.
Retirement living in Waukegan, Illinois
Galloway Senior Living, locally owned and operated, provides luxury and quality care for families in our community.
Assisted Living at Galloway Senior Living offers beautiful and contemporary private residences that range from alcove studios to two-bedrooms and include high-end stainless-steel appliances, maple hardwood cabinets, cultured marble countertops and thoughtfully curated décor and colors.
Our Memory Care community offers a family kitchen, dining room, walking garden, and lounge.
Our services include:
- 24-hour certified nursing assistants, on-staff licensed nurses, medication management, and on-site physician visits
- COVID-19 safety protocols
- Assistance with daily tasks
- Readily available safe transportation
- A fall-reduction program
- In-unit emergency response systems including an electronic monitoring system for exit doors
- On-site entertainment and activities personalized to reflect the residents’ preferences
- Housekeeping and linen services including personal laundry
Amenities you’ll find at Galloway Senior Living include:
- Country Café and Convenience Store
- Salon and Spa
- Theater with 85” television
- Activity and Craft Center
- Game Room
- Library and Business Center
- Fitness Center
If you or your family is considering retirement living in Wadsworth, Illinois, we hope you will visit our community at Galloway Senior Living. We are a trusted resource and are here to answer any questions.
We also invite you to download our complimentary information, Family Decision Toolkit: How to Choose the Right Senior Living Community.
