When considering options for senior living, it’s common to come across some misconceptions regarding assisted living.  Many people may confuse assisted living communities with nursing homes and they may have mistaken ideas about the services and levels of care offered. Before you decide how to best care for your loved one, please consider some common misconceptions about assisted living.

What Are Some Common Misconceptions About Assisted Living?

1. They are the Same as Nursing Homes

While nursing homes provide housing and care for seniors, they differ in the level of care offered. Assisted living communities are for seniors who require help with some daily tasks but don’t need constant medical care from nurses or other medical personnel. Instead, they’re intended to provide comfortable, secure residences for older people who want to retain their independence while enjoying a wide range of activities and social events, housekeeping services, and may need assistance with activities of daily living or basic medical assistance (typically medication administration).

2. Residents Will Be Bored

Assisted living community staff are constantly coming up with ways to keep residents entertained and engaged. Although very popular, bingo and jigsaw puzzles are not the only options at assisted living communities. Residents can choose from a wide array of recreational options, including fitness and craft classes, day trips, games, and artmaking sessions. Plus, residents are free to set their own schedules full of shopping trips, visits to local parks and entertainment venues, and friends’ and family members’ homes.

3. Seniors Are Better Off at Home

While there’s something to be said for the desire to take care of an older loved one at home, many people find that doing so may be beyond their means or abilities. Caring for a senior loved one can be costly, time-consuming, and stressful. Since many people work during the day, it isn’t always possible to be present to assist a senior loved one at all times, and doing so may adversely affect your own social and family life.  Seniors that reside in assisted living communities can rely on staff to assist them with their personal needs and their visits with loved ones are truly quality social events, free from caregiver tasks.

Abbington Assisted Living is proud to provide senior care throughout Columbus, Pickerington, Powell, Chillicothe, and Coshocton, OH. Abbington senior living communities are one-story buildings that are designed with comfort and security in mind, offering comprehensive nursing care services in a compassionate, comfortable, and cost-effective manner. Please visit our website or call us directly at (614) 451-4575 in Columbus, (614) 577-0822 in Pickerington, (614) 789-9868 in Powell, (740) 773-4630 in Chillicothe, or (740) 623-4600 in Coshocton.