Determining whether senior living is the best option can be an emotional decision. You or your loved one may be feeling fearful of this type of significant change. This blog, curated by Frontida Assisted Living, identifies five common fears and shares the facts about each.
5 common fears older adults may have about senior living
Explore five common fears your loved one may face when considering a move to senior living. Then, discuss how you can overcome those fears together by weighing the benefits a senior living community can provide.
#1: “I’ll lose my independence.”
Many seniors feel that moving to senior living will mean losing their ability to make decisions and their freedom to do what they want to do. In reality, senior living promotes just the opposite.
Communities like Frontida Assisted Living promote an independent lifestyle by taking care of your needs, so you’re free to pursue your interests, visit with friends, and lead a meaningful life. Senior living fosters independence by offering the right amount of support and assistance so you can live life to the fullest.
Discover safety, security, and peace of mind from senior living >>
#2: “I’ll run out of money.”
Money is a big factor when considering a move to senior living. You or your loved one may worry you’ll run out of money. Fortunately, most communities will examine your finances with you to ensure you can afford the expected costs.
Meeting with a financial advisor can also relieve your fears and offer strategies to help cover expenses. Many communities also have special funds or a foundation to help residents who, through no fault of their own, start to outlive their funds.
#3: “I won’t have any friends there.”
We rarely outgrow worrying about making new friends during a move, a normal fear for seniors planning a move to senior living. Yet, senior living communities are designed for socialization and encourage new friendships through welcome events, mentorship programs, and new resident orientations.
You or your loved one will have the opportunity to attend activities, special events, and outings that interest you while meeting new friends who share common interests along the way. Being socially isolated and lonely will become a thing of the past once you move to senior living.
Take the quiz: Is it the right time for senior living?
#4: “I’ll have to leave my home.”
Many people grieve over losing a home they’ve lived in for decades. They may have to downsize and part with furniture and other items that evoke memories. Acknowledge your loved one’s feelings and support them as they grieve.
Help them acclimate to their new surroundings by encouraging them to personalize their space with their favorite things, including home décor, pictures, clothing, and essential furniture. You can also ask the chef to prepare your loved one’s favorite meal and review the programming schedule to ensure they continue doing what they love.
#5: “I won’t be able to drive anymore.”
Senior living communities typically remove the need for you to drive. Instead, you can use scheduled transportation to run errands like going to the store or bank and going on fun outings to nearby attractions or restaurants.
Many communities, like Frontida Assisted Living, also have on-site amenities and conveniences, so you don’t have to leave to enjoy delicious meals, a salon/spa, laundry services, or even a doctor’s visit.
Learn the ins and outs of assisted living >>
Taking the next step: visiting communities
When you and your loved one talk through their fears and misconceptions, it may be time to take the next step and set up tours of a few assisted living communities. Walking through a community and meeting new residents can often help seniors visualize what it would be like to live there and start to see the advantages.
On your tour, be prepared with a list of questions to better understand how your loved one’s needs and preferences can be met. Ask about costs, availability, and care level options. Ensure you bring your checklist of wants and needs to mark off the boxes as you’re guided through the community.
Preparing ahead can give you confidence and peace of mind when choosing a community for yourself or a loved one and help dispel some of those common fears.
Explore life at Frontida Assisted Living >>
Feel at Home at Frontida Assisted Living
Frontida Assisted Living values transparency and trust in each of our Wisconsin communities, and our team is ready to answer your questions, offer support, and provide resources to help you make a confident and informed decision for your future care.
Our compassionate team strives to create a sense of community and purpose for each resident through personalized programming, life-enriching activities, and special events.
Learn how we care for our residents:
- Private suites, bedrooms, and companion rooms
- Fully accessible bathrooms
- Spacious living rooms and engaging indoor recreation areas
- Cozy fireplaces and open-plan seating in living spaces
- Beautifully maintained outdoor areas
- Delicious, home-cooked meals and snacks
- 24-hour personal care and supervision
- Comfortable spa and salon (in specific locations)
- Dedicated memory care communities
- Specialized behavioral health care communities
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Individualized care plans
- Life Enrichment Coordinators to plan and schedule meaningful activities for all residents
- Nursing staff to oversee the health and wellness of each resident
We value honesty, trust, and open communication to build relationships with our residents and their loved ones. Together, we form a partnership to ensure your loved one lives a fulfilling life, feeling a sense of belonging and purpose.
When you’re ready, contact any of our 11 Frontida assisted living and memory care communities to gather more information, or to set up a personalized tour. We’re here for you whenever you need us.
We understand that transitioning into assisted care can be an emotional, stressful and often confusing journey. That’s why we’re dedicated to helping you and your family navigate the complex world of care. Download our free “Family Decision Toolkit” to learn more.
