So you’ve decided to move your parent or loved one into assisted living. That’s a big decision; we understand it may come with some trepidation. We know how overwhelming it can be to feel like you’re the only one who’s made this choice—and how tempting it is to keep them at home for as long as possible. But let us assure you: Assisted living is not just for the elderly and infirm! When done right, assisted living can offer the best of both worlds—the independence they crave and the support they need. And here at Discovery Village At Stuart, we’ve had plenty of time to figure out precisely what makes our residents thrive (spoiler alert: lots of lovely people).
Dear retired adult children,
I know many of you are wondering if your parents should be living in assisted living or not. You’re probably also concerned about how they will be cared for and whether or not it’s affordable. These questions are standard, and I want to assure you there is nothing wrong with asking them. It shows that you care about your parents’ well-being!
There is a lot of information on this topic—some of it isn’t accurate. So let me tell you what I’ve learned from my experience at Discovery Village At Stuart:
- Assisted living communities like ours are staffed by professional caregivers trained in dementia care and other areas relevant to older adults’ needs.
- There is no “too old” regarding assisted living—most residents here range from 65-85 years old! Some have been enjoying the benefits of team services for decades; others have just begun their journey into retirement with us.
- There are several different levels of care depending on each resident’s level of independence and needs (elderly apartment residents receive more help than those in independent living).
To the senior-home skeptics out there,
You might think that living in an assisted living center is a scary place. We’re here to tell you that it’s not. Far from being a cold, a sterile institution with all the trappings of an old folks’ home—or worse yet, a hospital room—assisted living centers are often cozy and welcoming places where you can feel at home. Assisted living allows people who need some help but are still independent to live among others in an environment tailored to their individual needs. You will enjoy perks like 24-hour support staff and onsite medical assistance if necessary. You will also get plenty of social interaction with other residents and opportunities for fun outings or volunteer work in your community!
Many people assume that moving into assisted housing will mean giving up independence; however, this isn’t true! Most residents who choose assisted living do so because they value their freedom just as much as anyone else does (if not more so). That said, most communities provide ample opportunities for residents to stay active and engaged within the community even if they need some help with specific tasks now and then—whether it’s getting dressed each morning or taking medications regularly throughout the day!
Assisted living is the best of both worlds. You’ll be able to stay in your own home, but you’ll also have the benefits of a community and help with daily tasks like dressing and bathing.
Assisted living can also give you peace of mind since you know someone will check on your loved one throughout their stay in our community.
