Senior Care

Research and consulting company Age Wise surveyed seniors 65 and older on their impressions of senior living. They found there were five common myths that prevailed among that population. 

Over the past few weeks, we’ve broken down these myths. This week’s myth is “it’s a nursing home where people go to die.”

Myth #5: It’s A Nursing Home Where People Go To Die.

The final myth identified by Age Wave is that retirement homes are “filled with old people who are sick and dying.” However, many active seniors live in retirement communities.

Visiting An Assisted Living Community Will Show You That Many Individuals Are Living A Very Active Life.

In Assisted Living, there is a good chance that they are more able to be engaged and involved because they have moved out of their homes into a community.

It is much easier to experience socialization, proper nutrition, and daily support to continue to live fully. With reduced fall risks, daily exercise classes, stimulating conversations, and activities, life expectancy can actually increase.

At The Piper Assisted Living and Memory Support, there are regular activities which include: happy hours, flexibility and movement classes, art classes, outings, family-style dining, bible studies, church services, speakers on educational topics, outdoor cookouts, and various other scheduled activities. Beyond that, families can take residents out to other events.

Even during the present COVID-19 restrictions, activities are available in appropriate and safe ways.

So What Is The Real Issue Behind The Myth?

Age Wave has identified three underlying misconceptions:

1. All Senior Livings are like nursing homes
2. Life in a Senior Living is boring and uneventful
3. I will move to a nursing home when I am too unhealthy to live in my home.

Nursing homes have a negative reputation based on the care facilities of years ago. Things have changed immensely. In addition, there are many levels of Senior Living that bare no resemblance to the old nursing homes of the past. Years ago, it was a place where people went to spend their last days. But even then, the care and attention they needed were available in nursing homes.

Nothing is boring about Retirement Living today. Individuals have so many choices to stay active. In comparison, being at home alone, without the ability to drive, may be the most dreary of all.

Senior Living Is A Wonderful Choice Today.

Today, deciding to move to a Senior Living is typically a proactive lifestyle move, rather than a reaction triggered or forced by poor health. Living in a community may be the best way to stay healthy.

The general outcomes of a proactive, well thought out plan are much better. It is the best recipe for making the next chapter in life as vital, interesting, and fulfilling as possible. Residents say every day, “I wish I had moved sooner!”

If you are looking for Senior Living in Kansas City and are interested in The Piper, contact us today.

We continue to look at five of the common myths seniors associate with assisted living communities. The fourth myth identified by Age Wave, the research and consulting company that studied the 65+ age group perceptions of Senior Living relates to the misconception that an individual doesn’t need any help and won’t in the future.

Myth #4: I’ll Never Need It

Seniors are not adept at anticipating the need for care. Much of this comes from a general denial of the aging process in our society. No one wants to be frail and elderly, and it is true that some individuals remain strong and independent to the end of their lives. But the majority of Elders will need some type of care in their lives.

Genworth’s 2010 Cost Of Care Survey Says That 66% Of The Population Will Need Long-Term Care After Age 65.
They also reported that only 35% “believe” they will need care. The gap is created by our unwillingness to face the facts about our own aging issues. We prepare for life’s difficulties with wills, trusts, and insurance, but preparing for personal care assistance seems unnecessary because we can’t imagine a time when we can’t do everything ourselves.

The Reality Is That 66% Of The Population Will Need Help From A Caregiver.

Although couples that live together provide a great deal of support for one another, the time may come when one spouse is left alone, or one of the two needs more help than their partner can provide.

Research says that the caregiver has a much higher incidence of an adverse health event than the one being cared for. Caregivers suffer from not only the physical burden of caregiving but emotional and mental stress also.

It becomes particularly precarious when a catastrophic health event happens to the caregiver. This creates an emergency for outside help or a sudden move to a Senior Living Community. Frequently, families call panicked to support their loved ones when no preplanning has been done.

No one wants to anticipate these scenarios, but preplanning can go a long way to alleviate the sudden emergency situation.

The Study Also Indicated That The Vast Majority Of Seniors Do Not Want To Be A Burden To Their Families.

Frequently the Seniors who say they won’t ever need care also say that will not be a burden to their families. It is a rare situation where families can provide all the care needed to keep a loved one in their own home. Younger generations may want to support their Elders, but the stress of caring for their own children, work, and their home plus meeting the needs of the elders is overwhelming.

The routine of doctor’s appointments, preparing food, cleaning, home maintenance, laundry, shopping is a tremendous burden.

This myth is particularly challenging to handle.

This myth is incredibly difficult to expose because it is based on the belief that an individual will decline. No one wants to believe that, so it takes a serious reality check. It means looking at the facts and preplanning for the what-ifs.

Age Wise, a research company, found there were five common myths among the 65 and older population concerning moving to a senior living community. We are debunking each myth over the course of a couple of weeks. This week’s myth is “Senior Living is Too Expensive.”


Myth #3: Senior Living Is Too Expensive

The third myth identified by Age Wave, the research and consulting company that studied the 65+ age group perceptions of Senior Living, is, “It is less expensive for me to stay in my home.”

In today’s financial world, dealing with real-estate is particularly confusing. Most Seniors have lived through a lifetime of accelerating property values. It is considered a core value of life to own a home AND to pay off the mortgage.

Homeownership comes with many joys and burdens. About the time the mortgage is paid off, it’s time for a major remodel, paint job, or a new roof. Continued upkeep is vital to maintain the property value.

For older people, it becomes more challenging to manage the upkeep, including the exterior and landscaping. The value of the property may be deteriorating even in the best market.

Is Owning A Home Really Less Expensive Than Living In A Retirement Community?

Consider that the following expenses that may be associated with staying in your own home. Even if it is paid for and there is no mortgage, there are annual expenses that continue year after year. Mortgage lenders remind homebuyers that in all, the hidden costs of owning a home run about $11,000 a year for the average homeowner.

• property tax
• insurance
• utilities
• housekeeping
• maintenance and repairs
• appliance upgrades
• security system
• lawn care and landscaping
• exercise and health equipment
• groceries for meals
• transportation

This would not include significant maintenance issues like a new roof or kitchen or bathroom remodels. These expenses would be ongoing if a person stayed healthy and independent.

If The Time Comes Where Extra Healthcare Support Is Needed Even In The Home, The Price Increases Dramatically.

Hiring caregivers or private duty to come into you home averages $22 per hour with a typical minimum of 3 hours a day. That could quickly run $800 to $1000 a month. All the while, you are paying the home expenses.

The national median cost for Assisted Living is approximately $4000 a month, which breaks down to $133 per day or $48,000 per year. This living arrangement would include all of the normal home expenses, including all meals and 24/7 medical staff in case of emergencies.

Suddenly The Difference Between Living In Your Home With Hired Care And Moving To An Assisted Living Community Is Very Comparable.

Worries about home maintenance are eliminated, and there is more time to enjoy family and new friends.

To be absolutely sure of the finances, an individual or family member should create a balance sheet putting all current expenses living at home and expenses living in a community. That would help clarify the issue.

Many Seniors Live On A Fixed Income.

Because many Seniors live on a combination of Social Security, pensions, retirement funds, equity derived from the sale of real estate, it is comforting to know that there will be no major surprises in homeownership for the future. Being able to forecast expenses is very comforting. And what is peace of mind worth? Priceless!