For many seniors and families managing care for their elders in Scranton and the surrounding area, moving into a senior living community is a tough decision. Deciding where to move is the easy part of the process. The hardest part is not to where you are moving, but from where you are moving. In other words, moving out of one’s house of many years and moving on the place that was a home for so long and provided so many great memories is the tough part. Complicating matters and emotions during the decision process are the misconceptions about senior living. To help bring these doubts out into the open we encourage all families to visit The Pines Senior Living and we hope to get the conversation started. Here are some common misconceptions and senior living including personal care living, independent living, and memory care:
1. All Senior Living Communities Are the Same: Many people assume all senior living options are identical, but they can vary greatly in terms of services, amenities, and levels of care. Options range from independent living to assisted living, memory care, and skilled nursing, each catering to different needs.
2. It’s Only for People with Severe Health Issues: Some believe that senior living is only for those with significant health problems or disabilities. In reality, many people move to senior living communities simply to enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle, engage in social activities, or get a helping hand with everyday tasks.
3. It’s Too Expensive: There is a perception that senior living is prohibitively expensive. While it can be costly, many communities offer a range of pricing options, and some costs might be comparable to or less than maintaining a private home, especially when factoring in expenses for home maintenance, utilities, and healthcare.
4. It’s a Last Resort: Some view senior living as a last resort for people who can no longer live independently. However, many seniors choose these communities proactively to enhance their quality of life, enjoy social opportunities, and access convenient services.
5. It’s Like a Hospital: People sometimes think senior living communities are similar to hospitals or nursing homes, but most communities focus on creating a home-like atmosphere with social activities, amenities, and a vibrant community life.
6. Loss of Independence: There is a concern that moving to a senior living community means giving up independence. In reality, many senior living options support varying levels of independence while providing additional help as needed.
7. Limited Social Opportunities: Some believe that senior living communities lack social activities. On the contrary, many offer a wide range of activities, events, and opportunities for engagement to keep residents active and socially connected.
8. All Residents Are the Same Age and Have Similar Needs: Senior living communities host a diverse group of residents with varying backgrounds, interests, and health needs, not just a homogeneous group.
9. Staff Are Impersonal: There can be a misconception that staff in senior living communities are impersonal or unengaged. Many communities prioritize personalized care and strive to build meaningful relationships with residents.
10. Family Visits Are Limited: Some think that family visits are restricted in senior living communities. Most communities encourage family involvement and visits and provide spaces for family gatherings and events.
Understanding these misconceptions can help in making more informed decisions about senior living and finding a community that aligns with individual needs and preferences. We invite you to come in for a tour. The only way to dispel the myths about senior living is to see it firsthand, and we are proud to show off our community and our residents!
Get to know The Pines Senior Living. Please contact us at 570-587-7709, or email info@thepinescs.com or stop by for a tour at 1300 Morgan Highway.
The Pines Senior Living is committed to providing seniors a warm, nurturing, home-like environment and remarkable, individual attention and respect, in a vibrant living community that enables residents to thrive with dignity and independence at a level that matches their individual needs. This also includes our residents who receive an extra level of care, patience, and love at Evergreen Memory Care.
