No, Moving into Assisted Living Does NOT Mean the End of Life … It Could Mean Just the Opposite!“You just don’t want to have to deal with me anymore.” Those words can sting. They can bruise. Maybe you’ve heard that or something similar coming from your elderly mother, spouse, or sibling. Maybe they were uttered by a close friend or neighbor whom you’ve been supporting. They would have come in response to any mention of assisted living.

They usually come forth out of misconceptions, the wrong ideas about what assisted living offers. Many people who assume assisted living is simply the last step in the final stages of the life have no idea what it offers.

They base their assumptions on bad information.

Many of us do the same things, but with other topics. We get information, hear stories, and never try to verify whether they are true. Assisted living is nothing like what it was a few decades ago. It was commonly associated with nursing home care for a long time and, unfortunately, is still confused with that other care facility.

Assisted living does not mean a person who moves in there is approaching the end of their life. People who choose assisted living might go on enjoying life or another five, 10, or even 20 years or more. They choose this often because they no longer have the desire to struggle to keep up with the general maintenance, cleanliness, and loneliness of their house.

How to help somebody see the reality of assisted living.

If you have mentioned assisted living to your mother, for example, and she came back with that quote above, it can be hurtful. “You just want to ship me off to some place to die,” might be another similar refrain. Yes, these can be hurtful, but they are more rooted in fear than reality.

The best thing to do is research and learn everything you can about assisted living first. Don’t make assumptions yourself. It’s far too easy for people to do that, go online and look up a little bit of information about assisted living, and assume that’s the way it is everywhere.

Each assisted living facility is going to be different, have its own rules and expectations, have its own dining facilities, and provide different types of activities for its residents. Contact a local assisted living facility, go on a tour, and learn firsthand the benefits it can offer.

When you do, you’ll be in a much better position to counter these simple statements that are grounded in nothing more than fear and a lack of information.

For more information about senior living in Alamo Heights, TX, contact Pipestone Place Assisted Living or to take a tour, call today (210) 718-0211.

I enjoy working, but when I’m not working, I love spending time with my family and the coolest kid, my son.We visit the zoo and ride the train often. We play games and just have fabulous fun.I enjoy reading every chance I get.My favorite pie is pumpkin pie.
Samuel Vesa
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