What do you know about personal space and senior living? Senior living communities provide a wonderful life for people who want to live in a community. According to the American Health Care Association, there are about 30,000 total independent living communities in the United States.
With so many communities, some myths and rumors are bound to appear. Many of these myths focus on senior living privacy and senior personal space.
If you’re curious about the many myths surrounding personal space in independent living communities, we’re here to help. Read on for a quick overview of the myths and facts.
Myth: Senior Living Will Take Away Independence
One of the most common myths about senior living is that there’s a loss of independence. These myths have several sources.
A common belief is that the staff will remove your independence. You’ll never have another moment without an assistant helping you do something. You can’t cook, clean, or do anything without someone else around you.
Simply put, this is not true. Most living communities allow you to create a personalized care plan with the staff.
By creating a care plan, you’re able to discuss respecting boundaries and personal space. By doing so, the staff know where they can and can’t help you. While they’ll never let your independence get in the way of helping you in case of emergency, they’ll never force their presence on you.
Myth: Independent Living Causes Isolation
Speaking of presence, another common myth is that independent living causes isolation.
The belief is that these communities have visitation rules. As a result, the rules restrict when someone can or cannot visit you.
These moments of a lack of visitation can make someone feel isolated or alone. According to the Cleveland Clinic, isolation can enforce feelings of anxiety and depression.
Senior living is generally one of the best ways to combat isolation. While some have restrictions to visitation, this is for the comfort of other guests. Having a steady stream of family members and visitors constantly around can become troublesome and a safety hazard.
To end isolation, senior living communities often focus on improving socialization. Many social clubs help members to meet new people and grow their skills. Some common clubs are:
- Reading and writing clubs
- Exercise clubs
- Gardening clubs
- Outdoor exercise and walking clubs
- Cooking classes
- Educational classes such as language learning
Take a look at what sorts of classes and amenities your community provides. These often are the best way to combat isolation.
Myth: Senior Living Means Living In Bunks
Many people believe that independent living centers try to fit in as many people as possible. Some claim that this is because more guests means more income for the community.
While this is an understandably cynical claim, it’s not one with merit. Seniors are not packed into bunks in a military style so that a community can make more money.
Instead, guests are given their own room. These rooms are apartment-style and have all the amenities they need for independence in senior living.
Not all of these rooms have every amenity. If someone is in memory care, they may not have an oven for safety reasons, for example. Speak to your community about what sort of rooms are available.
Myth: All Independent Living Communities Are the Same
One persistent myth is that all independent living communities are the same. As such, it’s best to go for the cheapest option since they all offer the same thing.
Senior living communities vary intensely. They can be different depending on multiple factors, including:
- Location and local attractions
- Amenities and offered services
- The quality and qualification of staff
- The prices and available rooms
There are plenty of other differences that you’ll notice. When finding a senior living center, look for ones that offer the services you need. Don’t hesitate to shop around, as this is a major choice.
Myth: All Rooms Are the Same Size
Some people believe that all living quarters are identical in senior living communities. The belief is that a set of unique rooms is made so that none are more desirable than the others.
That depends entirely on the community, but it’s very uncommon. Communities are like apartment complexes or condominiums. There are many different options to fit different needs and ensure independent living privacy.
Myth: Senior Living Communities Remove Elderly Autonomy for Safety
One of the most common beliefs is that senior living communities remove autonomy for safety.
That’s rarely the case. In some extreme cases, some things may be restricted to ensure the seniors don’t hurt themselves.
Someone with mobility issues or memory difficulties may not be allowed to cook, for example. That’s because such conditions can pose a significant threat to their safety and the safety of others.
Otherwise, there’s simply no reason for a community to remove the autonomy from their members. It’s much healthier and more effective to encourage their autonomy to help them tackle the many challenges of aging.
Myth: There is Nothing to Do in an Independent Living Community
Finally, one common myth is that these communities are boring or uninteresting. Media often depicts them as retirement homes, showing seniors sitting around a bleak television set.
The truth is that senior living communities are lively with activities and socialization. Most communities do their best to encourage such things for the benefit and health of the seniors.
According to Harvard Health, social interaction helps to keep elders more active. In doing so, seniors enjoy a lower risk of depression and a longer lifespan.
Understanding Personal Space and Privacy
Understanding personal space in living communities means knowing the myths that surround the space. Respecting boundaries is exceptionally important when it comes to independence in seniors.
At GreenTree at Westwood, we’re proud to be the best retirement community in Columbus. We offer a personalized stay so you can enjoy unparalleled comfort, style, and value, all while being aided by our dedicated team of professionals. Schedule a tour today to see if GreenTree is the right choice for you.
