Senior living communities offer older adults a long list of tangible and intangible benefits, which can help them thrive in their golden years. Many discover hidden talents, latent interests and a whole new sense of adventure once they're freed from the responsibilities that come with maintaining a home.
The transition isn't always a smooth and easy one, however, especially if seniors have misconceptions about what an assisted living community is. The right place offers seniors a vibrant lifestyle with more choices, independence and freedom — not less. Let's dispel some of the most popular myths about assisted living, contrasting the expectations with the reality of life at a Brightview Senior Living community.
Assisted Living Communities Cost More Than Aging in Place at Home
You might think that with all the upscale amenities and personalized services that an assisted living community is more expensive than staying in your home. But Genworth Financial's Cost of Care Survey for 2019 shows the national average cost of an assisted living residence is about $300 less per month than in-home care. When you factor in the upgrades or remodeling that might be necessary to make your home safer, transportation costs if you can no longer drive and basic home upkeep, it's easy to see why so many seniors opt for the maintenance-free, worry-free lifestyle that an assisted community offers.
I'll Have to Rehome My Pet
Brightview understands the many physical, emotional and cognitive benefits of pet ownership, especially for older adults. That's why our senior living communities welcome small cats and dogs weighing less than 25 pounds.
The Food Will Be Boring, and Menus Will Be Limited
Assisted living residents at Brightview enjoy a dazzling array of chef-prepared gourmet meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner, with a variety of choices on the menu. Meals are served restaurant-style in our beautifully appointed dining room, and the chef is always happy to whip up a resident's favorite dish. Lighter fare is found in our café throughout the day for healthy snacking and hydration on the go, and our complimentary happy hour is a wonderful way to relax and gather with friends at day's end.
My Apartment Will Be Dark, Small and Depressing
Our refined, thoughtfully designed assisted living residences live up to the "Brightview" name. Seniors choose from a variety of apartment sizes and styles, from private studios to one-bedroom, one-bath apartments, or the spacious two-bedroom, two-bathroom option. Large closets, a kitchenette and beautiful furnishings create a comfortable, luxurious abode. You're safe and secure at all times since all of our senior living communities have 24-hour staffing, a check-in system for visitors and emergency response systems.
Daily Life Will Be Dull and Repetitive
Days at Brightview are filled with inspiring, engaging and fun activities thanks to our communities' vibrant living directors. It's easy to find the classes and programs that interest you the most, whether you want to increase mobility, sharpen your cognitive skills or learn to garden. Participate in our innovative SPICE in Motion program, change your look in the beauty and barber salon or join one of the many day trips to local sites of interest. With our complimentary shuttle service, residents who don't drive never have to worry about being stuck at home. Check out the newest restaurant in town with friends, attend a concert or engage in some much-needed retail therapy.
They'll Make Me Participate in Things, Even if I Don't Want To
How you spend your day at Brightview is entirely up to you. Private, introverted seniors can still live a quiet and solitary life if they choose. The primary difference is that you know around-the-clock assistance is always available should you need it. This lets you safely enjoy your silence and solitude with peace of mind.
I'll Have to Move to a New Community if I Need Hospice Care
Residents diagnosed with a terminal illness receive high-quality end-of-life care at our Brightview communities. The ability to remain in the loving environment that's been such a large part of their daily life for years comforts residents and reduces stress. Friends they've been close to are nearby to offer emotional support. There's usually a continuity of medical care too, with on-staff doctors, nurses and counselors who already know the resident's needs. Seniors retain a sense of control, and family members are comforted knowing their loved one's physical, emotional and spiritual needs are being well cared for.
If you'd like to learn more about Brightview's award-winning senior living, we'd love to invite you for a meal and a tour. We own and operate more than 40 senior living communities along the east coast where residents make the most of each day using our signature SPICE program.