CONTRIBUTED CONTENT — For many seniors, the idea of a retirement community conjures up negative thoughts. Cold, sterile environments, a disturbing lack of privacy, deep loneliness, fear of not being accepted, loss of independence – all misconceptions of what modern senior living is really all about. In fact, most of the fears surrounding the world of senior living are inaccurate.

In recent years, baby boomers have helped to re-shape the definition of senior living and have been largely responsible for the destruction of these negative stereotypes. In their place, what we have is an array of modern options in independent living, assisted living and memory care that offers seniors a lifestyle tailored to their unique emotional and physical needs as well as their personal hobbies and interests.

If you or a loved one are dealing with fear or anxiety over making a move to senior living, read on and get some answers to some of the most common senior living fears.

I will lose my independence

Those in need of some help with the activities of daily living often equate making a move to an assisted living community with giving up independence. It is true that you will have help with some activities, like cleaning or managing medications. But because our nursing staff can take some of these responsibilities off your shoulders, you will be healthier and have more time to do the things you want to do – resulting in a greater level of independence.

Aubrey Brown, sales director for Primrose of Washington, said many residents are surprised by the freedom and independence that moving to Primrose has afforded them. They found that as they gave up their chores and to-do lists, they were able to focus on the things they loved. Many family members who were previously busy filling medications and running errands are now able to sit down and visit, join them for dinner on Sunday afternoons, tell stories and play games again in lieu of filling in as housekeepers and Uber drivers.

“Primrose’s goal is to help our residents take control of their lives and relationships again,” she added. “That’s why at Primrose we say, ‘this is living!’” 

I will run out of money

Senior living can seem financially overwhelming. With some solid financial planning, however, and a little help from Social Security or Veterans Administration benefits, senior living can oftentimes cost the same as living at home. In fact, if you figure in things like lawn care, home repair, mortgage payments, insurance, utilities, cable TV, etc., it may cost less! 

Rest assured, though, if there does come a time where a move becomes a necessity – either for financial or physical reasons – Primrose will work with you proactively to help you find an alternative and make the transition smooth and hassle-free.

I’m afraid I won’t be accepted

It can be hard to move away from what is familiar. We all develop a sense of comfort that comes with living in the same home, on the same street, with the same neighbors, for so many years. The thought of changing your surroundings and getting comfortable living in a community full of people you may not know can be intimidating. 

One thing to remember, though, is that most of our residents experienced that same fear when they first moved to Primrose. What they quickly discovered, and what you will discover as well, is that there are so many opportunities to socialize and engage in activities with people who share your interests in common that you’ll begin to develop friendships almost immediately. Whether it be worship, group outings, travel clubs, community service opportunities, book clubs, gardening groups, etc., there truly is something for everyone at Primrose.

My family will forget about me

It is perfectly normal to worry about being alone, especially if regular time with your family and friends traditionally has been a big part of your life. Moving into senior living, though, does not mean that you have to lose those relationships. 

Primrose makes it easy for family and friends to come visit any time. In fact, as a Primrose resident, you may find that you spend more quality time together with loved ones than ever before – especially if they played the role of caregiver when you were at home. Primrose fills that role for them, allowing you to truly enjoy your time together, distraction-free.

I am not old enough or sick enough to come to Primrose

As we age, and as our friends pass away or relocate, we can tend to stay at home and become increasingly isolated from others. Loneliness often creeps in, followed by depression and a decline in health. By contrast, the supportive, community-oriented atmosphere of Primrose provides greater social contact and an outlet for creative energy. 

“Moving to Primrose has very little to do with age or illness, but it has everything to do with lifestyle,” said Dana Talbot, executive director of Primrose of Washington. “Let us take care of the burdensome worries and chores of managing ‘your home.’ Here at Primrose, the goal is for you to enjoy quality time with family and friends.” 

Our residents often say that they wish they had moved here sooner because they have so much fun living a worry-free lifestyle where they can do as they please when they please without the responsibility of homeownership. They chose Primrose to begin a new chapter in their lives – one full of new friends, new experiences and new opportunities – and we hope you will too!

If you are interested in learning more about Primrose, you’re welcome to visit PrimroseRetirement.com for more information. If you have questions, or if you’d like to set up a tour of our community, feel free to reach out to us from the website. We would be honored to help you.

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Resources

• Primrose Retirement Communities | Address: 5190 S. Washington Fields Road, Washington City | Telephone: 435-256-8236 | Website.

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