Here at Melrose Meadows, we think life is pretty great. So do our residents! We love our little family and get such joy out of making the senior living lifestyle awesome for those who call us “home.” However, we know that a lot of folks out there have some not-so-great impressions about senior living. Maybe you think it sounds awful, or boring, or way too expensive. Well, guess what? A lot of what you’ve heard – and what you may believe – about senior living may be completely inaccurate. We hear a lot of that, and so we’d like to set the record straight. Sit back as we bust the top 10 senior living myths and show you that retirement living can really be the good life.
Myth #1 – Only old people live in senior living!
Reality – While our residents likely wouldn’t call themselves spring chickens, they sure aren’t your grandma’s grandma. As they say these days, “seventy is the new fifty” (or that’s what they should be saying). The lifestyle you’ll find is vibrant, active and designed for older adults who still have a lot of life to live and want to enjoy every second of it. We want to help you make this chapter of your life the most active and lively time it can be!
Myth #2 – Senior living communities are nursing homes.
Reality – That may have been true back in the day, but in 2019, senior living feels a lot more like a five-star resort that you never have to leave. Concierge services! Your own private apartment! Delicious dining! Heck, us youngsters who work here wish we could live here full-time just like our residents.
Myth #3 – I won’t be able to do the things I love anymore.
Reality – Are you kidding? It’s completely the opposite! Now that you don’t have to take care of home maintenance, cooking, cleaning or anything else, you have all the time in the world to explore your hobbies and passions. Plus, you’ll find a lot of like-minded people to explore your options with.
Myth #4 – Senior living is much more expensive than living in my home.
Reality – When you look at the monthly cost for a community, you may have a moment of sticker shock. However, if you look at the total costs of living in a community and compare it to the cost of living in your current home, you may be surprised at how affordable senior living actually is. When you live at home, you have to pay for home upkeep, emergency expenses, house taxes, food, etc…while at a senior living community (like Melrose), you can often pay one flat fee and that’s it.
Myth #5 – I’ll be giving up my independence.
Reality – “Independence” means a lot more than simply “living on my own.” It means being able to do the things you want to do with minimal help. Go where you want to go. And part of the reason seniors move to a community is to enable themselves to do just that. You can be as involved or not-involved in life at the community as you want. Take part in all the activities and amenities or do your own thing. The only person who’ll be telling you what to do…is yourself!
Myth #6 – The food is gross.
Reality – If “gross” means made-from-scratch meals prepared by a professional kitchen staff, locally sourced fresh ingredients, a varied menu and international cuisines, all served in a restaurant-style dining room…well, sign us up!
Myth #7 – I’ll never see my friends.
Reality – Visitors are always welcome at Melrose Meadows (and other senior living communities). Entertain your friends in your own private apartment or invite your book club to meet in one of our common areas (and let us provide the refreshments). Plus, just think of all the “instant friends” just waiting to meet you at the community!
Myth #8 – There’s no privacy at a senior living community.
Reality – We’ve mentioned the private apartments, right? At Melrose Meadows, it’s not a whole lot different than living in a traditional apartment complex (except for all the great amenities, activities and meals). Privacy is always respected by everyone who works here, and residents are respectful of others’ spaces. You get the best of both worlds: privacy when you want, and socializing opportunities at any time.
Myth #9 – I can’t make my space my own.
Reality – As a matter of fact, we want our residents to bring their own personal touches to their apartment. Hang your artwork. Paint the walls if you want. Bring your favorite items of furniture and your treasured mementos – there’s plenty of room and opportunity for you to make your space “yours.”
Myth #10 – I have no reason to move to a senior living community because I can take care of myself, thank you very much.
Reality – “Needing care” is just one tiny part of why people move to a senior living community. Many seniors these days are choosing to spend their active and healthy retirement years at a community because of all the benefits these places provide. Not only is there a carefree lifestyle, but by moving when you want to instead of when you have to makes it easier on everybody – family, friends and most importantly, yourself.
Melrose Meadows is an award-winning Independent and Assisted Living community in Iowa City, Iowa. Give us a call at 319-341-7893 to find out why we've had such an excellent reputation since our opening in 2002.