Are you considering a move to a personal care center in Louisville? Many older people like you have no idea what to expect about the transition to a retirement community. Some find themselves asking many questions. Others find themselves worrying.
Some of the worries that seniors report are born of common myths about personal care centers they hear from others see depicted on TV or see propagated on social media.
Today, let’s address some of those common myths so that you’ll be better prepared and less concerned when the time comes to make a move to a personal care center.
Myth #1: There’s no privacy in a personal care community.
Not true. Most continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), like Episcopal Church Home, feature private apartments for their residents. For example, the Lyndon House at Episcopal Church Home offers 1-bedroom, studio, and alcove apartments in our personal care community.
At a CCRC, within the bounds of your own senior apartment or home, you’ll have complete privacy. You can decide when visitors can come over when you want to get up in the morning, when you want to take meals and when you want to go to bed at night.
Myth #2: I'll be lonely.
You won’t be lonely if you don’t want to be. There will be plenty of activities, social engagements, and opportunities for you to meet people of your own age.
Many retirement communities encourage residents to share their interests and talents with their neighbors. You can always organize a hobby group and get to know people who share your passions.
Myth #3: Couples can’t stay together in a personal care center.
Many aging couples live together in retirement communities after one or both begin to need day-to-day physical support. It’s commonplace.
Often, one partner needs more care than the other. In such cases, CCRCs meet their needs by offering differing levels of care on the same site.
One spouse, for example, might reside in the personal care unit of the community, while the other lives in the memory care unit. So, even though both partners may not live in the same cottage or apartment, they aren’t separated by long distances and can see each other as often as they wish.
Myth #4: I won’t be able to bring my things.
Of course, you can bring your own things! It’s encouraged. Decorating your space with your personal effects and possessions will help your new apartment look more like your old home.
That said, there are space limitations that you’ll need to consider. Your personal care apartment is going to be smaller than your previous residence. You might have to make tough decisions about what you will or will not bring.
Possessions that are unimportant to you or unneeded can always be sold, given away to relatives, or donated to not-for-profit charities. Extra money in your pocket after a moving sale, and tax breaks you can get from donating, are nice rewards for your downsizing efforts.
Myth #5: I’m going there to die.
Personal care is not hospice. You’re not going there to die — you’re going there to continue living as independently as possible. And you may have many years left to enjoy!
It’s more appropriate to think of personal care as a step along your senior journey. It provides you with the support and physical help you need when you can’t manage everything on your own.
Transition is easier if you stay positive and flexible.
Moving into a personal care community can be a rewarding experience. It frees you from the tasks that are most difficult for you. It gives you and your family the peace of mind of knowing that you’ll have the help you need when you need it and that your wellbeing will be monitored.
And, it gives you the opportunity to meet other seniors and make new friends!
Don’t believe the myths. If the prospect of a move to a personal care center in Louisville gives you pause, we invite you and your loved ones to visit Episcopal Church Home and see for yourselves what it’s like.
Click here to arrange your tour. Click the button to view our Lyndon House apartment floor plans.
