Maybe you and your loved ones were already talking about senior living options, or perhaps the COVID-19 pandemic has brought those conversations on sooner. Either way, independent living communities can be an excellent option for seniors as they age or looking for a change of pace.

When you and your seniors are discussing senior living options, some concerns will naturally arise. Many of these concerns likely stem from myths you may have heard about retirement communities — and chances are, they aren’t true. We will take a more in-depth look at seven common myths about senior living that are false.

Popular Senior Living Misconceptions 

1. I’ll need to give up my hobbies.

This is one of the most incorrect myths that exists! When a senior is living in an independent living community, they suddenly have more free time on their hands to do the things they love. They no longer need to worry about yard work or keeping up their home, which means there’s more time for things they enjoy doing. 

2. The meals are bland.

In our independent living community, residents will have a full kitchen in your home to create whatever meals they’d like! If residents prefer not to cook, or if they’d like to take a break every once in a while, our restaurant-style dining room is on-site. The skilled dining staff at Canterbury Court is always serving up delicious and nutritious options for our residents.

3. There’s no privacy.

Episcopal Church Home (ECH) residents have access to as much privacy as you’d like. The beauty of a senior living community is that residents can choose to spend time in their room or venture into the shared-living spaces to see who else might be around or get a change of scenery. There’s always a nurse on duty should they need medical assistance for any reason, but seniors can otherwise continue living the way they enjoy.

4. I’ll lose my independence.

Independent living communities mean that seniors can live life on their terms. The independent living neighborhood at ECH is called Dudley Square, which features many patio homes on a gorgeous 22-acre campus. Walk around the neighborhood or enjoy a drink and a book on the back patio. Also, your home will have an attached garage, so residents can feel free to hit the open road whenever they’d like to run a few errands or have a change in scenery.

5. It’s just like a nursing home.

This is a prevalent, but inaccurate, myth. There may be some communities that are similar to nursing homes, but not here at Dudley Square. Independent living communities offer just that: the ability for seniors to live the way they’d like but without the hassle of home and landscaping upkeep. Adult children and caregivers can have peace of mind knowing their loved one will have an emergency alert system in their home in case they need it.

6. I should wait until I need it.

If you’re considering senior living for your aging parent or spouse, it’s a good idea to move forward with that decision now, rather than putting it off until they need care. The Episcopal Church Home offers many levels of senior care, from independent living to personal care to short-term rehab and more. It’s a good idea to join a senior living community’s waitlist while your loved one is still healthy. If you wait until they need assistance, you might have fewer options available and may not be able to access their preferred community.

7. There’s nothing to do.

Again, this is a false myth. As part of our independent living community, residents have access to all of the activities and programs we have in our main building. This includes volunteer opportunities, rehab services, movies, games, events, and more. There are plenty of options that our residents are welcome to take advantage of if they so choose.

Whether you or your senior loved one are apprehensive about choosing a Louisville retirement community, there’s no reason to be concerned. Our senior living communities are designed to provide our residents with the best possible experience, no matter what that means to them. If you’d like more information about ECH and Dudley Square, give us a call today.