The decision to move to assisted living can be complex for both adults considering the move and their families. Baby Boomers, known for independence and self-reliance, might have specific reasons for hesitating. This article explores 24 common factors that could contribute to a Boomer’s resistance to assisted living.
A Desire for Autonomy
Boomers value their independence after a lifetime of hard work to establish a good career and a loving home. Moving to assisted living can feel like a loss of control over their daily lives after fending for themselves for so long.
How to Promote Independence
For those skeptical about how much freedom they would have with assisted living, a robust care plan can allay fears. Care plans are tailored to each resident’s abilities and needs. Residents have a say in their daily routines, choosing when to wake up, eat meals, and participate in activities.
The Need for Familiar Surroundings
Leaving a cherished home and community can be emotionally challenging for Boomers looking at the prospect of assisted living. From having a daily routine inside the home and social connections outside of it, assisted living could be too unfamiliar for some.
Feeling at Home
To help people feel at home in assisted living, there’s the opportunity to personalize living space, and certain adaptations can be made to shared spaces. A good assisted living home will offer several activities to make residents feel welcome and included.
Unrealistic Expectations
There are lots of misconceptions about assisted living facilities, often fueled by negative stereotypes. Some Boomers may picture long days spent sitting in a chair playing bingo when, in fact, the reality is very different.
Speaking to Residents
The best way to break down stereotypes about assisted living is to speak to those who’ve experienced it firsthand. Research by J.D. Power shows that people living in assisted living experienced a 5.4% year-on-year increase in satisfaction in 2023.
Fear of the Unknown
The transition to a new environment and potential changes in routine can be daunting for anyone, but even more so for people who have enjoyed a set routine for their whole lives. The thought of committing to the unknown is overwhelming for many older people.
Look for Familiarity
The best thing for Boomers to do considering assisted living is to look around different facilities as soon as possible. If people can choose somewhere they feel comfortable, they can visit ahead of time to familiarize themselves and make the transition much more accessible.
Cost Concerns
According to Senior Living, the average cost of assisted living in the U.S. is $5,511 monthly. This cost can be a significant burden, and Boomers might worry about depleting their savings.
Preparation is Key
While not a magic bullet, long-term care insurance can help offset some of the costs associated with assisted living. If you think that assisted living is likely to be needed in the future, for example, if you don’t have a family to help take care of you or you have a health condition, you can plan by saving. You can also explore different facilities as some may be cheaper than others.
Unclear Financial Options
Understanding various payment options, including long-term care insurance and government assistance programs, can be overwhelming. With so much financial fear, it’s easy to put your head in the sand, but this could put you in an even worse position.
Boosting Your Savings
Preparing for your future means contributing diligently to retirement accounts like IRAs and 401(k)s throughout your work. This creates a financial buffer for future needs, including assisted living costs.
Loss of Identity
Some Boomers might associate assisted living with a decline in mental or physical capabilities. The sense of losing their identity can be detrimental to their health, which may lead to some Boomers deciding to struggle on their own rather than opt for assisted living.
Bringing Your Identity with You
Along with being able to take belongings with you and stick to your regular routines, choosing a facility that aligns with your beliefs can help you hold on to your identity. Assisted living facilities often offer a variety of activities, so look for those where you can carry on with your hobbies and interests.
Fear of Becoming a Burden
The desire to avoid burdening loved ones can lead Boomers to resist any perceived need for additional care. The financial burden can also be a factor, as some Boomers must rely on their families for financial support.
Open and Honest Communication
A study by Pew Research found that 66% of U.S. adults think looking after their elderly parents is important. By openly communicating with their children, Boomers will find that they have more support than they expect.
The Rise of Home Care Services
The increasing availability of in-home care services allows Boomers to age in their homes for longer. Loving Home Care Inc. says that the homecare industry will generate $383 billion in Revenue by 2028 as more people choose to delay assisted living.
Help Making Choices
The best thing you can do to assess if home care or assisted living is better for you is to fully assess the costs of both options and see what your family can do to help you decide. If you choose the home care option, you can still look into assisted living facilities so you know which one you want in the future.
Technology-Assisted Independence
Advancements in technology offer tools for monitoring health and maintaining independence at home. This is another reason why people may delay moving into assisted accommodation. Technology is also improving the ability for people to keep in touch with their family and friends more, negating the need to move to assisted living for company.
Wait and See
It is good to have ideas about how you will live in your retirement, but until you actually live in it, you won’t know. Use home care services and advanced technology and assess the support you have on offer before choosing to move to assisted living. A tech expert can assist you in updating your home services for the best lines of communication.
Difficult Family Conversations
Discussing assisted living with loved ones can be emotionally charged, leading to disagreements or delays in decision-making. This is a major reason why Boomers put off moving to assisted living.
Talk About Your Retirement Early On
The best advice to avoid difficult conversations is to discuss them early on. Don’t wait until you are a couple of years away from retirement. Talk about how you envisage living out your later years with your children while they’re growing up so nothing is taboo.
Unprepared Families
Families might not have had open conversations about aging and long-term care options, creating confusion and resistance. Boomers may have consciously decided they want assisted living but don’t want to offend their children.
Take Charge Over Your Future
18 Things You Should Probably Stop Doing After Age 50
18 Things You Should Probably Stop Doing After Age 50
19 Products Marketed Almost Exclusively To Stupid People
19 Products Marketed Almost Exclusively To Stupid People
No Boomers Allowed: 15 States Where Retirees Are Not Welcome
No Boomers Allowed: 15 States Where Retirees Are Not Welcome
18 Disturbing Conspiracy Theories You Laughed Off But Were Actually True
18 Disturbing Conspiracy Theories You Laughed Off But Were Actually True
18 Everyday Phrases Unintentionally Reflecting White Privilege
18 Everyday Phrases Unintentionally Reflecting White Privilege