Happy seniors playing games together.

Common Myths About Assisted Living

When it’s time for a change and you need a little extra help with daily activities, assisted living services in Charleston, WV. can offer the support you need to thrive through retirement. However, there are a lot of common misconceptions about assisted living that might make you reconsider these incredible communities. 
Assisted living offers an enriching environment where seniors receive additional daily support to help maintain their independent lifestyle and live with confidence. Take a look at these 4 common myths about assisted living and find out how you can gain freedom in a senior living community in Kanawha Valley region. 

Myth #1: Assisted Living and Nursing Homes Are the Same

Fact: Nursing homes provide skilled nursing and high-priority care 24 hours a day. The atmosphere is welcoming, but the rooms are clinical rather than an apartment with assisted living services.
Communities with assisted living services, like The Ridgemont at Edgewood Summit, are thoughtfully designed to feel like home, and residents usually live on their own in private studio or one bedroom assisted living apartment equipped with everything they need, like kitchenettes and full bathrooms, to enjoy an independent lifestyle. 

Myth #2: I’ll Lose My Independence 

Fact: Many older adults believe a move into assisted living means losing their independence and the opportunity to live retirement on their terms. The truth is you actually gain freedom by thriving in an environment tailored to keeping you independent.
Communities with assisted living services offer expert, 24-hour care for activities of daily living (ADLs), such as dressing and eating, and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), such as medication management, but only when you truly need it.
You design your own schedule, work on your hobbies or get involved in a variety of lifestyle programs

Myth #3: Assisted Living Communities Are Boring

Fact: One of the biggest goals of assisted living is to engage your mind, body and spirit. That’s why you can find a plethora of community amenities to eliminate boredom and stay social. Here are just a few ways you can enjoy senior living:

  • Express yourself in the art studio.
  • Improve your strength and balance with expert instructors in the fitness center.
  • Play games with your friends and neighbors in the club and card room.
  • Use scheduled transportation to doctor appointments, as well as an easy way to attend outside cultural events and programs or go on group daytrips to points of interest.
  • Spend the day sitting and socializing in the sun in dedicated lounge areas.

Some senior living communities schedule visits from humane associations, so you can spend time with shelter dogs who need extra TLC. 

Myth #4: Assisted Living Is Too Expensive

Fact: While the cost of assisted living varies widely between communities, it’s not as expensive as you may think. That’s because many senior living communities include most household expenses, including basic cable, rent and utilities, in the monthly costs. 
You won’t need to worry about expensive trips to the grocery store, either. That’s because senior living communities offer restaurant-style dining options with healthy and delicious menu items. As many communities offer multiple dining venues, you may also be able to stop by the café for a sweet treat or light salad, too!

Schedule a Visit at Assisted Living at The Ridgemont at Edgewood Summit

The Ridgemont at Edgewood Summit recently earned a Deficiency-Free annual health survey, which means you can always count on the highest quality of care throughout your retirement at Edgewood Summit. To learn more about The Ridgemont at Edgewood Summit and our assisted living services, contact one of our team members online or call us at 304-346-2323

Our continuum of care gives you peace of mind as needs change. Higher levels of care are available at The Arthur B. Hodges Center, our exceptional health center that offers skilled nursing, memory care and rehabilitation. It has a 5-star rating from Medicare, which only the top 10% of nursing homes in West Virginia can achieve and a Deficiency-Free rating from Office of Health Facility Licensure & Certification, meaning zero deficiencies in care, services, environment and hospitality. While skilled nursing is exclusively for our residents needing a higher level of care, we take direct admissions to our memory care program.