If you're choosing an assisted living facility for your loved one, it can be an incredibly tough decision. You (or your loved one) may feel like you're "putting them out to pasture" so to speak, or cooping them up in a dank facility. But an assisted living facility today can actually be a fairly liberating place. Residents often end up with more freedom than they had before, and generally enjoy the experience very much.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of myths about assisted living facilities that you should know before making a decision:

Myth #1: Residents Lose Their Independence

Actually, a person who chooses an assisted living facility can really gain more independence. They are now free from the responsibility of maintaining a house or yard and can focus on engaging in fun activities offered by the facility that they now call home.

Traveling outside of the facility to visit family or friends is also an option, and many facilities even offer transportation so that those living in the facility can get out and not worry about having to drive themselves. Also, in many places, there is the option of owning your own pet, hosting guests (even overnight) and maintaining the same hobbies as before.

Myth #2: An Assisted Living Facility is A Depressing Place

Oftentimes, the first image that comes to mind when someone thinks about an assisted living facility is the idea of elderly, sickly people sitting around in a dark room moping. But that's not what today's assisted living facilities are about at all. It's more like living in a close-knit community with similar people. There are usually plenty of activities, very well maintained facilities, and lots of people that care.

Myth #3: A Facility's Cafeteria Food Will be Bad

Like the other myths listed, this one couldn't further from the truth. The food at a facility like this isn't like your elementary school cafeteria. Most assisted living facilities include kitchens for each apartment, letting residents cook their own food if they want. In addition, some facilities include full service cafes or even several different dining options on site. If your loved one is a foodie, they'll still get to feed that passion.

Assisted living facilities of today are just what the name implies. They're not a place for sick people, but a place for people who might need just a little day to day assistance. Don't let these myths fool you! Assisted living facilities often end up being the best choice to spend the golden years of life. To learn more, contact a company like Colonial Residence with any questions or concerns you have.

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