Most people have preconceived ideas about what living in a seniors home is like. 

Lots of people think of seniors homes as nursing homes, but those are, in fact, two very different options for seniors living. While seniors homes do offer the convenience of higher level health assistance and inclusive services, they also offer so much more than senior-specific care. The truth is, seniors homes are a chance for older adults to enhance their lifestyle and enjoy retirement doing the things they want to do. Here are some common myths surrounding living in a seniors community in Kelowna, alongside the truth:

1. Senior living is boring

Not True! Most seniors communities offer a myriad of opportunities to learn a skill, exercise, have a meal with friends, or participate in planned events. At Orchard Gardens, we have a robust activity calendar with a ton of social, cultural, educational, and recreational activities. And that’s on top of our recreation room, dining room, movie theatre, vegetable and flower gardens, and coffee lounge! Want to play bingo or cribbage with your friends? How about have a spa day? When you move to a seniors home, fun and engaging activities are available right outside of your door, so the only way you’ll get bored is if you choose to be. 

View our monthly activity calendar here!

2. Senior Homes Mark the End of Independence

Another pesky myth.There’s a reason we call it “seniors independent living.” With all the choices available at Orchard Gardens, you could even say it actually makes you more independent than if you were stuck at home. Orchard Gardens offers made-to-order meals, excursions, and laundry and housekeeping services so that you don’t need to be burdened with day-to-day chores. Instead you can spend your time, as an independent senior, choosing to do the things you enjoy!

3. You’ll be lonely 

This couldn’t be further from the truth. Seniors homes are actually designed to facilitate connection and companionship. At home, barriers such as distance, mobility, and planning may get in the way of spending time with your friends and family. When you live in a seniors community you’re surrounded by just that… community. Living in a seniors home means living amongst your peers. People who understand what you’re going through; maybe even people who understand what you’ve been through; And, as an added bonus, if you participate in the same recreational activities, they’re also people who have the same interests as you! Orchard Gardens private suites make it possible for you to socialize as much as you want. With daily check-ins from staff, you’ll never be truly alone in our community.

4. Paying for senior living is more expensive than living at home

Also not true. There may be some sticker shock involved with the monthly rental price attached to renting a suite at a seniors home. While the cost can vary depending on the size of your suite, the average cost of living in a seniors home can actually be comparable to, if not cheaper than, living at home. Consider all the bills you have to pay at home… home insurance, taxes, maintenance fees, groceries, utilities… At a seniors living community, everything is included. So while the monthly rate of living in a seniors home may seem high, it could actually be more affordable and more convenient.

Check out our expense calculator here!

5. Seniors homes are for people who Can’t Take Care of Themselves

This is also a myth. This stems from the confusion between seniors homes and nursing homes that we mentioned before. While seniors’ homes do assist in day to day living and check in on your health and wellness, making it easier for you to enjoy your retirement, they are not meant for people who cannot take care of themselves. Independent living is made up of seniors who continue to care for themselves. It’s just that they have assistance and support more readily available. 

For more information on what it’s really like to live at a seniors home, contact Orchard Gardens Seniors Community in Kelowna today! Book a private tour online or get in touch at info@orchardgardens.ca or 250-979-0600. Orchard Gardens in Kelowna is owned and operated by VRS Communities. Learn more about non-profit seniors living at vrs.org