Why Are Roommates an Option?

There is a question that arises from inquiring families that we hear time and time again. The question is “How much for a private room?” Now anyone in the senior care business can tell you that this question isn’t an uncommon question, nor does it cause anyone to raise their eyebrow when it’s asked. But today’s blog is going to focus on why assisted living facilities even offer shared rooms. There are some misconceptions about having roommates in an assisted living facility and we want to explain why some people are scared of that and why some people are actively choosing it.

Many of our residents share rooms and one of the best benefits is company. Aging is difficult and having company can help ease some of the physical and mental struggles. Many residents become close with their roommates and they provide support to each other. Some families are scared of placing their loved ones in shared rooms because they feel like it’s a betrayal of some sort. As if they are saying that their loved one can’t rely on them anymore, but has to rely on a complete stranger. That is actually one of the biggest fears of placing anyone in an assisted living facility or nursing home. However, the wonderful part of having a roommate and 24/7 care is getting to know people really well and then your care isn’t by a stranger, it’s by someone who cares a lot about you.

Another concern about roommates is privacy. There is a concern that having a roommate makes it hard to have wanted privacy. There is always going to be a discourse about whether roommates actually affect privacy. Many college students would probably say they do, while some who live with roommates as young adults say it’s not a problem at all. So, that is something that should be a conversation with the resident instead of making that decision for them. Sometimes we think that we should take over all these decisions for them to make the transition easier. However, we need to ensure we involve the actual resident in the conversations especially conversations about how they want to live. We also want to assure that privacy with baths and bathrooms is of course secure and assistance from CNAs is on an as-needed basis only.

A final concern about roommates we want to address is the concern that roommates make life unstable. This is especially common among college students, which is the only experience many have outside of marriage. When your experience is unstable you fear any instability for your loved one. Roommates can actually help make the instability of the transition more stable. Roommates can provide someone else to rely on as you transition. It is also very unstable to not have your own home or family members around you so having a person living with you can help things get more comfortable.

Roommates can be a big benefit in your life as you enter an assisted living facility. Sometimes it can be very hard to feel alone and roommates can help you to not feel alone. Roommates can become close friends and confidants. Roommates can help you adjust and feel more comfortable in new situations. Roommates don’t have to be scary. And in answer to your question, “How much is a private room?” More expensive than a shared room, and with fewer benefits of another good person with you, sharing this experience with you.