USA TODAY: Netflix makes retirement homes look exciting. What's the reality?
Updated: Jun 29
"Historically, nursing homes have often been portrayed as gloomy places where seniors are isolated and unhappy," says Ali Ahmad, spokesman for Virginians Advocating for Seniors.
He praises more positive portrayals, but feels like they're all missing the true scope of these facilities, particularly what the realities are in assisted living and skilled nursing facilities. "What these TV shows and movies usually miss is the complexity of medical issues impacting facility residents [who are cared for by] highly skilled nurses, their assistants and staff."
Minor characters in these shows and films require more advanced medical care, whether that's memory care for dementia or other conditions, but their stories are often defined by that need for care.
Ahmad notes that there are many residents who both live full social lives and require a lot of medical attention. "Positive portrayals can help reduce the uncertainty and stigma around aging and elderly care. This needs to be balanced with honest portrayals of skilled nursing facilities, which includes how residents live their lives while receiving necessary care.”
