Why Hollywood Needs to Showcase Adult Family Homes: Shifting Perceptions of Senior Living
Media shapes how we perceive the world, and unfortunately, when it comes to senior living, Hollywood often gets it wrong. Just as films create dramatic tension around airplanes nosediving (when in reality, they can glide safely to the ground), the same exaggerated storytelling applies to senior housing communities. Many people still equate senior living with dreary nursing homes, but that image is outdated.
Senior living today is vibrant, community-focused, and designed for quality care. However, mainstream films and television haven’t caught up, often portraying senior housing in a negative light—because drama sells. As Joss Whedon, an acclaimed director, said, “We go to the movies to watch the people we love suffer.”
While films like Quartet and Robot and Frank have shifted the narrative toward more positive elder experiences, these stories still center on retirement homes. It’s time for Hollywood to shine a spotlight on adult family homes (AFHs)—a unique, personalized housing option—and here’s why they’d make the perfect setting for movies or TV shows.
1. Adult Family Homes Would Change Perception
Hollywood holds the power to change how the public views senior care. Right now, retirement homes dominate the narrative, leaving many unaware of the compassionate, personalized care offered by adult family homes. Introducing AFHs into mainstream media could help families see these homes as a viable and positive housing option.
Adult family homes lend themselves to storytelling by providing opportunities for humor, drama, and heartfelt moments. A sitcom or a dramedy set in an AFH would reflect the realities of aging with dignity and community support, reshaping societal perceptions of elder care.
2. AFHs are Perfectly Designed for Film Sets
Adult family homes are retrofitted for accessibility—wide spaces, sturdy handrails, grab bars, and minimal clutter. This makes them ideal for filming, similar to how sitcom sets are designed with open layouts to allow cameras to move freely. AFHs also provide cozy, home-like settings, giving filmmakers the opportunity to capture both personal and shared moments.
3. Built-in Comedy with Six Roommates
In Washington State, adult family homes accommodate a maximum of six residents, providing the perfect backdrop for both humor and drama. Imagine six seniors with diverse backgrounds sharing a home:
- A former musician finding inspiration again
- A retired couple adjusting to life outside the corporate world
- A sage veteran offering wisdom to his younger housemates
With their unique personalities and quirks, the interactions would be rich with comedy, conflict, and camaraderie—reminiscent of classic ensemble sitcoms. Whether it’s lighthearted banter or poignant moments of reflection, the dynamic between residents offers endless possibilities for storytelling.
4. A Liberating and Active Lifestyle
AFHs promote independence and mobility, with many offering transportation services for excursions into town. This offers filmmakers a chance to portray active senior living, where residents explore their community, volunteer, and engage in meaningful activities.
Unlike outdated portrayals of seniors confined to dreary nursing homes, modern AFHs provide opportunities for personal growth and social engagement. Whether it’s attending a community festival or volunteering at a local nonprofit, AFH residents live life to the fullest.
5. Cross-Generational Storytelling Opportunities
AFHs are often located in residential neighborhoods, making them a natural fit for intergenerational stories. Picture a sitcom where an AFH is nestled between family homes, creating interactions between neighbors of all ages. A family in their 30s might live next door, balancing the demands of the “sandwich generation”—caring for aging parents while raising children.
There’s also the opportunity to highlight the care team—nurses, gerontologists, and caregivers ranging in age from their 20s to 60s. These characters could bring their own challenges and joys to the storyline, helping to bridge generational gaps.
Raising Awareness for Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care
Films like Still Alice have done much to raise awareness about Alzheimer’s and dementia, but more stories are needed to push these conversations further. Dementia is still widely misunderstood, and Alzheimer’s research remains underfunded compared to other diseases. A series or film centered on an AFH could shine a light on the caregiving experience, demystifying memory care and highlighting the compassionate, expert care provided by these homes.
A Call for More Positive Representations of Senior Living
If every nursing home were as grim as they’re often portrayed in the media, senior housing options would have long been abolished. The reality is that modern senior living is joyful, supportive, and life-enhancing. Adult family homes, in particular, offer intimate care in a home-like environment, providing seniors with the opportunity to thrive.
We need more positive depictions of aging and elder care in film and television to combat the negative stereotypes. By showcasing adult family homes, Hollywood could inspire families to see the value in these personalized care settings and show seniors what’s possible in the next chapter of their lives.
Let Concierge Care Advisors Help You Find the Right Senior Housing Solution
If you or a loved one is considering a transition into senior housing, let us help you explore the best options. We’ve helped over 25,000 families find the ideal senior living solution and pride ourselves on getting it right the first time. Whether you’re looking for adult family homes in Everett or assisted living in Seattle, our experienced advisors are here to guide you—free of charge.
Contact us today at 1-855-444-7364 or visit our Contact Us page to speak with a Senior Living Advisor and begin your journey with peace of mind.
