Why is there SO MUCH resistance to Assisted Living?

Why are the elderly folks in my family so dead-set against Assisted Living?

I won't get into specifics, but it's not the money. (They have more money than they know what to do with PLUS long-term care insurance.)

My MIL has had multiple strokes and heart surgeries. She is having a lot of trouble with mobility. She should NOT be driving (not an immediate concern at the moment but we're working on that.)

The reasons I'm hearing, I get it: "We like our house. Dad likes his barn and his workshop."

But honestly, looking at their quality of life? The house is dark and depressing and filled with sixty years' worth of STUFF. (Not exactly a hoarding situation, but also A LOT.) They've refused to adapt the house for aging in place, so the bathroom shower/tub is a death trap (and they refuse to renovate it). They're on a dirt road, rural, and have to drive everywhere. Michigan winters are brutal.

There's a brand new luxury Assisted Living in their town that looks SO nice. Bright, open, tons of activities on-site that I know my MIL would enjoy (Bible study, chair yoga, classes! And just...having people to TALK TO.)

I know change is hard to begin with and AL feels very final, but also? I think her quality of life would improve so much.

Thanks for listening. My grandmother also refused AL to the bitter end and I think her final years were very lonely and depressing.