Finding apartments for seniors is a breeze these days. You’re going to find so many options, you’ll find it difficult to decide on one. The senior housing industry, coast to coast, has pulled out all the stops in providing the best in senior apartments in all price ranges. What you’ll have to do is work out your priorities, check out what’s available, identify the ones that meet your requirements, and you’re good to go.
When you start looking for 55+ senior apartments, you’ll find an embarrassment of riches to choose from. So, make a list of what you’re looking for. Do you want independent living facilities? Or assisted living facilities? Do you want a luxury apartment or an affordable one? Would you like to live in a close-knit community or are you a loner who likes privacy?
So much depends on your reasons for wanting to move into a senior apartment. Is it because your health isn’t what it used to be? Or are you getting divorced and need to move into your own place? Do you need to downsize? Maybe you’re lonely. Or just tired of maintaining a home. Whatever your reasons, find a home that meets your needs.
Senior assisted living facilities
It isn’t easy coming to terms with the fact that you may need to depend on others for your daily living requirements, such as meals, bathing, housework, medication, etc. But it happens to the best of us and comes with the territory of aging. Even if you can function on your own in most aspects of day-to-day living, it’s good to know that someone else will take care of the tedious chores that you no longer enjoy doing.
So, what does an assisted living facility offer you? Everything you need for your housing and healthcare requirements. These are not nursing homes, but are well equipped to deal with your health issues, with meals planned by dietitians, monitoring and dispensing medicines, regular check-ups by physicians, housekeeping and laundry services, and so much more. As long as you’re mobile but still need assistance, this may be the right choice for you.
Independent living facilities
An independent living community is for seniors who can fend for themselves but would still like to live within a community. Independent living facilities lack health care services but include cafeterias, transportation and laundry services. They also offer social and recreational activities, including exercise classes and group outings. Many of them have age limitations and you need to see if you meet their admission criteria.
So, check out the variety of senior living facilities available and see which ones meet your requirements and budget. You will definitely find one that works for you and your future well-being.
As a senior, you are likely to have some very specific needs when looking for a senior apartment. The best way to simplify this process is to define your needs and then do your homework to identify the right senior apartment which meets all the criteria you have listed.
To begin with, do some research on the different options available to you. It’s important to understand the difference between the different categories of senior housing available to know which one works the best for you. For instance, have you decided on the location you prefer? Some cities offer much better apartments for seniors than others – it’s worth checking them out and maybe even become more flexible about your desired location.
A lot depends on your budget, of course. Senior housing today ranges from low cost housing to luxury apartments. And then, you also need to check out age restrictions – most senior housing facilities are geared to the needs of either the 55+ or 62+ categories. Hence, it shouldn’t be difficult to find some 55+ premium apartments if your budget permits it.
Different categories of senior housing
Senior apartments: Some of these are specifically designed for people above 55, while others are for those above 62. They offer senior-friendly facilities such as specially designed apartments with safety features, special recreational activities, fitness classes, swimming pools, golf courses, cafeterias/catering services, laundry and housekeeping, etc. Many of these are available for an additional cost. Most of them don’t offer medical facilities such as in-house nurses or doctor-on-call.
Retirement communities: These may include apartments and stand-alone houses, and are basically more suitable for those who want independent living facilities. Often referred to as retirement villages, they are very community-oriented with clubhouses, and other facilities that foster a spirit of harmonious community living. They often provide the convenience of low-maintenance or no-maintenance living. More often than not, they do not provide medical or healthcare facilities.
Senior assisted living facilities: These facilities are for seniors who would like a bit of independence but aren’t really up to it. They offer everything from meals, housekeeping, help with dressing, healthcare, medical staff and equipment, specially prepared meals, housekeeping services, laundry, transportation and so much more. Seniors at these facilities, especially those who are not very mobile, are given a lot of personal care.
So, when you want to move into an apartment for seniors, be very particular about your research to ensure that you find exactly what you need, and can afford.