Senior apartments and housing complexes are great places for you to spend retirement as they provide plenty of opportunities for socialization and partaking in activities that align with one’s interests. It is also a safe and supportive space where one can continue living an active and healthy lifestyle. However, it may be overwhelming to decide on which community to join or which apartment to choose. In this article, we will discuss what are some of the things to look out for in your search for a suitable senior apartment.
What Are Senior Apartments?
Different types of apartments cater to different needs that you should look out for. The two main ones are apartments for independent living and assisted living. If you are someone who can go about your activities of daily living (ADLs) with no problems and manage your medication on your own, then you would be better off choosing independent living as you are mostly able to manage your own care.
However, if you have some trouble going about some ADLs and require an extra helping hand, then you should choose the option of assisted living where a caregiver can assist you in your ADLs. Examples include assistance with mobility, going to the bathroom, eating, or managing medication. This ensures that you are safe but at the same time able to have some privacy in your apartment.
What Is the Floor Plan Like?
It is best if the community has a few floor plan options for you to choose from as each individual may have different needs. Thus, having a choice in how big your apartment is or what the layout is like is important to ensure you can live there comfortably. Most senior apartments would already be equipped with everything you need for independent living such as full-sized kitchens as well as a washer and dryer.
For size options, they usually come with one or two bedrooms and one or two bathrooms. If you are living alone, then an apartment with one bedroom and one bathroom is sufficient for you. However, for couples, they may prefer an extra bedroom for space or an extra bathroom. It is best to choose a floor plan that fits your needs and is comfortable for you. Some communities even offer tours of their apartments so it would be ideal if you could contact them and schedule a tour so you can get a feel of the space yourself.
What Are the Amenities Available?
Different communities offer different amenities hence you should have a clear idea of what your priorities are. When looking at amenities that are offered, ask yourself these questions:
- What amenities are most important to you?
- Do these amenities add up to the total cost of your stay?
- What type of amenities would be beneficial and enriching to your daily life?
Once you find the type of living you need, the floor plan of your apartment, and the amenities you need and want, then you are ready to move into your new apartment and start a new chapter of your life.
