When it comes to downsizing, many older adults cringe at the thought of giving up their cozy home and settling into a small apartment or condo. However, senior living communities provide an affordable and fully furnished alternative that is specifically designed with aging in mind. Whether you are looking to make a permanent move or simply need a short-term housing solution while you sell your house or find another residence, there are several different types of senior apartments independent living that may meet your needs. Depending on your unique circumstances, here are some factors to consider when choosing the right type of senior apartment for your specific needs.
Assisted Living
If you have a limited amount of mobility or need help with daily activities, such as dressing, bathing, or cooking, then an assisted living apartment may be a good option for you. Assisted living is not a medical facility; instead, it offers a combination of housing and supportive services that enable seniors to live independently, but with a touch of extra care. Depending on the specific senior living facility, your rent will include some or all of the following services: 24-hour supervision and security, meal delivery and nutritional counselling, housekeeping, transportation to appointments, assistance with daily activities and errands, and help with medication management. You can also expect on-site activities and social events, planned entertainment, and a variety of educational opportunities. Assisted living offers seniors the ability to live in a fully furnished apartment with full-time care that is often less expensive than staying in their own home. Additionally, many seniors find it comforting to have access to a 24-hour emergency response system and round-the-clock availability of staff members.
Independent Living
If you have no special care needs or a desire to share your living space with other residents, then independent living might be the best housing option for you. This type of senior apartment community offers residents their own fully furnished apartment that is similar to what you might find in a traditional rental setting. These apartments offer a variety of amenities, including on-site fitness and wellness programs, communal dining areas, and a range of social activities. Some senior apartments independent living communities also provide transportation to nearby medical facilities, grocery stores, and other areas in the community. Some downsides of this type of senior apartment situation include the lack of assistance with daily living activities, having to pay for utility costs, sharing common areas with other residents, and typically having a shorter lease term than other senior living arrangements.
Memory Care
If you have been diagnosed with a chronic condition, such as Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, that makes it difficult to live independently, then you may be a good candidate for a memory care apartment in a senior living facility. This type of senior apartment provides a small and secure setting that is designed to meet the needs of seniors with cognitive impairments. Memory care apartments typically have an open floor plan that is easy to navigate, such as a single room with a bathroom and kitchenette. This type of senior apartment also typically offers 24-hour supervision and assistance with daily activities, such as personal hygiene and meals. The staff will also provide help with medication management. The key difference between assisted living and memory care is that residents of a memory care apartment typically have a greater degree of medical needs, such as assistance with daily activities, constant supervision, and extra attention to ensure safety.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities
Continuing care retirement communities, or CCRCs, offer senior housing along with an option to transition to an assisted living or nursing home level of care as your needs change. These senior apartment communities typically have several different levels of housing, including independent living, assisted living, and nursing homes. You can enter one level at a time, but you must commit to stay in that level for the length of the lease. This type of senior apartment situation is ideal for seniors who do not want to worry about future medical issues that may create a need for a higher level of care. Plus, you will have the option to move to the next level of care within the same senior apartment independent living if your health changes and you need more assistance. Depending on the specific community, you will typically pay more per month for the assurance of having your living needs met if needed.
Nursing Homes
Nursing homes are nursing care facilities that provide medical and rehabilitative services to patients who need ongoing care. Nursing home care is the highest level of care, and individuals who are at this stage of life have a high level of medical dependency and need assistance with activities of daily living. Usually, a doctor will make a recommendation for admission to a nursing home when the person cannot live on his or her own because of a medical problem or a disability. Nursing home care is provided by a team of nurses, therapists, and doctors who are employed by the nursing facility. Most nursing home residents will have health insurance coverage or government-funded health care, such as Medicare or Medicaid, to help cover the cost of services. For those who do not have the resources to pay for nursing home care, there are government programs that offer assistance. Depending on your health and financial resources, choosing to live in a nursing home may be an option for you if you are not able to live on your own.
Key Factors to Consider
As you consider various senior apartment independent living options, it’s important to evaluate a variety of factors that will help you choose an option that best meets your current and future needs. – Location: Depending on where you currently live, there may be a senior housing option nearby. If you have a particular city or state in mind, then you can begin your search based on location. Keep in mind that the best senior living option for you may not be located in your hometown. For example, if you are looking to be closer to your children or grandchildren, then you may want to consider a senior apartment near their home. – Finances: When choosing a senior apartment, you will need to have an estimate of your monthly expenses. You can find estimates of typical costs on the National Association of Health Care Facilities website, or you can talk with the senior living facility to get a more accurate estimate based on your specific situation. – Health Conditions: You should also consider any medical conditions or health issues that you have or may develop in the future. If you are moving into an assisted living or memory care facility, then you should discuss your needs and abilities with the staff to determine your level of care. This can help you get settled into the right living environment and avoid unnecessary move-up requests. – Personal Preferences: Lastly, you should consider what is most important to you when choosing the right senior apartment. Do you want to live near family? Do you want access to nearby medical facilities? Or do you want a close-knit community where you can make new friends?
Determining Whether An Assisted Living Is Right For You
If you are considering an assisted living apartment, there are a few things you can do to determine if it is right for you. First, you should talk with your primary care physician to get a diagnosis and recommendation. Next, you should visit several assisted living communities in your area to see if they are a good fit. It can be helpful to bring someone with you, such as a family member or friend, who can assist in the decision-making process. Some questions to consider asking during the tour include: What kind of care does the community offer? What is the staff to resident ratio? What type of residents live there? How do residents spend their days? Is the layout of the building easy to navigate? Do residents appear happy and engaged?
Independent Living: Your own apartment but with support services
If you choose senior apartment independent living, then you will have your own fully furnished apartment. This type of senior housing is similar to a rental situation where you are responsible for paying your own bills, including utilities, cable, internet, and shared cleaning services. In some communities, you may also be responsible for hiring help with yard work or snow removal. However, you will have access to on-site support services, including transportation, counseling services, and healthcare assistance. Some communities also provide transportation to nearby medical facilities, grocery stores, and other areas in the community.
Memory Care: A small living space with round-the-clock care
If you choose memory care, then you will have your own small and secure apartment in a senior housing community. The layout of the apartment is typically open and easy to navigate, such as a single room with a bathroom and kitchenette. This type of senior living arrangement is designed for individuals who have cognitive impairments and need 24-hour supervision and assistance with daily activities, such as personal hygiene and meals.
