Choosing Senior Community Apartments for Your Needs and Budget
For adults looking to retire, or who are already retired and looking for a change, the right senior community apartment can enhance the lifestyle they’ve worked so hard for. While you can certainly retire in the single-family home you’ve been in for years, downsizing to a more manageable floor plan in a senior living community can lead to more opportunities to meet new friends, pursue favorite passions, and enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle.
Of course, you need to find the right senior community apartment for your preferences, goals, and budget. Let us walk you through how to choose the best senior living community for your retirement, as well as how to choose an apartment layout that you’ll love for years to come.
Types of Senior Communities
Not all senior communities are the same, and your search begins by understanding what types of amenities, services, and assistance you want access to.
Independent Living Communities
Independent living communities also cater to active adults who want to live in a community that features luxury amenities, services, and opportunities. Independent living communities typically offer multiple floor plans for apartment homes.
Amenities and services at an independent living community typically rival a high-end hotel, with concierge, transportation and, housekeeping. In addition, communities have a full staff to meet the needs of residents and keep the community secure. Communities also have at least one dining venue onsite and amenities like a fitness center, outdoor spaces, walking paths, and even swimming pools.
Assisted Living Communities
For an adult who might require a bit of assistance throughout the day, or who finds comfort in knowing a caregiver is never too far away, assisted living fits the bill. Assisted living communities are set apart from independent living because of their 24-hour-per-day caregivers. These caregivers are available to assist residents with activities of daily living.
Assisted living communities typically have a few floor plans for apartments: studio, one-bedroom, and two-bedroom. Residents enjoy access to amenities including dining three times per day, transportation, maintenance, housekeeping and laundry, as well as a vibrant life enrichment calendar.
Memory Care Communities
A senior living with Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia needs a specialized community that features an environment and staff members that will meet the challenges of the disease. Memory care communities, sometimes referred to as dementia care communities, provide this specific approach.
Residents in this community typically have an apartment that is either a studio or one-bedroom, as they are encouraged to come out into the community to enjoy homelike features such as a living room, enclosed patio, kitchen, and library.
Skilled Nursing Communities
Seniors who need more complex medical care, pain management interventions, or rehabilitation needs will find it in a skilled nursing community. These communities provide high-acuity care and allow residents to get stronger before returning home.
Skilled nursing residents typically reside in a private or semi-private room with a private or semi-private bathroom.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities/Life Plan Communities
Offering the best of all worlds, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs), also known as Life Plan Communities, offer all types of senior living all on one campus: independent living, assisted living, memory care, and skilled care. Residents find peace of mind knowing they always have access to additional care, if they ever need it.
Now that you understand the different types of senior communities, you can narrow your choices based on the type that appeals to your wellness goals and abilities.
Choosing a Floor Plan
Once you know what type of senior community is best for you, it’s time to review the floor plans available. You want your residence to enhance your lifestyle and independence, as well as to express your style. Here are a few considerations to keep in mind.
Not Too Big
Remember, part of the benefit of moving to a senior community is to downsize your space, which automatically downsizes your responsibilities as a homeowner. Focus on choosing a floor plan that isn’t too big for your needs or budget.
Outside Access
Whether a patio or a balcony, private outdoor space is important to many adults. Not only does a balcony or patio provide lots of natural light for your home, it also gives you another seating area or place to meditate, keep your container garden, or visit with a friend.
Storage Space
While you will downsize your possessions when you move to a senior living community, you still want to be sure you have access to storage for items, including holiday decorations. Look for a floor plan that features good storage in the form of closets as well as shelving. You can also ask if the community has additional storage for residents to rent.
Accessibility
An accessible design that still feels modern and chic is crucial, even if you don’t necessarily need accessibility right now. Look for floor plans that have been designed to include features that will enhance your independence even if your health or mobility declines.
Community Spaces
Finally, remember that while your residence is certainly important, you will still have access to all of the spaces throughout the community. So, if your dining room space in your residence won’t accommodate a 10-person family gathering, you can still use the community’s private dining room or multipurpose room. You will have access to your community’s outdoor patio complete with firepit seating. Take advantage of all the spaces throughout your new senior community!
At The Glen, we feature residences with modern finishes, accessible design, and private outdoor spaces, along with access to luxury amenities and services. When choosing senior community apartments for your needs and budget, we suggest The Glen for those looking to retire in beautiful Shreveport, Louisiana.
We’d love to show you around. Contact us to schedule a time to visit.