Senior Apartment Living Choices
While there are just two main choices when it comes to senior apartment living, it’s far from a simple choice for a senior to choose apartments that offer independent living or assisted living. That’s because there are innumerable variations within those two main categories. That’s why experts recommend seniors and their families decide what kind of living assistance is needed – if any – and then look around at apartments for seniors with that information in mind.
Two Main Types of Senior Apartment Living
- Independent living. These types of apartments are designed for senior citizens who are almost completely self-sufficient. In independent living complexes, seniors maintain their own apartments, go to doctors as necessary and require little assistance for life’s daily activities. The main benefit of independent living complexes is the community of seniors in one location. Often, independent living facilities organize social activities for the community of seniors.
- Assisted living. In assisted living communities, meals are usually provided in a cafeteria-type style, so that shopping and cooking are no longer the sole responsibility of the senior. Other assistance varies from complex to complex, but this type of senior apartment living can include help ranging from dressing and grooming to maid services and transportation.
Why Seek Senior Apartment Living?
This is the main question that seniors and their loved ones should ask as they transition from their home to some type of senior apartment living scenario. The exact type of complex will generally depend on the amount of help with daily living activities needed by the senior. Here are some common reasons to seek senior apartment living of some type:
- No transportation. A senior who no longer is able to drive but is otherwise healthy and independent may seek an independent living facility where transportation can be arranged for medical appointments, as well as social outings.
- Help with meals. For the senior who can’t or no longer wants to worry about shopping for and cooking daily meals, assisted living centers generally provide communal areas where all the seniors in the complex come for daily meals and snacks.
- Community lifestyle. Sometimes, a senior no longer wants to live alone in a house that requires plenty of care and attention. Independent and assisted communities provide senior apartment living and neighbors who are the same age and share many of the same interests.
- Medical needs. For seniors who require regular trips to the doctor and need a facility where doctors or nurses are available most of the day, there are assisted living complexes available. Depending on the degree of care required, a nursing home may instead be the best answer.
- Some help with daily living activities. There are senior apartment living choices available for people who need help cleaning, cooking and dressing. Seniors who remain mobile but need care and attention in their apartments should look carefully for assisted living centers and match up the services offered with their personal needs.