Senior Apartments
For the seniors who want to live in a safe, happy, low maintenance environment but also want to grow old in style, a senior apartment could be the way to go. Normal apartments are more tailored for families and children, and as you advance in age you find that you have different needs that need to be satisfied.
Why You Need One
Housekeeping, provided transportation, on-site pharmacy, and 24/7 emergency care staff are only a handful of amenities you could receive when residing in a senior living apartment. These are designed specifically for older people, usually 55 and older. This means there are usually limited to no stairs, wheelchair accessible units, railings in the bathrooms and a peaceful outdoor walking and sitting area. With that said, they still offer all the transitional styles of housing such as studio, multiroom, townhouse, duplex, and triplexes.
Senior Apartment Options
Non-Assisted Independent Living
This is for the seniors who just need a nice, quiet and comfy place to spend their days. These seniors are independent and don't need much assistance or medical care, but just want to be part of a community and not lonely in a house by themselves. These types of apartments don't usually offer assistance type amenities but do still have all the standard ones such as walking areas or a pool.
Independent Senior Living
This is for those that are still independent and doing their own thing but need some with certain things. Communities like these would help out with things such as housekeeping, assistance with laundry and possibly providing daily transportation.
Assisted Senior Living
For the elderly who need constant assistance and medical attention, Assisted Living would be the best option. In this community, they will help you with housekeeping and transportation like the independent living communities, but here they will help you with things such as putting your clothes on, getting out of bed, or even help to eat. These communities a medical staff on standby at all times in the event of a medical emergency.
Price Ranges
Affordable Senior Apartments
These are state-funded apartments that require residents to pay no more than 30% of their income to stay. The quality of these apartments depends on the area, as they are funded by local and federal laws.
Market Rate Senior Apartments
These are apartments in the competitive sector, usually about 15% cheaper than regular apartment prices. These are usually bigger and nicer than affordable housing, and also provide amenities such as community dining and housekeeping but also activities like yoga and Tai Chi.
Luxury Senior Apartments
These are the high-end senior communities for the elderly that can afford it, usually in big cities next to cultural events. These are usually much bigger than what's offered in market-rate apartments, with much more extravagant amenities.
How To Apply For a Senior Apartment
First, you must make sure that you qualify, and for that usually just means you can afford it financially and you're at least 55 or older, although some require you to be 62 and older. Once you have determined all that, you apply as you would any other apartment. Have fun apartment hunting!