- Senior living apartments are designed to accommodate the needs and preferences of older adults. Some seniors choose to sell their homes after retirement to add to their nest eggs and reduce the amount of home maintenance needed. Others prefer to move into a senior apartment to improve their social lives, or because they need assistance with everyday tasks but would prefer to continue living on their own. Senior living apartments and communities are designed with this in mind.
- Apartments designed for seniors offer many features that are not available in regular apartment complexes. The apartments are typically handicapped-accessible, small, and have low-maintenance floors and surfaces, such as ceramic tile and waterproof paint. Most offer recreational activities, such as planned social events, game rooms and swimming pools. Additional services are usually available, including community meal plans, linen services, transportation services and housekeeping assistance.
- Senior living apartments allow older people a level of independence they might not get while living with relatives. They can help prevent boredom and isolation by providing regular social activities and planned recreation. Free or low-cost health screening is often available in senior communities, and many offer additional health services, such as regular visits from a healthcare worker. However, these services are not sufficient to meet the needs of seniors who require significant medical care.
- Although senior living apartments are an appealing choice for older adults who can live on their own with little assistance, they are usually inappropriate for those who require home health care. Medical help at senior communities is usually limited to medication reminders and health screening. The cost of senior living apartments can be considerably higher than comparable apartments, and this expense is not usually covered by Medicare or health insurance. Payment plans vary depending on the type of community chosen.
- There are three types of senior living apartments: independent living apartments, assisted living apartments, and continuing care retirement communities. Independent living apartments usually offer recreational activities and some services for convenience, but most people who live in these communities must be able to care for themselves without help. Assisted living apartments usually offer hot meals, housekeeping services, transportation and limited assistance with taking medication. Both independent and assisted living apartments usually charge monthly rent and include a lease, much like regular apartments. Continuing care retirement communities are designed to meet the needs of seniors from the time they retire until they pass away. Services typically include independent living apartments, an assisted living community, a nursing home, and sometimes hospice care. Continuing care retirement communities typically require a lump sum before moving in and monthly service fees. Although the lump sum payment is often quite large, monthly fees are significantly lower than the cost of rent at independent and assisted living apartments.
