Senior Living Apartments

Senior living apartments come in a variety of options for those seniors looking for a maintenance-free, low cost, community of their peers.

Whether you are independent or need help with some activities of daily living (ADLs), you’ll find an apartment that fits your lifestyle and budget.

Profile of a Resident

• Single and need to downsize their lifestyle
• Desire to be closer to family and/or friends
• Not wanting the responsibilities of home maintenance (yard, repairs, upkeep, etc.)
• Not wanting the financial burden of home maintenance, property taxes, mortgage payment, utilities, etc.
• Shedding these responsibilities makes worry-free travel possible
• Desires to live in a close-knit social setting with their peers
• Needing help with some ADLs such as ambulation, dressing, etc.

Types of Senior Living Apartments

Generally, you’ll find independent living and assisted living apartment options. Many communities will offer both lifestyle options within the same property. This allows residents to “age in place,” which means as their needs change, they won’t have to find another facility. This of course has its limits, depending on the level of care required.

Profile of Senior Apartments

Amenities will vary from complex to complex, but in general, you’ll find the following:

• One, Two and three bedroom options from 600 to 1,200 square feet
• Couples apartments
• Private or shared apartments
• Fully furnished or unfurnished apartments
• Central, individual climate control
• Common areas with TV
• Library and activities room
• Community dining room with meals prepared 2-3 times a day
• Smoke detectors, fire alarms and sprinkler systems
• Computer work stations
• Laundry rooms with washers and dryers

Amenities offered at a monthly premium may include:

• Onsite pharmacy including delivery and pharmacist access
• Skilled nursing care
• Exercise and wellness programs
• Educational activities
• Field trips
• Pet-friendly apartments
• Arranged transportation for shopping, appointments, etc.
• Housekeeping including linen and laundry service
• 24-hour emergency staff

Senior Apartment Costs

The average rent for a single-bedroom/single occupancy in an assisted living facility is $3,261 a month, according to Genworth Financial’s massive study of long-term senior care.

In addition, the study found that 33% of assisted living facilities charge a one-time, non-refundable fee. These fees are often called a “move in” fee.

In general, there are three pricing categories: affordable, market rate and luxury.

Affordable senior living apartments are usually for seniors with annual incomes of under $12,000. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Section 8 provides rent subsidies or vouchers.

Market rate communities are those that are priced according to prevailing market prices in that area.

Luxury senior living apartments are well above market rates because they typically provide more amenities and their location is more desirable, for instance overlooking a lake or ocean.

Pricing models include the most basic tier for independent seniors. Followed by all-inclusive, a la carte and fee-for-service. Some require long-term agreements while others will go month-to-month.

Other costs in addition to monthly rent may include:

• Annual medication management fee
• Monthly transportation service fee
• Monthly double occupancy fee
• Suite transfer fee (one time)
• Guest meals

Selecting a Senior Living Apartment

As you search for the ideal community, you’ll want to tour the facilities that are most appealing. When you do, think about these questions and considerations.

• Is the community attractive and inviting from the outside?
• Does the neighborhood seem safe?
• Is there convenient, well lighted parking?
• Is the facility secluded enough (if that’s your preference) but close to amenities like shopping?
• Is staff friendly and professional?
• Are residents friendly? Talk to them and see how they like living there.
• What kinds of activities are planned? How often and what’s the participation like?
• Do apartments have safety features such as fire alarm, sprinklers, smoke detectors, etc.?
• Do they have adequate storage space? Adequate natural lighting?
• Will the community meet your current and future needs (independent v. assisted living)?
• Does it have the amenities you need and want?
• What’s included in the basic rental fee? What is not included?
• Before making decision, carefully read over the “resident agreement” and “fees and service agreement”. These two documents usually spell out everything you need to know.

To find senior living apartments near you, try the assistedseniorliving.net advanced search at the top right. If you have questions, drop us a line using the contact fields at the top.

For more senior living options, see the following articles:

• “55 Plus Communities”
• “Active Senior Living”
• “Religion Based Senior Care”
• “Respite Care”