Senior Apartments

For Affordable Independence

Moving to a senior apartment can be liberating for older adults who no longer want to worry about major maintenance or repairs of a family home. Renting a seniors-only apartment offers a lot of independence and an increased sense of safety and security from living with several neighbors close by. Residents rent their apartment or townhome complete with kitchen, bathroom, and all the other comforts of home–without all the hassles. Senior apartments have safety features built in,such as extra security lighting and rails in baths and showers.

The Resident Community

Residents will find people their own age in seniors-only apartments–no colicky infants or teen age parties next door. Many have a minimum required age to rent, usually 55 and older. Most residents are generally healthy, independent people, often younger than seniors in facilities that provide daily personal care or nursing care. They may be single people, widowed, or couples.

Philosophy

The idea behind senior apartments is to provide safe, secure, and affordable housing for older people who are able to live alone safely and comfortably. It’s a good option for those who desire a greater sense of security than living alone in a single family home somewhere, who can no longer afford upkeep of a big house, or who simply like the idea of living in a community with companionship from a range of people their own age.

What Do Senior Apartments Offer?

Senior apartments offer clean, affordable housing, built or remodeled with the small features that make a huge difference to older adults: larger handles on cabinets and fixtures, elevators, and extra lighting to add security at night. No daily personal care or health care is provided along with rental fees, but some facilities will let residents bring in their own live-in home health nurse or personal care aide if they need one.

Apartment Features 

Seniors can usually choose from different-sized units–or in some cases, different-sized townhomes or cottages–in a facility of 50 to 400 units. You’re apt to find:

• a clean, unfurnished studio, one-bedroom, or two-bedroom unit (a few come furnished)
• safety features, such as raised electrical outlets, easy-to-use dials on appliances, and safety rails in showers and baths
• a security gate or night guards for added protection (not at every facility)
• a common area like a library or lounge

The Cost of Senior Apartments

Depending on location, amount of living space, and style of the buildings, you can expect the cost to be in the range of other (non-senior) rental prices in your area. Units are usually rented monthly, and tend to cost less than other types of senior housing. Cooperatives, where residents own their units, are becoming popular in some areas. Since no health care is provided, senior apartment rents aren’t covered by Medicare, Medicaid, or longterm care insurance. A subsidized complex may charge on a sliding scale.

 

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