Retirement should be enjoyable, and enjoyment means different things to different people. When deciding on a Senior Apartment, the first thing you want to consider is location. Some people choose Senior Apartments because they are easy and affordable ways to be closer to their children and grandchildren.
Some people choose Senior Apartments based on the amenities they offer and their ability to provide easy access to enjoyable activities. Some find enjoyment in living right in their favorite city, near museums, theaters, and cultural events. Ask yourself what you want most out of moving to a Senior Apartment, and get clear about which locations will best support your personal goals.
Another critical factor is knowing how much care you require daily. Senior living is geared toward those individuals who are still active, healthy, and able to meet their own basic needs. Many people in wheelchairs fall under this category, and many Senior Apartments have accommodations for these dynamic individuals. Know what you need to be safe, comfortable, and secure, and then narrow your search using these requirements as your criteria.
Ask Yourself:
- How is my mobility? Should I avoid complexes with stairs?
- Do I require access to emergency medical assistance?
- Who/ what would I enjoy living nearby?
- What types of businesses and facilities would be nice to have at walking distance?
- Do I require/ Do I want housekeeping services? Transportation? A fitness center?
- How do I want this transition to benefit me and improve my life?
Finding Senior Apartment Complexes:
Of course, the internet is your best first resource for discovering what Senior Apartment living is available in the area you wish to live in. Your best bet is to search for Senior Apartments in the exact locations you are interested in.
If you are seeking low-income/ affordable senior apartments, HUD provides a quick search resource for what is available. You can also put in an application to be considered for residence from the same resource. Keep in mind that low-income/ affordable Senior Apartments are typically full, and most of them have a waiting list. If you meet the low-income requirements in your state and wish to seek out this type of Senior living, we recommend putting in an application for as many complexes as you can because you never know which one will come through first. If you find yourself in a situation where you may become homeless or you are in danger, be sure to contact them directly as exceptions can be made in such circumstances.
Another resource for finding low-income/ affordable senior housing is The AHEPA National Housing Corporation. This is a wonderful non-profit organization that helps senior citizens, based on their income guidelines, to find low-income Senior Apartments. They do this by connecting you with a property manager in your area who can help.
HOW TO CHOOSE SENIOR APARTMENTS?
Considering Different Senior Apartment Complexes:
You can save yourself a lot of money by knowing which features and amenities you will actually use and which ones you won’t. Some Senior Apartments include all the amenities in the rent, while others charge extra fees for occasional conveniences such as housekeeping and transportation. If you know you are going to want regular transit, you may want to find a complex that includes transportation in a flat fee. If you are only going to use the transportation once in a while, it may be best to choose a place where you can pay as you go. Small details like this are huge money savers when deciding which Senior Apartment is right for you.
Again, it all comes back to get very clear on what you need and what you want. Different complexes have different policies, and while most of them offer some of the same basic features, the fine print can be very different. Depending on your own preferences, it’s important to ask the right questions when narrowing down your search for a Senior Apartment. When you set up a tour, seek to answer some key questions about your experience.
Ask Yourself:
- Did the staff and residents seem friendly and happy?
- Are these apartments near things and people that I enjoy?
- Are the residents using the common areas?
- Are the grounds well-kept?
- Are there nearby conveniences?
- What is within walking distance?
- Are the apartment floor plans well-suited to my mobility?
- Are there safety bars in the bathrooms?
- Is there enough storage space?
- Are there basic features like smoke detectors and fire alarms?
- Can I easily access counters, drawers, and cupboards?
We recommend you bring along a small notebook with your own personal checklist so you can easily compare the pros and cons of the different Senior Apartments you tour.
Make sure you ask some probing questions of your guide as well.
Ask Them:
- How often do they receive complaints? (If you read reviews and research the facility online first, you can get a pretty good idea of how transparent the person is being with you.)
- What is included in the price of the rent? What features cost extra? Any other fees?
- What is their guest policy?
- Is there anyone under the age of 55 living in the complex?
- How often are group activities organized?
- What kind of access to exercise does the complex offer? A fitness center? Group classes? Is there a walking path nearby?
- How involved is the complex in encouraging social interaction?
- What seems to be the most popular or favorite activity or aspect about the complex?
How Much Does Senior Apartment Living Cost?
When it comes to cost and how to afford your Senior Apartment, there are three general price brackets: low-income/ affordable Senior living, market-rate Senior living, and Luxury Senior living.
Retirement savings are always the optimal way to cover these expenses, but in the low-income bracket that isn’t always an option. Let’s talk about the low-income/ affordable living bracket first.
What it means to be low-income varies depending on the local cost of living. What affordable senior housing usually means is that the renter pays no more than 30% of their income toward rent and utilities. There are also several federal, state, and local laws that provide additional funding to low-income Senior Citizens. You must apply in order to qualify, but once you do, the state will award you vouchers that will allow you to set up residence in certain Senior Apartment complexes. If you are low-income, get qualified as soon as possible so you can being to review your options.
Market rate Senior Apartments are available to Senior citizens at a 15% discount off the regular apartment rates in the area. These are the apartment complexes where you typically start to see more senior-focused amenities. Many residents in these communities chose to liquidate some of their assets, such as selling their home, or taking out a reverse mortgage.
Luxury Senior living is mainly defined by its prime location and upscale amenities. Residents typically have a lot more personal space, up to 2,000 square feet. In many cases, the apartments are actually more like condominiums or townhomes. People who choose luxury Senior apartments are usually able to pay out of pocket.
Whichever option fits you best, remember what you want most out the experience. Where you live matters, and your retirement choices should contribute to making your life easier, and more enjoyable.
Senior Apartments can be an ideal living situation for active seniors, looking for a healthy, less expensive lifestyle.
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