With so many senior living options out there, it can be difficult to find the perfect senior apartment for you. There are many factors to take into consideration when searching for 55 and older apartments. With a little planning and strategy, you can find an apartment that suits your needs in your area. Here’s everything you need to look for when renting senior apartments.
Leasing Terms
The first thing to look at when renting a senior apartment is how long the lease is and what the terms are. Everyone is looking for something different when moving to a new apartment, so it’s important to communicate with your new landlord about the terms you are interested in. Some seniors are looking for somewhere they can stay long-term, in which case a lease of one to two years is best. Other seniors are more interested in short-term senior apartments where they can stay before transitioning to assisted living. In this case, you may be more interested in a shorter lease or even a month-to-month contract. It’s also important to find out what the penalties are for breaking a lease in the event you need to move out unexpectedly.
Rent Cost
The price of an apartment is something very important to take into consideration for most seniors. Living on a fixed income in retirement means you’ll need to budget carefully for your rent. Before searching for an apartment, take an honest look at your income and savings and determine what you’ll be able to afford. Many apartments that are designed specifically for seniors are priced reasonably, and many are even designed for low-income residents, with partial to full subsidies available. You can also save on rent by looking in suburbs or small towns in your state, where rent prices are less than in city centers. Even just moving a few blocks away from a commercial area can make a big difference in the overall rent prices.
Apartment Size
The size of the apartment you’re renting is another important factor to take a look at when hunting for a new place to live. The apartment should be big enough that you can relax comfortably, but not so big you can’t keep things clean and organized. If you’re living with your partner, you’ll want a slightly larger apartment to accommodate for two people. The layout of the apartment is another important thing to consider – you should be able to move safely from room to room without obstruction, and there should be plenty of light for visibility.
Security
The apartment should be a safe and secure place to spend time, particularly if you are going to be living alone. There should be locks on your doors and windows, and it’s helpful if there’s an intruder alarm system as well. Many buildings also offer security in the lobby to screen everyone coming in and out, which help you feel more secure and at ease in your building. If you feel more secure having a dog or cat at home with you, you can even look into pet friendly senior apartments, which will allow you to bring your pet from home with you to the senior apartments.
Senior Assistance
There are many senior apartments that provide services to help seniors live more comfortably and stay healthy, but there are also many apartments that are designed for seniors to live independently. Before moving into a new apartment, be sure to decide how much assistance you’ll need to live comfortably. There are apartments where seniors can live on their own but have access to health and wellness resources, assisted living apartments, and even dementia care facilities to choose from. If you are opting for an apartment that provides assistance, you should ensure the caregivers and the facility are certified with your state’s licensing board.
Location
Just as with any type of apartment, the location is always crucial when it comes to choosing where to live. Seniors should opt for an apartment that’s close to places they might visit frequently, such as a market or doctor’s office, as well as close to friends and family. It may be helpful to look for a place that’s close to public transit to minimize time spent driving, which can become more difficult for seniors as they age. The location should also be very safe and comfortable, and not close to any loud or rowdy neighbourhoods that might become overwhelming.
Accessibility
It’s very common for seniors to struggle with mobility issues that can make it difficult for them to walk long distances or climb stairs. If you have limited mobility or experience chronic pain, it may be helpful to look for an apartment that’s designed to be accessible for seniors. Ideally, the apartment complex should have a large, safe elevator, so you don’t have to climb stairs to and from the apartment. The hallways should be wide, well-lit, and have safe traction on the floors. The bathroom should also be safe for seniors, with a walk-in shower and grab bars if necessary.
When renting a senior apartment, be sure to talk to the leasing office thoroughly and schedule a complete tour before making your move. Since seniors have more specialized needs than younger adults, it is very important to make sure these needs are addressed before proceeding with the rental agreement. See if your apartment will provide assistance with the moving process, since this is another factor that can be very challenging for seniors, and having help moving furniture will make the process much easier.
The wide range of apartments available for seniors now makes it easier for seniors to continue to live independently into their later years. Transitioning from a large house to an apartment ensures that seniors can live comfortably in a space that’s appropriately sized for their needs, and that assistance can be made available as needed. If you are looking for senior living facilities in your area, be sure to search the many online directories available to find the best option for your needs.
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