Apartment for Seniors - Options

In an apartment search for senior citizens, I would take a few things into consideration.

1. Location is important. In case the senior does not drive a car and possibly he/she could walk to stores where they could find what they need.

2. Are the seniors interested in living near a relative or close friend?

3. Is there a method of public transportation in the area convenient to the apartment?

4. Do they want an apartment located within a complex?

5. Do they prefer a senior community, with several apartments - some serve one main meal per day, and the tenants can prepare their other meals in the apartment.

6. I believe most seniors would prefer the apartment be on the ground floor.

7. Are the senior(s) able to cut their grass, or do they need an apartment where the lawn is taken care of by a building and grounds caretaker. Most of the senior communities have a custodian or caretaker that cuts the grass, takes care of any problems in the apartments and shovels snow, etc.

8. Do the prospective tenants need assisted living, or independent living? Many senior communities have both kinds of apartments.

The more amenities one finds at a senior community, the more expensive it will be. About the location of the senior community, most of these facilities have a car or van that will take the residents to important appointments and for needed shopping. They also take the residents on outings for enjoyment.

Many of the senior communities have a variety of events for their tenants. They can play cards, work out in a gym and participate in other activities. In reference to the gym workouts, there is usually a professional leader, who shows the participants how to exercise without hurting themselves and telling them when it is time to quit. Some communities also have spas and pools for their residents.

If the senior wants an apartment separate from others, such as a section of a private home, these are often, but not always, located upstairs in the building. The apartments that are upstairs are not recommended for seniors.
Seniors probably prefer a community of apartments if they can afford the cost. These communities are rather expensive. However, there is a different kind here in our town that has what look like small houses all in one area, and they are not connected in any way. These apartments do not offer transportation and amenities that are found in the communities. A friend of mine lives in one of these, and she seems happy there. These apartments are called "Village Apartments."

In the case of the senior citizens living close to a relative or good friend, they could probably find a community within the specific town. If there is no senior community in the town, they would have to find an apartment possibly in a private home, or in a community such as an apartment building or similar to the Village Apartments.

Sources:

Wynnfield Crossing - Independent or Assisted living, security and peace of mind
Maintenance-free apartments - Rochester, Indiana
Personal knowledge