Tips for Choosing an Apartment for a Senior Citizen

Finding a home suitable for a senior can be hard work. Extensive searching and questioning occurs before even looking at the apartment. Here are a few tips to help a senior citizen choose an apartment that I learned from my grandmother who had arthritis.

First Floor - The first thing that should be considered is the ease of getting into the apartment. Most seniors will find a first floor apartment convenient. If a second floor (or above) apartment is all that is available, make sure there is an elevator for safety. First floor is best because if there is an emergency the occupants of the other floor will have to walk down stairs instead of using an elevator.

One Level - Most seniors enjoy peace and quiet. A one level apartment building would guarantee no one stomping on the floor above or dropping things in the middle of the night. A one level apartment building is better in regards to fire hazards and hurricanes or tornadoes.

On-Site Conveniences - If the apartment is not furnished with a washer and dryer hook-up, you may want an apartment complex with a laundry area on site. The senior citizen may not be able to or want to drive to do their laundry. Some apartment complexes also have game areas, a recreational area, pool, or even an area just to relax with friends. These apartments are the best for senior citizens so they do not have to rely on others to take them "out".

Easy Access to Parking - Parking can be a big problem with seniors. Some seniors cannot walk far and really need to park nearby. If an apartment building has assigned parking, the parking area needs to be close for the senior and safe. Verify that the parking area is well lit and free of debris or loose stones that could make a senior fall.

Door Handles - No one thinks of door handles. Door handles may be something that needs to be changed for the senior. You will want to make sure the apartment allows door handles to be changed. As we get older arthritis may become a problem. Then, there are also those who are forgetful or can no longer move their hands as they used to. Door handles can be purchased at Lowe's or Home Depot for about $20 that are long handles that you can push down on to release the door. These are excellent for people who have pain in their hands or cannot move their fingers around a knob.

Faucets - Faucets are another necessity that usually are forgotten about until they are needed. When searching for an apartment for a senior, make sure the knobs are big and easily maneuvered. Replacing the fixture can cost around $50 for a faucet that has handles instead of knobs. If you are unsure if a senior can turn the water on or off use the palm of your hand instead of your fingers. If you cannot turn it on or off, they may not be able to either.

In-Reach Shelves - One of the hardest maneuvers for a senior is reaching. When searching for an apartment, make sure there is plenty of storage that the senior will be able to reach.

Easy Access to Kitchen Appliances - A senior will need easy access to kitchen appliances. Make sure the appliances are low and a senior will be able to get to them especially if they have to use a kitchen chair to sit down on or a wheelchair. Sometimes seniors fall and it takes time for their bodies to heal. It is best that they are able to reach the appliances so they do not have to rely on others for their meals.

Furnished or Not - When helping a senior choose an apartment, they will need to decide if they want a furnished apartment or not. Furnished will take the worry out of moving their furniture or having to buy new. It could also mean that they will not have what they want or what is comfortable for them.

On site Maintenance - If a senior is getting an apartment, it is good that the apartment has on-site maintenance. On-site maintenance will fix problems immediately to their ability or they will be able to get someone who can. This is a great convenience for a senior.

Lighting inside and out - Lighting is important. Sometimes it is hard to see as you get older. Having a brighter inside and lights outside will help the senior see. Make sure the lighting is sufficient at night to ensure the senior's safety. Lights deter burglars.

Safety - When looking for an apartment for a senior, look for safety issues. Make sure the senior is able to adequately move in the apartment. See if there are handrails in the bathroom. Handrails are important especially on steps. Make sure there are no little step downs in entrance ways. Check the windows and doors for sufficient security. Test the water temperature to see if it will burn the senior if he or she gets forgetful.

The most important thing when looking for an apartment for a senior is to do it WITH the senior. Let the senior have some say in where they are going to live. If you live in an area with senior communities, try to get the senior into one of those homes. Some senior communities have activities and are like families. Make your senior feel loved even when you cannot be with them.