Assisted living apartments are a great option for seniors who have the desire and ability to live independently, but need help with minor daily tasks. Unlike nursing homes, these facilities do not typically provide advanced medical care. Assisted living facilities, also known as residential retirement homes, are the most common type of senior housing.
Assisted living for senior citizens offers seniors the opportunity to live independently along with like-minded folks who are similar to them in age. Most residents have private rooms and access to shared, common areas where they may socialize.
Many of these facilities also feature on-site social activities, such as movie nights, games, day trips, workshops, and exercise programs. Additionally, residents can enjoy amenities onsite and in their private rooms. Each facility may have different day-to-day activities and amenities, so it’s important to take a tour of the various assisted living homes you’re interested in. Common assisted living amenities include:
- Furnished apartments
- Rec and exercise facilities
- Swimming pools
- Sports like golf and tennis
- Daily social activities
- Transportation services
- Pets that meet the facility’s policies
- Updated appliances
- Wheelchair accessibility
- Grab rails and other senior safety installations
One of the reasons that so many seniors are interested in assisted living apartments is because of the personal care services many of these facilities provide. These assisted living at home services commonly include:
- Medication reminders and help
- Personal hygiene assistance
- Help changing clothes
- Transportation services
- Exercise facilities and programs
- Housekeeping and laundry services
- Cooking services
While affordable assisted living facilities are available, most residents can expect to pay an average of $4,000 a month at these apartments. However, average costs can vary by location, levels of care provided, and included amenities. In some cases, costs may be much higher. Some states also provide assistance to low-income seniors interested in this type of senior housing. For example, some state Medicaid programs cover a portion of the cost of assisted living housing. Yet most seniors will have to pay out-of-pocket or use another form of insurance to cover some of the expenses.
You can find assisted living apartments in many ways, including:
- Through online searches
- Through your insurer
- Through state and local programs
If you’re looking for assisted living options for seniors, it’s recommended that you tour multiple facilities so that you can find one that suits you best. Additionally, you should ask each facility various questions to help you get a better understanding of the features of each apartment. Questions to consider include:
- What is the ratio of residents and caregivers?
- Will you have a private room, bathroom, or kitchen?
- What amenities and services does the facility provide?
- Does the apartment allow residents to have a pet? If so, what are the restrictions?
- Will you have control of a thermostat for your room?
- Are staff available 24/7?
- Are there monthly, weekly, or daily events and activities?
- When are visitors allowed at the facility and can they stay overnight?
- What is the facility’s move-out criteria?
- How much can you expect to pay each month?
- Can you come and go as you please?
