A Guide to Senior Apartment Living: Assisted and Independent Living

Senior Housing Types, Financing, & More

There are many types of Senior Housing that seniors can choose from that are especially suited for when they are unable to care for themselves. When considering which type of senior housing a senior would choose it is first important to understand what kind of care they need. Some seniors may be able to do most daily tasks but may not be able to drive for example. Other seniors may need more specialized care and have a difficult time even walking or leaving their own room. 

Finances are an important consideration all seniors should have when deciding on a senior housing option. Sometimes insurance and government can pay for all or part of the care of a senior citizen so it's important to consider what kind of facilities insurance or government programs will cover. If there is no coverage on the senior's insurance plan and no government program to offset the cost for a given facility the costs can add up really quickly. Another thing that should be considered when choosing a senior living facility is the social environment that will exist within that facility. 

Some seniors may just need help with every day living but are not able to socialize due to personal preferences, inability to identify with others, or any other physical or mental limitations.

Care managers can help facilitate the process of helping a senior choose what senior housing option is best suited for them. They are certified and are often needed when the senior or those helping the senior are unable to choose a housing option on their own. Care managers know the laws and are aware of the level of care that different senior housing facilities provide.

Independent Living facilities

Are often a good option for seniors who wish for some help in performing their daily activities but also want the freedom and independence to do what they can for themselves. Those living in an assisted living facility are not extremely dependent on around the clock medical care so if the senior considering living in the assisted living facility is not able to cope without around the clock medical care this option may not be best for them. 

These facilities provide the senior with a lot of opportunities to socialize as they often include group dining options and many recreational activities are available there.

Nursing homes provide seniors who are less able to live independently a good living option. In nursing homes the seniors will be helped with things such as bathing, getting out of bed, and virtually all other activities that are required for general life needs. Only hospitals provide more in depth medical care than nursing home for senior citizens. 

Nursing homes

Always have many nurses on site to help care for all seniors at the facility and usually also have at least one doctor on site at all times. If the senior needing care has chronic medical illness than it may be worth considering admitting them in a hospital rather than nursing home as a nursing home may be unequipped to handle their special needs.

If a senior wants to have friends their own age but does not need the full service options such as a nursing home or an independent living facility than they may want to consider choosing age restricted housing. Age restricted senior housing facilities have been authorized by the state to discriminate based on the age of the renters. 

Some age restricted facilities will have seniors as young as 55 while other will have seniors as old as 62. Age restricted senior housing that are allowed to discriminate by age allow only those of a specified age to rent an apartment on their premises however other facilities allow a small percentage of renters to be of any age. 

Age restricted housing

Can include apartments or housing. In the case of housing the neighbors will only be of a certain age and in the case of apartments renters will be of a certain age or most renters will be of a certain age in the apartment complex. Depending on the budget of the senior wishing to live in age restricted housing, they can choose whether they want to live in simple apartments or live in special luxury apartments which also share the advantage of being age restricted. 

Living in age restricted housing can help seniors bond with other's their own age while other living facilities may make it more difficult for seniors to relate with others that are not of their age.

Sometimes seniors may wish to live on their own in which case they can be offered special discounts for getting an apartment in a given area. This is ideal for senior wishing to be independent but also wanting to save on rent. Seniors should keep in mind that living in the apartments that offer a discount to senior citizens does not necessarily provide any of the care options the other senior housing facilities may provide.