How to find senior apartments near you

At some point in everyone’s life, you have to consider your retirement living options. Some people will need more care than others. Senior apartments, or independent living communities, are an option for people who can largely live independently, yet still take advantage of certain benefits of living in a retirement community.

Independent senior living communities are facilities in which a group of residents live largely independently but are able to engage in community life with other seniors. They typically enjoy private accommodations and a range of amenities and services that make life easier than living entirely alone.

Senior apartments offer services such as:

- Housekeeping

- Meal preparation

- Home maintenance

- Physical fitness classes

- Social events

Benefits of a senior living community include:

- Social, mental, and physical well-being interacting with peers

- Freedom from the responsibilities of homeownership

- An abundance of services that promote healthy aging

- Safety and security

- Organized opportunities

- Additional assistance if needed

How to search for senior apartments:

It can be daunting trying to find senior living communities that fit your needs and wants. Where do you even start?

1. Do a local search in your area

You might be aware of some independent senior living facilities in your area, but there are likely others you don’t know about. You can go to the internet and try to search that way, but you’re likely to be overwhelmed with the choices, some of which might not even be near you. You will have better luck with a comprehensive and trusted list of senior care providers. Simply input your city, state, or zip code and do an advanced search that filters just independent living facilities. This type of search shows you your options all in one place, to help you decide which senior apartments you’d like to pursue.

2. Determine price point and budget

Ideally, before you start your search you should determine what your budget is so that you have a solid idea of what price point you should look for in a facility.

3. Tour your selected facilities

Once you have found senior apartments that match your budget and desired amenities, schedule a tour of the facilities. Make sure the tour is comprehensive and you get to view all of the services and amenities that would be available to you.

4. Ask the right questions

Moving into a senior living community is a major decision. Before your tour or a meeting with a representative, write down all of the questions that are important to you.

Questions to consider asking about senior living include:

- How many residents do you have?

- How is staff trained?

- Are staff onsite day and night?

- What meal services are offered? Are they included in the pricing?

- What type of activities do you have?

- How are residents heard? Do you have a Resident Council?

- How do you foster a sense of community?

- What is the role of family members?

Make sure you ask your questions, and they are answered to your full understanding. After touring and learning about each facility, make the decision that is right for you and will ensure your happiness well into your future.

Photo by joyce huis on Unsplash