For active older adults seeking socialization and activities (and a full kitchen!), senior apartments are a great option. Unlike assisted living communities and nursing homes, which are set up for individuals who need higher levels of assistance and care for daily living, senior apartments, simply put, are designed for independent living.
Senior apartments allow residents to “benefit from retaining their independence while being part of a community,” explains Robert Lowry, vice president of Sunny Hills in Sebring and Homestead, Florida. “They have activities at hand at these types of facilities, which promote a healthy and sociable lifestyle.” From what’s included to potential costs, here’s what to know about senior apartments, according to Lowry and other experts.
Key takeaways
- Senior apartments offer independent living for adults 55+ with social activities, accessible features and minimal upkeep.
- Senior apartments differ from assisted living by not providing medical care.
- Costs of senior apartments vary, so evaluating needs and touring options is key.
What are senior apartments?
Senior apartments are residential housing units specifically designed for older adults, typically aged 55 or 62 and older, explains Moti Gamburd, a long-term care consultant and CEO of Care Homecare in Los Angeles.
“These apartments are often designed for independent living, meaning residents can maintain an active and self-sufficient lifestyle,” notes Leslie Waddell, vice president of franchise experience at BrightStar Care.
“They generally are not equipped with medical facilities or staff for hands-on care.”
Senior apartment living will look a little different at each complex, but typically they offer features and amenities that cater to the lifestyle of older adults.
According to Sandi Petersen, who holds a doctor of nursing practice degree and is currently the senior vice president of health and wellness at Pegasus Senior Living, these may include “opportunities to socialize with others of similar ages and interests, transportation services, planned activities and congregate meal settings.” Additionally, she notes, most senior apartments are equipped with private, “full kitchens.”
They’re also designed with accessibility in mind, which Gamburd notes, may include features such as “a single level layout, ramps, handrails and other modifications to accommodate mobility challenges.”
Some senior apartments make a great option for couples, too. “While the rules and regulations differ between senior apartment facilities, in general, up to two seniors are permitted to live in a senior apartment together so long as they meet the age criteria for the facility,” adds Waddell.
What makes senior apartments different?
Senior apartments vary in size and in the amenities offered, but on the whole, they’re “community-based,” notes Lowry, so their facilities (and the lifestyle) are built around that.
“Senior apartments typically have communal spaces for organized group activities like tai-chi, game nights and gardening,” Lowry explains. “Their purpose is to bring seniors together and promote interactions at a time where older adults can feel isolated or lose their sense of self.”
Other amenities that may be offered with senior apartment living, according to Waddell, Lowry and Petersen, include:
- Wheelchair-accessible units.
- Grab bars in bathrooms.
- Easy-to-reach light switches and outlets.
- Lever-style door handles.
- Secure entrance and exit.
- 24-hour security or staff presence.
- Access to emergency call systems to summon help.
- Recreation centers for planned social events and activities.
- Transportation options.
- Walking paths or trails.
- Swimming pools.
- Exercise centers.
- Tennis and pickleball courts.
- Housekeeping.
- Meal service options.
- Laundry rooms.
- Full kitchens.
- Congregate dining, restaurant-style.
“With senior apartment living, residents still have independence, but services are on offer,” Lowry explains.
Additionally, many senior apartments provide transportation services for their residents, though the availability and extent of the service can vary. (It’s also worth noting that, in many senior apartments, residents can have their own car.)
“In many cases, these communities offer scheduled transportation for residents to go shopping, attend medical appointments and participate in community outings,” explains Waddell. “The transportation provided is often designed to be accessible for individuals with limited mobility. This may include wheelchair-accessible vehicles and assistance for residents with special needs.”
What are the different types of senior apartments?
There are a few different varieties of senior apartments. The most common, according to Gamburdi, is independent senior apartments for more “active seniors who desire a convenience factor and sense of community.”
Other options, per Gamburdi, include:
Affordable senior housing. These, notes Gamburdi, are units funded through the government as a subsidy, based on rents and income. For more information, check out the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Resource Locator.
Luxury senior apartments. “These may come equipped with higher-end amenities, concierge services and resort-style living,” Gamburdi explains.
Other independent senior living options that might fall under the broader umbrella of senior apartments may include:
- Independent living communities.
- Assisted living communities.
- 55+ communities.
- Continuing care retirement communities (CCRC).
How much do senior apartments cost?
Senior apartment costs vary widely, based on a number of factors, including location and services offered, Gamburdi notes. That said, “one could expect to pay between $1,500-4,500 a month, depending on the location, amenities and size of the apartment,” he says.
According to Senior Living, Maine has the highest average monthly rate for senior independent living at $6,162 a month, while Mississippi has lowest, at around $1,282 a month.
“Safety, security, access to food and services, personal care, transportation and activities/opportunities to socialize are key amenities offered that appeal to many seniors as they find themselves in need of a little more support.”
— Sandi Petersen, senior living expert
What are the benefits of senior apartments?
The biggest advantage of senior apartments, according to Petersen, is that they provide both services and socialization to seniors.
“Safety, security, access to food and services, personal care, transportation and activities/opportunities to socialize are key amenities offered that appeal to many seniors as they find themselves in need of a little more support,” she says. “These settings provide only the services needed while letting older adults remain in control of their lives as much as possible, preserving independence and dignity for as long as possible.”
Put another way: “Senior apartments maximize their residents’ free time, taking care of the mundane and giving more time for fun,” notes Lowry.
Is a senior apartment the right choice?
To determine whether or not senior apartments are a good fit for you or your loved one, there are a number of things to take into account, including, personality, likes and dislikes, as well as supports needed.
“Be honest about what services are truly needed,” Petersen says. “While some may want to live in an independent setting, the reality may be more support and care is needed. Through carefully evaluating both desires and needs, the best choice can be made.”
If you’ve decided senior apartment living is the way to go, here’s what else to consider:
Location. “Location is an important factor to consider,” says Lowry. “Not only does it determine how close someone is to their family or friends, it also determines the climate.” Location also, Waddell notes, determines how close someone is from “essential services that will impact their life, such as access to grocery stores and healthcare and medical facilities.”
Amenities/facilities. If you or your loved one loves swimming and pickleball, choose a place with a pool and pickleball court. “Having the right amenities and facilities available will ultimately boost happiness,” says Lowry.
Cost. Determine your budget and work to that price point. While higher-end places with more amenities will cost more, keep in mind, Lowry says, you still want there to be enough money left to “keep your sense of self and ensure a stress-free lifestyle.”
Future considerations. Think beyond the now. “If a higher level of care may be needed in the near- to mid-future, consider the costs of those services in addition to the cost of the
A final note on senior apartments
Senior apartments usually fit well for folks that are primarily independent, but want to downsize, minimize upkeep and live in a community of similar lifestyle, notes Gamburdi. On the flip side, seniors that require more assistance, whether in daily activities or health care, might be better suited for assisted living or home health care service.
“An excellent way to get a sense of which community would be the best fit is to tour a number of them and speak with staff and residents,” he adds. “This should give you a realistic impression of the living environment.”
