One in three households is composed of at least one senior citizen. This number is expected to rise even more by 2030, as people live longer and the percentage of seniors in the population continues to grow. As such, it should come as no surprise that there are plenty of things seniors need in a home. One thing they often need is help with day-to-day living tasks like cooking and cleaning. That’s where nursing homes, assisted living facilities, or a senior apartment comes into play. And moreover, there are always some things that seniors need in their apartments.
Seniors have unique needs when renting an apartment. Apartments tend to be a lot more expensive in most areas than owning a home, but they offer low utility costs and the ability to move into a new space without the financial commitment of buying property. Seniors may choose to rent an apartment for security reasons, as well. Seniors who feel like they may not be able to continue living on their own may want to rent an apartment or senior-friendly home in case of emergency.
There are many different things that should be considered when looking for something that’s right for seniors. These things include:
Security: Seniors are more vulnerable to theft and other crimes in general, so security is a critical aspect to look for when selecting an apartment. As such, it’s important to choose a property with a gate or security guard, as well as cameras and an intercom system.
Third Party Insured: Many landlords do not offer insurance on their properties, so it is important that you choose one that does. An insurance policy covers damage caused by communal areas and the building itself. It covers wear-and-tear, such as holes in walls or window breakage. It also covers problems caused by the neighbors like loud noises or water leaks.
Home Warranty: A home warranty is a great way to protect your investment and the peace of mind that comes from having a property that is completely in working order. It is extremely important to have this type of protection in most situations, including when dealing with any emergencies, and if you are considering renting an apartment.
Rent: If you live by yourself or with only one other person, then rent will likely be the biggest monthly payment you pay out. It may also be less financially savory than owning a house since the monthly payments usually do not include upkeep and maintenance costs. Renting will come with more flexibility and less inputs like mortgage payments. This, however, might also mean more trouble in the event of an emergency.
Kitchen: Seniors frequently have difficulty in their daily lives and they can’t always do their typical tasks like cooking and cleaning. That’s why it is important that they live in apartments that come with a kitchen. Seniors will enjoy spending more time with loved ones and taking care of those that are close to them, which is why some apartments offer the ability to cook and clean for other people.
Design and Layout: Of course, the physical layout of an apartment can make all the difference. Seniors generally like to live in a place that is spacious, and one that offers easy access to what they need. Most seniors will prefer an apartment with a good layout, and also have a lot of privacy and space to move around.
Functionality: Again, functionality can be just as important as being aesthetically pleasing. While one may love having a room full of beautiful furniture, it might not be practical for everyday use or that person may not want to suffer from wear-and-tear if things get damaged. So there are many practical factors that should be considered when looking for something like senior apartments in your area.