If you’ve made the decision to move out of your single-family home and into an apartment, you’ve joined a popular movement among seniors. But how do you choose between moving to a regular apartment open to all ages versus moving to a senior apartment in a retirement community? Let’s compare and contrast some of the similarities and the differences you’ll want to keep in mind
HOW ALL-AGES APARTMENTS AND SENIOR APARTMENTS ARE SIMILAR
For a number of reasons, apartment living, whether it’s a complex for all ages or part of a senior living community, is an attractive option for older adults. There’s less space to keep clean, no steps to climb and typically, there’s someone you can call to fix things that break.
In an all-ages apartment complex, you’ll generally have a pool, a fitness center and a party room, and sometimes pets are allowed. In a senior apartment, you’ll have all of these amenities as well — but you’ll also have so much more, as you’ll see later in this article
5 CHALLENGES OF ALL-AGES APARTMENT LIVING TO CONSIDER
Moving to an apartment complex can be appealing if you’re on the younger side of seniorhood and also in good health. But it’s important to think long-term. According to LongTermCare.gov, someone turning age 65 today has almost a 70% chance of needing some type of long-term care services and support in their remaining years. And 20% of those over 65 will require that care for more than five years.
That said, in a few years, you could be facing five big challenges living in an all-ages apartment:
1. Needing to move again – Should your health change and you require professional care, you’ll need to move to receive it.
2. Paying out-of-pocket for caregivers – Private aides and nurses are costly, and you’ll have the added burden of the hiring process and finding trusted help.
3. Too much alone time – You may be surrounded by many neighbors, but in all-ages apartments, residents typically go their own way and stick to themselves. It’s easy to become isolated, and that’s magnified if you need to stop driving.
4. Most chores are still yours – You’ll still need to hire a housekeeper, wash your own linens, hang your own pictures and make your own meals.
5. Safety issues – How quickly can help arrive if you have an emergency? All-ages apartments aren’t set up with pull chains or buttons to use if you’re not near your phone. And if you begin to have memory, sight or hearing issues, the safety concerns multiply.
FIVE REASONS MOVING TO A SENIOR APARTMENT MAKES SO MUCH SENSE
When it comes to services, amenities, cost and care, the independent living lifestyle you’ll enjoy in a community like Freedom Village of Bradenton really can’t be beat.
Remember, independent living communities are designed for older adults like you. That means you’ll meet people who have all kinds of life experiences in common, and likely share similar interests in music, activities and how they like to have fun. That’s how great friendships are born!
And those worrisome challenges you could face living in an all-ages apartment? Consider them eliminated. Compare these five key perks of choosing a senior apartment:
1. You’ll never have to move again – Everything you need to make life enjoyable, carefree, convenient, comfortable and safe are here for you, including higher-level care if you ever need it.
2. The care you may need someday can be covered in full – In a Life Plan Community like Freedom Village of Bradenton, you can choose a contract that provides access to a full continuum of care at no additional cost — including assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehabilitation, and it’s all on campus.
3. You can be as active and engaged as you like – Living in a retirement community, your only challenge will be choosing which activity, class, day trip or discussion group to take part in each day — and what to order at Happy Hour and dinner that evening. Feel like staying in for a cozy evening? That’s your choice, too!
4. Someone else will do the chores – Say goodbye to that to-do list. When you live in a senior apartment, someone else takes care of the housekeeping, flat linen laundry, and comes to the rescue if something needs fixing. The same goes for exterior tasks like mowing, painting and snow removal.
5. Your apartment and the community are designed for safety – You won’t find a community more responsive in an emergency than a retirement community. With a security team on call 24/7 and at your door at the touch of a button, you’ll always feel safe at home.
The decision to invest in a senior living community is not always an easy one to make. However, paying for the services available can be very beneficial, especially as you grow older. Retirement communities that offer a continuum of care support individuals through various stages of life and accommodate unique and ever-changing needs. Here, St. Barnabas looks at the benefits of senior living and why its a worthwhile expense.Continuum of CareStart by thinking ahead and figuring out what your investment might mean in the future. Aging adults with evolving needs benefit from retirement communities that provide multiple levels of assistance. If youre a young, active retiree who is looking forward to making the most of every day in retirement, you can find what you need in an independent living community. Independent living communities combine the convenience of secure, upkeep-free living centered on your needs with the independence that you typically enjoy at home.If you or a loved one needs greater support for daily activities, accommodations with living assistance may be more ideal. Attendants provide 24/7 assistance, allowing residents to live as independently as they can while receiving more hands-on care for chronic illnesses and other conditions. Services may include: Regular safety checks Physical transfer assistance Ostomy and catheter care Incontinence support As health needs change, more in-depth services may be needed and can easily be accessed in a community that offers a broad range of support. Retirees who need short-term or long-term rehabilitative care can find it through skilled nursing services. Skilled nursing services are available for individuals who are recovering after a stroke, an injury, joint replacement surgery, or another event that may require access to a team of medical professionals to help them on the road to recovery.Balancing the Comforts of Home with Community EngagementWhile researching retirement communities, making sure your prospects feel like home is important in determining if paying for senior living is a worthwhile expense. Comfortable accommodations and a variety of amenities can help make the transition from home life to a senior living community easier. Whats more, programming and social activities that keep residents active and meaningfully engaged with their neighbors can help make retirement life feel fulfilling. Some of the amenities to look for while searching for a retirement community include: Nutritious and delicious meals Calendar of social activities and special events Scenic grounds with opportunities for outdoor recreation Exercise centers and fitness classes Easy access to shops, movie theaters, and more Learn More from St. BarnabasAt St. Barnabas, we understand that your needs may not be the same today as your needs tomorrow or 10 years down the road. We offer several senior living options that support varying levels of need, including comprehensive care services. St. Barnabas proudly supports residents in the greater Pittsburgh area, including Allegheny, Beaver, and Butler counties. To learn more about our senior living services and how they support a continuum of care, contact us today.
Find Peace and Comfort at ONA Solutions A Dedicated Space for Adults 18+At ONA Solutions, we create a community that prioritizes comfort, respect, and tranquility for adults 18 and over. Our spaces are thoughtfully designed to offer both privacy and a sense of belonging, with separate living areas for men and women to ensure peace of mind.Affordable, Comfortable LivingFor just a $75 move-in fee, you can secure a fully furnished room, tailored to your needs. Our goal is to make affordable comfort a reality for all residents.A Respectful, Adult-Only EnvironmentRespect is at the heart of our community. ONA Solutions offers a peaceful, adult-only space where you can relax, socialize, and feel at home. We cater to a diverse range of individuals, from seniors and veterans to students and teachers, providing a space where everyone is valued.Who Can Join?Our community is open to all adults aged 18 and over, including: Seniors & Retirees Veterans Teachers & Students SSI/SSDI Recipients Take the Next StepReady to find a supportive, affordable living space? Contact ONA Solutions today. (239) 688-4815 | (239) 785-3315 www.onasolutionsllc.com Join a community where respect and comfort meet.
Town Square University Parkway is a 1950s-themed senior center and adult day program serving Sarasota and Bradenton. Designed to look like a mid-century town, it features storefronts like a diner, theater, art studio, garage, and library that support reminiscence therapyhelping seniors, especially those with dementia, stay engaged and connected.Families consistently give FIVE-STAR reviews, praising the compassionate staff, fun environment, and the noticeable difference it makes in their loved ones lives. One caregiver shared, This program has been a godsend to our entire family.More than just a day center, Town Square offers on-site medical care, including primary care, psychiatric care, therapy services and lab workcreating a one-stop solution for families.Weekly caregiver support groups and educational events include FREE respite care. This gives caregivers a much-needed break while helping them gain the tools and resources they need to successfully support a loved one living with a cognitive impairment.With its unique setting and whole-person approach, Town Square University Parkway is transforming the way we care for seniors in our community, from $18-$21 an hour. FREE for qualifying Veterans. Visit us at 8450 Lockwood Ridge Rd, Sarasota, FL 34243, or call (941) 277-5048 to learn more.
Assistance with daily tasks. Companionship at just the right time. Someone you can trust, who brings a smile to your face. Assisted living gives you the freedom and flexibility to enjoy each day and live as independently as possible.THE RIGHT HELP MAKES ALL THE DIFFERENCE.Were proud to be recognized for our high standards for assisted living, earning first place in the 2021 Manatee Readers Choice Awards from the Herald-Tribune.When you want the best care in assisted living, count on the qualified professional help youll receive at Freedom Village of Bradenton. We collaborate with you to design a plan for your specific needs including bathing, dressing, grooming, medication management, and other activities of daily living. Because were a Life Plan Community, youll have the advantage of being able to transition seamlessly to other levels of care if needed.The cost of assisted living is covered by a monthly fee that includes a maintenance-free residence, personalized care, dining and more. Residents have access to all community services and amenities, such as fitness classes, chef-prepared dining, and a full-service salon and barbershop.We also offer respite care to give seniors and their caregivers a break from their usual routine. Seniors can receive the personalized care they need while they enjoy the vibrant lifestyle in our assisted living facility, allowing caregivers the time to rest or take care of other responsibilities. Reservations are required to book a short respite stay.
The Inn at Freedom Village offers 24-hour skilled nursing care designed to provide advanced long-term care with the comfort and support of home. Here's what you or your loved one can expect from our skilled nursing services:Tailored care plans: Residents at The Inn at Freedom Village are treated as treasured family members, and our caring staff takes the time to develop personalized care plans tailored to individual needs. Whether for short-term or long-term stays, we anticipate needs and provide highly personalized care and transition support.Supportive environment: Residents receive care in a supportive environment where their comfort and well-being are prioritized. Our staff assists with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, grooming, and medication administration, ensuring residents' needs are met with compassion and dignity.Engaging activities: We encourage residents to stay engaged in activities appropriate for them, offering opportunities for socialization, recreation, and personal enrichment. Our beautifully landscaped gardens and grounds provide serene outdoor spaces for relaxation and enjoyment.Comprehensive amenities: Skilled nursing services and amenities include private or companion suites, all-inclusive monthly fees covering care, living, and dining costs, daily housekeeping and laundry service, and 24-hour nursing care. We also hold regular care meetings with residents and their families to ensure ongoing communication and support.At The Inn at Freedom Village, we are committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive skilled nursing care in a warm and welcoming environment. Our goal is to enhance the quality of life for each resident by meeting their individual needs with personalized care and support.
Heartfelt CONNECTIONS is a nationally recognized program designed to provide personalized, activity-focused memory care for individuals impacted by Alzheimer's or other dementias. Here's what your loved one can expect and the benefits they can experience:What your loved one can expect:Personalized memory care: Industry-leading care tailored to the unique needs and abilities of each resident, including specialized Alzheimer's care.Assistance with daily living: Help with tasks such as dressing, bathing, and medication management to promote comfort and well-being.Dementia-specific programming: Engaging activities such as arts and crafts therapy designed to stimulate cognitive function and enhance quality of life.Access to community amenities: Enjoyment of amenities such as the salon and barbershop, fitness center, and pool to promote socialization and overall well-being.Small-group activities: Participation in enjoyable group activities within a supportive and intimate environment.Community outings: Regular outings to enhance enrichment and provide opportunities for engagement and socialization.Benefits for your loved one:Promotes dignity and accomplishment: Encourages a sense of pride and achievement in daily activities, fostering dignity and self-worth.Supports engaged eating: Specialized diets and mealtime support to promote enjoyment and nutritional intake.Improves overall well-being: Supports improved self-esteem, reduces fear, anxiety, and frustration, and promotes overall health and well-being.Benefits for you:Peace of mind: Knowing your loved one is receiving the highest quality of care and support.Enhanced relationship: Allows you to focus on cherishing the relationship with your loved one, returning to the loving connection you once shared.Quality time together: Provides opportunities to make the most of your time together, engaging in meaningful activities and interactions.Support for the family: Offers access to resources, counseling, and other services to support you and your family throughout the caregiving journey.Heartfelt CONNECTIONS aims to enrich the lives of individuals with dementia while providing support and peace of mind to their families, fostering a positive and nurturing environment where each resident can thrive.