Senior living apartments can be a good option if you consider living options post-retirement and want to be independent with fewer responsibilities towards your home. You can choose from affordable market rates and luxury senior living apartments based on your requirement and budget. The minimum age to qualify may vary from state to state, typically 50, 55, or 62. The service provider takes responsibility for maintaining many shared services and providing essential luxury amenities.

Types of amenities in senior living apartment communities
The number of perks and amenities may differ based on the type of apartment, its budget, resources, and scope. While budget apartments may have functional amenities, luxury apartments may provide amenities for entertainment and wellness. The most commonly available amenities in senior living apartments include:

• Housekeeping services
• Lawn mowing services
• Snow removal services
• Fitness centers
• Laundry services
• Beauty salons
• Walk-in-tubs
• Pools and spas
• Clubhouses
• Convenience stores
• Libraries
• Activity centers
• Private theaters
• Worship center

Facilities available in living units of senior apartments
Most senior living apartments are designed to give maximum safety and accessibility to make their daily life comfortable. Some of the facilities that you may find in the living spaces in these apartments include:

• Barrier-free thresholds to prevent trips or falls
• Walk-in showers
• Walk-in tubs
• Wheelchair ramps
• Grab bars in bathrooms and near beds
• Small kitchen with accessible and easy-to-operate cabinets
• Adjustable beds

Verify the safety of the apartment
Safety from external threats like intruders or faulty design, or poor construction is crucial. Verify if the community provides electronic and manual property surveillance to protect you against intruders. The property should have good lighting inside the apartment, corridors, and outside so that there is minimal scope for trips and falls. The property should also be free of obstacles in areas with more footfall and provide adequate signage and warning in case of any hurdles or obstacles.

Consider the proximity
If you require frequent medical attention, want to travel, be close to nature or spend time on your favorite hobby, look for senior living apartments close to hospitals, airports or train stations, mountains, or cities that offer opportunities for you to learn and practice your hobby. For example, senior living apartments in far-flung areas may be less expensive, but you may incur additional expenses in cab fares or spend time commuting.

Know the support staff and caregivers
Verify if the company and its team provide individual and customized care as they promise in their commercials and brochures. Read reviews about such community apartments where clients may have offered feedback. Avoiding investment or putting such apartments for rent is better if there is excessive negative feedback. Since senior apartments do not offer in-house medical care, confirm how quickly they respond to medical emergencies and find out if they have tied up with specialty hospitals in case of a need.

Verify licenses and certifications
Each state has specific licensing requirements for senior living apartments. So, verify if your apartment has the required licensing and the staff has been trained with the required qualifications and certifications.

Prepare yourself before moving in
Living independently in a senior living apartment may be less stressful – as the service provider takes care of various responsibilities. Besides, you may also need time to get accustomed to living in smaller spaces, form new friendships, and get over losing a home you may have lived in for many years. Preparing yourself mentally and being open to new experiences can help you gradually adjust and enjoy the benefits of senior living apartments.