As residents get older, they may wonder about senior apartments and whether they should consider moving into one.
There are many benefits to living in senior apartments. For one, these apartments are designed to be accessible for older adults who may have difficulty with mobility. Unlike regular apartments, senior apartments contain features, amenities and services that cater to elderly residents. Not to mention, the activities that most senior apartments facilitate create a great sense of community.
If you are a senior, you may be wondering about the benefits, requirements and costs of senior living. To become a resident, requirements are typically minimal to age. Most senior apartments range from 50 years of age and older.
The cost of living in these apartments can range depending on whether you choose to live in affordable senior housing or in luxury apartments for seniors. While the amenities and features provided vary from one complex to the next, most senior apartments are built with seniors in mind.
What is a senior apartment?
Senior apartments are building complexes that are developed to accommodate to older adults. Common features at these apartments include elevators, rails in hallways, ramps and walk-in showers to increase accessibility for seniors.
Seniors can find furnished units with central air conditioning and heating features, as well as rooms that come equipped with washers and dryers. In addition to these amenities, tenants can gain access to services, such as:
- Housekeeping services.
- Transportation services.
- Dining or cooking services.
- Laundry services
These services may be included in the rent agreement or may require an additional fee. Additionally, senior apartments are typically age-restricted and only available to senior tenants. This allows for a quiet and calm living space compared to regular apartments.
Tenants can engage with neighbors in the same age group. In fact, most senior apartments encourage interaction amongst tenants by facilitating community activities, events and even scheduled outings.
Many senior apartments are also built with amenities that encourage seniors to live active and social lifestyles. Some of these recreational spaces include:
- Fitness centers.
- Swimming pools.
- Tennis courts.
- Arts and crafts rooms.
- Social areas and game rooms.
If you are an elderly individual looking for a senior apartment, there are a few factors to consider. It is better that you visit each property in person to get better insight on how each facility functions and the types of amenities offered. When touring these complexes, look out for the following:
- Handicap accessibility
- The level of security in the building
- Use of the common areas
- The safety of the surrounding neighborhood
- Conditions of the common grounds and units
- Visiting hours for friends and family members
- Onsite staff 24-hours a day, seven days a week
- Friendliness of the staff members and tenants
- The type of services offered
Keep in mind that there is a difference between senior apartments and senior living centers. If you are or a family member are in need of on-site health services, it is better to look into assisted living facilities. Senior apartments are designed for elderly individuals to live more independently.
Learn About Senior Apartment Requirements
To live in a senior apartment, you must meet the minimum age requirements. Most apartment complexes only accept tenants who are 50 years of age or older. Some senior apartments even require tenants to be 65 years of age or older. However, there are cases in which only one spouse needs to meet the age requirements for both adults to be accepted into senior living apartments.
Additionally, there are exceptions in senior apartments funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). As long as a majority of tenants are seniors, HUD does permit disabled residents who are at least 19 years of age or older to live in a senior apartment.
However, in order for seniors and individuals with disabilities to gain access to low-cost senior housing, they must meet income requirements.
Learn About Senior Apartment Costs
If you are a low-income senior or senior with a fixed income, you may be concerned about the costs of senior housing. Fortunately, there are plenty of senior apartment complexes that are affordable. However, the cost of senior housing can be dependent on a few factors.
For example, the area that you choose to live in or the current market rate for rentals in your area. Additionally, apartment prices might vary by size and upgrades, as well as the types of amenities offered. If you have a low income, you may benefit from senior apartments funded by HUD. You may be able to obtain a HUD Section 8 voucher that can help pay up to 30 percent of your rent.
Section 202 Supportive Housing for the Elderly also provides housing for very low-income seniors, particularly frail seniors who need assisted living services, such and cooking and cleaning. Additionally, the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program gives investors and developers a tax incentive for buying or building rental housing designed for low-income individuals.
Many of these properties are geared towards senior communities 55 years of age or older or 62 years of age or older. However, not all affordable senior housing is government-subsidized. There are senior housing options in the public market that are reasonably priced. The cost of these apartments simply vary by location, space and the amenities and services offered.
Learn About Senior Apartment Listings
Apartment hunting can be tricky with so many available on the market. Finding apartments that accommodate to seniors may seem like a difficult task. However, there are local resources and advanced search engines online that can greatly assist you in your search for senior housing.
The United States Administration on Aging office can assist you with looking for senior apartments. It provides numerous listings of apartments located in different areas. If you are interested in low-income housing, representatives can guide you and provide you with accurate information regarding the eligibility requirements and income guidelines needed to obtain HUD rentals.
You can also find listings in rental magazines or newspapers and online through various real estate websites. Most of these websites, such as Realtor.com and Zillow.com, allow you to filter your search to find a suitable housing.