What to Look for in Senior Living Apartments and Townhomes

Choosing a new home is about finding a place that supports the life you want to live now and in the future. As you compare apartments for senior living, look beyond square footage for a space that feels distinctly you, with the flexibility to meet your needs as life changes. WesleyLife offers tips to guide the process.

Rightsizing for Your Lifestyle

Rightsizing for your next chapter doesn’t necessarily mean sacrificing the things you love. It’s about meeting your current needs more precisely. By focusing on a space that supports your lifestyle, you can treat this move as an exciting new adventure.

The process can be complex, so before you begin your search, consider your priorities and how to optimize your current living situation. Start by asking:

• How much space do I use?
• Can I — or do I want to — maintain the home?
• Do I need to start thinking about accessibility?

It might be time to trade it in for simpler living at a senior living townhouse or apartment that centralizes everything, with resort-quality amenities, such as fitness centers and dining rooms, to housekeeping and transportation.

Find a floor plan that fits your priorities and routines.

You can choose from diverse options — from small studios to larger apartments for senior living — to fit your needs. Consider the layout and number of bedrooms that would best support your daily needs:

• Larger layouts to entertain guests, create a home office, or set up a workshop
• Studio or one-bedroom to simplify your lifestyle and enjoy recreational community spaces

Rightsizing lets you focus on what’s important to enjoy every day.

Consider pet accommodations.

If you’re an animal lover, take them along. Moving into a pet-friendly apartment helps owners and animals thrive:

• Enjoy dog walks at community parks.
• Remain active with regular exercise.
• Connect with fellow resident pets and their owners.

Factor in shared spaces and amenities.

Floor plans extend beyond the front door, and modern communities make it easy to downsize while enjoying access to many communal spaces and convenient amenities.

Look for apartments for senior living that offer access to extras, such as:

• Community rec rooms or other bonus rooms
• Guest rooms
• Wellness and aquatic centers
• Creative studios and workshops
• Salons and spas
• Outdoor trails and gardens

Senior living apartments that feature lounges, fitness areas, and spaces for special interests support the way you want to live and keep you active.

Enjoying the Comfort of Enhanced Well-Being

Apartments and townhomes for senior living enhance your daily life because they’re built to accommodate each new phase. As you begin your search, factor in evolving physical, emotional, and care needs for complete peace of mind.

Evaluate how accessible the apartment is to meet physical needs.

Time for a simplified way of living? Transitioning to an apartment empowers active older adults to lead full lives without navigating large or inaccessible floor plans.

Account for current and future mobility needs wherever you call home. Apartments for senior living support accessibility by offering:

• One-level layouts with few or no stairs
• Maintenance-free independence without yard work
• Community living spaces and outdoor recreation access

Consider if the community offers an appropriate style of living.

Remember that “home” is more than a living space. Evaluate the overall culture of a senior living campus to ensure it can fulfill social and emotional needs. Many apartments for senior living are tailored to forge community and connection.

Look for options that prioritize engaging amenities, including:

• Social events
• Theme nights
• Special experiences
• Entertainment

Review the community’s enhanced safety and care options.

Community living sets your mind at ease as you pursue your passions and go at your own pace. However, there may come a time when it’s no longer possible to live independently. Think ahead to how senior living apartments can meet every level of need.

Comprehensive senior living communities offer support throughout the care continuum through:

• Friendly assisted living support
• Specialized memory support services
• Short-term rehabilitation assistance
• Ongoing intensive services of long-term care

FAQs

Is a one-bedroom apartment for senior living enough?

This largely depends on lifestyle. While some residents enjoy a second bedroom for interests, others enjoy communities with access to art, woodworking, and fitness spaces that eliminate the need for the extra space in their apartment.

WesleyLife offers floor plans for all needs. Choose a two-bedroom layout to accommodate an office or guest stays, or take advantage of community office workspaces and guest rooms instead.

What should I look for in senior living apartments?

Choose your new home for this next phase of life by accounting for your physical, emotional, and care needs. This may mean seeking a smaller living space to reduce maintenance and physical burdens or prioritizing connection and enrichment through engaging amenities. Take our community assessment to find the best fit!

How do I choose between senior living townhomes and apartments?

While both are generally more manageable than larger houses, the decision depends on your lifestyle and needs. If you want maintenance services, such as lawn care and snow removal, housekeeping benefits, and convenient access to health care, look for senior living apartments.

How do I downsize without losing what matters?

Sort through your mementos and savor the memories as you look forward to new opportunities ahead. As you narrow your list of senior living apartments, weigh the benefits, such as proximity to your children or grandchildren, and consider how they support your lifestyle.

If you’re more concerned about what to do with a lifetime of belongings, break it down into three categories: keep, toss/donate, and share. This is an excellent way to declutter and pass treasured items to family members!

Creating a Home with WesleyLife

The perfect senior living apartment combines accessibility with community to keep you active and engaged. Embrace this next phase and find the next place that feels like home.

Ready to start? Explore WesleyLife communities, and take a quick assessment to learn what kind of living arrangement would be the best fit!