Senior Apartments

Table of Contents

• What Are Senior Apartments?
• What Does a Senior Apartment Community Look Like?
• What to Expect from Senior Apartment Living
• Cost of Senior Apartments
• Common Terminology with Senior Apartments
• Is a Senior Apartment Right for Me?

What Are Senior Apartments?

Senior Apartments are apartments designed for older adults who are totally independent, but want to live in a home designed for easy living. These communities also typically offer social activities and amenities that cater to a specific age group.

Certain apartment complexes may or may not have minimum age restrictions; those that do usually request that at least one person in each residence meets the minimum age requirement – often between ages 55-62.

Senior Apartment Living is not the same as Independent Living, as it tends to have fewer services built into the pricing structure; however, Independent Living Communities do frequently have apartments as a housing option. Some Senior Apartments may be tax credit, income restricted, or subsidized.

What Does a Senior Apartment Community Look Like?

Senior Apartments are low-maintenance and designed for ease of living. Units typically have 1-2 bedrooms, and can vary in size from small to over 2,000 square feet. They include all of the comforts of home, plus additional features built into the design of both the units and buildings, such as:

• Handicap accessibility
• Emergency alert systems
• First-floor access to elevators

Additionally, these apartment communities are typically located near shopping centers, hospitals, and public transportation for easy access to outside services. They also sometimes offer onsite community amenities that promote leisure and social engagement, including:

• Swimming pools
• Tennis courts
• Gyms
• Recreation centers

And as with any apartment, residents can come and go at their convenience.

What to Expect from Senior Apartment Living

Designed similarly to other apartment complexes, Senior Apartments have the added benefits of special features and community engagement. They aim to foster a more carefree lifestyle, while allowing residents to maintain full independence.

Lifestyle

There are many opportunities to meet new people and stay active in the community. Many Senior Apartment Complexes also offer organized activities, which sometimes have an additional fee. For example:

• Fitness activities 
• Bridge, bingo, and other group games
• Field trips and outings
• Classes and workshops
• Outdoor excursions

Services

Monthly fees often include:

• Utilities
• Security
• Home maintenance

Many senior apartment communities also allow pets.

Cost of Senior Apartments

Monthly rent for Senior Apartments is generally in line with local rates for other apartments, rental condominiums, and townhomes in the area. However, rent costs may vary based on the amenities and activities that are included. And as with any home, costs will fluctuate depending on factors such as:

• Location of the apartment community
• Location of the apartment within the community
• Size and layout of the apartment
• Type, size, and location of unit
• Additional services and amenities not included in the contract
• Whether accommodations are shared or private
• A resident’s current health status: as level-of-care needs change, fees may increase

Common Terminology with Senior Apartments

• Age Restricted: properties that have an age restriction (for example 55+ or 62+).
• Age Targeted: properties that have been developed targeting an age group, but do not have restrictions on who can live there.
• Income Restrictions: this term typically means that there is a minimum and maximum limit to how much a resident can make per year in order to be eligible to live there. Applications need to be reviewed and approved. These properties tend to cost less than a market rate apartment.

Is a Senior Apartment Right for Me?

Consider these statements:

• I am in good health and do not need help bathing or moving around.
• I like having my own living space.
• I am not interested in paying for additional services or meals.
• I’m interested in being close to bus lines or having transportation options onsite.
• I want to live in a community with people my own age.
• I feel isolated at home and would love to have friends nearby.

If most or all of the above statements apply to you, then a Senior Apartment may be a good option. You could also consider the following living options:

• Active Adult Communities 
• Independent Living
• Continuing Care Retirement Communities and Life Plan Communities

If you need a bit more help with day-to-day living, some more supportive options may be a good fit for you:

• Assisted Living
• Home Care

If you need more hands-on care, the following options may be a better fit for you:

• Skilled Nursing Care (if you cannot stay in your home)
• Medical Home Health Care (if you prefer to stay in your home)

Still not sure? Take our Care Assessment to see what care level may be best.