What You Need To Know About Choosing An Apartment For Aging In Place
If you're a senior citizen who's still living in the home where you raised your family, you've probably given at least a little thought to downsizing to an apartment. After all, you've probably got more room than you really need, and perhaps you can think of better ways to enjoy your retirement years than working on home maintenance tasks and yard and garden chores. A growing number of seniors are choosing to age in place rather than enter assisted living facilities, and that makes sense because modern seniors are living longer and healthier lives than ever before.
However, if you're going to be choosing an apartment for aging in place, it's important to realize that your needs and preferences may change over the years. Following are five features that every senior apartment should have — even if you don't need them now, it's likely that they'll come in handy at some point in the future.
Short-Pile Wall-to-Wall Carpeting in Living Area and Bedroom
Short-pile wall-to-wall carpeting is easy to clean and minimizes slip-and-fall risks. It also helps keep feet warm on chilly days.
Non-Slip Flooring in Kitchens and Bathrooms
Nonslip flooring is an essential safety feature in any room where water or other liquids are likely to end up on the floor. Carpeting isn't a realistic option in these parts of the home because carpet fibers tend to harbor mold and mildew spores, so make sure your new apartment has non-slip flooring in the kitchen and bathroom.
Grab Bars Near Sinks, Tubs, Showers, and Toilets
Most home accidents experienced by seniors happen in the bathroom. Minimize their risk by making sure your new apartment is equipped with grab bars in all the right places.
Easy Entryways
Choosing an apartment without a lot of steps and obstacles will help keep you safe from slip-and-fall mishaps and will also make it easier for you to bring groceries and other household necessities into your apartment.
Common Spaces
It's also important for those choosing to age in place to retain a sense of community, and common spaces provide a good way to have this in your life. Typical common spaces include rec rooms, picnic areas, libraries, computer rooms, and community kitchens.
Finding the right senior apartment can make a big difference in your quality of life during your retirement years. Don't be afraid to be picky and keep looking until you find the one that's right for you.