As we get older, it’s more and more common to find housing that suits our needs. Once you hit a certain age, you will be eligible to live in a senior apartment.
Even though it can be daunting to change homes (especially if you’ve lived in one house for your entire adult life), it’s still a necessary part of getting older.
Leaving the comforts of your old home to branch out to a new living situation can be exhilarating, and can allow you to forge new friendships.
Ultimately, it can provide you with new experiences. In this post, we will detail everything you need to know about senior living.
From learning how to apply to a senior apartment, defining what is senior permanent is to understand senior living costs.
This article is here to outline everything you need to know before you apply for a senior apartment.
What Is A Senior Apartment?
Senior living apartments are apartments, townhouses, or condos, within communities designed with features for senior citizens.
Many senior apartments come with great perks such as spas, fitness centers, pools, housekeeping services, and more.
The biggest bonus of a senior apartment is that only people of a senior age live there.
That means that you’re surrounded by like-minded people who understand the same hurdles you are going through.
The Difference Between Senior Living and Assisted Living
It’s easy to get confused between senior living and assisted living, especially because people use the terms interchangeably.
However, it’s important to note that senior living is not the same thing as assisted living.
Assisted living (also known as nursing homes) is an institution that can deliver 24-hour non-medical care for senior citizens who can’t live on their own anymore.
Oftentimes, family members place their elderly relatives in assisted living because they simply cannot care for them at home anymore.
Assisted living is great for those suffering from dementia or other health issues.
On the other hand, senior apartments are part of retirement communities, like a little apartment complex for older adults.
As a result, you have much more benefits and resources for you and your needs. The great thing about senior living and senior apartments is that you have your autonomy.
When you live in a senior apartment, you also gain access to plenty of perks, like playing golf, swimming, or relaxing.
Of course, the amount of amenities depends on the apartment complex you choose, but most senior living apartments have at least a couple of great features.
The Benefits of Senior Apartments
There are plenty of benefits when it comes to living in a senior apartment. For one thing: it costs significantly less money than living in a house.
With lower monthly payments, and less monthly maintenance, you not only will add money to your bank account, but you’ll spend less time and energy trying to maintain your living area.
Additionally, selling your home frees you up, so you have more time and resources to travel to see your cute grandchildren or take that trip to Europe that you’ve always wanted to.
Senior apartment living is great for your social life, too, as you’ll make new friends and be much more connected to your neighbors.
You’ll also be around like-minded individuals who are going through similar obstacles as you are because you’re surrounded by people your age.
Let’s face it, getting older is hard, and it’s nice to have a support group nearby to talk about issues that you may be struggling with.
Living in your private residence is excellent because you get your privacy, but you’re also near a larger community.
Being close to a bustling community of people your age means that you have neighbors, friends dining, fitness, and more, all within reach.
Who Lives In Senior Apartments?
It’s safe to say that anyone living in a senior apartment is someone of senior age.
Beyond that, many different people live in senior apartments because people are looking for various aspects of senior living.
For example, some people decide to live in senior apartments because they no longer want to put in yard work or upkeep on their properties.
They would rather have someone else spend their time and energy making the yard look nice.
Other people may be recently divorced and are searching for a sort of community.
Some residents may choose to live in a senior apartment because they wish to be closer to their children or grandchildren.
Or simply those looking to have more freedom in their life to travel or stay with friends without having to worry about their home while they’re away.
All in all, it’s difficult to say who exactly lives in senior apartments because it’s people from all walks of life who are all looking for different benefits.
How To Find Senior Apartments
There are many ways to find great senior apartments. Word of mouth is also a great resource to find the perfect senior permit for you.
If you have friends who live in senior living and see yourself living in that apartment complex, you can ask them if they know of any openings or put in a good word with the management company.
You can also do a housing search on popular online housing platforms such as After55.com.
You can set your search details to a specific city or area, income level, amenities, or more to find the perfect senior housing that’s right for you.
You can also use the “Low Income” link to discover excellent properties that provide low-income senior housing in an area of your choice.
How To Apply for Senior Apartment
The application process is fairly straightforward and is similar to applying to other apartment living situations.
To apply, simply contact the management company for the apartment that you wish to move into.
For assistance figuring out the process, visit the local Public Housing Agency (PHA).
Though some PHAs have long waiting lists, so if you need their help, it’s good to reach out right away. You can also apply at more than one PHA.
It’s important to note that many senior living apartments are income-based by government guidelines.
To meet the requirements, you must earn below a certain amount. Various factors can impact your income amount, such as having assets in your name.
Restrictions
Because the living situation is reserved for senior citizens, age is a significant factor in whether or not you will be allowed into these communities.
Most communities and senior living apartments have lowered their age requirements down to 55 years old.
There’s also some wiggle room if you have a partner who meets the requirements and if you don’t.
In rare cases, some senior apartments won’t allow people under 62, but that is becoming quite a rarity.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) and the Housing for Older Persons Act say that senior living must include one person with a minimum age of 55.
That means that if you are married to a person younger than 55, chances are you can still get approved.
But there are limits: some people are simply too young to reside in these apartments, no matter their relation to you.
For example, those under 19 cannot be granted access as permanent residents.
How To Pay
Choosing an apartment and paying for the apartment are two separate processes.
Once you decide on an apartment you like, many senior citizens pay for their new place with savings set aside from their retirement fund.
However, there are options for low-income seniors as well. The HUD offers HUD-sponsored apartments that are much more affordable to those senior citizens who need them.
Even if you have the money and plan to pay out of pocket or with savings, you may want to consider all your options before doing so before you waste money unnecessarily.
You can sell your home or take out a reverse mortgage or use dividends from investment income. You can even cash in a life insurance policy.
If you plan to use the HUD for help, contact them as soon as possible because, again, there is high demand, and you could be placed on a rather long waiting list.
To increase your chances, you can apply to multiple to speed along the application process.
Final Thoughts
Moving can be a scary time, especially if you’ve spent your whole life in one house. Switching living situations can come with a lot of emotions, and many older people fear the unknown.
However, if you decide to make the jump into senior living, you won’t be let down.
Between a thriving community, wonderful amenities, and cheaper costs, you’ll be able to live your best life in a senior apartment.
Surround yourself with people your own age who are facing the same challenges you are. Create a support group. Explore new hobbies. Relax on Sunday instead of mowing the lawn.
All in all, you will be able to live a happier, fuller life when you apply to senior living.
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