Senior housing, also known as assisted living, is a type of a housing facility provided to the elderly who cannot manage living or carrying out daily routines by themselves. Similar to retirement homes and nursing home alternatives, senior housing provides a group living environment in a gated private community to cater to all the older adults of the community.

There are over 6300 professionally managed senior housing communities with over 475,000 apartments to provide assisted living in the country, according to current statistics.

Many people are under the impression that assisted living communities are similar to nursing homes and retirement homes. However, these gated communities are a much better upgrade to the old concept of assisted living.

There are a number of things you may not be aware of when it comes to senior housing and assisted living. Here are a few frequently asked questions answered for your reference.

What can you expect from an assisted living community?

• With over 6300 assisted living and senior housing communities spread across the country, you can expect different levels of care provided to cater to the needs of the elderly.
• This mainly depends on community licensing with specific tiers that mention the level of care and service each licensed community is authorized to provide.
• The design, layout, types of apartments, size, and area of each senior housing facility will be unique. This again makes it very difficult to find the one that is best suited for your purpose.
• If you have pets, it is best to check and see if gated communities allow pets and whether they provide pet care services. Senior housing facilities can be located in a quiet suburb far away from the nearest town or city. Your pet will require constant care and proper medical attention, and this is why it is a good idea to confirm all the facilities are within your reach.
• Costs will again differ accordingly since each community is different and provides different services. Assisted living residents and nursing home residents will require different types of care and facilities which will again affect the cost.
• Depending on the type of facility, the amenities offered, and the locality you choose, senior housing costs can vary greatly. Renting an apartment in an independent living community may cost between $1500 and $4000 per month, while assisted living facilities may cost anywhere between $3,500 and $10,500 per month. If you’re keen on convenience, look for senior housing options nearby. This will help you remain in a comfortable environment, while receiving the extra care and attention from trained professionals. 

Should you rent or buy when it comes to senior housing?

• It is a better option to rent when it comes to senior housing for a number of obvious reasons.
• Renting avoids a number of expenses such as down payment fees, entry fees, maintenance costs, and other expenses you might incur when selecting a senior housing facility. The biggest advantage of renting, however, is the flexible option of shifting or moving to another affordable senior housing accommodation in case the rent is no longer affordable.

What should you take into account while browsing through senior housing accommodation options?

• Cost is the most important factor when it comes to renting or buying senior housing.
• Cost comparison will take into account all the amenities included within the apartment.
• Nursing homes, in particular, have private duty aides working full time or part-time, a concept which is becoming popular in private gated communities as well for senior housing.
• Senior housing accommodation cost will not necessarily include the cost of a private aide, which is why it is important to find out before booking the aforesaid accommodation.

Does location matter when it comes to senior housing?

• Location plays a key role when it comes to any real estate purchase or rent. This is very important when it comes to buying or renting senior housing facilities.
• Is your new home closer to an urban setting, supermarkets, utility stores, and outlets? Is it a private gated community with restricted access or is it open to all? Are there activities for active seniors, both indoors and outdoors to keep the elderly engaged? These are some of the very important questions you should ask when it comes to senior housing.
• Public transportation, restaurants, movie theatres, and even parks and recreation should be taken into account while browsing through senior housing location options.
• It is imperative to find an assisted living community that offers a lot of recreational facilities to keep the elderly occupied and active, more importantly, entertained.