Senior Condo Options
Within the realm of senior condos, there are several different types of communities. Each of them offers different costs, services, and amenities.
Retirement Condos
A retirement condo (sometimes called a retirement community) is a community or complex for people over 55. These are condominiums or houses that individuals rent or purchase with a homeowners association (HOA) fee that offers additional amenities for older adults.
These communities typically manage exterior maintenance and yard upkeep so you can stop mowing the lawn and focus on enjoying yourself! Many of these communities offer enhanced security, health facilities, gyms, and opportunities to socialize with other residents.
Some communities even have movie theaters, restaurants, and art studios for residents to indulge in their passions. This is important as studies show that indulging in the arts leads to healthy aging outcomes, including improved cognitive function, memory, and overall well-being. Retirement condos are perfect for active adults looking to kick back and enjoy their golden years.
Assisted Living Condos
Assisted living condos allow older adults to live in a private space with access to some assistance and health care. Assisted living differs from a nursing home in that medical professionals and other personnel help with medication management, mobility, personal care, dressing, and housekeeping but do not provide around-the-clock health care.
Assisted living communities typically feature a dining room offering breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Like retirement communities, these living arrangements often have a social and wellness calendar to keep you stimulated and healthy. Many of these activities include group outings to shopping malls, movies, and plays to get you out of the house. Assisted living arrangements are perfect for those who would like to live independently with a robust social network, but still need some help caring for themselves.
Senior Apartments
Senior apartments have similar amenities and services as a senior condominium community, except that they are only available on a rental basis. Apartments are located in the same building, or a complex of buildings, often with a communal area for meals or recreation. These apartment complexes are age-restricted, offer a more limited calendar of social activities, and services like on-site laundry.
Since these are rentals, residents do not have to worry about indoor or outdoor maintenance. If the toilet breaks, you can typically call an on-site repairman to fix it as a part of your rental agreement. Senior apartments are perfect for those who like the community of senior living but require an affordable living situation.
Adult Care Homes
Adult care homes are residential houses that are licensed to care for a small community of older adults (typically 6 to 12). These homes provide meals and medical care for residents. Depending on the adult family home, these residences may offer basic services (medication management, mobility help, housekeeping, and cooking) or elevated care for those with more serious health conditions. Adult family homes have a greater level of care because of the limited number of occupants but they can be pricier than other options.