Many aging seniors are opting for senior living facilities where they can receive the care they need while maintaining their independence. Choosing the right senior living facility for couples can seem like a daunting task, but with an online search, you can find many local senior living facilities with options for couples right now.
What Is a Senior Living Facility?
A senior living community is a residential community specifically designed for older adults who are at least 55 years old. However, according to a 2022 study, the average age in these facilities is much higher, with 30% of residents being between 75 and 84 and 52% of residents being 85 or older.
These living arrangements balance freedom and flexibility with safety and support, allowing seniors to enjoy their later years. These types of communities are designed with safety and accessibility in mind, with features like grab bars, non-slip flooring, and emergency call systems. Many offer additional services like on-site nursing or medication management. Seniors or their families can dial care services up and down as needs and health status change, without needing to move again.
Active Independent Senior Living Options
One important aspect to consider when choosing a senior living facility is the extracurriculars and activities that are offered. Active senior living is a great option for couples who want to remain physically, socially and mentally engaged in their community.
When researching senior living facilities, be sure to ask about the types of activities and programs that are offered. Look for facilities that offer a range of options, such as fitness classes, arts and crafts, and outings to local events and attractions. It’s also important to consider the facility’s location, as nearby parks and recreational areas can provide additional opportunities for outdoor activities and exercise to support strength and mobility as you continue to age.
Living Arrangement Options For Couples
Senior living facilities typically offer several options for couples who wish to live together. Look for communities that offer a range of housing options, such as apartments, cottages, and villas, to ensure that you find a space that feels like home.
Here are some of the most common options:
Independent Living Apartments
Many senior living communities offer independent living apartments that are designed for couples. These apartments typically include one or two bedrooms, a living area, a kitchenette, and a bathroom. Couples can live independently while also having access to community amenities and services. The average monthly cost for a single bedroom apartment was around $4,500 in 2021.
Independent Living Stand-Alone Accomodations
Similarly, some larger senior living communities offer stand-alone accommodations such as villas, duplexes or single story townhouses, allowing couples to live together in their own private home without needing to be concerned about maintenance or property value. This type of accommodation provides more space, increased privacy, and greater control over their space, while still living in community (which is essentially a private neighborhood) with others their age.
These accommodations tend to attract slightly younger residents, as they’re designed for individuals who are still relatively independent and active. Seniors who are looking for a more home-like environment and who want to maintain their independence often choose stand-alone accommodations.
Assisted Living Suites
Assisted living facilities offer more extensive services and care than independent living apartments. Couples can still live together in an assisted living suite, which may include a living area, a bedroom, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. Assisted living facilities typically offer assistance with activities of daily living, such as bathing, medication management, housekeeping, laundry, and dining services.
Memory Care Suites
For couples in which one partner is living with dementia or Alzheimer’s, memory care suites are available in some senior living facilities. These suites provide a secure and structured environment that is designed to meet the unique needs of individuals with memory loss, while also allowing couples to live together.
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRCs)
CCRCs offer a range of housing options, including independent living, assisted living, and skilled nursing care. Couples can live together in a CCRC and move between different levels of care as their needs change.
Some facilities have memory care wards, allowing a couple to live within one building, even if they cannot live in the same apartment or room. This allows for daily visits without concerns over transportation for the spouse who is living more independently.