When Looking for Housing for Seniors Consider These Tips

You need to seek housing for a senior adult so how might you begin your search? Well before you start typing in something in your search engine like, "senior housing" then adding your desired location, know what more you are are seeking.

Searching for housing especially for someone else can be quite difficult if you haven't bothered to find out what accomodations your loved one may need. Some of the best independent senior housing complexes have community features and amenities that will make you wish you lived there!

Some things you might want to consider include: a laundry room, off-street resident parking, meeting room with kitchen, craft room, outdoor sitting areas, 24 hour emergency maintenance, wheel chair accessibility, elevators, and the proximity of public transportation. Some communities may allow small pets, so look for this feature as well just in case your loved one becomes lonely.

Once you make an appointment to see the community, be sure that carpeting is wall-to-wall. This can provide extra cushion in case a senior sometimes has the tendency to fall. You will want to be sure the unit has an emergency call system. One of the best features a community can offer is to have an on-site manager. This way if something should happen in the suite, he or she can investigate or call 911. Be sure the apartment comes with a working stove, refrigerator, smoke detectors, and is cable ready. Some suites may have tinted windows, so ask the property manager. This is nice if your loved one isn't too happy about the sun shining brightly in his or her place.

Most senior communities have an age limit which at the time of this writing is 62 years or older. Some have eligibility requirements according to HUD, a government program established for individuals who have a limited income. Ask about current income requirements when you call. Also, seniors who are eligible for HUD properties will still be required to pay a certain portion of rent each month. Most lease terms are 12 months.

When you are in doubt about something related to the senior community you have in mind, always call. Remeber to ask for directions and office hours. This way you will save time and you won't frustrate your loved one by running them all over town in search for an apartment.

By N. McGuire

"No Old Folks Dwelling for Me"

He was in his seventies when he walked into my office. The well-dressed man with a designer quarter length tan print shirt and slacks with what appeared to be brown gator shoes was interested in staying in a multi-family dwelling that had well over 500 residents.

As we talked more about his interests desiring things like a one bedroom suite, nearby laundry and other amenities, it seemed to me that he might want to visit some of the other complexes our company owned. He was a bit of a social butterfly who could benefit from some of the activities for seniors at our other properties.

The Christian gentleman politely told me he wasn't interested in fact he was hell bent on the apartment complex that had a little bit of everyone. He looked around while listening to me. Watched the residents as they walked by. Digressed from anything that sounded a little bit like looking at "other properties."

"I don't think I would like living in a building with old people." He finally admitted. I just laughed. So I took him on the tour and it wasn't long before we were at my desk signing the lease.

N. McGuire