How to Find the Right Senior Living Apartment for You

Selecting a senior independent living apartment that meets all your needs may seem daunting, especially when you have a lifetime of possessions to think about. But paring down your possessions and moving to a smaller space has its benefits. At a senior living community like StoneRidge, you don’t have to worry about maintenance, and opportunities for exploring new interests and building new relationships are never far from your door.

If you’re not sure which senior living community is right for you, check out our recent blog post, “Choosing the Right Retirement Community.” It can help you define your priorities and provides questions to ask when visiting communities. On your visits, take note of the amenities and common spaces that will be an extension of your new living space: dining rooms, pub, game rooms, library, auditorium, arts studio, fitness center, pool, gardens and more.

How to Find Senior Living Apartments That Fit Your Future

Moving to a senior independent living apartment can be the start of a new chapter in your life. You can clear out any clutter that’s accumulated over the years, get rid of furniture and decorations you rarely use, and create a new living space that makes you feel relaxed, refreshed and reflects your personal style.

To help you decide which floor plan best meets your needs, consider the following factors:

Your Lifestyle

Do you see yourself leading an active life, filling your day with fitness and social activities? Or do you prefer to spend more time at home, reading, cooking, or having a friend or two over for coffee?

If you don’t plan to spend much time in your senior living apartment, you might not need as much space as someone who wants an extra bedroom for a study, hobby room or visiting family members. If you’re sharing your apartment, you may want an area to retreat to for privacy, like a den. Consider your lifestyle as you choose the floor plan that best fits your needs.

Your Belongings

Moving to a smaller living space means taking the furniture and decorative pieces you really love. Anything that doesn’t make you happy or reflect your style can be sold, donated, or given to friends and family. But make sure your large sofa, for example, will fit in your new space. Oversize furniture can make a room feel smaller than it actually is. Use dimensions provided on floor plans and measure your space before moving in any important items.

Your Kitchen

If you like to cook, you probably have lots of spices, tools and cookware that will require storage. Take the best stuff, especially items you use frequently, and jettison all those roasting trays and that ice-cream maker you haven’t used in years. Make sure you have space to store what you need and enough counter space for food prep.

If the kitchen is a gathering place in your home, an open concept kitchen may be a better choice for your new apartment. On the other hand, letting someone else do the meal planning and cooking (not to mention the dishes) is one of the joys of senior living. You might find yourself spending less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a chef-prepared meal with friends.

Your Location

You can change the look inside your apartment but you can’t change the location in the building or the view from your balcony. Consider the view from your windows and how close you want to be to the elevator or common areas. If you want outdoor privacy, check the size and position of your balcony or patio. Even if there’s only room for a chair and a small table, it could be a wonderful place to escape. It also gives you a place to grow potted plants.

Your Future Needs

Look at floor plans with an eye on your future health. If mobility could be a concern, choose a floor plan with a bathroom near your bedroom. You may also want to be closer to dining areas and common spaces.

Your need for more space could also change in the future. What if you took up a new hobby that required an extra room? By choosing a floor plan with an extra bedroom or den, you’ll have the flexibility to repurpose an area as needed.

Find Your Perfect Floor Plan at StoneRidge

We offer a variety of one- and two-bedroom independent living floor plans ranging from 720 square feet to 1,800 square feet. All come with full kitchens, walk-in closets and laundry space equipped with washer and dryer. As you review the floor plans, please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. We’re always happy to provide answers and guidance.

To learn more or to schedule a virtual or in-person appointment, please contact us.