Smart Apartment Design for Seniors in Assisted Living
Did you know that, according to Southern Living, the perfect retirement home size is 1,500 square feet? With fewer guests and no children at home, a large house can become inconvenient.
Transitioning to assisted living in Waxahachie, TX, may be ideal. In these communities, units are smaller, making it easier for residents to navigate their newly downsized lifestyle.
Have you ever wondered which elements should be included in a senior-friendly apartment design? In this article, we'll dive into some of the key safe home features that contribute to accessible living.
A Cozy Kitchenette
When you're cooking for one or two people, you often do not need a full-sized kitchen. Cabinets may sit empty, or auxiliary appliances might go unused.
For seniors who still love to prepare their own food, there is enough storage space to organize high-usage appliances with ease.
At Morada Waxahachie, our kitchenettes include:
- Cabinetry with ample storage space
- A microwave
- A refrigerator
- Over-the-fridge storage options
- A kitchen sink
One of the main perks of our beautiful community is home-style food prepared by a team of chefs. Residents may not find as much use for their kitchen space when they can enjoy chef-prepared meals at any time.
Most importantly, kitchenettes foster independence for those who may need a little extra support. Seniors in assisted living can still have dignity and prepare basic meals and snacks on their own terms.
A Walk-In Shower
Lifting your leg to step into a tub can be challenging for seniors, or downright impossible. It is an unnecessary mobility challenge that can easily be fixed with the right plan.
The solution? A walk-in shower. Rather than a shower-bathtub combination that is standard in most bathrooms, a walk-in shower allows seniors to step into the showering space, no leg lifting required.
Walk-in showers can also accommodate mobility aids. For instance, if you need to use a walker or a grab bar, you can easily install the necessary amenities to make your shower experience comfortable and safe.
A Smoke Alarm
Have you ever accidentally left a candle burning? Without a warning system, a small flicker of flame could turn into a deadly fire. Smoke alarms aren't just optional for assisted layouts -- they're essential.
Smoke alarms can also alert your neighbors and others in the area. Their shrill noise and flashing light mean that even those with visual or hearing impairments can be aware and make evacuation plans accordingly.
First Alert advises changing the smoke alarm batteries every six months for optimal function. It is better to have a fully-functional alarm and not use it than defunct equipment that can't alert you in times of emergency.
A Customizable Thermostat
It can be frustrating when you are too hot or too cold, and there is nothing you can do to change the temperature. Luckily, a key component of Morada Waxahachie's aging-in-place design is a customizable thermostat for each unit.
No need for extra blankets in winter or fans in summer. With a programmable thermostat, you can have comfortable temperatures year-round.
Having direct access to temperature controls also fosters independence for seniors. Rather than relying on someone else to adjust the thermostat, they can do it by themselves for optimal independence and comfort.
A Spacious Bathroom
For older folks, small bathrooms are not ideal. They do not have room to turn around and often cannot accommodate those with disabilities or mobility aids. If you require an extra person to assist with bathroom tasks, fitting two people in an apartment bathroom may be impossible.
At Morada Waxahachie, each of our assisted living layouts contains a spacious bathroom that can accommodate all of your needs. These bathrooms also have wide doors, which are accessible for mobility aids such as:
- Wheelchairs
- Walkers
- Crutches
Larger bathroom models also come with bigger showers, which can be ideal for seniors who need to sit down or require an aide to help them bathe. Easily fit a shower chair or bench into the bathroom space when required.
An Emergency Call System
For seniors, asking for help in an emergency may be difficult. Dialing a phone number when suffering from a medical event can be impossible. An emergency call system is the perfect solution.
Morada Waxahachie equips all of our units with an emergency call system that functions in both the bedroom and the bathroom. Residents can quickly access the help they need when in their space.
A 24-hour emergency call system is essential. Medical emergencies don't take breaks, making a continuously monitored system crucial.
A Fire Sprinkler System
When there is a fire, it may be difficult for seniors to exit the premises in time. Mobility challenges can hinder a quick exit. Those with dementia or other cognitive deficits may struggle to understand that there is a problem requiring immediate attention.
A fire sprinkler system is an effective solution to putting out flames quickly and prioritizing safety. The system is pre-programmed to start when it detects a certain level of heat from a fire.
Although fire sprinkler systems can be messy, the life-saving benefits far outweigh possible damage to material possessions.
A Streamlined Floor Plan
For seniors who don't require much space, it does not make sense to move into a complex assisted living community. At Morada Waxahachie, our assisted living features two main designs:
- Lakewood: A one-bathroom suite with the bed in the main living area
- Edgewood: A one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment with a separate living area
These types of plans provide plenty of space to maintain an independent lifestyle, but not enough square footage to feel overwhelmed.
Find Your Perfect Apartment Design at Morada Waxahachie
As a senior, the ideal apartment design can greatly impact your quality of life. With this guide, you can find a layout that works for your needs.
Enjoy these apartment amenities and more at Morada Waxahachie. We offer two different senior-friendly floor plans that support assisted living, along with a host of other amenities to make life enjoyable for our residents.
Are you ready to upgrade your lifestyle in your golden years? Reach out to us today to learn more, or schedule a tour to see our beautiful Waxhachie, TX, location in person. We can't wait to hear from you!