Apartment Design Features for Assisted Living in Lafayette
Are you currently looking for a retirement community? Can you imagine a better retirement than one surrounded by the beauty and charm of senior-friendly Lafayette?
As a senior, finding the right assisted living community is paramount for a comfortable retirement. Apartment design plays a crucial part in this, as your home has to be accessible to you in all stages of retirement.
Lafayette senior housing should promote independence, safety, and a sense of belonging. Spacious layouts and thoughtful accessibility features ensure residents can thrive in their golden years.
This article explores the world of aging in place design in assisted living communities. Keep reading to learn what features to look for and what to avoid.
Check for Several Floor Plan Options
The first thing to look for when searching for the right assisted living apartment design is options. When viewing assisted living communities, it is preferable to choose one that caters to your budget.
Standard floor plans include Suites, which have the bedroom and kitchen in the same area and a separate bathroom. Another popular option is a one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartment.
A separate bedroom leaves more room in the living area for extra seating or a dining room table for entertaining guests. It also allows for more privacy, as the bedroom door can be closed off to guests.
Carpeting Rather Than Tiles
Carpeting in assisted living apartments promotes safe living for older adults in three ways. First, it reduces the risk of falls, which could cause a serious injury.
Carpets have traction, which can be especially helpful for seniors with balance issues. If a resident does fall, carpeting provides a slight cushioning that tiled flooring wouldn't.
Carpets are also helpful for providing or retaining warmth. This feature can make the apartment more cozy for senior residents and guests and make the room more inviting, especially on cold days.
Finally, carpeting also reduces the need for rugs, which can help save on buying extra items for the apartment. Additionally, carpeting helps reduce noise, which can be helpful in a senior living setting. These settings often require a quieter atmosphere for better sleep quality.
Generous Closet and Storage Space
Next, generous closets and storage spaces are essential when looking at accessible apartments for seniors. By the time seniors retire in an assisted living community, they have amassed an extensive collection of cherished items, which means they'll want enough storage space to contain them.
When senior apartments offer ample storage space, it can help seniors keep their living areas clutter-free. Less clutter means a safer environment for seniors, especially those with mobility issues.
In senior-friendly layouts, well-designed closets can keep everything out of the way and in reach. They can store everything, such as:
- Clothing: Including seasonal garments and special occasion outfits
- Shoes: From everyday walking shoes to a favorite pair
- Medical supplies: I.e., blood pressure monitors, pill organizers, and backup prescriptions
- Mobility aids: Such as canes, walkers, or foldable transport chairs
Seniors With Memory Issues
Finally, larger closet space means residents can better organize their personal belongings. This organization can be significant for seniors in memory care communities. Seniors with memory problems like dementia appreciate organization, as it can provide predictability and reduce feelings of stress. Accessible apartments with thoughtful storage solutions can improve the quality of life for seniors by offering the right balance of:
- Convenience
- Safety
- Comfort
Heating and Air Conditioning
Another essential feature to look for in senior living apartments is an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) system. An HVAC system controls the temperature throughout the apartment, which is vital in senior living apartment design because it maintains a comfortable environment for older adults.
An efficient HVAC system can keep the temperature steady, preventing sudden drops or increases that could affect health. Many seniors struggle to retain warmth, especially during the colder months, and an HVAC system can ensure a comfortable temperature throughout the apartment. Likewise, the air conditioning unit can keep the air comfortable and cool in the hotter months.
Additionally, HVAC systems can improve air quality. They do this by filtering out:
- Dust
- Allergens
- Pollutants
Furthermore, clean air can reduce the risk of respiratory issues, which can be especially important for seniors with asthma or other breathing issues. A good HVAC system will provide good air circulation, which helps prevent the spread of germs. The result is that residents stay healthy.
A Small Kitchenette is a Must
When considering Lafayette senior housing, a kitchenette is a great feature to look for. A kitchenette allows seniors to prepare their own meals and snacks whenever they want.
This independence can significantly improve daily life for seniors by providing a sense of familiarity and comfort. After all, most seniors have spent years cooking for their families in their own kitchens.
A kitchenette also means seniors don't have to rely on the community for every meal. This added independence can boost their confidence and maintain their dignity.
Social interaction is also vital for seniors in assisted living; a kitchenette in Lafayette senior housing encourages this. With their own apartment kitchen, senior residents can invite family or friends over to enjoy a cup of tea.
Finally, a kitchenette also supports healthier eating habits. When they have their own kitchen, they can choose what ingredients they want to purchase, allowing them to make healthier choices.
Illuminated Apartment Entry Ways
Finally, while not necessarily an apartment design feature, assessing the lighting in the apartment entryways is also essential. Bad lighting can cause accidents like falls, especially if seniors cannot see where they're going. Ensure the community you choose has adequate lighting throughout and that it's all working.
Digby Place Assisted Living: Top Apartment Design Choices
Choosing an assisted living community in Lafayette involves carefully considering apartment design. Seniors can find a home that fosters independence and safety by prioritizing diverse floor plans, carpeting, ample storage, efficient HVAC systems, kitchenettes, and well-lit entryways.
Discover the perfect blend of care and comfort at Digby Place Assisted Living, where each apartment home is meticulously designed with abundant features to enhance daily living. Experience a community that supports your lifestyle with personalized care plans and engaging activities. Contact us today to see how Digby Place can provide a thoughtfully designed living space that feels like home.