With over 800,000 Americans now residing in assisted living apartments, this lifestyle is becoming an increasingly popular way to balance independence with practical support for seniors. Many are finding creative ways to turn their new apartments into unique homes.
In a close-knit neighborhood like Crawfordsville, you'll want a thoughtfully designed private space to match the beautiful, friendly environment of this part of Indiana. Read on for our top tips on creating an apartment design for assisted living that balances style with practicality.
Safety is crucial for assisted living, where residents might face challenges with balance and mobility. So, safety features should always form the foundation of any good apartment design.
Start by designing a thoughtful layout that's easy to navigate. Open-plan spaces are well-suited for assisted living apartments, as they make it easier for seniors to manage their daily activities.
Install grab bars in bathrooms to help prevent falls. Likewise, non-slip flooring is also a crucial addition to any assisted living apartment.
It's also a good idea to avoid rugs that become a trip hazard or can make it harder to move around if you use a walking aid. If you have a rug that you want to add to your living space, choose specially designed grips to keep that carpet securely in place on the floor.
Avoiding sharp edges can be a good idea in assisted living apartments, as it reduces the risk of serious injury in the event of a fall for seniors. Rounded edges on kitchen countertops and dining tables help reduce injury risk.
Additional alert systems in assisted living apartments ensure that a senior can call for help when needed. Consider adding an emergency cord to notify staff, as well as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, if the apartment includes a kitchen or kitchenette.
Clear fire exit signs are also crucial.
Good lighting prevents eye strain and also reduces hazards. Make sure hallways and key areas like the kitchen and bathroom have accessible lighting. It's also a good idea to add a reading light.
It's important to create as much natural light as possible, too, as natural light can help boost our overall well-being. Choose blinds and curtains that allow you to adjust the lighting throughout the day, blocking out direct sunlight on hot days but allowing calming natural light in on darker winter days.
The best kitchen designs for assisted living put emphasis on convenience. Here are some features that will make a kitchen or kitchenette area ultra-convenient for residents:
Think about the height of refrigerators and ovens in an assisted living apartment. The right height will mean seniors don't have to strain when reaching into them or removing hot or cold items.
You should also consider creating compact kitchens that maximize floor space, making it easier for seniors to move around when cooking.
Embracing clutter-free apartments doesn't mean you have to embrace minimalism. It merely involves having smart storage solutions that can help keep items out of the way, reducing hazards on the floor, and creating a more calming, easy-to-maintain interior.
Choose flexible storage options, such as shelving and wardrobes with varying space sizes, to accommodate your needs. You can also purchase cleverly hidden storage, such as a footrest with hidden storage or a drawer built into a bed frame.
Keep everyday items in easily accessible storage areas, and move less-used keepsakes to higher storage shelves (be sure to get assistance if you need to reach them).
At Whitlock Place Assisted Living, all our apartments come with generous closets and storage space, so you'll never have to worry about clutter.
Accessing fresh air is beneficial for both our mental and physical health, and it can help make your apartment feel more spacious and calming. If you have an apartment on the first floor, brighten up any balcony area with some potted plants or a mini herb garden.
Ensure that there are no awkward steps and that the floor is level to facilitate easy access, particularly if you are using a wheelchair or walking aid. If you are on the ground floor and have access to a private patio, ensure it has ample shade so you can enjoy it throughout the year.
You'll also want to add a comfy, easy-to-clean chair and side table so that you can sit outside and enjoy a morning coffee.
If you are due to move into assisted living, your apartment might not feel like home immediately, but that's often due to a lack of personalized touches. This is a simple thing to fix.
Add meaningful items like framed family photos or keepsakes to make your space feel familiar and warm. It's also worth buying some unique pieces of furniture to fit your new apartment, adding color and a distinctive personality to the space.
Visit some of the local homeware stores and markets in Crawfordsville, IN, to discover local craftspeople and artists, adding a personal touch to your new home and a nod to your new neighborhood.
Don't overlook the benefit of communal spaces in your assisted living apartment, as these can be an extension of your home. At Whitlock Place Assisted Living, use the lounge, wellness center, and communal gardens to unwind, enjoy retirement, and as an opportunity to socialize with other residents.
Don't overlook the importance of apartment design when you move into an assisted living community. Take the time to personalize your space and add little practical extras that offer safety and convenience.
Why not view the apartments we have available at Whitlock Place? You can do that by booking a tour. We've put a lot of thought into creating apartments that offer space, tasteful decor, and modern conveniences.