Studio, 3 ½, 4 ½: how to choose an apartment for the elderly?
Choosing an apartment for the elderly requires special attention. More than a new accommodation, it is a question of finding a comfortable and suitable home in an environment conducive to the safety and development of the person to be accommodated.
Did you know that each residence offers various choices of housing for seniors? Studios, 3 ½, 4 ½ or care units… There is an option for every need, expectation and preference.
To determine which type of unit corresponds to your situation, your needs and your way of life, here is a practical guide on the housing offer in residences.
How to choose a residence and suitable accommodation for the elderly?
Moving into residence is a big step. To provide for this transition under the best conditions, the new living environment must correspond to the desires, lifestyle and needs of the senior.
Are you starting your research and wondering how to choose a private seniors' residence ? We suggest starting with:
- Identify their needs
- Determine your budget
- Choose region
Once these first steps have been taken, you can identify the type of seniors' residence that suits your needs, or those of your parents. Then, you are ready to choose, depending on the residence, the most suitable rental units.
Identify your residential housing needs
The choice of rental unit in residence depends on the level of autonomy, lifestyle and expectations of each. Remember to compare accommodation according to:
- Area
- The number of rooms
- Amenities, furniture and appliances included
- Services offered
- The level of care included
In addition, the senior's level of autonomy plays an important role in this choice.
Each unit is designed to create a comfortable and safe environment for seniors, regardless of age or condition. However, some accommodations have an additional level of security for people with cognitive loss. Apartments for seniors with Alzheimer's, for example, will have no cooking appliances. In return, some may include a small refrigerator.
Studio, 3 ½, 4 ½: which unit to choose in a seniors' residence?
To choose the apartment for the elderly adapted to your needs, here is what each type of accommodation offers you.
3 ½ and 4 ½ apartments
These types of accommodation are suitable for independent seniors. Indeed, the 3 ½ and 4 ½ in residence offer conventional housing while enjoying the advantages of living in a residence for the elderly .
In addition to specialized services and facilities, this type of rental unit includes an equipped kitchen, a private bathroom, a closed bedroom (or two for 4 1/2) and a living room. These apartments are preferred by seniors who want to leave their house or apartment to take advantage of services and a living environment designed for retired people.
The 3 ½ will therefore be suitable for people wishing to maintain an independent lifestyle, while enjoying an active life within their establishment. They will benefit from:
- food service
- Housekeeping
- Common areas
- Possible care on site
- Programming of activities planned in the residence
- Reception and supervision
With the same advantages, the 4 ½ will suit people requiring a slightly larger living space. They thus have a working room or an additional bedroom. This type of apartment for the elderly can also be suitable for couples wanting an additional living room.
Rooms and studios
In most residences, the heart of daily life happens outside the units. A person who requires a smaller space can therefore enjoy everything he needs in a studio or bedroom. In addition, these apartments offer all the necessary amenities, usually at a lower price.
The rooms and studios in residences for seniors allow seniors to have their own private space with:
- Bathroom
- Kitchenette
- bed space
- Table/desk
- Storage spaces
In addition, they benefit from the common areas as well as all the care and services offered by the residence.
This type of unit is sometimes more suitable for semi-autonomous seniors. Indeed, the place of life is equipped to secure their movements and daily actions. In addition, personal assistance care is offered directly in their accommodation.
As this clientele requires 1 to 2 hours of care per day, they generally need fewer amenities within the home. Everything is provided by the residence to ensure their comfort and autonomy.
Care unit
For people with a loss of autonomy, many residences offer care units. These units are qualified for seniors requiring more than 2 hours of care per day.
A care team is present 24 hours a day on site to meet the needs of residents and provide them with a safe living environment.
These units usually provide fully equipped private rooms. In addition, the living environment and the care offered are designed to stimulate autonomy and preserve cognitive health , while easing the senior's daily life.
Residents benefit from a range of care and services:
- Daily hygiene care
- Medical care
- Help with getting dressed, getting up and going to bed
- Bath help
- Housekeeping and bedding management
- Adapted activities
- Meals and snacks
- Medication management
- And many other personalized treatments.
The teams are generally made up of nurses, nursing assistants, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and work in close collaboration with doctors and CLSCs. Some care units also offer end-of-life support (palliative care).
Finally, the care units have additional security measures (such as coded doors to prevent the risk of wandering), for people with cognitive loss. The teams available to these units are trained to provide the necessary care and support the elderly in the best way.
There are different types of care units. When you choose a residence that offers these types of housing for seniors, remember to find out about their specialties.
The care units offer a suitable environment to support seniors with loss of physical or cognitive autonomy in a welcoming, safe and comfortable living environment.
Get personalized advice to choose your unit
There is a wide variety of residences and apartments for the elderly. Would you like to be advised in your choice? Our team of hosting specialists is just a phone call away to answer all your questions.
Contact us at 1 844 918-1020 to speak to one of our agents and take advantage of our current promotions to benefit from advantageous rates.