How to Choose the Ideal Room Layout for Seniors in Independent Living Communities

Active seniors are making a move to independent living communities in large numbers, mainly for the opportunities to enjoy a relaxed retirement life. As an active senior who doesn’t need assistance with daily living activities, you can lead a maintenance-free lifestyle where you can pursue your hobbies, socialize and make new friends, and enjoy a stress-free life.

However, before downsizing to an independent living community, you have to choose the right living arrangement for your stay. Retirement communities usually offer various apartment units to accommodate different needs and preferences. It’s sometimes overwhelming to pick a floor plan when options are abundant right in front of you. 

Here’s how you can choose the right room layout for yourself in an independent living community.

Choosing the Right Room Layout in Independent Living Communities

Number of Rooms Needed

When choosing the ideal room layout, the first thing you need to do is identify your room needs. Are you moving alone or with your significant other, or if you need extra room space to save it for your hobbies? Generally, independent living communities offer three types of living arrangements: studios and one and two-bedroom apartments. It all depends on what your needs are.

Two-bedroom apartment units are ideal if you feel more comfortable living in spacious houses. The extra room can be used to accommodate your guests when you have them over, or you can store extra household items in the extra room. However, if you feel there is no need for an extra room, you can get a studio or one-bedroom apartment for maximum comfort. 

Square Footage

After understanding your room needs, the next step is to decide how much space you need. Do you want to live in a spacious house or downsize to the very last bit? An independent living community may offer various floor plans to meet your lifestyle and preferences. Typically, studio apartments size up to 430 square feet, while one-bedroom and two-bedroom apartment units may size up to 730 and 900 square feet, respectively.

To better understand your square footage needs, consider how you want to use each space. Aside from basic needs like the bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom, think about how much space you need to entertain, pursue your hobbies, and enjoy your retirement life to the fullest. Or you may also be bringing furniture that is reminiscent of your past. So you might need more space to accommodate your needs. 

The main aim should be to have enough space to not feel cramped in your own house, but too much space may cause mobility issues as you age. Independent living communities offer accommodations based on efficiency and convenience. You might find a smaller unit more suitable than a bigger one.

Storage Space

Aside from the overall square footage of floor plans, you should also consider if the units have storage space to keep your belongings. While moving to an independent living community often leads to downsizing, you may still want to bring your belongings from your old house, where you lived for years and made countless memories.

Independent living floor plans with ample storage space will allow you to store your things neatly and create a home-like environment from the get-go. So, when looking for the right room layout for your retirement years, pay attention to the number and size of closets. You can also look for extra space in kitchenette cabinets. 

Once you know your storage space needs and what different floor plans offer, you can make a more informed decision.

Private Outdoor Space

Do you like to start your day afresh by sipping coffee and relaxing on the porch, or socialize with your friends and family while chilling in your patio or garden? When moving to an independent living community, choose accommodations that fit your lifestyle and preferences. Independent living communities often offer both with and without private outdoor space accommodations. 

If you feel that a private outdoor space, like a patio, can enhance your leisure, then you should choose apartment units that fulfill your needs. However, if you don’t consider private outdoor spaces an important feature of the house, you can go with the standard apartment unit.

Live Your Retirement Life in Luxury and Comfort: Explore Our Floor Plans at Asher Point Independent Living of Mobile

All in all, you have the freedom and autonomy to choose what’s best for you in your retirement life. Whatever floor plan you choose, make sure it suits all your needs and preferences, and you’re not making a compromise on your life. 

At Asher Point Independent Living of Mobile, we provide comfortable and private apartments you can call home. Whether you like to downsize to our studios or want something spacious like our two-bedroom units, all our units are designed to provide leisure and safety.  

If you want to learn more about our floor plans, schedule a visit and see what your new home looks like.