The search for the perfect senior living residence is multifaceted and unique to the older adult who is making this move. Sometimes people assume bigger is better when it comes to living spaces. But there is actually much to be gained in this transition.

Here are some questions to ask yourself as you prepare to tour Independent Living residences at senior living communities.

How much space do you want?

“If you approach the downsizing process well, it can create a lifestyle upgrade!” says Beth McGowan Welch, Executive Director of Park Place of Elmhurst. “For those looking for a new independent living residence, downsizing gives you the opportunity to maximize available space while starting fresh in a lovely new home.”

To meet a wide variety of senior needs, there are many different floor plan options available in senior living. From one-bedroom, one-bath to those featuring as many as three bedrooms and two baths, there are layouts for everyone. Some of our most popular floor plans even have private balconies.

Maybe you want an extra bedroom for grandkids to sleep in when they come to visit. Maybe you or your spouse need a dedicated office space or hobby room. Perhaps you need a large dining room or access to a communal space so that you can continue the tradition of hosting Thanksgiving dinner.

Think about the kinds of rooms and the number of rooms you will need to be comfortable and maintain the quality of life you desire.

Some questions you might want to ask yourself include:

• Do I want a one-bedroom, two-bedroom or three bedroom?
• Do I need two bathrooms or just one?
• Do I prefer a patio or balcony?
• Is having lots of storage space important to me?
• What furniture do I need to fit into my new home?

Once you answer these questions, you can narrow down the types of senior living communities that are right for you. From there, you can think about the maintenance-free home life, stimulating social life, and inspiring recreational life that a senior living community like Park Place of Elmhurst provides. Imagine the ways a community could enhance your lifestyle!

How important is a private outdoor space?

Being outdoors is not only pleasant; it’s also beneficial to your health. With this in mind, many senior living communities feature outdoor spaces for their residents to enjoy. Some are shared spaces – like walking trails – and others are private – like patios or balconies. Walk-outs are a key feature of the Oxford Signature floor plan, offering a spacious layout and a room for every need or pastime.

For some, it’s important to have a convenient and comfortable outdoor space where they can sip a cup of tea, listen to the sounds of nature, or enjoy a novel. If a ritual like this is a regular part of your life, you might want to prioritize this in your search for the ideal apartment floor plan.

Do you need access to senior care?

Another thing to keep in mind as you consider your senior living options is that there are Independent Living communities that also offer different levels of care as you age and as your needs change. You might hear these referred to as Life Plan Communities or Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC).

You may find that floor plan and senior apartment options are different for those who need higher levels of care. Life Plan Communities offering a Life Care contract meet this need by stabilizing living costs and giving you access to more specialized residences for higher levels of care, should you need them down the road.

Keep this in mind as you peruse websites and assess floor plans. You don’t want to fall in love with a space and then realize it doesn’t provide the level of care you are looking for.

Live Every Day Your Way at Park Place of Elmhurst

Whether you’re fully independent, require the gentle help of Assisted Living services, or need Memory Support, Skilled Nursing or Rehabilitation, Park Place of Elmhurst offers Independent Living and a full continuum of care should your health needs change in the future. Visit us at Park Place, where our beautiful setting and proximity to Elmhurst’s rich cultural center make it easy for you to live every day your way.