Senior living offers accommodations in a home as seniors downsize and seek out more accessible ways to live. As you look for independent housing, you should also consider the exterior of a home. Senior living locations offer exterior features to cater to various lifestyles, especially if you or a loved one enjoy the outdoors.
Learn about exterior home features to consider and the benefits of the features as you plan a big move into senior independent housing.
1. Pull-Up Parking
As you get older, you may choose new housing due to mobility issues. While a smaller apartment allows you to travel around easily, the exterior space is important too. Consider the parking spot location for the apartment.
Some apartments have drive-up parking, with your own dedicated spot located directly in front of the apartment you rent. When you go shopping, the close proximity to the vehicle makes a big difference when compared to larger lots. Bags are easier to carry inside the home and you will strain less when you take multiple trips to the car.
During days with bad weather, you do not need to travel far to reach your vehicle. Easily access the car and avoid dangerous walking conditions.
2. Patio Areas
If you enjoy the outdoors, you may want to look for one of the many apartments that feature patio spaces to relax on. The patios often feature enough space to place a chair and a small table. The area offers an ideal location to enjoy morning coffee, lunch, or dinner.
Patio lights offer illumination so you can relax and enjoy some of the warmer nights. A number of the homes also feature lights on the patio area for full illumination. When daylight savings time ends and the sun goes down early, the lights still allow you to fully enjoy the porch area.
3. Walking Areas
Along with the patio, look for housing with larger walking areas. Some housing developments will have a common area with walking paths and paved trails to easily access various parts of the property. In some cases, the sidewalks may extend throughout the whole complex and offer smooth walkways to exercise at on a daily basis.
As you look for senior housing, look up a full map of the property area. You will have a good idea of walking paths. You could also look into nearby walking areas and locations including parks or trails near the apartments. Knowing the locations available within walking distance could make a big difference on your daily routine.
4. Property Management
As you adjust to the new lifestyle of your independent home, consider the services that will help with your everyday needs. Many senior housing locations feature property management to take care of exterior needs.
For example, in the winter months, property management may shovel snow off walkways, help with ice removal, and plow the driveway locations to help offer snow removal and driving safety. During the spring and summer, landscapers will mow lawn areas, remove excess trees and branches, and eliminate any dead plants on the property.
You may also put in requests to help manage your apartment area and deal with any concerns. For example, if you have invasive vines growing on the exterior of your home, you may request for a vine removal. When you inquire about the apartment, seek the full list of property management details to know what you are responsible for and what the owners will take care of.
When the property management covers certain services, you will not have to strain or put in extra effort to complete physically challenging tasks.
For more information on senior housing options, contact us at
Robert Cottingham Property Management Co. We have multiple properties available and will cater to your living needs.
