Senior Apartment Design in Lexington, KY: Features That Matter
Lexington, KY, is an ideal destination to spend your retirement, offering a high quality of life, excellent healthcare, and numerous fantastic amenities.
However, when considering senior living, what's inside your home is just as important as the outside. In fact, according to research, when we see beauty in our interiors, it actually stimulates neurological activity, the release of feel-good hormones that can make us more upbeat.
Let's take a look at apartment design and what you need to create the perfect senior living environment. Read on to discover the must-have features.
Convenient Layouts
In your senior years, you want a living space that offers ease of movement. These layouts are intuitive and designed to help you feel at ease, especially if you face health challenges such as memory loss or limited mobility.
Open layouts mean wide hallways, spacious living areas, and easy access points. When reviewing floor plans, focus on apartments that minimize unnecessary or awkward movements. These apartment styles will provide you with the space to enjoy your private quarters.
Consider Your Flooring Choice
Smooth, non-slip flooring is crucial in your senior years, as it helps protect you from the risk of falls.
The good news is that you can have safety-first flooring without compromising on style by opting for non-slip tiles, low-pile carpet, or textured vinyl. Plus, these materials are easy to keep clean, which will help you enjoy a low-maintenance apartment.
Avoid any trip hazards on the floor, such as rugs or cables, and ensure you can move easily between rooms if the flooring changes.
Personal Care Living Spaces: Accessible Designs
In a senior apartment, you want a bathroom that is accessible.
Firstly, it needs to be spacious enough to allow easy movement around, especially if you use mobility aids or a wheelchair. Secondly, consider fittings that make daily routines easier, such as low-level sinks and walk-in tubs.
You may also want to install seating in the shower areas. Anti-slip flooring is a must, and grab bars are installed on the sides of the toilet area and shower for extra support.
Install Smart Lighting
Smart lighting uses voice or motion-activated sensors, making it easier to control for seniors. It means you aren't searching around in the night for a light switch if you need to head to the bathroom. They offer convenience and safety.
Additionally, good lighting throughout your apartment keeps everything visible and minimizes the risk of falls, which is particularly crucial as you enter your senior years. Smart systems can also be programmed to link to your sleep cycles, helping to support your overall well-being.
Accessible Senior Housing: Modern Kitchenette Designs
If you want a kitchen or kitchenette in your senior living apartment, go for a modern design that offers convenience and accessibility. Ensure cabinets are at a reachable height that won't require you to stretch or use a stool, and go for rounded edges to reduce the risk of injury.
There are also small safety features you can add to appliances for peace of mind, such as safety shut-offs on induction cooktops. It's also a good idea to have emergency cords in the kitchen so that you can raise the alarm if you need help.
Safety Features for Older Adults: Emergency Call Systems
We've already mentioned adding a pull cord to your apartment kitchen, but there are other spots where you'll want emergency alarm systems in your apartment. That includes the bathroom and your bedroom area.
You can also add other technologies to improve safety in your apartment, such as motion sensors that track unusual movements or falls. Safety features like these reduce response time in an emergency and often give loved ones peace of mind, knowing that seniors will have support on hand 24/7.
Modern Conveniences
Adding modern conveniences like a washer and dryer in your private apartment is worthwhile, as it means you don't have to rely on outside services to keep your clothes and linen pristine. It also gives you more control over your routine, which is particularly valuable to those who want to stay independent in their senior years.
Air Quality Features
Another feature worth adding is a portable air purification system to maintain high air quality in your apartment. That's vital if you suffer from chronic lung or breathing conditions like COPD.
Memory Care Apartment Layout and Features
If you or a loved one has a diagnosed cognitive issue, you could be thinking about a memory care apartment. Some essential features will help those dealing with the symptoms of dementia and Alzheimer's, such as confusion, disorientation, and forgetfulness.
Those features include:
- Visual cues like contrasting colors for different areas of the apartment
- Personalized signage outside the apartment door to help with room recognition
- Open layouts that are easy to navigate
- Calming lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere
It's also essential that memory care apartments feel familiar. Decorate them with personal touches that spark memories, such as photographs, throws, and artwork.
Aging-in-Place Design and Access to Outdoor Spaces
The apartment's position in a senior living community will determine the level of access to the outdoors, but it's an important consideration when choosing a new living space.
There are known health benefits associated with regular contact with nature, so ensure the apartment has easy access to communal gardens and walking paths. Some may even offer a private patio or balcony; in this case, it's a great idea to add plants or flowers for decoration and to create a serene space.
Ensure that any outdoor spaces are level for safety reasons and accessible to those with walking aids or wheelchairs.
Finding the Perfect Apartment Design for Your Senior Years
Interiors matter, and your apartment design can help transform a living space into a welcoming retreat. Good design is also crucial for convenience and safety in your later years.
Why not use this time to view the stunning apartments we have available at Preston Greens Senior Living? With a wide range of sizes and layouts, plus access to our beautiful communal areas and landscaped gardens, there is something to suit every taste.