Apartment Design Tips for Independent Senior Living in Plano
Senior living occupancy is outperforming other commercial sectors, according to the National Investment for Senior Housing and Care (NIC).
Occupancy levels reached approximately 87.4%, the highest level since 2008. The demand is set to increase with the aging population.
There is a wide range of options for senior living in Plano, Texas. They all offer suburban charm and a wide range of dining and entertainment options.
Make your spot in the community feel like your own. Read on to learn the best apartment design tips for independent senior living in Plano, TX.
Senior-Friendly Layouts
Most senior living apartments offer senior-friendly layouts. Check them all before making a choice.
View them in person to decide which option is the best fit for your needs. You can also check it yourself and draw a floor plan. Measure the rooms so you know where to put the furniture.
Consider not only where to put items but also if they can fit in your rooms, can go through the elevator, and fit through the door.
Use smaller pieces to keep the walkways open and reduce clutter. Choose a loveseat over a large sofa, and select multi-functional pieces like ottomans for seating and storage.
Downsizing and Decluttering
Downsizing is one of the most difficult parts of aging-in-place design. You may feel attached to your possessions.
Take a serious look at what to include in your independent living design scheme. You've already come up with a layout, so you should know what can fit in the space and what can't.
Get rid of anything you don't need while you're at it. The process of moving is already stressful, and the less you have to transport, the better. Remove hazards, such as square tables.
Safety and Accessibility
Senior living in Plano offers accessible apartment amenities designed to be easily accessible and enjoyable for residents.
Focus on safety in your apartment to prevent falls and other accidents. This could involve:
- Installing grab bars in the bathroom
- Removing loose rugs
- Securing cords
- Choosing round furniture without sharp edges
- Ensuring doorways are wide enough
Ensure plenty of lighting, especially natural sunlight, to enhance safety and make the space welcoming. If you hang a mirror on the opposite side of a light source, it'll make the apartment seem larger.
Storage
Once you've decided what to keep when moving to senior living in Plano, TX, look for storage solutions. These may include:
- Ottomans
- Under-bed bins
- Shelves
Put them in vertical spaces. It maximizes your storage and avoids overcrowding.
Furniture can often work as a storage space. Use your ottoman for storage or convert your dresser into a TV stand.
Keep frequently used items within easy reach to prevent wasted time searching for them and minimize bending and stretching.
Color and Decor
Bringing your favorite color into your apartment is only the start. Learning the basics of color psychology helps you understand how different colors affect the mind.
Soft tones, such as blues and greens, emit a sense of calmness. Warmer ones, such as yellow and red, suggest energy.
You can add small pops of color without making major changes to your apartment design. Try stick-on wallpaper to revitalize the walls. A vase or a few throw pillows can brighten up the room.
A focal point, such as a large piece of art or a statement mirror, draws the eye. It gives visitors a piece to focus on.
You can also use decorative items to divide the space into separate areas. It creates the illusion of multiple rooms without the need for additional walls. A divider or curtain can separate a combined kitchen and dining room.
Plants
Research indicates that spending time around plants improves overall well-being.
Plants purify air and release approximately 97% of the moisture they consume. A University of Michigan study found that interaction with plants can improve cognitive function, including improving memory retention by up to 20%.
You can get these benefits from a community garden, but having plants in your apartment lets you experience them every day. Choose species that are easy to maintain, such as:
- Succulents
- Snake plants
- Air plants
- Golden pothos
- Aloe vera
They'll allow you to enjoy the beauty of natural greenery without spending a lot of time caring for it. Enjoy your life without missing community events.
Artificial plants can also enhance the look and feel of your apartment. They are an option for those without a green thumb.
Personalization
Apartment design is about making a home that feels like yours. Bring personal items, such as family photos and memorabilia that are meaningful to you.
You can also create areas in the apartment for activities that are important to you. Add areas to enjoy your hobbies or for entertaining guests.
Perhaps you'll want a corner by the window to sit and read at. A small table near the kitchen could be the perfect spot to have tea with friends and family.
Make your apartment feel like a home. The more you personalize it, the easier it will be.
Community-Specific Apartment Design Considerations
Independent living in Plano offers the freedom to decorate your apartment, but it comes with a few regulations.
Many communities require you to obtain permission before major modifications to your design; ask them about what's allowed before you move in.
They can also assist you at any stage of the process. It doesn't matter whether you're just moving in or want a more appealing design; you can find a staff member in the community willing to offer you advice.
Find Independent Living Apartments in Plano, TX
The right apartment design makes an independent living community feel like home. It requires a safe layout that fits everything, feels beautiful, and is personalized to you.
Conservatory at Plano offers independent living in Plano, TX. Our community is unrivaled in aesthetic beauty, but that's only the beginning.
We also give residents everything they could need, from regular, chef-prepared meals to high-tech amenities. We offer worry-free living in a gorgeous environment. Schedule a tour to see all our Plano senior apartment features today.