As a senior considering your living options, safety is likely a top priority. Independent living apartments in senior living communities (commonly referred to as retirement communities), offer a range of safety and accessibility features that set them apart from ordinary apartment homes, providing residents with peace of mind and a secure living environment.

Enhanced Security Measures
One key advantage of independent living apartments in senior living communities is the presence of enhanced security measures.

Many senior living communities have secure entry systems with gated entrances or key card access systems, limiting entry to residents and authorized individuals only. Common areas and entry points are typically monitored by security cameras, adding an extra layer of protection.

Additionally, many communities have around-the-clock emergency response services in place, ensuring that help is always available in case of any medical or security-related issues.

“At The Lafayette, a Redeemer Senior Living retirement community, emergency pullcords installed in the bathrooms and bedrooms allow residents to quickly summon help if they fall, experience a medical issue, or need immediate aid. Knowing help is just a pull cord away provides priceless peace of mind and an increased sense of security for residents and their families,” says Joe Munizza, an executive administrator at The Lafayette.

Many senior living apartments are also equipped with state-of-the-art smoke detection technology and, to provide an additional layer of protection, automatic sprinkler systems to quickly suppress flames and limit the spread of fire should an emergency arise.

Accessibility Features
Senior living communities specifically design apartments with seniors' needs in mind, incorporating various accessibility features that contribute to a safer living environment.

“Senior living communities are designed from the outset with accessibility as a core principle to accommodate residents' mobility needs. Conversely, apartments for the general population are typically not designed with full accessibility in mind. In most cases, the tenant would need to request accessibility adjustments from the landlord, often at the tenant's expense for installation and removal upon move-out,” says Joe.

He points out that The Lafayette is outfitted with well-lit walkways, wide elevators, step-free entryways, wider doorways, lever-handled doors, lower breakfast bar countertops, non-slip flooring, and handrails and grab bars in the bathrooms. There are also, he adds, grab bars installed in every hallway.

“On the whole, senior living communities like The Lafayette integrate accessibility into every aspect of their design and operations. You can feel confident that senior living communities go above and beyond in prioritizing the safety and well-being of their residents,” says Joe.

Prompt Maintenance and Repairs
Senior living communities offer additional peace of mind by addressing and repairing broken equipment within independent living apartments. From appliances to doors and windows, attentive maintenance practices ensure that residents can enjoy their homes without worrying about safety concerns.

Should any issues arise, the community takes care of repairs and replacements, relieving residents of the burden of handling this themselves.

For instance, when appliances malfunction or break down, community maintenance staff promptly repair or replace them, ensuring that essential devices like stoves, refrigerators, and HVAC systems are in working order to maintain residents' comfort and safety. Likewise, staff swiftly address issues with doors and windows to prevent unauthorized access and maintain a comfortable living environment.

Additionally, faults in safety features within the apartment, such as locks, alarms, or emergency call systems, are promptly repaired to uphold the highest standards of safety and security for residents. And staff routinely inspect and test smoke detectors and sprinkler systems to ensure they are fully operational and up to safety standards, alleviating residents' concerns about malfunctioning systems.

Equally as important, beyond reactive repairs, senior living communities implement proactive measures to ensure a safe living environment. Scheduled inspections of apartments help identify potential safety hazards or maintenance needs early on, allowing for preemptive repairs before issues escalate.

Ultimate Peace of Mind for Residents and Families
By offering a secure environment, accessibility features, and a supportive community network, senior living communities provide not just a place to live, but a home where you can take comfort in the knowledge that your safety needs are meticulously attended to, allowing you to focus on enjoying a fulfilling and worry-free lifestyle.

Learn More Today!
To learn more about The Lafayette’s safe, secure, and maintenance-free senior living apartments, we’d be delighted to host you for a personal tour. Situated amid beautiful parkland in Fox Chase, a quiet, tree-lined neighborhood of Philadelphia, we’re easy to reach!  Call 215-214-2877 today or fill out the form below.

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