How do you choose between a studio and 1 bedroom apartment for assisted living?

My Mom had problems walking after a stroke and needed to rely on a Walker. She had a problem with the studio because of the need to back up to turn around. She had many falls for that reason but did much better in the larger apartment

Hi All - This might not apply everywhere but Mom and I chose an ALF that would accept Medicaid just in case she ran out of funds. Under those circumstances, this ALF would ask the resident to move to a less expensive studio. Since moving is no fun, we chose a studio to start with. Had to move anyway when Mom started needing memory care but the layout was the same, which was nice for someone with memory problems. Also, as long as you are moving and shaking everything up, this might be the time to switch to a twin bed. If he starts needing a walker or wheelchair that extra space is nice. A twin is also more like a hospital bed if you ever have to make that transition. Best of luck on this journey!

Well they always say you get better sleep when you make your bedroom a bedroom. Then again my mother sleeps on the couch half the time, so 🤷🏼‍♀️.

My mom was in a studio in her assisted living for several years. There was room for her queen sized bed, recliner, and a good amount of her items from home. It also had a sink/fridge/microwave, and nice foyer area. Often a one bedroom would come available and we discussed her moving to get more space, but in the end she decided to stay in the studio. There was a cost difference and not knowing how long she would need to be able to pay, we decided to keep her in the studio. As she declined with her walking it was nice for her to be in a smaller space.

I showed my dad the deluxe studio and a one bedroom. He chose the one bedroom which caused me to buy another TV and some other furnishing because what he had didn't fit, etc. He lasted 3 whole weeks, but that's because he fell. I suggest more floor space is better and would not do the queen size bed if you can swing an XL twin with halo bars (to help him get up). The reason I say floor space is because he is likely not only to need the walker but MAY eventually need a scooter or wheelchair to walk far to the dining room or activity. I found dad spent most of his time in his recliner and avoided the walk and was just about to get him an electric wheelchair so he could participate in activities. The studio would have been too crowded. for all that... and even the one bedroom was a bit of an issue for parking it. But we never even tried it in the end. He is now in memory care in a large one bedroom and it is so much better! He needs so little and they are forcing him to get out into the main areas for dining and activities.

When I was looking for at an assisted living facility for my mom. I found the floor plan of the efficiency to be equally as nice as the one bedroom. The efficiency was quite a bit cheaper, so if you want to save a few dollars go with the efficiency. Some assisted living facilities are like nice apartments with a complete kitchen in the unit.

It isn't just about the physical space. You need to ask your dad, but also consider the mental and emotional aspects of adjusting to a smaller space. Will he be claustrophobic in a smaller studio?

Go less expensive!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The costs mount up, the fees go up!

I put my mom in a (very large) double room. I knew that she would pay no attention to her neighbor. She didn't. She doesn't even know the woman is there.

And it saves enough money to makeup for two months of fees annually.

And remember this. Their abilities do not get better. They weaken over time. So, you are not just deciding for today but for the next six months and year...

Ask him which he wants. My brother wanted a one bedroom, so that is what we got. He was not overly social, liked often to be in his own rooms reading or relaxing with his radio, and with his best friend there. He had enough last treasures in furniture he collected and pottery that he wanted it displayed around him. So if there is a preference of the resident that's the way I would go given there is no worry over finances.

What would your father prefer After dad's death I was planning to move mom closer to me - she's about 25 minutes away. We were talking about costs - at the time I thought she'd need AL - but maybe not. Anyway mom said she could deal with a studio. I had someone where she currently lives show her a studio - she looked at it and said "Oh my, that's really small."

Mom is a fairly solitary soul and likes to put jigsaw puzzles together in her apartment. She was in AL living because of dad's needs, but he died almost 2 years ago. She has minimal needs so again I'm looking for apts for her and have found 3 IL living (who knows how many more) apts about 3 minutes from where I live.

So - what does your father use his apt for - only sleeping? How much stuff is he willing to ditch - would it fit in a studio or will he need more room? If he can afford the one-bedroom - I know if it were me - I'd want a one bedroom - I also tend to be solitary.

But if your father is competent, and he has the money to make a choice between the two, leave it up to him.

One other thing to consider - because COVID essentially emptied out care communities - facilities are looking to get people back in - some are offering move in specials.