The cottage senior living lifestyle attracts older adults for many reasons. Essentially, they’re drawn to the hassle-free lifestyle, freedom to pursue their hobbies, and the communal atmosphere with neighbors close in age. These cottages are self-contained, smaller homes, often modular and energy efficient. They’re designed for retirees wishing to remain independent, with access to community amenities like clubhouses and fitness centers.
We’ll be honest: That living arrangement can be ideal for fully independent and active older adults. But if their caregiving needs evolve, they might need to relocate. So, before deciding to purchase or rent one of those homes, it makes sense to compare senior cottages and apartments in communities like Elk Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care.
Senior Cottages Are Like Private Homes
Cottage communities for seniors offer certain freedoms and socialization opportunities not found in other kinds of neighborhoods. These settings have smaller, similarly-designed residences and shared amenities.
Senior cottages are typically single-family homes designed specifically for older adults, offering features tailored to promote comfort and accessibility. They might offer wider doorways, grab bars, and walk-in showers. Those accessibility features make it easier for retirees to manage daily tasks; the shared facilities might include community gardens and recreational areas.
Depending on the cottage community, there might be a homeowners’ association (HOA) that collects mandatory fees to cover lawn care, exterior maintenance, and the property’s amenities. These retirees are typically self-sufficient, so they cook, clean, and handle maintenance tasks like replacing broken washing machines. They can hire outside help for housekeeping, repairs, and in-home medical assistance; many of these neighborhoods also have organized activities like picnics.
Senior apartments in communities like Elk Creek share some of those features, but the residents benefit from caregiver support, more extensive amenities, and included services like housekeeping and laundry.
All the Advantages of Senior Apartments
When part of larger senior communities, private senior apartments offer different floor plans and support and services for residents. You’ll also find different lifestyle options, like assisted living and memory care. Each resident has a personalized care plan based on an initial assessment from highly-trained team members; the plan can evolve as the resident’s needs change.
There are also shared spaces, like restaurant-style dining rooms, fitness rooms, and hair salons. The programming varies, and can include transportation services, chef-prepared meals, wellness programs, and organized social activities. Those are all important for residents who no longer drive; the programming also combats isolation and drives better health and wellness outcomes.
Comparing Cottages and Apartments
The main consideration when comparing cottage vs. apartment living is the required support level. Cottage homes for seniors are more about downsizing and living amongst peers. These active older adults enjoy community engagement but are left to their own devices for the most part.
Finances also play a role in deciding between cottages and apartments, as the pricing structures can vary significantly. Cottages may have higher upfront costs due to property purchase or rental of an entire home, while senior apartments often have monthly fees that include support services, maintenance, and amenities. Review what each community offers to ensure you’re making a sound investment for your loved one’s well-being.
Cottage communities for seniors often focus on building relationships among residents through shared activities, but the offerings might be limited compared to larger senior living communities. They might have planned excursions and happy hours, but Elk Creek offers additional activities like a resident choir, Cardio Drumming fitness classes, and the Art Throbs Club.
This dynamic is important for residents, because it encourages an active social life, a sense of value, a sense of belonging, and life long learning.
Senior Lifestyles at Elk Creek
You can now see that cottage senior living is generally not suited for individuals who require assisted living or memory care. For those needing these services, a senior apartment in a specialized community like Elk Creek may be more appropriate.
Located 16 miles south of Fort Worth, Elk Creek Assisted Living and Memory Care in Burleson, TX, shares some similarities with senior cottage homes. Our residents enjoy privacy, accessible features, shared amenities, and live with like-minded individuals. But they don’t have homeownership responsibilities; they benefit from personalized caregiving support, and have the freedom to choose from a dynamic calendar of daily activities.
Assisted Living at Elk Creek
The Elk Creek assisted living lifestyle features well-appointed, pet-friendly apartment floor plans, 24/7 passionate team members, and resort-style amenities like a full-service salon, an elegant dining room, a fitness room, and a premium culinary program. Our residents receive as needed assistance with medication management and the activities of daily living (ADL), housekeeping and personal laundry services, and scheduled transportation.
Memory Care at Elk Creek
Our memory care setting, The Cottage, provides a comforting atmosphere for seniors with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our passionate memory care team allows residents a measure of independence and encourages engagement; each day is an opportunity to enrich their lives with adaptive exercise and sensory engagement. In addition to 24/7 on-site or on-call nursing and specialized care in all phases of dementia, they receive quarterly care plan checks, and benefit from our My Legacy program.
While cottage communities for seniors can be ideal for retirees, it isn’t always the best long-term arrangement for older adults. At Elk Creek, our residents live fulfilling lives with the support they need to thrive, while their loved ones enjoy well-deserved peace of mind.
Elk Creek: More Support Than Cottage Senior Living
If you’re considering options for a family member, the right senior community can make all the difference. Ready to learn what Elk Creek is really like? Contact us to talk with our senior living experts.
