Senior residence: what is it exactly and who is this type of housing for?
As people age, the question of suitable housing becomes central for many French families. Between staying at home and entering a nursing home, there is an intermediate solution that is still little known: the senior residence. This type of accommodation is increasingly appealing to independent retirees who wish to maintain their independence while benefiting from a secure and friendly environment. But what exactly is a senior residence? Who is it for? And how can you know if this option meets your needs or those of your loved ones? Let’s explore this housing alternative that is revolutionizing aging well in France.
Summary
What is a senior residence?
A senior residence, also known as a senior service residence, is a real estate complex made up of private accommodations specifically designed for autonomous or semi-autonomous elderly people. Contrary to popular belief, it is not a medicalized retirement home, but rather a full-fledged living space where residents maintain their total independence. Before making your choice, it is essential to understand the advantages and disadvantages of a senior residence to make an informed decision.
These residences offer fully equipped apartments or studios, from T1 to T3, tailored to the needs of seniors. Each unit typically includes a fitted kitchen, a bathroom designed to prevent falls, and safety features such as emergency call systems. Residents are either tenants or owners of their accommodation and can decorate it according to their tastes, bring their furniture, and receive their loved ones freely.
The uniqueness of senior residences lies in the combination of private spaces and friendly common areas. They often feature a restaurant, a lounge, a library, and sometimes a gym or landscaped garden. These shared spaces encourage meetings and exchanges among residents, breaking the isolation that some elderly people living alone at home may feel.
Who is this type of housing for?
Senior residences mainly cater to people aged 60 and over who are autonomous or have a slight loss of autonomy. The typical resident profile is someone who wishes to anticipate the difficulties related to aging while maintaining their freedom of movement and lifestyle habits.
Several situations may lead a senior to consider this type of housing. Widowing often serves as a significant trigger: after losing a spouse, the family home may seem too large, difficult to maintain, or a source of loneliness. Similarly, children who have moved away geographically cannot always provide regular support to their aging parents.
The senior residence is also suitable for individuals whose current housing is no longer appropriate: an apartment without an elevator, a house with stairs, a dangerous bathroom, or an isolated neighborhood without shops or public transport. Rather than undertaking costly adaptation work, some seniors prefer to opt for housing already designed for their needs.
Finally, people who wish to break away from isolation and regain an active social life find in senior residences an environment conducive to meetings. The activities offered, shared meals, and common areas foster the creation of friendly bonds among residents who often share the same interests.
Services offered in senior residences
One of the major advantages of senior residences lies in the range of services offered to residents. These services, generally included in the fees or available à la carte, significantly ease the daily lives of elderly people while preserving their autonomy.
Basic services typically include 24/7 security with guarding or video surveillance, a teleassistance system to alert in case of a fall or discomfort, maintenance of common areas, and sometimes cleaning of the apartment. A residence manager is often present to coordinate daily life and respond to residents' requests.
In terms of dining, most residences offer a meal service at the on-site restaurant. Residents can choose to have lunch or dinner there whenever they wish, while still having the option to cook at home. This flexibility is highly appreciated as it allows them to maintain their habits while benefiting from a practical solution on days of fatigue or for social occasions.
Activities and entertainment play a central role in the life of senior residences. Gentle gymnastics, creative workshops, cultural outings, lectures, board games, language courses: the program is often rich and varied. These activities contribute to maintaining residents' physical and cognitive abilities while fostering social ties.
Some residences also offer additional services such as hairdressing, beauty treatments, grocery delivery, administrative assistance, or partnerships with healthcare professionals (physiotherapists, nurses) who can intervene directly in the residence.
Difference between senior residence and nursing home
It is essential to clearly distinguish between a senior residence and a nursing home (EHPAD - Establishment for Dependent Elderly People), as these two structures meet very different needs. This distinction allows families to make the most suitable choice for their situation.
The senior residence is aimed at autonomous or mildly dependent individuals (mainly GIR 5 and 6). Residents live independently in their own accommodation, without permanent medical supervision. They are free to come and go, can receive whomever they want, and organize their daily lives as they see fit. No medical staff is present permanently in the facility.
The nursing home, on the other hand, is a medical-social establishment intended for dependent elderly people (GIR 1 to 4) who require daily assistance for essential activities of daily living and continuous medical supervision. Residents benefit from personalized support with nursing staff present day and night: nursing assistants, nurses, coordinating doctors.
Financially, the difference is also notable. In a senior residence, the resident pays rent (or repays a mortgage if they are an owner) plus additional fees related to services. In a nursing home, the pricing includes three components: accommodation, dependency (partially covered by the APA), and care (financed by Health Insurance).
It is important to note that a senior residence cannot accommodate a person whose health condition significantly deteriorates on a long-term basis. In this case, a transfer to a nursing home or another suitable facility becomes necessary. That is why it is crucial to anticipate and properly assess one's level of autonomy before committing.
What is the cost of a senior residence?
The cost of a senior residence varies considerably depending on several factors: geographical location, size of the accommodation, standard of the residence, and included services. It is therefore difficult to provide a single price, but some benchmarks can help give an idea.
On average, the monthly rent for an apartment in a senior residence ranges from 800 to 2,500 euros depending on the regions and the type of accommodation. This rent is supplemented by rental charges and mandatory service fees, which generally represent an additional 200 to 600 euros per month. These fees cover teleassistance, security, maintenance of common areas, and access to activities.
In Île-de-France and large metropolitan areas, prices are naturally higher than in the provinces. A studio can cost 1,500 euros per month in Paris compared to 900 euros in a medium-sized provincial town. High-end residences with pools, spas, and numerous services can reach 3,000 to 4,000 euros monthly.
Unlike nursing homes, senior residences do not qualify for the APA (Personalized Autonomy Allowance) as they accommodate autonomous individuals. However, residents may benefit from APL (Personalized Housing Assistance) if they are tenants and meet the income conditions. The tax credit for employing a home worker may also apply to certain services such as cleaning or grocery assistance.
For those wishing to become owners, purchasing a unit in a senior residence represents an investment ranging from 100,000 to 400,000 euros depending on location and size. This type of acquisition can be part of a wealth strategy, with the possibility of renting the property under the LMNP (Non-Professional Furnished Rental) scheme.
How to choose your senior residence well?
Choosing a senior residence is an important decision that deserves careful consideration and several visits. Here are the essential criteria to take into account to make the right choice.
Location is the first criterion to examine. The ideal residence should be located in a pleasant neighborhood, close to shops, health services, and public transport. It is preferable that it is near the loved ones of the future resident to facilitate regular visits. The immediate environment (green spaces, quietness, neighborhood safety) also contributes to the quality of life.
Visiting the accommodations allows you to assess their brightness, layout, and level of equipment. Check for the presence of electric shutters, an Italian shower, a sufficient number of power outlets, and an effective heating system. Sound insulation between apartments is also an important point to preserve everyone's privacy.
The overall atmosphere of the residence is felt from the first moments. Observe the welcome given by the staff, the atmosphere in the common areas, and the interactions between residents. Do not hesitate to talk to people already living there to gather their impressions. A lively and warm residence will favor a successful integration.
Carefully examine the contract and the services offered. What services are included in the fees? Which ones are charged extra? What is the policy in case of prolonged absence? Are there any particular constraints (pets, hours)? The transparency of the manager on these issues is a sign of seriousness.
Finally, inquire about the stability and reputation of the residence manager. A solid company with several years of experience offers more guarantees than a recent operator. Online reviews and word of mouth can provide valuable information about the quality of management.
The importance of cognitive stimulation in senior residences
Living in a senior residence does not simply mean benefiting from suitable housing and practical services. It is also the opportunity to maintain and stimulate cognitive abilities through the numerous activities offered. This dimension is fundamental to preserving mental sharpness and emotional well-being.
Scientific research shows that regular cognitive stimulation helps slow the decline of brain functions related to age. Intellectual, social, and physical activities practiced in senior residences actively contribute to this goal. Whether it is memory workshops, board games, language courses, or thematic discussions, each activity engages different cognitive functions.
To complement the activities offered by the residence, cognitive stimulation applications on tablets provide a modern and playful solution. The program EDITH, developed by DYNSEO, is specifically designed for seniors and offers over 30 adapted games to work on memory, attention, language, and logic. Its intuitive interface, progressive difficulty levels, and design tailored for elderly people make it an ideal tool for daily brain training.
Regular use of an application like EDITH allows residents to train at their own pace, in their apartment or in common areas. The games can also serve as support for collective activities, fostering exchanges and conviviality among residents. Caregivers and activity leaders can also use these tools to create intergenerational sharing moments during family visits.
Beyond pure cognitive stimulation, these activities contribute to maintaining self-esteem. Successfully completing an exercise, progressing in a game, sharing an activity with other residents: these are all small daily victories that enhance seniors' sense of competence and morale. This psychological dimension is essential for a fulfilling aging process.
To discover how EDITH can support the daily lives of seniors in residence, check out our article dedicated to supporting elderly people with our cognitive stimulation programs.
In summary
The senior residence represents an ideal housing solution for autonomous elderly people who wish to combine independence, security, and social life. Between traditional home and medicalized nursing home, it offers a balanced option tailored to the needs of active retirees. Choosing a residence should be done carefully, taking into account location, services offered, general atmosphere, and budget. Regardless of the chosen option, maintaining regular cognitive stimulation remains essential to preserve faculties and fully enjoy this new stage of life.
Discover EDITH, the memory game program for seniors
More than 30 adapted games to stimulate memory, attention, and logic. A simple and intuitive interface, 3 levels of difficulty, and no WiFi needed to play. Try it for free for 7 days on all Android and Apple tablets!
Discover EDITH
