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My father has been living in a one bedroom assisted living for 5 years but is now doing rehab for walking. When we moved him to his first assisted living, he was walking and could use and enjoy the space. Now he's likely to be on a walker permanently. We're going to change his assisted living facility while he's in rehab and I'm trying to decide between a one bedroom or deluxe studio. Both would have room for a queen size bed, but there's a dramatic cost difference. He could afford both, but I'm not clear on the logic of why to choose one or another. I don't want to fail to give him nice things and make his life good, but I think having the one bedroom apartment was a temptation to SIT IN IT rather than getting out and enjoying the common areas and participating in activities. But how do I know if my dad will recover enough to do that? The place we're considering moving him to has many activities, even more than at his last place, and spacious common areas. Any advice on how to choose?

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Get the studio. Conserve his assets for the long haul.
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A senior's mobility is the first thing you should think about. I think a studio apartment has more space and more conveniences.
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I would assess the layout of the apartments and try to decide which will be easier to age in from the standpoint of losing mobility. Which apartment is better suit for someone who uses a walker or wheel chair. Additionally, I would think about what kind of services he will be receiving while there. If he is getting his meals prepared, for example, I would not think he needs as large or functional a kitchen to worry about. Larger apartments ultimately are more work to keep clean, clutter free and maintain.
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keep the one that has extra bedroom if he needs someone (a caregiver) to sleep overnight
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Keepmoving Jun 2021
Yes, that's what I was realizing.
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Imho, make his space as big as he is able to navigate, if affordable.
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Why does he need a queen-sized bed if he will be the only one in the apartment? It just takes up space and will make it more difficult for him to move around as his mobility needs increase with advancing age.

Consider a twin, or even a 3/4 size bed (which are still made) - which will fit into whichever type apartment he chooses.

As others have said, his needs will INCREASE, not decrease over time, so it may make more sense to just move him into a deluxe studio right off the bat.
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Keepmoving Jun 2021
I did think about this but the queen is the correct bed given his size. I just ordered him a bed meant for those 250+ because his last one didn't last well.
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This is my opinion. Your dad is likely to be on a walker, not a wheelchair. He will need to walk to be able to continue to walk. Having a little more space to do so will aid in his being able to keep active. Putting him into a smaller living space will likely lead to his not recovering enough to enjoy the common areas. Also, if his world does become smaller, he may appreciate the ability to have privacy if needed when you or others are visiting. How comfortable would he feel with visitors if the commode is parked next to the bed next to the chair his visitor is sitting in? Last, many elderly need temporary 24/7 help to recover from a surgery or illness so your dad may require temporary help by you or a paid caregiver who might require a sleep sofa for a few days. If he can afford the one bedroom, it would be best.
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Keepmoving Jun 2021
Wow, you brought up a bunch of really good points I hadn't thought about!! Yes, we've decided to go with the 1 bedroom.
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My Mom is in a 1 bedroom appartment in an assisted living facility. In her case, she is using a walker because of multiple falls in her home & has been there a year. She developed sciatica, & it hurts to move. Regardless of the many amenities and beautiful common areas, both indoor & outdoor, she has too much pain to use them. She enjoyed a 1 bedroom place because she moved from a large home, but it's a matter of preference. I don't think a studio vs a single bedroom place has much bearing on activity levels.
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If it is affordable, please get him the one bedroom. The extra space will give a sense of home instead of like a hotel room. It is supposed to feel like home for him, not as of he is living on a hotel. Comfort for your dad is most important and with needing a walker he will feel less confined with having more space to move around.
Best wishes in whatever decision you make.
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I became disabled l3 years ago and have been in assisted living. I spent four years in one place with a huge room - it was great. Then they went bankrupt and I moved to my present facility. But I could NOT afford an apartment with a bedroom - I would have loved it and have so much more room. If you can afford a bedroom, it is wonderful but not everyone can. Fortunately I have my own room, good size, but it is hard to find room for everything. In this man's case, who knows if having a bedroom is a good idea for him or not. He could just sit in one room if he only had one. I say let finances dictate the outcome.
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Keepmoving Jun 2021
Thank you for sharing your insights. Indeed, we decided to go with the one bedroom and what you say makes me feel better about it.
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Since there's no mention of dementia, then really the question is what does your dad prefer? Can you show him pictures of both "apartments", so he can choose? If he can go out with you during his rehab, can you take him there, so he can see it in person? You could also draw out the shape of each on graph paper and see how his stuff fits - he may want to bring along everything he has now, so he may need the bigger space.

I don't really think making his space smaller will be the incentive to get out and about with others. Finding a friend or two who might encourage him to join in activities or a decent staff that will also encourage him to join others would be helpful.

Hopefully this place is now open for you to visit more often - since he's moving to a new place, I would want an activity calendar and would go often during various activities he might like to get him out there meeting new people. You can also help him navigate at first, since the set up isn't likely to be the same as his previous AL. With you along during the first few weeks or so, it might make it easier for him to adjust. Just get him with others and kind of fade into the background, to let them all get to know each other. Once he's acclimated to the new place and has some friends, you can reduce visits, if desired.
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Either way, he is going to spend a lot of time in his room. Make it as big as he can afford.
1) Need space for air to circulate.
2) More natural light to come in if bigger space.
3) Finances will dictate.
4) Space to store a mobility scooter or electric wheelchair, or both!
5) A walker needs room to navigate, he can have a twin bed for more room.
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Since he can afford it, go with the one bedroom for psychological "space" even if space is not needed for possessions.

If he wants to be sociable, he will still be sociable, and his space will be more inviting for someone else to visit.
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Why would he be more apt to 'sit' in a one bedroom versus deluxe studio? By studio, do you mean there is an upstairs. If yes, rule that out completely. Older people don't need stairs because eventually they will go up there and huge fall risk.

If the one bedroom is where the most activities are - go with that one IF he is a social person. If he really doesn't like to go out and about, any apartment without an upstairs.
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mavisgm Jun 2021
"Studio" refers to a one room apartment. The "bedroom" and "living room" are a combined space. There is generally little room for more than a couple of chairs in addition to the bedroom furniture. There is no kitchen, but it might have a small refrigerator and a microwave.
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Covid has shown us we cannot rely on expectations, like expectations group activities, outings and dining will continue. Consider that in helping your dad choose. My mom was going into a studio bc of the cost difference but at the last minute changed to 1BR. The 1 BR was really the right choice. A good location in the building and nice view from her patio of the courtyard where staff took breaks, came and went. As your dad declines, the apartment becomes everything. I’d say look for one that feels pleasant to be in considering not just its size but its view and location. How far is it from activities or a pleasant outdoor space? My mom returned to her ALF (after being gone a year bc of Covid) and within 5 days they were shutdown bc of an outbreak. They just reopened June 6. I expect this situation will continue.

Also, as another writer suggested, negotiate the price. My mom’s 1BR apartment was $500 less—the exact same apartment—when she moved back in last month. And she got a free month’s rent as part of the move-in promotion.

Wishing you peace on this journey.
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Keepmoving Jun 2021
Those are such good points. You're right, I was assuming we were OVER this covid mess but are correct that anything could happen. Since he has the money and wants the space, we've gone with the 1 bedroom.
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I selected a large, one bedroom, one bathroom apartment in assisted living for my sister. After several weeks, she decided she wanted to move to a studio apartment where she had a better view from her windows. Found out only recently that the reason she wanted to move was because she loved the sofa in the smaller room. On the other hand, by making the move, she saved us almost $800 a month. Go figure!
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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...
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Maybe he doesn’t want to do a lot of the activities? ( which would be fine if he doesn’t want to bc he may be a more private introverted personality type or just not like the type of activities and/ or people, staff) if so his choices as to how he spends his time should be respected as far as participating in activities goes. Sometimes the activities they offer can come across as mundane or childlike, sometimes ( which is extremely common unfortunately) staff talks to the seniors as if they’re children. I had a conversation with someone about how his moms experience in an al specifically regarding staff speaking to her as if she was a child or insolent teen rather than an adult, he said it not only irked him but infuriated his mother
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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!
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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?
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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.
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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
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Keepmoving Jun 2021
I'm sorry your mother fell so much, but thanks for sharing.
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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 🤷🏼‍♀️.
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EllensOnly Jun 2021
This was my thought also. The separation of living and sleeping area would be my reason behind choosing the 1 bedroom over the studio. One of the ALs near my mother had Alcove apartments where the space for the bed was in a recessed area that could be closed off with a curtain. That was sort of in between a one bedroom and studio, I could settle for that.
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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.
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What does he spend his time doing during the day? Does he have guests come over? It's nice to have space for a kitchen table to spread a project out on.
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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.
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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.
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I put my dad in a one-bedroom thinking it would be so much nicer for him. He didn't appreciate and was much happier when I moved him to a studio when his funds started to rapidly deplete. Wish I did the studio in the first place.
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Keepmoving Jun 2021
See that's kind of what I've wondered. This deluxe studio would be very much in proportion like his current rehab room (two person), with the bathroom at the door. It's very open, easy to navigate, not a lot to get messy or maneuver around.
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Have you asked your Dad? He may have some definite ideas on what he likes. I know my dad does. If money saving isn't the object then I'd leave it up to him.
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What is a "Deluxe Studio"? If it is one where the bed is not in plain sight when you walk in and there is room enough to walk around the bed I would think that is fine.
A One Bedroom I would think would close off your dad and make it easier for him to stay in the bedroom.
If the "deluxe studio" is like my first studio apartment where all I had room for was a sleeper sofa and everything was crammed into that one room I would have to go for the one bedroom. Although the close quarters of the studio would make me want to get out of the room and be anyplace else but there.
I am glad I could be of no help 😉
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Keepmoving Jun 2021
Their deluxe studio has enough room for a queen size bed and a recliner or two person sofa with plenty of room to walk around the bed. It's definitely bigger than some of the studios I saw at other places. Those would only have held a twin bed and a chair.
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