Selecting an Independent Lifestyle Apartment or Unit
Apartments and other living units such as small ranch homes, condos or townhouses are for older adults and people with disabilities who want to maintain their independent lives. They are usually designed and marketed to meet specific needs and life styles. Some may have minimum age requirements.
Apartments / living units may be a studio, efficiency, one, two or even three bedrooms. All of the living units vary in size shape and special features. Some people want a small unit. Others want more space after trying to downsize, possibly from a large home. Most units have appliances including a washer and dryer or the use of laundry room. Air-conditioning may be window units or central air. Most of the living units are or have been made handicapped accessible especially in the bathroom areas.
Many facilities have common gathering areas and amenities such as a dining or party room, a recreation room, fitness room and even walking paths. Parking may be outside, inside underground or in a nearby garage. There may be a manager or Lifestyles Director who organizes the social events, facility's transportation, makes community referrals for special needs and handles things day to day.
Individuals arrange for supportive services from outside providers or if within a Continuing Care Retirement Community through their Resident Services / Lifestyle Director. After an illness or an injury one would return home with 'in-home care' from a home health care provider. Care and services at home are covered by an individual's personal health insurance, Medicare or private pay. Facilities that have been in existence for a while may have introduced some amenities and services for their occupants. Continuing Care Retirement Communities may have other levels of care and services available.
Costs for the units vary. Depending on location, size, features and amenities. Some developers who built with special government assistance are not offering 'subsidized' rental units but have some 'set aside' units which are offered at a lower than market value rate. These facilities may require an occupant's annual income to fall below certain annual income guidelines in order to qualify for a lower rent. Look at 'income guidelines apply' on the individual facilities pages.
Other than meeting local building codes and landlord/tenant laws, there are no special licenses or regulations required. Your written lease or contract is very important. Make sure you read it before signing. A copy of all rental agreements, apartment rules and regulations must be shown to the tenant before a security deposit or earnest money is accepted. The Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection is the agency responsible for enforcing landlord and tenant laws. For further information about the landlord and tenant laws, or to file a complaint against a landlord you may contact:
Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection
P.O. Box 8911, Madison, WI 53708
Or call toll-free 1-800-422-7128 or (608) 224-4950
Or visit them on line at: http://datcp.state.wi.us/
For additional landlord / tenant questions check your local phone book and phone book 'Community Services' pages for tenant centers, tenant union centers, attorneys or local legal service organizations. If you are 60 or over you may also contact your county Benefit Specialist.