Washington DC is more than just the nation’s center of power. Beyond the politicians and lobbyists, there’s a vibrant city to explore with a rich history, culture, and much more. DC is one of America’s most visited cities, but it’s also an excellent place to live, particularly for seniors.
Senior housing in DC is both affordable and of the highest quality. With everything that the city has to offer, it’s unsurprising that countless seniors choose it to be their city of residence and retirement.
Learn about the best activities and amenities in DC for the elderly, and discover what senior housing in DC has to offer.
Why You Should Consider Senior Apartments in DC
Whether you’re looking for yourself, parents, an uncle, aunt, or anyone close to you, it will quickly become apparent that senior housing in DC is a compelling option.
If you’re asking why you should consider senior apartments in DC, you only need to look at some of the essential amenities that are available.
Washington DC has one of the best healthcare systems in America. There are more than 6,100 active physicians in the district, including almost 3,500 that are specialists. There are close to 2,700 staffed beds throughout the healthcare sector. Seniors need to have confidence that their city of retirement has efficient and modern medical facilities available. As America’s political center and one of the most visited cities in the world, DC absolutely delivers when it comes to healthcare.
Transportation is also a bonus in DC. Rail transportation is provided by the Washington Metro, DC Streetcar service, and Commuter Rail. Many residents find rail an excellent way to get around, and it’s very senior-friendly. There are also various bus services offered, including the DC Circulator (completely free), Metrobus, and Intercity buses. The average person in DC will wait up to 19 minutes at a stop or station for public transport. In addition to the impressive infrastructure, various programs offer free or subsidized transportation, including the Seabury Connector, a service that offers free transport to people over 60 years of age to wellness centers, adult daycare, and group shopping trips.
Climate is another important consideration when looking into senior housing in DC. Temperatures remain mostly mild throughout the year, with average highs up to 80°F in July, and lows down to 37°F in January.
It’s worth noting that DC is an extremely walkable city for seniors who still have some mobility. The city is relatively flat, making it excellent for pedestrian exploration of parks, museums, galleries, and other attractions.
Entertainment that Complements Senior Housing in DC
Living in a senior housing facility won’t take away the freedoms that your loved ones enjoy. Anyone looking for an exciting and stimulating lifestyle for their elderly parents will find a lot on offer in the capital city.
Entertainment is what keeps us young in spirit, and there’s no lack of it in DC and the surrounding areas. Take a look at some of the best day and weekend activities that are available to people living in senior housing in DC.
- The National Portrait Gallery: Any senior that appreciates art will find the National Portrait Gallery to be one of the best attractions in the city. As part of the Smithsonian Insititute, admission is free, making it perfect for seniors. Assisted listening devices are available for some tours, and all video presentations within the gallery are captioned. The building offers wheelchair and mobility device access and is service dog-friendly.
- The Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History: It’s impossible to talk about the attractions in DC without mentioning the National Museum of Natural History. It’s open every day of the year except Christmas Day on December 25th. Admission is completely free, and the exhibits are so vast that seniors will want to take more than one trip throughout the year to explore all that it has to offer. Exhibitions frequently change and update, making it a real living museum where there’s always something new to learn and enjoy.
- White Oak Duckpin Lanes: Bowling is a popular activity for seniors, but the White Oak Duckpin Lanes in DC offers a unique twist over the traditional pastime. The ball is lighter and the pins are smaller. There are no finger holes, so it’s the perfect form of bowling for seniors who have lost some of their dexterity. White Oak is amongst the oldest bowling alleys in DC, and it makes for a fun day out for all ages. Special senior rates are offered, making this the perfect activity for a relaxed afternoon on any weekday or weekend.
- East Potomac Mini Golf: As the years get on, finishing a round of golf can become exhausting, but there is an alternative for your parents and relatives living in senior housing in DC. East Potomac Mini Golf is found within the East Potomac Park, and it’s listed in the National Register for being the oldest miniature golf course in America. It’s where history and a fun day out can come together. It’s perfect for seniors and people of all ages, making it ideal for family outings.
We’ve touched on just a few of the senior-friendly entertainment options in DC, but there’s so much more to see and do. Theaters, cinemas, private museums, and even the Washington Zoo all ensure that seniors stay entertained and engaged throughout their retirement at senior housing in DC.
Types of Senior Housing in Washington DC
The DC area covers just 68 square miles, of which 61 square miles is accessible land. This gives the district a high population density of 11,535 people per square mile. It should come as little surprise that apartments are the most popular types of senior housing in Washington DC.
Senior apartments are designed to be low maintenance. They are intended for retirees who are completely independent, and who want to live in a home that is designed for easy, comfortable, and low-upkeep living. Many of the most popular senior apartment developments are located within DC itself, while there are even more just outside of district lines in the states of Virginia and Maryland.
Senior housing is not the same as assisted living. Apartments are not required to offer special services to retirees, but landlords are required to make modifications and fulfill reasonable requests to make a home safer or more accessible for a disabled person.
How to Get Into Senior Housing
Senior apartments in DC, whether subsidized or privately leased, come with some application requirements. The criteria are designed to ensure that seniors are able to find affordable and comfortable low-maintenance apartments, without having to compete with the rest of the housing market.
As you explore how to get into senior housing, you will find that communities follow one of two rulesets:
- In most complexes, residents must be 62 or older.
- A smaller number of senior apartments in DC and elsewhere are allocated for people 55 and older, with some exceptions provided for children, spouses, and dependents of the main resident.
Landlords will require proof of age that meets national standards. This could be a birth certificate, passport, immigration card, driver’s license, military ID, etc. The process thereafter is very similar to leasing a residential home at any age.
Having learned more about what makes senior housing in DC so appealing, you can make a decision that suits you or an elderly loved one. The capital of the United States combines all of the best elements of modern living to make it one of the best choices for the elderly today.