Before You Move: Are Apartments in Assisted Living Furnished?
Moving into assisted living is a huge step, and figuring out what to bring shouldn’t add to the stress.
One of the first questions many families ask is: Are assisted living apartments furnished, or do you need to bring everything yourself? The answer can vary by community, apartment type, anticipated length of stay, and location.
Before you start packing boxes (or buying new furniture), here’s what to know about furnishings in assisted living apartments, including what may be included, what to bring to an unfurnished unit, and how to create a comfortable space that feels like home.
Table of Contents
- Are Assisted Living Apartments Furnished?
- Bringing Your Own Furniture to Assisted Living? How To Determine What To Bring in 3 Steps
- Commonly Asked Questions About Furnishings in Assisted Living
- From Furnished Apartments to Thoughtfully Designed Amenities, Find Everything You Need for a Comfortable Life at Spring Home
While most assisted living apartments are unfurnished, some communities offer furnished units with specialized, senior-safe furniture.
At Spring Home, our assisted living apartments are private and designed to feel comfortable, safe, and home-like. Each apartment includes a private bathroom and a kitchenette, along with space for personal furnishings. Residents are encouraged to bring their own furniture, photos, and décor to create a familiar and personalized living space, and furnished apartment options are available if needed.
Contact us today to learn more or to book a visit.
What Furniture May Be Provided in Assisted Living?
In communities where furnished apartments are available, they may include:
- Bedroom furniture: bed, mattress, nightstand, dresser, desk, and chair
- Living room furniture: Chair or loveseat
- Basic kitchen appliances: refrigerator, microwave, and stove
- Window coverings: blinds or curtains
Dining area furniture is not usually included since most assisted living communities have a communal dining area where residents can eat meals together.
#1: Measure Your New Home
Once you’ve decided on your community, find out the measurements of the rooms in your new apartment to get an idea of what will fit in each room.
These days, there’s no need to pull out the graph paper and measure each piece of furniture. You could also do this online with a free app. Google “free room design and layout app” or “free furniture arranging tool,” and you’ll have your new furniture arranged in no time.
#2: Keep Safety and Accessibility in Mind
Safety and accessibility should come first. As you’re thinking through the details of furnishing your new assisted living apartment, run a critical eye over each item to assess its safety. Is the item a potential tripping hazard? Would it remain stable if leaned on?
Consider the resident's mobility, ease of use, and whether staff can safely work around the piece of furniture to provide any needed assistance.
Common safety hazards to avoid include:
- Area or throw rugs without non-slip backings
- Lamps with trailing cords
- Tall, heavy furniture that may tip over
- Glass furniture with sharp corners
- Rocking chairs
- Wheeled chairs
- Floor-cluttering hazards like some exercise equipment
#3: Choose the Right Pieces
Some decisions about what to bring along to your new home are easy, like your bed or your favorite recliner. But for other pieces, now is the time to invest in something new.
Replace your worn sofa with a new, smaller loveseat. Instead of a space-hogging dining room table that seats eight, pick out a smaller kitchen-style table that conserves valuable space. Since most assisted living communities have restaurant-style dining, you probably won’t be eating in your residence as often anyway. If you’re someone who loves hosting parties or family gatherings, inquire about reserving a community space.
What Should I Bring if My Assisted Living Apartment Is Furnished?
If you’re moving into a furnished assisted living apartment, you’ll want to bring along:
- Lamps
- Pictures and personal items
- Clothing
- Sleepwear
- Bedding
- Towels
- Television
- Electronic devices like an iPad or laptop
- Favorite decor, including a few holiday decorations
Can Furnished Assisted Living Apartments Be Rearranged?
In most assisted living communities, residents are free to rearrange or, in some cases, remove furniture as long as the changes meet the community’s accessibility and safety requirements. Your community will be able to provide information and guidelines as to what furniture arrangements are appropriate.
How Much Does An Assisted Living Apartment Cost Per Month?
The monthly cost of an assisted living apartment will vary, depending on:
- Location
- Community
- Apartment size, layout, and furnishings
- Level of care required
- Additional fees, such as couples sharing a room, specialized programming, or optional community amenities
Furnished assisted living apartments are usually billed at a higher daily rate ($150 – $300+/day), making them more expensive long-term.
What Types of Furniture Are Best for Assisted Living Apartments?
We find that choosing comfortable, sturdy furniture that is easy to clean is generally a good choice. Select chairs and loveseats with supportive backs and arms that make sitting and standing easier. The profile of the furniture you choose should also provide clear walking paths and minimize tripping hazards.
Can I Decorate My Own Apartment in Assisted Living?
Yes. Assisted living residents can usually personalize their living space with:
- Pictures
- Decorations
- Bedding
- Other personal items
Community guidelines vary, so check with your chosen community to find out more.
At Spring Home, we’re committed to redefining assisted living with the belief that life should feel fulfilling at every stage. Our approach goes beyond traditional assisted living, with apartments that offer a calming blend of comfort, safety, and warmth.
From private suites to vibrant common areas, every space at our assisted living community in Galloway, NJ, is created to make life comfortable, social, and inspiring. You’ll find a true home that supports the way you want to live.
Spring Home’s assisted living community provides compassionate, expert care that’s focused on each resident’s individual needs for comfort, dignity, and independence. Our personalized approach combines medical support, rehabilitation, and holistic wellness that helps individuals thrive and feel truly at home.
Start your journey to better living today.
Reach out to schedule a visit or learn more about life at Spring Home at Galloway.